Poker Novelties For Christmas

With Christmas being the happiest time of the year why not pick up some poker novelties for that obsessed poker fan in the family. We've put together a list of some of the best stocking stuffers as well as some essentials for that poker player in your family.

Stocking Stuffers

Christmas just isn't as fun without the stocking. Great little treats like gold chocolate coins can be added to the stocking to make the day feel even more festive without hurting the pocket book. So what else fits into a stocking?

• A poker card cover or poker card guard - This poker novelty is perfect for players who are playing on a more "competitive level." By competitive we mean going to card rooms or playing with players who like going to card rooms. The card cover is placed over a player's cards so they won't "muck" if someone else's cards accidentally touch theirs. When a player recklessly folds their cards  they can become entangled with another player's cards. If the reckless folders cards touch your loved one's cards, well they just folded the hand as well, UNLESS they are using a card cover. You can use a poker chip or a card guard, either one works.
• A poker money clip for holding money. Some people like wallets, others like money clips. Money clips hold your cash in place while you move about, leaving the individual without the bulge in the back pocket a wallet typically leaves. They range from great looking to extremely practical. Money clips are small and fit right into a stocking. 
• A pocket hands guide - Need to know when to fold 'em and know when to hold 'em? Why not put a pocket guide into someone's stocking? They can keep track of which hands to play and which hands not to play with this little "cheat sheet." Memorizing a long list of numbers can be hard and for players who want to play the game this can be a useful tool.
• Poker chips - You can never have enough poker chips.
  

Not everything will fit into a stocking. So what should you look for in terms of a great poker present?

• A poker chip set - These can range in quality as well as quantity of chips. A great chip set has a weight per chip of 11.5 to 13.5 grams. They also range in material from clay to imitation clay. Even the cheapest poker chip set typically comes in a carrying case, although we have found some that sit in a tin. Regardless of the type of chip set, players need chips to play and this is a great addition to anyone's collection. Now your poker player can play at the kitchen table, in the living room on the coffee table, or wherever!
• A poker table top - Don't want to spend lots of money buying a poker table? We don't blame you. There are many pre-made poker table tops to purchase that sit right on top of your pre-existing table. Most come with drink holders as well as a slot to keep your chips. They fold up easily as well for storing.
• A poker table - Have some extra room in the garage or your game room? Why not pick up a real poker table! Have the friends over for a friendly game of hold em. These tables range in quality so know your budget before you set out looking for one.
• Poker table blueprints - Have a do it yourself'er at home? Pick up a set of poker table blueprints so they can build their own table. Anyone can buy a table but for those who love playing with power tools a set of blueprints may be the perfect gift.
• Texas holdem books - There are many great books out there by professionals who can help your players game. Doyle Brunson, Phil Hellmuth, Phil Ivey, Gus Hansen, Annie Duke, and many others have all written books on the subject. For those who love to read a texas holdem book can be great.
• Poker DVDs - Thanks to the growing popularity of poker, this piece of poker merchandise can be either a full length movie or instructional DVD. Granted most poker movies are awful, Rounders is a tried and true piece of poker on the big screen anyone would love to have, as is Maverick.