This holiday shopping list is worth checking more than twice

In the spirit of the holiday season, I'm taking my credit cards and going on a spending splurge.

With 18 shopping days left before Christmas, there's still time to think big. Some of these gifts may be tough to find or hard to make happen, but I've got faith … in the power of plastic and the magic of the season, whether it's football, basketball or baseball season.

I'm feeling generous, too, so I'm looking to buy for both those who have been naughty and nice.

Here's my list:

For Texas-bound St. Francis setter Michelle Kocher, a cowboy hat.

For Glenbard North football's student cheering section, more security guards.

For Wheaton Warrenville South's football team, a sportsmanship award.

For the IHSA, a clue.

For Florida-bound Naperville North outside hitter Colleen Ward, a four-year supply of sun block.

For parents of underclass athletes, chauffeur service.

For schools with an artificial surface field, a vacuum.

For loudmouth fans, a pair of glasses and a rulebook.

For officials, referees and umpires, earplugs.

For zebras, whistles.

For tigers, Wheaton Warrenville South athletic apparel.

For Ohio State-bound Montini lineman Garrett Goebel, a "How to Beat Michigan" book.

For runners, a salon certificate for an aerodynamic haircut.

For high school football fans, a DVD of the triple overtime classic between WW South and Naperville North.

For tennis players, more love for opponents.

For Driscoll's football program, another trophy case.

For swimmers, an Aquaman comic book.

For girls basketball promoter Jim O'Boye, big crowds at the Willowbrook shootout.

For baseball and softball teams, a dome.

For softball pitchers, deader bats.

For Iowa-bound Neuqua Valley setter Paige Stevens, "The Complete Idiot's Guide To Cow Tipping."

For wrestlers, an MP3 download of Smokey Robinson's "You Really Got A Hold On Me."

For golfers, quiet.

For Naperville Central girls volleyball coach Brie Isaacson, a raise.

For Naperville Central outside hitters Rebecca Heath and Emily McGee, bookends.

For coaches, parents with perspective.

For Southern Illinois football players Chris Arthurs from Wheaton Warrenville South, Phil Goforth from Benet, Scott Ravanesi from Glenbard North and C.J. Robertson from Neuqua Valley, a Division I-AA national championship.

For soccer coaches, a tie.

For 6-foot-4 forward Samantha Arnold of Lake Park and 6-foot-3 center Michala Johnson of Montini, tailored clothes by the designer of their choice.

For underdogs, their day.

For scorekeepers, a pencil sharpener.

For Northwestern-bound Glenbard West boys basketball player John Shurna, a library card.

For bowlers, a snack bar item.

For holiday basketball tournament workers, courtside wait service.

For St. Francis all-area volleyball and basketball player Catherine Culligan, a scholarship in her favorite sport, volleyball.

For gymnasts, smooth landings.

For Candace Parker, biographies of Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Wayne Gretzky and Muhammad Ali.

For badminton players, grill-proof birdies.

For water polo players, seahorses.

For Naperville Central trainer Bill Hughes, aka, Santa Claus, the lead in the next remake of "Miracle on 34th Street."

For sports writers, earlier games and later deadlines.

For each athlete, a performance to remember.

For everyone reading this, more victories for your favorite teams, and the best of everything in 2008.

Happy holidays!