Are sporting events bad ideas for gifts for girls?

Ask yourself, has she ever gone to a game in her pre-you life? If so, and she's keen on going again, then tickets are a fine present.

If not, then you're dealing with a first-timer who may or may not enjoy herself. Because of that risk, keep the birthday present as something you KNOW she'll like -- and take her to the game as a random date instead!

personally I wouldn't appreciate it, I would just think you're getting me that gift to benefit yourself but I'm not really a sports fan. I don't know too many girls that likes basketball enough to sit through an entire game and enjoy it. maybe she just likes playing?