Black Friday isn't just a time to start loading up on gifts for friends and family ahead of the upcoming holidays; it's also time to take a moment and think about yourself.
You're going to spend the next five weeks trying to make everyone around you happy, so why not treat yourself, right?
This goes for fellow sports fans and bettors as well, who can take advantage of deep Black Friday discounts to surround themselves with the gadgets, tools, software and everything else to help enhance the sports viewing and betting experiences.
With this in mind, I've plowed through the thousands of products on sale right now to identify eight essential Black Friday gift ideas for sports fans and bettors everywhere.
You're welcome.
8 Black Friday Gift Ideas for Sports Fans & Bettors
1. Smart TV
Buying Smart TVs on Black Friday is as obvious as Boston sports fans mispronouncing any player's name that ends in a vowel, but watching sports on a crisp, new Smart TV is too enjoyable to be left off this list.
Everybody's TV needs differ in size and price point, so it's difficult for me to offer a specific example for anyone reading this article.
But me personally, I'm always on the lookout for a smaller "second" TV, like this 40" Insignia Smart TV for $89.99, that's big enough to enjoy a game on but also small enough to easily move from my office, to the family room or even outside on the patio when the weather is nice.
2. Streaming Device
If you don't need a TV specifically, but want the ability to watch sports through the myriad of streaming services that now broadcast games, then a streaming device is a must.
My wife and I even bring our Roku on vacations with us in case the hotel or vacation rental doesn't have the channels we need to watch specific games.
Plus, if you have kids, having a streaming device on hand provides access to cartoons, movies, etc. that can provide a distraction while you sweat out a 10-leg NFL moneyline parlay that will ultimately lose because the Cowboys can't beat teams like the Panthers or Cardinals straight up.
In the name of transparency, I own two Rokus and haven't needed to buy one in a few years, but if I did, here's one I'd strongly consider.
3. Download the Action App
I'm certainly biased here, but the Action App provides everything a sports bettor needs, including live odds, betting picks, analysis, premium tools, pick tracking and more, all for F-R-E-E.
So go ahead and start downloading now (click here to download on Apple or click here to download on Android) while you read the rest of the article.
4. AirPods
AirPods are great for consuming all kinds of content, like music, audiobooks and podcasts, including the Action Network's portfolio of award-winning sports betting shows.
And if you're like someone who will remain nameless (it's me) who recently dropped their AirPods on the driveway without noticing, then drove over them with the car, Black Friday is a great time to invest in a new pair, just like these.
I know I (err, someone nameless) will be as well.
Pro Tip: While impressive, AirPods do not offer the ability to turn pop country into listenable music.
5. Portable Phone Charger
When out at the bar or with friends betting and sweating games, it's easy to burn through your cell phone battery while placing bets on sportsbook apps, making a portable phone charger clutch in these moments.
Pro Tip: Find one that already has the cord for your specific phone attached, so you don't need to worry about bringing along a normal USB charger as well.
Just like the Roku above, I bought a portable phone charger a few years back and use it often, but if I were in the market for one right now, here's what I'd buy.
6. Action PRO Subscription for 50% Off
The Action App is already awesome on its own, but you can take it into another stratosphere by trying our Action PRO premium tools, software, picks and analysis.
And wouldn't you know it? We're currently running a 50% off special that includes an Action PRO subscription for just $14.99/month for the first three months.
In case you don't want to do the math, here's what's on the sports calendar over the next three months:
- Rest of the NFL regular season, playoffs and Super Bowl
- Rest of the college football regular season, bowl games and all CFB Playoff games
- Oodles of NBA, NHL and college basketball action
7. Whiskey Ice Cube Tray
I can't believe how much I use these.
Yes, I do enjoy a whiskey every now and then (lol), but having big 'ole ice cubes always ready in the freezer provides many uses, like in water, sodas, coolers, or iced coffees from your brand new Ninja Coffee Maker (keep reading).
Pro Tip: Over the course of a few days, fill and freeze multiple batches of ice cubes, then store in a Ziploc freezer bag.
These appear to be new versions of the trays I already bought and for less than $13, you really can't go wrong.
8. Ninja Coffee Maker
I love/am addicted to coffee, especially when doing morning research for an upcoming slate of games, highlighting the importance of owning a high-quality coffee maker.
Most people treat coffee makers like the Cleveland Browns approach the quarterback position: Keep buying crappy coffee makers after crappy coffee makers instead of investing in something good that will last.
I personally have this model sitting on my counter right now and enjoy the consistently excellent coffee each morning.
This model includes inserts for traditional drip and coffee pods, with settings for espresso, hot water for tea and a milk frother.
Simply put, buying a good coffee maker ensures that you'll never crash, even if your betting card does.
