Pre-and-Post-Holiday Shopping

First of all, let us wish all of our Jewish readers a very happy Hanukkah. It starts today (sunset last night) and runs through sunset on Dec. 29. If you're looking for last-minute Hanukkah gifts, some of these might strike your fancy. For those of you observing Christmas, Festivus or Kwanzaa (Dec. 26 through Jan. 1), this list is also for you. We've got the top 10 things a Wizards fan should purchase this year for yourself or your loved ones. Hopefully you enjoy:

10. T-shirts from Objectivo or Bumpy Pitch. Both of these sites are great for the soccer fan. I have a couple of Objectivo shirts. They're great. Bumpy Pitch I haven't worn yet, but they look outstanding and have made appearances on some pretty

big-time people (such as Ryan Seacrest and Joe Cannon).

Check them out, especially this Objectivo shirt on the right. Vamos Missouri Azzurri. That has a cool ring to it. Cost: Objectivo $19.99 and up. Bumpy Pitch $36.

9. Adam Cristman #9 Wizards jersey. Yes, Cristmas has chosen his number for next year, and yes he will wear #9. Though he hasn't appeared in a W

izards uniform yet, now is a great time to acquire the jersey of our latest acquisition. Cost: Jerseys start at $50 for for kids ($70 for adults) and cost $20 for customization.

8. Jimmy Conrad Has a Posse gear. Our center back has a posse; it's true. Head over to the previous link to pick up the latest merchandise with the bad-ass logo above. The proceeds go to a good cause, as Jimmy is sending money to his favorite charities from the sale of this gear. Good job Jimmy. Cost: $2.99 for the sticker, other gear from $14.99.

7. History of MLS Cup. This is a fun one, especially the chapter about the 2000 season. Watch and enjoy. Cost: $19.99.

6. Trip to St. Louis for MLS SuperDraft 2009. SuperDraft takes place well within driving distance at the Westin St. Louis. Get some friends together and head across the state of Missouri to make some noise as the Wizards make their selections (starting with #8 in round 1). Cost: $44.12 in gas (500 miles at 17 miles per gallon and $1.50 per mile) plus hotel cost. You should be able to get back to KC for less than $200, especially if you car pool.

5. Wizards pilsner glasses. What better way to drink a beer (Dropkick Ale, perhaps) than out of a Kansas City Wizards glass. Head over to KCSoccerstore.com to pick up your set of four. Cost: $14.99.

4. MLSlive.tv package. Watch every MLS game not shown exclusively on a national broadcast partner (MLS Primetime Thursday night games or FSC Saturday games) from the comfort of your computer. Cost: $19.99 for the entire season, $4.95 for a single-day pass.

3. MLS Guaranteed Seating License. You have to have an mlsnet.com account to log in for the details, but a GSL guarantees you first dibs on all MLS All-Star game and MLS Cup tickets. Sign up today and always be the first in line for major MLS events. Cost: $500.

2. USA-Mexico tickets. They're not yet on sale, but they will be soon. Columbus Crew Stadium is the site, Feb. 11 is the date. For the latest on tickets and prices, visit www.ussoccer.com. This match will be epic as the two regional powers kick off the CONCACAF hexagonal. Each is expected to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. This is the first step in that process.

1. Kansas City Wizards season tickets. Get your seats to see Major League Soccer action right here in Kansas City. The Wizards have qualified for the playoffs in each of the last two seasons (both seasons under new ownership group OnGoal, in fact) and are poised to improve upon their record for a third-consecutive season next year. Tickets are affordable, the soccer is great and CommunityAmerica Ballpark provides a real home field advantage for our boys in blue (9-2-4 home record this year). Cost: Season seats start from $180, and there is something for everyone's price range. Click the link above or call (913) 387-3400 for more information.