I'd give him a restaurant gift card.

Get some NBA logowear for him. There's a good price range from $10-$100 so you can tailor the gift to your budget. If you don't want to get him clothes, there are also assorted bags (many types, from carry bags to sports bags to backpacks, etc), jewelry (including watches in specific team colors), collectibles (posters, etc) and many more items. You can get generic NBA or specific team stuff.
http://store.nba.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=3356631&cp=3356630

Anonymous wrote:Could you just buy a bottle of wine when you get there? If you guys aren't close he probably isn't expecting anything. This is for a 60 year old- not 6 year old. Don't over think this.

+1

champagne, nice wine are probably best. Georgetown basketball gear if he likes college ball?

Could you just buy a bottle of wine when you get there? If you guys aren't close he probably isn't expecting anything. This is for a 60 year old- not 6 year old. Don't over think this.

Does he have to dress up (shirt & tie) for work? You could get cufflinks of his favorite basketball team.

I am invited to a birthday celebration for a cousin I don't know well. He lives in another city, and I'll be flying (and primarily going to see other relatives I'm closer with). All I really know is that he's a big sports fan, particularly basketball. Any ideas what I can buy and pack on a carry-on bag? Gift does not have to be sports related, but I'm at a loss. Or should I just go with a gift card to a sporting goods store?