Top Ten Houston Astros Gifts for Dad - Yahoo! Sports

Ah, Father's day, when sports memorabilia, outlandish razors, and matching tie and cufflinks sets dominate the retail industry.

I was raised with the Houston Astros on TV, with Milo Hamilton on the radio, and with family vacations nestled around the Astrodome and later Minute Maid Park. My father's closet contained a healthy selection of shirts with that shooting star logo. Like the current Astros, it's time to rebuild this collection with new recruits.

So what to get dad? This year marks the 50th anniversary of the club, as a result offering a larger selection of memorabilia.

10.) Houston Astros Classic Pennant: $39.99. Every fan needs these.

9.) Nolan Ryan 1975-1986 Turn Back The Clock Jersey: $99.99. He wore it best, and vintage is in.

8.) Houston Astros Layon Cake/ Cupcake Decorations: $14. Bake his favorite treat and top it with these. Or drop them off at your local bakery and have a professional do it.

7.) Bagwell-Biggio Plaque: $17.99. Arguably the most iconic players in the franchise's history, it will go great next to dad's autographed jersey.

6.) Houston Astros Travel Tumbler Set: $19.99. Dad loves coffee.

5.) Houston Astros 3 Piece Gift Set: $19.99. Set includes a keychain, money clip, and magnetic clip, essential tasteful displays of fan devotion.

4.) A Team at .500:$? This gift isn't limited to dad; any Astros fan would be happy to receive it.

3.) 2005 Houston Astros: The Championship Season: $10.68. What's special about this Dennis Quaid narrated production is the storybook season. The DVD follows the team from 15-30, to a heart-attack inducing second half, leading up to an excitement filled October ball. Any true Astros fan will remember the epic 18-inning NLDS Game 4 as the defining game for the 2005 team.

2.) A&E Home Video Houston Astros 50th Anniversary Collector's Edition DVD: $49.99. This five-disc DVD set chronicles the Houston Astros, highlighting memorable moments from Nolan Ryan's fifth no-hitter, to the frigid World Series trip.

1.) Tickets to a Game. Honestly, I don't spend enough time with my dad now that I'm not 7; I'm sure I'm not the only one. Take him to a game, do some bonding, drink a beer, and hopefully the Astros will win. Hopefully.

Allison Olivarez is a lifelong Houston Astros fan from Corpus Christi, Texas. She can often be found in bars arguing against the bandwagon heavy, media-dominating AL East, and the evils of the DH.