It’s officially crunch time.

Now or never.

And I’m not referring to the Pittsburgh Steelers or even NHL lockout negotiators, either.

It’s crunch time for me — and every other procrastinating shopper out there.

With less than a week before Christmas, there’s been plenty of time to think about the perfect gift. But I’m an imperfect shopper.

Part of the problem is a lack of wish lists. It’s hard to splurge on a gift that might not be genuinely appreciated.

Too bad I can’t shop for the Pittsburgh sports scene. I know exactly what those teams want and deserve — plus, these gifts don’t come with a price tag.

nPitt basketball

The Panthers are good. Maybe even great.

It’s hard to tell, though.

Pitt has mopped up a largely inferior schedule, compiling a 10-1 record out of the gate. The lone defeat came by a narrow margin at No. 2 Michigan, which is certainly excusable.

Aside from last season, the Panthers have been among the most consistent programs in the country and should be ranked in the Top 25 for Christmas.

n Pitt football

This is easy.

A stellar recruiting class is probably near the top of Pitt’s wish list — or perhaps a different bowl game — but more than anything, the Panthers need continuity.

With coach Paul Chryst sticking by Pittsburgh despite an opening at his alma mater Wisconsin, it seems the Panthers finally have consistent, reliable leadership.

For Pitt, Chrystmas came early.

n Pittsburgh Pirates

How about a winning season?

After two decades of futility, it really doesn’t seem like too much to ask for, but year after year, the Pirates are denied.

Team owner Bob Nutting must be on the naughty list.

n Pittsburgh Penguins

Wins and losses don’t even matter to the Pens at this point.

How about just a season?

The NHL gets closer to canceling the entire 2012-13 campaign with each day that passes, which is awful news for the Penguins.

Pittsburgh is blessed with plenty of talent and seemingly limitless potential, but its championship window closes a little more each season. To have a year pass with no hockey at all would be a waste. Too bad Santa can’t fit a season on his sleigh.

There’s still time to work out a deal, but all bets are off when billionaires and millionaires are squabbling for money. Unfortunately, it appears Commissioner Gary Bettman, the owners and players seem content on scrooging us out of a season.

n Pittsburgh Steelers

No more gifts for the Steelers — they’ve had plenty.

Pittsburgh owns a .500 record and embarrassing losses to the Raiders, Titans, Browns and Chargers.

The Steelers have lost four out of the past five games and have won by more than a touchdown just twice all season. Four of their seven losses have come after holding a fourth-quarter lead.

If the postseason started this weekend, the Steelers wouldn’t be invited.

Despite all of this, Pittsburgh still controls its own playoff destiny and can earn a spot in the dance with back-to-back wins against Cincinnati and Cleveland at Heinz Field.

That seems like quite a gift in itself.

Jason Orfao is a staff writer for the Butler Eagle.