Not sure what to gift a basketball player for their birthday, a holiday, or graduation? Well, you’re in luck because these are the absolute best gifts for basketball players and fans that will be sure to win the celebration. Whether your hooper needs to work on their jump shot, their defense, or their ball-handling skills, or they’re just a fan that loves and appreciates watching the game, these basketball gifts are sure to be a slam dunk. These recommendations come from first-hand experience: including basketball players with 25 years of hooping experience on both the west and east coast, 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.
Here are the best basketball-themed gifts to get your friend, teammate, family member, or significant other that loves everything hoops related. From handy basketball playing cards, to basketball training gear and unique tees, get all sorts of fun ideas.
Wondering what every basketball player definitely needs? To start off with here are a few basics: Every basketball player needs a basketball and a ball pump (remember to buy the right size!! 5 for kids, 6 for women, 7 for men). Plus a water bottle – I recommend this Gatorade one because it’s lightweight, easy to squeeze, and easy to clean. So start there if your hooper is a beginner. Beyond that, basketball players want basketball tickets (mostly available via Ticketmaster, their favorite player’s jersey, new basketball shoes, and skill development training sessions (check out CoachUp to find a coach local to your area).
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. Let’s get after it!
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.
Since 1994 SLAM Magazine has been the hoopers’ magazine. It covers basketball at the high school, college, and professional levels including both men’s and women’s. And it highlights sneakers and athletic apparel. They offer a fun 1-year subscription to the print magazine (6 issues) and a year of their digital archive, which is a great steal. Price: $29.94
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!).
Hoopers go through basketballs at least once per year. So they pretty much are always in need of another. One way to make this gift more unique is to get them a basketball featuring their favorite WNBA or NBA team. The NBA Team Alliance basketball or the WNBA Tribute basketball make this pretty simple. Wilson also now offers the option to upload your very own logo to a ball (the best ball actually, the Wilson Evolution). So you could make a ball featuring your basketball player’s school, AAU Team, their jersey number, and more.
You can include a cool NBA or WNBA ball pump as well to round out the gift. Or even a cool book bag that makes it easy to carry their ball anywhere. Here’s the WNBA bag and the NBA bag. Price: $15.99+
If they might need a basketball break from studying or work, this mini-basketball hoop is the perfect gift. The mini hoop fits on any room door or an office door. Not to mention the net and basketball glow in the dark. Needless to say, the customer reviews are absolutely glowing. Reviews say that it’s super easy to assemble, it’s super durable, and it looks awesome. Price: $29.99
This 3D nightlight is baller for the little babes. It has 7 different colors to select from. It’s a flat piece of plastic and not a digital sphere, so it won’t take up too much room on a nightstand or dresser. But the light is bright enough to illuminate a small space without being too bright to sleep. It sits on a base powered by either 3 AAA batteries (not included) or hooked up to a computer with a provided USB cord. So be sure to buy the batteries for your gift recipient too. It’ll instantly makes any room look twice as cool! Price: $11.69
OK here’s another practical one, that really any hooper would nearly die for. This basketball return net is great for any player that wants to perfect their shooting. The net works with almost any existing basketball hoop and will save them from chasing after basketballs. Ideal for shooting free throws or jump shooting, either solo or with friends. Players can work on their “A” game without needing to call their buddies over. The arms and net easily folds along the main pole of goal for discreet storage. So mom and dad won’t have to worry about any eyesore. But you might want to clear this purchase with them ahead of time anyway. Price: $186.97
Every basketball player has to own at least one professional basketball player jersey. Ideally a WNBA or NBA player’s jersey from the W/NBA Fanatics Shop. Help your friend, nephew, or significant other build their collection. They can rock it to practice, to cheer on their team at a game, or just lounging around the house.
Check out the jerseys of Sue Bird and Sabrina Ionescu which have been top sellers for the WNBA. The most popular NBA jerseys tends to be Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Price: $99.99
Hoodies are an essential part of every hoopers wardrobe. We’re going to wear them to pull up to practice, to head to a game, and for a night lounging at home. These are a few of our favorite brands to shop hoodies from:
Venice Ball: Colorful gear by Venice Hoops and PUMA.
Local Hoops: Nice selection of pastel and simple hoodies of nice quality.
Overtime: Fun patterns and colors for kids.
Fanatics: Lots of options for your favorite NBA and WNBA teams.
Adidas Hoop York City: Fun collection for girls.
Bogincan: Heavyweight NBA hoodies from abroad.
Price: $65.00+
Need a gift that’s funny, fun, and cute? Hoop here it is! Help your favorite sister, brother, nephew, and more start their day with a hot cup of basketball. Get their head in the game early in the day, with this adorable ceramic coffee or tea mug. Plus, not to worry: it’s ceramic and dishwasher safe. Add in a box of hot chocolate and some marshmallows. So your gift recipient can shoot some shots. Price: $29.95
Give the gift of a real-life game situation. Help them lose the defense and get better, faster shots off with a basketball defensive mannequin. This training aid is perfect for ballers in middle school and older, and can ensure they perfect their arc, practice breaking around players, or improve their floaters. Better yet, it can be adjusted to any height. And is the perfect tool to work on their offense, even when no one else can play. Encourage your gift recipient to practice basketball handling drills such as cross overs (including between the legs). And shoot right in front of it. Price: $79.99
Other similar ideas for serious hoopers are to get them a weighted jump rope, a rope ladder or agility hurdles for plyometrics. All of these are super helpful for basketball conditioning!
This is the perfect gift for a gamer who’s also a gamer. LaMelo Ball has even said he used to do moves in the game, and then go outside and try to practice them on the court! NBA 2K24 is a basketball simulation video game based on the NBA. Back in 2021, a more in-depth WNBA experience was added too. Instead of just a season, players can now play through a unique WNBA MyCareer mode with a created player. This mode, called “The W,” allows players to create their own WNBA player and turn her into a star at the highest level in the league. Users will play in WNBA games to progress their player. Make sure they have the console needed to play it: Playstation, XBox an Nintendo Switch. Price: $69+
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+
Get them socks with their favorite NBA or WNBA team on them from Fanatics! Stylish, durable, and comfortable. What more do you need? Plus, they’ll use them every single day. Crisp graphics and colors ensure everyone knows where their allegiance lies. Help them add some much-needed team spirit to any outfit with these socks. And be sure to get them a few pairs because we all know how socks get eaten by the washing machine. Price: $22.49+
Not sure what to get a girl who loves basketball? We’ve got some great ideas below. To begin with here are a few quick ideas: get a girl who loves basketball comfortable workout shirts and shorts, new basketball shoes, basketball training classes, a WNBA jersey, or a personalized water bottle. You can also explore the best WNBA gifts to help them rep the league they love.
Let her keep basketball close to her heart with this dainty handmade necklace. This sleep necklace comes in silver, rose, or gold-plated options in the length of your choice, and makes the perfect gift for niece or sister, or your favorite coach. Get one for her and her best friend. There’s nothing like a gift that keeps on giving. Price: $24.95
These fun and stylish basketball shorts will score your gift recipient points all day, any day. Designed specifically to fit women’s bodies, these shorts are the perfect blend of performance fabric, unique design, and a breathable, loose cut. Plus they’re versatile enough to wear on and off the court! These shorts come with deep front pockets, so stick something fun inside like your hooper’s favorite candy.
It’s hard to find shorts that fit female athletes well. And in interesting color patterns no less. So these one-of-a-kind shorts really stand out and make an impression. And it’s our sister company. So when you buy a pair of shorts, you help support our reporting. Price: $45
Here are some cool places to shop for basketball shorts:
Give the gift of knowledge to your favorite hooper! Knowledge is the gift that keeps on giving. Learning from others will hone their game. Plus, reading is a great activity anyone can do alone, anytime. From a look at the start of the WNBA, to a behind the scenes look at the lives of storied WNBA players, such as Elena Delle Donne, coaches like Pat Summitt, and teams, including the Gamecocks, you’re sure to find the perfect women’s basketball book. Help your player discover the rivalries of top colleges, or get them a book to improve their game. To explore all things WNBA and women’s basketball, we recommend the gorgeously illustrated Hoop Muses. Price: $15+
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.
A couple additional good reads to consider: the best basketball books for teenagers and NBA players that have books.
Get them a cuffed knit hat. This cozy cap instantly elevates any game day look! You can get their favorite from any NBA team. Hats tend to be 100% soft acrylic fabric, one size fits most, and surface washable. Pair it with a T-shirt to give them a whole fit! Price: $21.99+
This fun fanny pack is great for carrying basketball snacks, a phone, keys and wallet. Made using slick, sporty fabrics, with cool color contrasting, collection-specific squiggles, eye-catching graphics, adjustable closure and plenty of zip pockets for secure storage of your belongings, your hooper will rock retro-inspired style with street sophistication. Fanny packs have made a come back and are quite popular right now. Stuff it full of some basketball candy or energy bars. Price: $36.49+
Get them a collectible of their favorite NBA player. It’ll look great on a desk or night stand. Chose from crowd favorites such as LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and more. Price: $11+
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 of the app is free by the way!). 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
Get a great gift to help your favorite girl’s next work out! This 6-pack of multi-colored bright headbands is comfortable, stays on well, and won’t give you a headache. Price: $19.95
Got a basketball lover who also has a green thumb? Plant one of these bad boys in her hands and she will love it! These are handmade and crafted with care from a Nike Swoosh Mini Basketball. This is a brand new basketball and not previously used for play. This planter has a 5 inch nursery pot built-in, and it is best designed for nursery potted plants 4” and below. You can also pick your own stand: a round acrylic ball stand or a wall mount : 6″ wide, includes screws and wall anchors. Plants are not included, so be sure to scoop one up ideally in its own nursery pot. Price: $55+
Give a gift that will help any lady hooper keep her head in the game, and her hair out! These adorable cotton scrunchies will keep hair out of her face while she’s knocking down baskets. And they’re super soft. These would even make an awesome gift for a team. Price: $9.99
The perfect gift for younger ballers, this hoop lights bring some color to the game. Make it easy and fun to play at night with this simple to install light. This basketball rim light can shine in 17 colors, which even automatically turn off when they are not in use. The kit also includes a glowing ball. Price: $35.99
Even the biggest ballers deserve to be pampered. Give the gift of relaxation after an intense game with basketball bath bombs. When you drop one of these into your bath, it fizzes and releases delightful scents for the soothing and spa-level experience your hooper deserves after a W! It includes a pack of 3. Price: $18.99
This is a cool mini basketball game your hooper can carry in their book bag with ease. It’s a classic arcade basketball shooting game that fits on a tabletop – and is a perfect gift for all ages! This set comes with 1 desktop basketball game and 6 miniature basketballs. It’s great for de-stressing and a fun way to bring teammates together with a challenge. Price: $12.99
If you’re ballin’ on a budget, check out these basketball gifts under $15! Get these affordable gifts without having to jump through any hoops.
These cones are a great gift for players looking to improve their game and help them master fundamental skills. The cones’ low profile design keeps the court safe while still serving as durable markers for drills. They’re great for all sorts of agility and ball handling drills. Plus, they’ll improve footwork. Tuck some drill ideas into the carrying bag as a fun surprise. Price: $11.95
This personalized acrylic keychain makes a thoughtful gift for any teammate or hooper. Customize it with their last name and jersey number. They’ll think of you every time they grab their keys to head to practice or the big game. And it’s made with care in the USA. This key fob also ships pretty fast so it’s a great last-minute gift. Price: $12.99
Help them add some WNBA flair to their laptop, fridge or any smooth and flat surface with an authentic WinCraft decal. It features an exciting printed WNBA graphic so everyone knows where their loyalty lies. Price: On sale for $4.19
Help your hooper add some customization to any outfit – especially to their Crocs. Get a 50-pack of fun basketball shoe charms. These charms are made of high quality and waterproof. Price: $5.99
Looking for personalized basketball gifts? Look no further. We’ve pulled together a few one of a kind ideas for extra unique gifts for your special basketball fan.
This 10 inch by 20 inch personalized basketball sign is sure to look baller in any bedroom. This one-of-a-kind gift is great for anyone that wants to bring the magic of the game into their home. These signs are especially great for a teammate gift or school graduation gift. Since this is custom made, remember to order with plenty of time before the date you need it. Price: $8.99+
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. Price: $11.47+
Every players knows, there’s nothing worse than wiping sweat from your face with your towel, and then realizing that wasn’t your towel. With this gift, the recipient’s towel will now be safe from intruders. This is a lightweight 14″ wide x 32″ long towel with an embroidered basketball design and the player’s name. Customize it with any name, team name, or nickname. Pick from three colors including white, black, and royal. Try a darker color to help it look clean for longer. Price: On sale for $13.49
This wall decor is so cool and inspiring for any baller headed out the door to a game! This wall decal is made from premium indoor removable vinyl with a matte finish. You can pick the silhouette color, the player’s name, and the number. If it’s going on a freshly painted allow at least three weeks for the paint to cure first. Price: $29.99+
If your hooper plays basketball year round, they need a bag that is durable enough to keep up with them, but spacious enough to carry all their gear. This bag is the perfect solution and even has pockets for their shoes. Choose from a variety of colors and even some with NBA teams. Plus, you can personalize it with their name and number. Price: $75+
Hopefully you’ve found a special Christmas or birthday gift for each basketball player on your list.
Shop the rest of our gift guides if you still haven’t been inspired:
Get one of these gifts for the basketball player in your life, and they’ll thank you for years to come! And so will we, because when you purchase some of these gifts from Amazon and Etsy, we’ll receive a tiny bit of funding to keep this site going. We’ve included all the cool gifts we know about, regardless.
