With Christmas gift giving just around the corner, it seems sportsmen and sports gals are always the toughest to buy for. As such, here are some gift ideas, many of which are under $100 that should delight a variety of outdoors folks.

ANGLERS

Shakespeare, makers of the durable Ugly Stik, have introduced (in time for Christmas), their new Elite model that can be bought as a combo with a reel, or singularly and is offered in five casting and 17 spinning models.

The Elite is comprised of 35 percent more graphite than the GX2 introduced last year, it features one-piece stainless steel guides, sensitive cork grip and famed Clear Tip that is virtually indestructible. And best of all, it carries an MSRP of $49.95.

If opting for the reel combo, the reels come in sizes, 25, 30, 35 and 40 and contain four ball-bearings plus a one-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing, aluminum handle, ported spool and oversized bail wire.

One test for a quality reel is if when cranking it and trying to back crank it, there's no play. And these reels have none, they're that tight. With one low-profile combo and eight spinning models, the combo's range in price from $69.95 to $89.95.

Elite's also come in spinning/casting salmon/steelhead models plus a 6-foot two-piece, medium action rod tailored for women anglers.

For these rod/reel models, you may want to spool them with Berkley's new Ironsilk line made 33 percent more abrasion resistance than other lines of the same diameter. Berkley claims the line flows through the guides 20-25 percent faster than others and is offered from 6-20 pound test.

For crappie anglers, Johnson lures came out with their Crappie Buster Shad Tails, Tubes plastic grubs, a Shad Crank plug and Shad Scales to apply to lures. Stren followed these new entries with specific Crappie Mono line. All of which make great stocking stuffers.

HUNTERS

Hunters, even ice fishermen, could always use a warm layer of undergarments. Well Cabela's offers their unique and ultimate E.C.W.C.S. line of insulated underwear that uses three Polartec fabric weights in one garment. The heaviest Polar-weight fabric gets sewn into the core areas for optimal heat retention, the midweight goes into less critical areas, while the lighter Tech-weight fabric is applied to areas prone to excessive perspiration and in cuffs to minimize bunching.

SPORTSMAN/

WOMAN

The National Rifle Association has opened ticket sales for their Feb. 7-15 Great American Outdoor Show, also known as the "Harrisburg show," at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. Show tickets would make great stocking stuffers and can be ordered online at www.greatamericanoutdoorshow.org. Ticket prices are $13 for adults, $6 for children 6-12, seniors (65 and older), $10, a 2-day pass is $22 and a group pass (10 or more people) is $10.

The show will feature over 1,000 exhibitors with several family shows planned. Two of which are NRA Country Concert series featuring country stars Lee Brice and Thompson Square who will perform on Saturday, Feb. 14 in the Large Arena. Show tickets are $30 for stadium and $35 for floor seating. These tickets can be purchased online as well. And if you log onto www.nracountry.com and join the fan club, members get access to all online concerts, fan club parties, contests, VIP meet and greets, exclusive content from your favorite country artists and other special offer and discounts on outdoor gear and merchandise.

And, Cabela's has signed on as an Associate Sponsor of the upcoming show, which means showgoers can expect some added events and exhibits.

GOLFERS

With snow on the ground and the season at a standstill for local duffers, a great golfers gift would be winter golf lessons or a swing analysis at Larry Wise Golf Performance Center at 4495 Old Bethlehem, Pike, Center Valley, located across from Lehigh University's Stabler arena center.

Wise was the pro at the former Center Valley Club golf course and also played in the last U.S. Senior Open golf tournaments held at Saucon Valley Country Club. For a visual demonstration of Wise's techniques, to see his curriculum and facilities, go to www.larrywisegolf.com.

DV8 Sports has come out with a novel way to backpack golf clubs. Their Kickstarter backpack is the world's first golf clubs to fit into a backpack, making them, says the company, ideal for anyone who lives with limited storage space, has a small car, motorcycle or just wants to steer clear of luggage around old-school clubs.

The backpack weighs less than 15 pounds and uses a quick-change coupler that allows the club heads to be changes in under 3 seconds with no tools or wrenches. For more information on the Kickstarter, check www.dv8sports.com.