Not sure what to get basketball players for Christmas? Finding the best basketball Christmas gifts can take some digging. And we know you don’t have as much time as Santa Claus’s number one helper. So we rounded up a list of a few of our favorites for you. We sampled some hoopers and checked online reviews to find the freshest gear, games, and more that everyone is coveting this year. Hope this helps make your holidays merry!
These recommendations come from first-hand experience: including basketball players with 25 years of hooping experience, 10 years of coaching experience, kids on elementary school and AAU teams, parents of high school hoopers, and just a pure love for the game.
From fun basketball card games to post-game snacks, and a tripod for recording workouts, get great ideas for holiday gifts. Find things to get hoopers for Christmas, perfect for kids, women, and men – and even some at low prices. And check out W/NBA jerseys, tees, and hoodies on Fanatics.
Also if you’re looking for a fast unique gift, check out our fun printable basketball IQ card game (here for beginners and here for advanced), created in partnership with a Nike basketball trainer! And our printable basketball journal to encourage your basketball player to be reflective about their games and practices, create great goals, and improve.
Go big or go home, they say! You can do both with the coolest indoor basketball arcade game by the OG hoops arcade game creator: Pop-A-Shot. This is a fun game for kids (and adult children – we all know one!) to challenge their friends and improve their shot, and probably the best gift a hooper can dream of. It comes with 4 basketballs and 10 game modes so there’s always another challenge to tackle. You have to assemble it which can be a bit of a pain. But once it’s together it’s sturdy, and it’s easy to pack away and store. Price: Currently on sale for $219.99
One thing about hoopers: they’re going to play basketball – and they want to look good doing it. So you know they need gear year round. Luckily there are tons of cool basketball shorts great for hoopers of all ages. No matter their style, here are a few picks sure to bring a smile to their face this holiday season. Price: $65+
VKTRY Insoles are the perfect gift for hoopers this Christmas, as they are the only insoles proven to boost performance. Featuring a unique carbon fiber plate, the insoles flex and return energy every time you run or jump. Studies show an improvement to a player’s vertical leap by an average of 1.6 inches! Not only are there athletic benefits to VKTRY Insoles, but they are great for protecting against injuries to your feet and knees. If you suffer shin splints, or foot pain due to your playing schedule, they are a great option to keep you healthy through the season. VKTRY Insoles are on offer throughout November, so be sure to check them out at vktry.com.
Similarly, basketball tees make a great gift for basketball fans and players alike. Not only are they comfortable and versatile, but they also allow fans to proudly showcase their team spirit. With a vast array of designs featuring team logos, iconic moments, and player names and numbers, you can find a shirt tailored to your preferences. Plus, T-shirts are affordable, making them a budget-friendly option, and they serve as practical everyday wear, ensuring your gift won’t collect dust on a shelf. Here are some of our favorite shops to score big on cool tees (Price: $40+):
Hoopers go through socks like it’s their job. So while this might seem like a practical gift, it’s probably one they’ll be very grateful for. Plus, these Nike socks are great because they’re super comfortable and soft, and long lasting. The unique design offers a supportive fit and feel thanks to an arch band, while zonal cushioning helps absorb impact as you run the court. They’re available in many colors, but we’d recommend not getting white because they get dirty so fast. Alternatively you could get them socks with their favorite NBA or WNBA team on them from Fanatics! Price: $16+
Last year’s viral stocking stuffer sensation is back this year with their best deal ever. Relied on by top athletes, coaches, and trainers for a shoe grip advantage, EDGE Spray works by self-absorbing (no need for a towel!) right into your rubber soles for a 25%+ shoe grip advantage. And you can get 160+ uses per bottle. This link gives you an exclusive discount – as little as 20 cents per use for an entire year’s worth of EDGE Spray (make sure you use this link ONLY!).
Make it easy for them to match the super stars! Use the same basketball as the pros and get in the game. The Wilson WNBA authentic indoor/outdoor basketball is perfect for any lady hooper. And the Wilson NBA official basketball is great for every NBA fan. Wilson even lets you customize their popular Evolution ball (in men’s size) with text, which can be a great way to ensure your gift recipient’s ball doesn’t get lost at the gym. Most importantly, remember to get the right size!! Kids size 5, women size 6, men size 7. Price: $44.95+
Alternatives: If you’re going for more of a basketball to be admired (rather than just to be played with), check to see if there are any new drops from round21. Either way, you should also consider picking up a ball pump. You wouldn’t believe how many times we’re on the court and have someone ask if we have one! Or for your hoopers with a green thumb scoop a basketball planter.
Get a gift that will help them improve their game. This speed training ladder is great tool to improve quickness through accelerated foot strike and lift frequency. Using all sorts of creative drills, they can improve their acceleration, lateral speed and change of direction. The agility ladder comes with 12 durable plastic rungs, and the overall length is 20 feet. Here’s a helpful list of ladder drills for basketball to get them started. Price: $16.99
Alternative: Another option to help with their conditioning is a jump rope. While expensive, a Cross Rope is a nice investment because it’s weighted which makes it easy to use and provides a bit more of a workout. Or consider getting some agility hurdles for plyometrics which help with jumping and quickness.
This one’s for the hooper that already pretty much has it all: Give them a cool basketball Christmas ornament they can hang on the tree each year! These hand-crafted ornaments are made using age-old traditions, and are hand-painted and hand-glittered. This unique Christmas ornament will also sit upright on a flat surface so it can also go on the mantel or a side table as the perfect addition to Christmas décor. Price: $19.79
Many hoopers try to film their practice sessions to watch their technique and get better. Especially if they use apps like Nike’s Home Court, which lets you capture every shot, recording your misses, makes and more (the basic level is free by the way! I use it almost every day). While often times hoopers can use their phones to film, there’s not an easy way to get a good angle. A tripod can help them position their phone or camera to record everything. This tripod can extend up to 75 inches tall. Price: $29.89
Many basketball players like to listen to music before games and during individual practice sessions. These Beats Studio buds come in soft ear tip sizes, for a stable and comfortable fit, while ensuring an optimal acoustic seal. Price: $99.99
Alternatives: Apple Airpods are great if they’ve got an iPhone, and their noise cancellation is really strong so hoopers can lock in.
This Christmas basketball gift is a slam dunk. Get a fun mini 17″ mini-hoop with an audio electronic scoring basketball board. With this hoop which includes 3 batteries, a ball pump, and 3 rubber mini-basketballs, the score will be digitally calculated and automatically displayed. It’s extremely durable and designed with Non-Toxic ABS Plastic and lightweight metal for resistance against breakage. Plus it’s easy to put up on any door because thick foam strips provide protection from scratching and reduce noise. Price: $28.29
Alternatives: Launched earlier this year, the Huupe mini smart basketball hoop gives players all sorts of stats, lets them compete against people around the world, and is easy to setup. Right now it’s $200 off, at $599.
Find a great read for your favorite hooper to learn more about their favorite sport, get inspired by their favorite player, or develop their skills. To explore all things WNBA and women’s basketball, we recommend the gorgeously illustrated Hoop Muses. Price: $15.34. For ‘nerdier’ students of the game, we recommend How to Watch Basketball, a fascinating read that breaks down the history of the game and provides interesting perspectives from magicians, therapists, and more. For those looking to get motivated, we recommend Life in the G: Minor League Basketball and the Relentless Pursuit of the NBA. If your athlete is interested in developing their mental game, The Champion’s Mind can be a helpful resource. In terms of player books, the most recent launches from or about pro athletes include A’ja Wilson’s Dear Black Girls and Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA Champion.
Alternatives: You can also check out the best basketball books for teenagers, NBA players that have books, basketball coloring books and the best women’s basketball books for more ideas.
Basketball shoes are an essential. And it’s quite possible an average player goes through a few pairs a year – especially if they play frequently on an outdoor court. However, admittedly, kicks might be a slightly harder gift to give if you don’t know the right size. The good news is that there are a ton of fun options for men and women inspired by some of the best WNBA and NBA players today. Here are our top picks:
Staying hydrated is crucial for hoopers, and a high-quality water bottle ensures your gift recipient can have quick and easy access to the refreshment they need during intense practices and games. You can even personalize a bottle with their name and/or number! Whether they’re hitting the court or simply heading to the gym, a water bottle is a gift that will help them perform at their best. Check out tons of options on Etsy. Price: $11.53+
Alternatives: Get a Stanley in their favorite color or a classic Gatorade squeeze water bottle (that’s what I use for my games).
Basketball lessons can help every athlete improve their game. For in-person lessons in your area explore CoachUp. For online lessons, no matter where you’re located, enjoy online lessons from Steph Curry through MasterClass. This is something they can watch on the way to games or even in bed at night. Price: An annual MasterClass pass is $180 and includes all 17 of Steph’s videos
Alternatives: Well, not quite alternatives, but perhaps additions – we’ve created some helpful basketball training printable resources that I used in my basketball improvement journey. Your hooper might enjoy our basketball journal, basketball IQ game, dribbling drills, shooting drills, dribble log, and shooting log.
I hope I saved you some time on your holiday shopping this year. If nothing has hit home just yet, shop even more basketball gifts for all occasions. As a bonus, if you purchase any gifts from Amazon or Etsy, they send us a little money back to help keep our WNBA reporting flowing – and it doesn’t cost you any more than it always would.
