Wednesday, July 7, 2002

Break with tradition give a billiard gift

When was the last time you had a get-together at your place, sharing an activity that brings everyone to the table? Now more than ever folks are spending time with family and friends and often it's over a game of pool.

Pool does not leave anyone out. From age 6 to 86 (and beyond), everyone can play pool. Pool doesn't discriminate by gender either women are on an even playing field with men. It also crosses social lines from pool hall to penthouse game room, from after school programs to senior centers and from the family game room to the factory or office break room, pool is everybody's game.

Looking for the perfect gift for the pool player in your life? The options are as rich and varied as the history of the sport. Whether you're buying for a pro or a rank novice, there is something to fit the recipient's taste and your pocketbook.

The pool cue (or cue stick) is a vital piece of game equipment that must be kept in tip-top shape. Gifts that help maintain this all-important piece of equipment can be quite affordable, often less than $30. Maintenance kits that help to clean, condition and repair the cue are greatly appreciated. So are items such as tip picks, gloves, chalk and talc great additions to a gift basket or affordable gifts on their own.

Pool cues run the gamut from utilitarian to extravagant. Basic one-piece cues start at $25, a two-piece cue stick ranges from $65 to $300 and a top of the line custom cue can cost anywhere from $350 to $10,000. The "top shelf" specialty cues, made of exotic woods and embellished with inlays of wood, gems and stones, express the personality of the true pool aficionado.

Cue cases to transport and protect the stick start at about $35 and go up from there. Colorful and unique billiard balls are another way to show your stripes, or solids for that matter. A set of pool balls decorated with NFL teams, glow in the dark colors, or patriotic stars and stripes add a dash of design and color to a pool table for about $200 a set. Ball polishers keep balls smooth and balanced and triangle racks perfectly align the balls for clean and powerful break shots. Prices for polishers and racks vary greatly, but your billiard retailer will help you find what's right for you.

Gifts to improve the game can also fill the bill for the person on your list. A set of practice balls, for about $30 or more, provide vivid visual feedback to help the player adjust and improve their game. Private lessons from a certified instructor, from about $50 to $100 per session, can make a noticeable difference in a player's game.

Books are another popular gift idea and range from a basic rulebook to stories about the sport's history and heroes of the game. How-to videos are appreciated and range from $15 to $25. A video or DVD of classic movies such as "Hustler" or "The Color of Money" are a must for a player's film library.

How about purchasing the ultimate yet essential gift a beautiful new table for the home or office? Slate pool tables start at $1,500 and from there the sky's the limit. Statistics show that women are an integral part of the decision to purchase a pool table, especially for the home. That said, you can rest assured that a pool table is a fine piece of furniture, not just sports equipment. A trip to a local pool retailer show room is proof positive that billiard tables and accessories can be beautiful, and will enhance the decor, not compete with it.

This brings us to the game room. If space is a consideration, there are tables that convert into a dining table. You can even buy a special top that converts your pool table into a veritable game room with glide hockey on one side and table tennis on the other. Where children are involved, a game room with a pool table makes your place the "coolest one on the block" and you will know where your offspring are! Want to take the fun outdoors? Not to worry; a water resistant pool table lets you work on your tan while working on your game.

A game room needs decorative accents to make it pop. Decorator and novelty accessories such as lighting, mirrors and classic posters add atmosphere and a touch of whimsy to any game room. If the gift recipient doesn't need a new table just yet, have the playing surface recovered. It can be replaced with traditional solid color fabric or custom colors or designs that match the dÈcor or declare the owner's alma mater. Players need a place to stash their pool stuff and sit between turns. Specialty stools equipped with beverage rest and billiard motif upholstery allow those waiting their turn to watch the fun without getting in the way. Cue stands, from plain and utilitarian to intricate folk art carvings range in price from $35 to $500 or more.

As you can see, the choices of billiard gifts are limitless. Still not sure what your pool player needs? A gift certificate in any amount from a local billiard retailer can take care of your quandary. If they don't have their own table yet, that special person in your life would also appreciate a table time gift certificate at a local billiard room.

So, remember: Billiard gifts are just about the most perfect thing you can give because it's something they can share with others, maybe even you!

The Billiard Congress of America (BCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing its members with exceptional value by promoting and growing cue sports worldwide. The BCA supports its membership with educational programs, trade expos, tournaments and other programs designed to make pool everybody's game. Go to the BCA website www.bca-pool.com to locate a billiard retailer near you.

Back to Home & Garden Home Page | Back to the top of the page