MLB: The 50 Best Baseball Novelties You Can Buy Right Now

Baseball memorabilia has come in many forms through the years, and there has always been a market out there willing to meet the various offerings of baseball cards, programs, shirts, autographed balls, autographed bats and a wide assortment of other items.

Today's market for baseball memorabilia and novelties has grown exponentially, and in spite of a recent economy that crippled the country, the industry still thrives. Now, there are literally thousands of different items connected to baseball teams and licensed by MLB that can be purchased.

While the memorabilia industry may have been dominated by more serious baseball fans in years past, technology and innovative marketing have recently made baseball memorabilia much more popular among casual baseball fans as well.

Today, Bleacher Report will take a look at the hot items that baseball fans seem to be drawn to these days. The list was culled by performing exhaustive research (well, maybe not exhaustive, but it sure did exhaust me), and compiling lists from eBay as to what the current trends are in the memorabilia market.

Here, then, is our list of the Top 50 best baseball novelties that you can purchase right now.

Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle. Follow Doug on Twitter, @Sports_A_Holic.

50. Philadelphia Phillies Licensed Quilt Purse/Handbag: $21.89

Ladies, it’s not a Prada, or a Nine West, or even a Gucci. But it is licensed. MLB-licensed, that is.

This catchy little purse comes with a magnetic snap closure, interior pocket and even an adjustable strap. It’s even officially licensed by MLB, so ladies, you can look stylish walking through the streets of Philly while proudly displaying your love of Phillies baseball.

49. New York Yankees Desk Lamp: $24.99

Is there really anything quite like illuminating your desk area and proudly showing your Yankee colors? With this niftly little New York Yankees desk lamp, that can happen in a flash of light, so to speak.

This item, also officially licensed by MLB, is available in the colors of other teams as well.

48. Boston Red Sox Lighted Fiber Optic Cap: $23.00

Now you can be stylin’ with a fashionable MLB cap that lights up as well.

The item's description indicates that when you wear the hat, you won’t feel anything. I would certainly hope not.

At any rate, the logo blinks randomly, so you can be the talk of your little social circle.

47. New York Yankees Fan Face Rally Cap Mask: $9.95

When I first saw this item, I honestly thought it was a Halloween costume, but apparently, it’s seriously meant to be worn to games.

The mask is made of rubber, so if you plan on wearing it in the heat of the summer to Yankee Stadium, make sure to bring LOTS of water.

46. MLB Logo Carpet Tiles: $129.95

Have you ever wanted to walk all over your favorite team? Well now you can.

Your officially licensed MLB carpet tiles come with 20 tiles per box, 10 logo tiles and 10 solid tiles, and covers 45 square feet of space in your man-cave.

45. MLB Team Logo BBQ Gas Grill Cover: $18.50

Even your outdoor cooking apparatus can be accessorized with your favorite MLB team colors. Your barbeque gas grill can now be covered against the elements sporting your favorite MLB team logo.

Maybe you can get matching MLB logo barbeque tongs, or maybe if you’re really lucky, you can find some charcoal briquettes emblazoned with your favorite team logo as well. How cool would that be, to see your team going up in flames every time you light the grill?

44. Derek Jeter NY Yankees GameWear MLB Rope Necklace: $17.76

Do you absolutely love your favorite player? Guys, tell me: do you have a man-crush for the MLB player that rocks your world?

Than you can purchase this lovely little necklace, available with many different MLB team and player beads that sport the name and number of your favorite player.

43. MLB Baltimore Orioles 30 X 60 Beach Towel

Ever want to dry yourself off at the beach with your favorite team? Well, in a matter of speaking, that is.

Now, you can proudly display your team colors and logo, even at the beach. So, while that guy is gawking at your girl while laying down on her team logo beach towel, he'll quickly figure out where her allegiance lies as well.

42. Philadelphia Phillies MLB Embroidered Liberty Bell Stirrups: $24.95

For just an extra 25 bucks, now you can dress up just like a baseball player, and do it with some patriotism as well.

These are not only embroidered with the Liberty Bell; they come with an official MLB Authentic back tag as well. But I'm guessing that most people would want to keep the tag on just to show that it's officially licensed, of course.

Natch.

41. Toronto Blue Jays Jersey Messenger Bag/Laptop Case: $16.99

I'm guessing that what they mean by the description is that the bag is supposed to resemble a Toronto Blue Jays jersey. In any event, it's also considered a messenger bag, so if you happen to be a courier, you could look really cool tooling around town delivering documents.

It doubles as a laptop bag, so all the geeky fans are covered as well.

40. MLB Logo Leather Money Clip/Card Holder: $13.00

Even hidden in your front pocket, you can sport the colors and logo of your favorite MLB team. Your money is even well-protected by the licensed MLB logo.

39. Kansas City Royals MLB 15 X 10 Garden Flag

Now, you can even proudly display your MLB team allegiance on your front lawn.

Of course, if you don't live in Kansas City, you might find the flag torn down.

It also begs the question—if you're a big-time Royals fan, does that mean the team flag can't be dragged on the ground or burned?

Just wondering.

38. MLB Ice Cream Sundae Mini Helmets Set of 30: $28.99

When I was looking up the description of this particular item, it didn't actually say whether or not you put your favorite MLB team helmet on TOP of an ice cream sundae.

I'm assuming the helmets aren't edible, so what purpose would it actually serve sitting on top of an ice cream sundae?

I have an inquiring mind; I have to ask these types of questions.

37. MLB Official 1981 World Series Patch: $12.95

So, if you weren't at the 1981 World Series between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers, and even if you weren't born then, you can still buy an official World Series patch.

36. MLB Logo Automotive Head Rest Covers Set of 2: $17.95

So, while you're in your car, you can sit back and rest your tired head on your favorite MLB team.

In a little while, you'll see some other creative ways to further adorn your car.

35. MLB Team Logo 28 X 37 Vertical House Banner Flag

We saw earlier that you can adorn your front lawn with your favorite MLB team logo with a lawn banner. Now, you can do the same to the side of your house.

Who knows, maybe it's strong enough to replace vinyl siding—then your whole house could be sided with your favorite team.

34. MLB Logo Rookie Watch Set: $19.90

Again, my inquiring mind is leading me to ask a couple of questions here. Do all MLB rookies have to wear this watch, and this is a replica of that watch?

Or, do you feel like a rookie when you put on the watch?

Oh, wait. Upon further inspection of the description, it appears that the word rookie in this case is code for children, so it's a children's watch.

Silly me.

33. Colorado Rockies Heavy Duty 2-Piece Vinyl Car Mat Set: $27.99

So, in an earlier slide, we showed you how you can celebrate your favorite team in your car with an official MLB-licensed head rest cover. Now, MLB covers you on the other end, too.

You can rest your feet comfortably on your very heavy-duty vinyl car mat set, so your feet will be just as comfy as your head.

MLB certainly covers all angles.

32. Official MLB Logo Twist 'Em Wind Up Toy: $4.99

For just under a sawbuck, you can still be represented by your favorite MLB team with this wind-up toy. Judging from the description, I'm guessing the toy dances around like Chubby Checker.

31. Philadelphia Phillies Washwer Toss Outdoor Game: $59.99

Maybe I'm getting old and just can't keep up with all the newfangled games on the market, but I have absolutely no clue what washer toss is.

Doesn't matter though, because I can buy it with my favorite team's logo emblazoned all over it.

30. Los Angeles Angels Set of 3 Medium Gift Bags: $11.99

The inquiring mind in me just has to ask this question—does the act of using gift bags adorned with your favorite team's logo indicate that you are a fan, or does it mean that you're giving a gift using an MLB logo to someone who you know is a fan?

Or maybe both?

29. McFarlane MLB Figurines: $19.99 Each

So, if you REALLY love your favorite players from years gone past, you can purchase a figurine of their likeness.

No word on whether or not they can be molded or shaped to actually simulate them playing a baseball game, but hey, you can't have everything for 20 bucks.

28. Boston Red Sox Solid Pewter Key Ring

With this particular MLB novelty item, you not only get the Boston Red Sox logo; you also get a likeness of the Boston skyline, and the key ring is made out of solid pewter.

For those of you not familiar with history, making things out of pewter was the chosen profession of Revolutionary War figure Paul Revere.

Look at that. Everything about Boston is covered in one single key ring.

27. MLB Logo Inflatable Floating Pool Cover: $39.50

Wow, now this novelty is the perfect way to party in your pool with your favorite MLB team!

This nifty little item, once you practically kill yourself blowing it up, acts as a 32-quart cooler, so you never actually have to get out of the pool to get any beer. At least for a very long time.

Not only that, you can float right next to it the entire time, because it also has cup holders.

26. Boston Red Sox Women's Sneakers/Slippers: $14.75

We've all heard about the pink hat-wearing casual Boston Red Sox fans. Now, it's not just restricted to the head.

Women all across New England can now be casual fans by slipping on a nice pair of Red Sox pink slippers that also act as sneakers.

25. Chicago White Sox Family Decals: $17.99

These cute little MLB logo stickers/decals are family decals, which presumably means that they are safe for viewing in any environment.

Not only that, they're removable and can be re-positioned anywhere. Now you can place your favorite MLB team decals wherever you want, because, after all, they're family-friendly.

24. Set of 30 MLB Logo Prismatic Stickers: $9.99

These are not your ordinary, everyday MLB logo stickers. These are MLB logo prismatic stickers.

What is prismatic, you ask? Why, they're stickers that attract light much like a prism, making them, of course, prismatic.

Why buy ordinary stickers when you can buy prismatic stickers?

23. MLB Logo Temporary Tattoo Sheet: $5.99

Wow, who needs a tattoo parlor when you have these babies lying around?

Don't like the official MLB logo tattoo that you just pasted on your arm? No problem; just wipe it off and try another one.

Or, you can be really brave and wear multiple New York Mets tattoos. The boys in the hood will really be impressed.

22. Chicago Cubs Official MLB Dog Leash

Now you can walk around town with your dog, and everyone will know which MLB team your dog roots for.

I think the next novelty items that needs to be created are poop bags with MLB logos.

21. Baltimore Orioles Contoured Flip Flop Sandals: $22.99

Earlier in our slideshow, we showed you how you can relax on the beach and dry off with our official MLB-licensed Baltimore Orioles beach towel. Now, you accessorize your feet on the beach as well.

You can walk to and from the beach in your finely contoured Orioles flip flop sandals, so when you're at the beach being gawked at from head to toe, no one will have any doubts as to which team you root for.

20. New York Mets Baseball Cap Antenna Topper: $6.95

Another item to adorn your car with and show off your MLB team allegiance.

While it may not improve the reception of the radio in your car, this nifty little MLB antenna topper can dangle in the wind on top of our antenna while you bee-bop inside your car to all the latest hits.

19. Rawlings Official 2011 All-Star Game Baseball: $19.48

So, you can't get to the 2011 All-Star game in Phoenix this year? No worries. MLB has you covered.

You can own a slice of history by purchasing this official MLB All-Star ball, and then lie to all your friends—telling them how you had to beat off 27 people in order to get this foul ball at the game.

18. New York Mets 42" Ceiling Fan: $80.00

Wow, MLB really has every area of your house covered now.

First, we covered the outside with a flag. Next, we covered the side of the house with banners. Then, we took care of the interior flooring with MLB carpeting.

Now, even your ceiling can show off just who exactly you're rooting for.

17. MLB Shoe Thingz San Francisco Giants Charms: $9.98

MLB really thinks of everything. These cute little items are kind of like belt buckles for your shoes.

And although these MLB charms may not totally replace shoe strings, they sure will have your feet looking stylish.

16. Lil Teammates Cleveland Indians Pitcher Figurine: $8.98

Small market teams like the Cleveland Indians and their fans are covered as well by MLB novelties.

This little guy can be proudly adorned on a display case or shelf in your house. You can even buy other figurines to keep him company.

That dude looks so mean, doesn't he?

15. MLB Home Plate Plaque: $39.95

When you're building your replica baseball diamond in your back yard, after you've spend thousands of dollars growing ivy on your outfield wall, or after plunking down big bucks on your fake Fenway wall, you can complete your mission by buying this official MLB home plate plaque.

Well, it's meant to be a plaque, but I have no doubt that someone reading this will start digging a hole at home plate, ready to plant this baby.

14. Chicago Cubs Surgical Scrub Hat: $22.99

Okay, my inquiring mind is at work once again—is this meant to be worn by a surgeon scrubbing up for a major surgery, or by the patient just before undergoing surgery?

You'll have to forgive me; I take everything very literally.

13. Baltimore Orioles Official MLB Gold Head Covers: $15.00

The Baltimore Orioles have every sports-minded fan covered in this slideshow. They not only are thinking about the people on the beach, but they're thinking about the peeps on the golf links as well.

Your driver, three-wood, five-wood and even your special hybrid club can be well-protected from the elements now.

12. New York Mets Ladies 2-Pc. Swimwear Set: $19.99

Who said ladies couldn't look so gorgeous in official MLB swimwear?

It doesn't matter that the outfit itself throws swimwear fashion back about 80 years or so; you ladies will be more than well-covered with this uber-cute bathing suit.

If you're a fan of the 1920s, this is definitely the item to buy. Doesn't matter that the Mets didn't even exist back then.

11. MLB Mini-Caps for All 30 Teams: $12.50

Remember when you were a kid and how when novelties were offered up in a set, you had to either buy them individually or trade with friends to complete your own set?

Seems like MLB has kind of taken all the fun out of that by putting them up for sale in one fell swoop, doesn't it?

10. Atlanta Braves Replica Train Car: $25.00

MLB even has all of the model train enthusiasts covered here. Presumably, train cars with all of the MLB team logos can be purchased, so a true model train aficionado can really be the envy of the industry by finding all 30 MLB team logo train cars.

9. Dwight Evans 1979 MLB Players Association Registration Card: $235.00

It's good to know that Boston Red Sox right fielder Dwight Evans was prompt in paying his union membership dues, and now you can prove it to your friends with this little slice of history.

8. Set of 30 MLB Team Mini-Helmets: $5.00

So, before in this slideshow, we showed you the MLB ice cream sundae helmets, and the mini- caps. Now, you have your mini-head completely covered with this official set of MLB team logo mini-helmets as well.

How's that for complete coverage?

7. One Dozen Rawlings Official MLB Baseballs: $159.00

So, for the price of a hot dog and a beer (well, maybe two hot dogs and a beer), you can purchase your own set of the baseballs the pros use.

Alternatively, you could go to the ballpark and wait for the players and ball boys to throw literally dozens of the same balls into the bleachers.

6. MLB Mini-Pennant Set All 30 Teams: $12.24

So, if you don't have an allegiance to just one MLB team, why not just show allegiance to all?

If you buy enough of the sets, you can probably use the pennants as wallpaper, too.

5. Official New York Mets Tin Toolbox/Lunchbox: $11.99

You can either be the envy of every kid at school with your official New York Mets lunchbox, or you can be the envy of your local construction crew with your official New York Mets toolbox.

Why? Because the tin box can be used for both, silly.

4. New York Yankees Stadium Canvas Art: $49.95

You can now proudly adorn the wall of your living room, viewing room, home theater or man-cave with very attractive stadium art, although I'm not sure if this is the old Yankee Stadium or the new one.

3. Boston Red Sox 3 X 5 Champion Banners: $24.99

You know those annoying Boston Red Sox fans—the ones who love to show their superiority by showing off their recent successes? Well now, they can do it with a flag as well.

Doesn't matter that the Yankees couldn't even fit ALL of their championships onto one banner.

2. Mark McGwire Action Figure: $5.99

Wow, who knew that slugger Mark McGwire was still so popular? Now you can own a piece of history with this very special figurine.

All you need now is to find a Sammy Sosa figurine and you can have fun reliving 1998 all over again.

Or, you can dress them up in a suit and tie and have them appear before Congress.

1. MLB Titanium Necklace: $10.00

Ah, the power of titanium. Look at what it's done for Josh Beckett and Clay Buchholz.

Now you can own your own special powerful energy necklace that apparently improves just about everything for just ten bucks.

You might want to consider taking it off if you sustain an erection longer than four hours, however.