10 Last Minute Gifts for a Hockey Fan That Will Be a Fan Favorite

Is it October yet???

Whether the puck has already dropped on the home opener or the home team has been kicked out of the Stanley Cup finals, it doesn’t matter – to a hockey fan, any time is a good time to get a hockey-themed gift.

Luckily, you don’t have to be a winter sports aficionado in order to get an awesome gift for the die-hard hockey fan in your life. It may be crunch time, the clock may be running down, but you don’t even have to pull the goalie (haha, hockey joke) in this last-ditch effort to score a great gift: just leave it to us!

Today we’ve gathered the winningest last minute gift ideas for a hockey fan, including these options that put the “icing” on the cake:

• Practical gifts for the hockey player in your life
• Memorabilia you can get hockey fans of any age
• Hockey gifts that help them show off their team spirit all season

(Sorry Caps fans… but we love our hometown team!! 🐧🏒😜 

You’ll like these gifts too though, promise!)

So whether they’re a die-hard supporter of their favorite team, a player themselves, or just someone who loves the sport, there’s something here for everyone!

1. Team Apparel and Accessories

Text a Fanatics gift card

If there’s one thing a hockey fan will always appreciate, it’s gear for their favorite team. Not to mention, it makes a great last minute gift option because you can swing by pretty much any sporting goods store (or even grocery store or Walmart) and pick up a t-shirt for the home team.

However, if they’re rooting for a team out of state or you just don’t have time to go out and about today, you can always buy officially licensed NHL gear on Fanatics and have it shipped to their door.

If you know their favorite team, you’re golden. From big ticket items like a special jersey or smaller ones like gloves and keychains, there’s something for every budget... And if you’re unsure of their size or style preference, accessories like hats, scarves, or even socks are safe bets.

Plus, it gets cold in those hockey arenas. So even though they might not seem as exciting as a $200 jersey (😭), never underestimate the power of a beanie or pair of gloves!

Pro Tip: If you’re really in a pinch, many stores offer same-day pickup or sometimes even local delivery for team gear. And if all else fails, e-gift cards to their favorite sports retailer are a solid option—they can pick out exactly what they want, and you still come out looking like a superstar.

Text a Fanatics gift card

2. Tickets to a Game

Grab a Stubhub gift card

Watching on tv is fine, but there’s nothing quite like the energy of a live hockey game. The chilly air of the arena, the aroma of popcorn and hot dogs drifting through the stands, jumping up with your fellow fans when the home team makes a drive for the net… this is a gift they’ll remember way after the final buzzer.

Check online ticket retailers or the team’s official website for available seats. Some sites even offer instant e-tickets, which are perfect if you need something post haste. And if tickets to a major game are out of your budget, consider minor league games or even college hockey—they’re just as exciting and often more affordable.

Pro Tip: Pair the tickets with a team-branded item they can wear to the game, like a hat or scarf, to make the gift feel even more special. And if you can’t find tickets, consider a streaming service subscription that includes live hockey games, so they can catch all the action from home!

Grab a Stubhub gift card

3. Hockey-Themed Home Decor

Longtime hockey fans probably have all of the basic gear – a jersey or two, a fan sticker for the car, a flag to hang out front of the house. But there are so many unique and creative hockey-themed decor items out there, which means you can probably score something that’s not already on their bench.

These cool hockey coasters from PlaybookProducts on Etsy outline some of the most memorable plays ever made by the Blackhawks organization. They’re available for any team, and not just as coasters – you can also get this design printed on mugs, posters, drawstring bags, and even onesies for the littlest hockey fan in their family.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, consider a digital print that you can download and print at home or at a local print shop. This way, you can frame it yourself and have a personalized gift ready to go in no time.

4. Autographed Memorabilia

Autographed memorabilia is king when it comes to souvenirs. Sure, the gifts from last week’s bobblehead night are cool, but they’ll be even cooler 10 years from now, or 30. And while it sounds like it would be tough to track down signed gear from their favorite hockey stars, you might be surprised about how easy it is to get your hands on a puck, jersey, photo, or even stick.

For starters, stop into your nearest NHL Store or local sports memorabilia shop. They’ll typically have some items on hand, ranging from cool but basic mementos like hockey trading cards ($30ish) to big ticket items like signed jerseys or Stanley Cup Championship portraits signed by the whole team ($300+). You can also shop online marketplaces, sports memorabilia stores, or even auction sites for autographed items.

Many of these retailers offer expedited shipping options, so you can get the item in your hands quickly. Just be sure to verify the authenticity of the autograph—look for certificates of authenticity or buy from reputable sellers.

If they’re already something of a hockey relic collector, you can get them something that supports their hobby, like a nice display kit for the lucky jersey they’ll never wash or a document scanner so they can digitize their card collection.

Pro Tip: If you can’t find an autographed item in time, consider a framed photo of their favorite player or a high-quality replica item that they can display proudly.

5. Hockey Books and Magazines

Buy a Barnes & Noble gift card

Like any other league that’s as big as the NHL, there are plenty of books out there on hockey’s legendary players. You can find glossy coffee table books with shots from iconic seasons (*cough* like the Pens’ back to back wins in 1991 & 1992, or their other back to back wins in 2016 & 2017 *cough* 😁) or even the team’s inaugural season, which is particularly cool if they're into one of the newer teams like the Vegas Golden Knights or Seattle Kraken.

But if you aren’t sure what to go digging for in the stacks, here are a few hockey books and magazines that fans of any team would be happy to read:

• USA Hockey Magazine has all the latest news about what’s going on in the pro league and leagues around the nation
• Beckett Hockey Magazine, which is focused on collectibles like new NHL trading cards and other memorabilia that has jumped or dropped in value
• The Game by Ken Dryden
• Orr: My Story by Bobby Orr
• The Boys of Winter: The Untold Story of a Coach, a Dream, and the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team by Wayne Coffey
• Burke’s Law: A Life in Hockey by Brian Burke with Stephen Brunt
• Mr. Hockey: My Story by Gordie Howe
• Most Valuable by Gare Joyce
• Sex, Drugs, Pucks, and Souls by Bobby Robbins
• The Final Call: Hockey Stories from a Legend in Stripes by Kerry Frazer (foreword by Wayne Gretzky)
• My Day with the Cup: NHL Players Tell Their Stories About Hometown Celebrations with Hockey’s Greatest Trophy by Jim Lang

Pro Tip: If you’re really in a time crunch, consider gifting an e-book or digital magazine subscription—they’ll get it instantly, and you won’t have to worry about shipping times.

Buy a Barnes & Noble gift card

6. Hockey Equipment or Accessories

If your hockey fan also plays the sport, new equipment or accessories can make for an excellent gift. Whether they need a new stick, gloves, or even something as simple as a fresh set of laces, you can find plenty of options at your local sports store.

Hockey tape, skate guards, and stick wax are great stocking-stuffer-sized gifts that any player will appreciate. Or, if you want to go bigger, consider a new hockey bag or a high-quality water bottle with their team’s logo.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about what they might need, a gift card to a local hockey shop or an online retailer that specializes in hockey gear can be a great fallback. This way, they can choose exactly what they need.

7. A Personalized Hockey Puck or Stick

Many online retailers offer services where you can personalize a puck or stick with a name, number, or even a special message.  It makes for a great desk accessory or display piece, while a custom stick can be used on the ice or hung on the wall as a piece of art. These items are often available for fast shipping, making them a perfect last-minute option.

Pro Tip: If you’re personalizing a puck, consider adding a display case to your order—it makes for a great presentation and ensures the puck stays in pristine condition.

8. A Hockey-Themed Board Game

Games like NHL Ice Breaker or Hockey Trivia test players’ knowledge of the sport, while games like NHL Opoly offer a hockey twist on the classic Monopoly game. These games are often available at major retailers or online with fast shipping options.

Pro Tip: If you’re really pressed for time, you can always look for a downloadable version of a hockey trivia game or a mobile app that they can enjoy right away.

9. A Subscription Box for Hockey Fans

A subscription box is a gift that keeps on giving, as they’ll receive a new box every month filled with surprises. Look for options like the PuckPack or FanChest, which offer team-specific boxes as well as general hockey fan boxes.

10. A Gift Card to Their Favorite Hockey Store

When in doubt, a gift card is always a safe and appreciated choice—especially if it’s to a store they love. Whether it’s a gift card to their favorite sports store, a local hockey shop, or even an online retailer, this allows them to pick out exactly what they want or need for next season.

And with GiftYa, you can email or text a gift card in seconds, making it THE ultimate last-minute gift for a hockey fan.

Any one of these last minute gifts for a hockey fan will put the puck in the crease. 

Finding the perfect last-minute gift for a hockey fan doesn’t have to be stressful. With these 10 ideas, you’re sure to find something that will make any hockey lover’s day. Whether it’s something practical like new gear, a memorable experience like game tickets, or a thoughtful item like personalized memorabilia, these gifts show that you care and understand why they pucking love the sport so much. 

Happy shopping!