The BasketCases' First Annual Holiday Shopping Guide!

Got a Friend with a Cow? If you're like the BasketCases and still need to pick up a few last minute holiday gifts for family and friends, and if some of those recipients just happen to be Maryland or Mystics women's basketball fans, well, you've come to the right place! We've done a little searching at the Terps Team Store and the Mystics website, and have a few recommendations.

First of all, for that Terps' fan who has everything, what could beat a Testudo Branding Iron?!! Really, particularly here in the national capital area, this is just a must-have item for ensuring that your friend's grazing animals are not confused with anyone else's livestock . . . like a Dukie's (heaven forbid!) Please don't tell PETA that we've recommended this item. They might boycott our blog.

Have We Got Your Number! Looking for a more traditional gift? Thanks to a commenter on our blog, we've been alerted to a new item, something we've been hoping would be sold for a very long time. (Okay, that's a huge hint to people still looking for gifts for us!) Maryland women's numbered jerseys for all five starters!! The difficulty here, of course, is that buying one requires you to show favorites, and we love everyone on the team! The obvious solution? Buy all five!! (Actually, make that 6 --- Shay's number is also available in youth sizes.) BTW, you won't find any names on the backs of these jerseys . . . NCAA rules won't allow it. But, what self-respecting Terps fan doesn't already know the number of every player by heart?

Let's Pimp Your Ride! Here are a few ideas for turning that boring old basic transportation you or your friend drives into a genuine Terp-mobile! Just swing by the team store at Comcast Center and pick up a 2006 Women's NCAA National Championship license plate holder! (Or, be like the BasketCases and buy two . . . so you can show your support for the Terps --- both coming and going!) Then, while you're in the store, add to your shopping cart a couple of big Terrapin Car Magnets . . . so even from the side, people will know the car belongs to a Terps fan! And, of course, to complete your car's extreme makeover, you must invest in a Women's National Championship Decal and matching key ring! Vrrrrooomm! Vrrrrooomm! You are now ready to roll!

Etan Not Included. And, now, something for those special Mystics fans and little tykes on your list . . . what could be better than a limited edition Pax the Panda stuffed animal! (Displayed here for you in an exclusive BasketCases photo by the Wizards' Etan Thomas.) You cannot buy a Pax Build-a-Bear Panda in any store! They "can only be obtained through the purchase of a Mystics Holiday Pack" --- a ticket deal plus Panda package that you can buy for as little as $54! And, if you buy today (or any time before February 28th), the Mystics will throw in a holiday card! And, that's not all! Each Holiday Pack purchaser also gets a genuine 2006 Mystics ornament! But, wait, there's more!!! You also get a Washington Mystics gift bag --- at NO extra cost! Wow! A deal like this can't last long!! Call 1-877-DC.HOOP1 to order your Pandas (and tickets) while supplies last!!!

The BasketCases wish you happy shopping and hope that all our loyal readers have a very Happy Holiday and a joyful and peaceful New Year!