Gifts for Soccer Moms

Soccer moms do a lot for their kids and deserve appropriate gifts to recognize their effort.

The term "soccer mom" is American slang for a busy, upper-class mother driving a gaggle of kids to and fro in a large-size van or sports utility vehicle. Many soccer moms are, however, supportive parents who enjoy watching their children play soccer. Negatively stereotypical or not, soccer moms sacrifice a lot of time to their child's sport and deserve gifts to help them relax and feel comfortable on the sidelines of the soccer field.

Pitch-Side Comfort

Soccer moms spend a lot of time sitting on the bleachers, grass or in the car during both games and practice. To make the long hours more comfortable, gift the soccer mom in your life with a portable folding chair. Folding chairs, sometimes referred to as camping chairs, can be found at most outdoors or sports stores. Other useful accessories include durable umbrellas, waterproof blankets and stadium cushion pads for sitting.

Car Accessories

For small novelty gifts, gift Mom a set of fuzzy rearview mirror soccer balls or soccer ball magnets and other decals, such as "Soccer Mom" to stick on the windows.

Beverage Containers

Whether it's spring, summer or fall soccer practice, it's nice to have a warm or cold beverage while waiting for practice to finish. Good quality coffee tumblers with tight lids are crucial for the rainy and cold practice seasons, while water bottles and cold beverage tumblers allow Mom to sip ice tea or cold water during a sunny game. Place small tea or coffee bags inside amug or add a small gift card from her favorite coffee or tea house.

Sports Apparel

Depending on Mom's style, consider track side sports apparel. Shorts or pants, such as track or yoga pants, provide comfort for long car rides and allow Mom to move around during practice. Sports jackets, hats and coats are also appropriate and comfortable for sitting on the soccer field, rushing in and out of stores and shepherding kids around.

Electronics

Long hours of waiting during practice can add up. Provide Mom with gadgets and tools, such as electronic readers, Internet tabs and mp3 players, to entertain her while she waits. Gift a GPS so she can find the right soccer field, or cameras and video recorders for her to record the memories.

Anything But Soccer

Sometimes the best present for a soccer mom is one that has nothing to do with the game. Give her a gift, such as perfume and lotion, jewelry, music, dinner certificates or items that cater to her personality and hobbies.

References

• Washingtonian: Suburban Soccer Mom Gift Ideas