Years ago, at Christmas, I decided to give my family the gift of taking them up to a Twins game. I left picking the date up to my mother who picked a Sunday afternoon game in August.

Why that game? Because the giveaway was a Twins backpack or bag or something similar. She didn't pick because of the opponent, she didn't pick because the Twins were facing a great pitcher having a dominant season, she picked because of the giveaway. It was something I never would have thought of. I mean, bobbleheads are nice and all, and I've shown up early to get them, but until that point in my life, I've never picked a game to go to because of the giveaway at the gate.

A couple weeks ago, the Twins released their 2017 Promotion and Giveaway schedule. The first thing that struck me is that it seemed to be a little light on items. I don't have numbers for prior years at this point (it's a side project I'm working on), but by my count 31 of the 81 home dates have a free item at the gate. This doesn't include deals like Student Day (which means my college education wasn't for nothing) and Senior Day. There will be more items announced on March 7, but those will be of the "Theme Night" variety, which require a special ticket package.

Of the listed giveaways, here are my top 3.

1) Rod Carew Bobblehead (August 18, vs the Diamondbacks) - The first 10,000 fans get a Rod Carew Bobblehead, along with postgame fireworks to the songs of 1977 (which will probably, unfortunately, feature ABBA).

2) Rocket Raccoon Bobblehead (May 6, vs the Red Sox) - The first 10,000 fans get a Twins-branded Rocket Raccoon Bobblehead to promote "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2". There is also a Theme Night as well that night.

3) LED Energy Efficient Light Bulb (June 14, vs the Mariners) Minnesota Twins Long Sleeved Hooded Tee (April 3, vs the Royals) - The first 30,000 fans get an adult M or XL long-sleeved hooded Twins Tee. Not as thick (or as abundant) as the sweatshirts of the last couple Opening Days, this will at least be something to wear while you're showing up early to get your Rocket Raccoon bobblehead.