A sports-mad Secret Santa recipient sounds easy until you realise you do not know their team, their size or what they already own. The useful question is not just βwhat sport do they like?β It is βwhat do they do when the sport is on?β
Whether your group calls it Kris Kringle or Secret Santa, choose a gift that suits the person and the agreed limit. This guide is for adult mates, colleagues, partners and family members. It includes our own games alongside other gift types; it is not an independently tested ranking.
Start with the budget and the setting
Check the spending cap, whether delivery counts towards it, the exchange date and whether adult drinking-game gifts are appropriate. A workplace exchange with a firm limit is different from a Christmas present for a close mate.
For a strict $20 or $30 cap, consider snacks, a small accessory or a book that genuinely fits the current price. The Local's three individual games are listed at $34.95 AUD each before shipping as checked on 8 October 2026, so they are not under-$30 gifts. Prices can change; the product page and checkout are the source of truth.
For a $50 cap, check the delivered total rather than assuming the item price is the full cost. A bigger limit does not mean you need to spend all of it.
For the cricket fan: a gift for summer viewing
For an adult who gets the group together for T20, The Local T20 Cricket drinking card game gives everyone something to play while the match is on. The edition contains 100 game cards and is for ages 18 and over. It is a live-match game, not a test of cricket statistics or a pack of player trading cards.
Choose it for the social viewer. For a regular matchgoer, a useful spectator accessory may fit better; for a player, do not guess technical equipment or sizing. A small cricket-related book or a snack selection can work when the exchange limit is lower.
Browse cricket gifts or read our cricket Christmas gift guide.
For the NRL fan: Rugby League, not the wrong rugby
The code matters. Rugby League, Rugby Union and Aussie Rules are not interchangeable. A neutral watch-party gift is safer than guessing when you do not know which one the recipient means.
The Local Rugby League drinking card game follows league match events, with 100 game cards for adults aged 18 and over. It suits the NRL fan who likes watching with mates. You do not need to choose a club or clothing size.
For someone who mainly collects memorabilia or attends games alone, a book, a specific team accessory or a planned match outing may be a stronger fit. Explore Rugby League gifts and our NRL Christmas gift ideas.
For the AFL fan who hosts the match
The Local Aussie Rules footy drinking card game follows events in the live broadcast. It includes 100 game cards plus a rules card for 2β6 players aged 18 and over. Alcohol is optional; it can be played for points.
It is our pick for an adult who likes getting mates around and would enjoy a side game. It is less suitable for someone who wants absolute silence during every passage of play. For more options, see footy gifts and our AFL gift guide.
For a colleague you do not know well
Keep the gift useful and low-pressure. Coasters, snacks with dietary requirements checked or a book connected to an interest they have mentioned can work without assumptions about drinking or personal habits.
A drinking card game is not automatically a good workplace gift because someone likes sport. Choose it only when you know the adult recipient would enjoy it and the exchange allows it. Otherwise, pick a non-drinking present.
For the mate who already owns the merchandise
Buy for the ritual rather than the collection. They may not need another jumper, but they may appreciate something for the table or a plan to watch together. A handwritten invitation makes it specific: βYour place, next match. I am bringing the snacks.β
Add a simple activity from our Aussie Rules, Rugby League or cricket watch-party guides. The homemade prediction games in those guides use points, not alcohol or money.
Secret Santa questions
What is a good gift when I know their sport but not their team?
Choose a sport-specific viewing activity, a relevant book or a neutral hosting accessory. Avoid guessing club colours or buying a jersey without knowing the size.
Can I buy one game for all three sports?
The Local has separate Aussie Rules, Rugby League and T20 Cricket editions. Choose the deck that matches the sport they watch; they are not interchangeable sets of cards.
What should I check before ordering?
Confirm the sport, age guidance, delivered total, current availability and delivery options for the destination. Do not treat an old Christmas promotion as a delivery promise.
Compare the editions in our Christmas gifts for sports fans collection or browse all games.
New to the games? Compare all three editions and read the quick-start guide to choose the right sport for your gift.