100+ Thoughtful Gift Ideas for
Tennis Players of All Ages
100+ Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Tennis Players of All Ages
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Finding a thoughtful tennis gift for a friend or family member can be tricky, especially if you don’t play tennis.
Today, all that’s going to change. As a diehard tennis fan, I’ve considered all the angles to bring you the definitive gift-giving guide for tennis lovers.
Here, you’ll find well over 100 ideas carefully organized to help you quickly select a gift that the tennis player in your life will love and that will make you shine.
If you’re looking to buy a new tennis racquet or strings as a gift, here are some resources to get you started:
My 12 Favorite Gifts
I’ve looked across a broad spectrum of gifts to narrow down my 12 favorite ideas, a thoughtful selection of unique options at different price points that are perfect gifts for men or women.
In this section, I’ll describe each item and why it made my list. Also, keep in mind that some of my ideas contain two related items that make great gifts and can also be gifted separately.
While you're here, I wanted to let you know I recently published a gentle 10-minute dynamic tennis warmup that I think you'd enjoy. It's perfect for priming your body before playing to reduce injury and enhance your performance on the court.
You can check out the videos here. If it's not your thing, I totally get it, but my readers have asked me for it, so I thought you'd enjoy it, too.
Enjoy the rest of the article!
Natural Gut Tennis Strings
In 1875, natural gut tennis strings were first developed and, up until the 1990s, reigned supreme as the gold standard for our sport.
However, due to the labor-intensive process that transforms the outermost layer of cow intestine into tennis strings, they’re by far the most expensive type of strings available.
As a result, most players rarely, if ever, give themselves a chance to play with natural gut and instead opt for less expensive synthetic alternatives such as synthetic gut, polyester, or multifilaments. Despite that, natural gut is still popular on the pro tour, with players like Roger Federer using it.
With that in mind, purchasing a set of natural gut strings make for a fun gift idea and a memorable hitting experience. Here are the two most popular natural gut tennis strings on the market:
- Babolat natural gut
- Wilson natural gut
I prefer Babolat’s natural gut, but both are excellent. Players can expect exceptional power, comfort, and feel using these strings, and they also make for a perfect hybrid string setup.
If you opt for these strings as a gift, I’d encourage you to pick up the tab for restringing the racquet, which usually runs between $15 and $20.
Sports Towel & Dry Bag
Whether it’s tennis or any other sport, sweating is just part of the game. Having a quality towel on hand to wipe down during a match or practice to feel refreshed is a no-brainer, but most recreational players don’t have one in their bag.
If you can splurge, I recommend buying two so that your player can break out a fresh one halfway through a match.
My favorite is the Youphoria Sports Microfiber towel. Here’s why:
- Super affordable
- It comes in three sizes (I like the 24×40 or 28×56)
- There are ten color options
- Incredibly soft
- Super absorbent
- Quick-dry microfiber
- Easy to wash
By themselves, these towels make a great gift idea. However, we’ve also recommended a dry bag because, at the end of a hot day, you don’t want to stick your used towels in your bag along with all your other gear and stink everything up.
A dry bag is a simple solution, and your recipient can comfortably fit a few towels and their dirty clothes if they want to change after a match.
Having a place to stash dirty clothes and towels is particularly useful for away matches in high school and college because players can change before they hop back on the bus or van traveling home.
Bundle these together for an affordable tennis gift that is a sure-fire winner.
Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle
Proper hydration is an absolute necessity in tennis. Unfortunately, many players overlook hydration, and a lack of it can negatively impact their performance, especially when matches go the distance.
Of course, when you’re out in the heat of the summer, a bottle of hot water isn’t exactly the most appealing. That’s where the Hydroflask double-wall vacuum insulated stainless steel sports water bottle comes into play.
Not only will it store your player’s favorite liquid, but it will keep it cold for a full 24 hours. That means they’ll have a cool refreshment waiting for them during a changeover, even on the hottest of days. Trust us – it works incredibly well!
I”ll typically pack mine with half water and half ice in the morning, toss it in my bag, and by the afternoon, the ice still won’t have melted. As if that’s not sweet enough, it also keeps liquids hot for 12 hours for when the moment strikes – think a few cups of coffee on a long drive.
My favorite is the 32-ounce size because it works great for everyday use without being too small or large, but plenty of bigger and smaller sizes are also available.
The 32-ounce comes with a single top that has a durable handle. It works great, but I also love the wide-mouth travel mug flip lid. It can be a bit easier to drink out of for daily use, and I’ll switch the tops depending on the day’s activities.
Helpful Tip: You can encourage your player to drink at least two of the 32-ounce size a day, which will help them get their minimum daily intake of eight cups of water a day.
Overall, the Hydroflask water bottle is a great gift idea that your recipient will love for tennis and daily use.
Muscle Massage Stick & Foot Roller
After a few hours on the court, stretching is critical to aid in recovery and avoid sore muscles and stiffness the following day. However, if you’re like us, you find that stretching helps, but it doesn’t completely relieve soreness that’s so common after a long day of tennis.
Thankfully for us, I stumbled upon The Stick a few years back. To be completely honest, I was a bit skeptical at first, but after my first few uses, I became big-time believers, and it’s one of those items that never leave my bag.
The Stick is a plastic device that you hold at each end by the handles and roll across your leg muscles and lower back after practice or a match. It has rings that allow it to roll across your muscles with ease, and you apply pressure that feels good to give yourself a massage.
My favorite is the 19-inch model with gray handles, but the smallest 14-inch Stick with green handles is perfect for travel.
This unassuming device works incredibly well. After playing tennis, I usually start with a quick five to 10-minute stretch. Then I bust out The Stick and work each muscle on my legs and lower back for another five to 10 minutes.
When I go through these motions, the difference the next day is enormous, and I notice my muscles aren’t nearly as sore. As a result, I recover faster and feel ready to play the very next day.
Here are a few helpful tips to share with your recipient:
- At first, it might feel tender to use a massage stick on your legs, but that changes after a few weeks of use. Just be patient and stay with it because it will become more comfortable over time and pay huge dividends, aiding in faster recovery.
- When I first started using mine, I was a bit overzealous one day and massaged too hard, causing extra soreness the following day. When your recipient uses it, they’ll intuitively know how much pressure to apply. Just tell them to keep in mind that it may have the reverse effect if they press too hard.
- For the guys in your life, you can assure them it won’t pull their leg hair as I thought it would at first. The rings have a unique design that somehow prevents this from happening, so they’ll be good to go!
After using the stick for a few years, I happened upon another device that’s a fantastic pairing gift with The Stick.
It’s called the Foot Log, and it’s a similar device to The Stick, but it works for your feet. All you do is place the Foot Log on the floor and then roll your foot (shoes off) back and forth for a massage, and it feels incredible while also providing tremendous relief. You can do both feet while sitting, but I’ve found one foot at a time standing to be a bit more effective.
Like The Stick, there’s no need to apply too much pressure, just what feels right. I recommend using it with socks on because I’ve found it to be more comfortable that way.
The Stick and The Log fit in a tennis bag, and they’re one of those gifts any player will start to recommend to their friends and family after having used it for a while themselves.
Case of Tennis Balls & Ball Hopper
While a can of tennis balls might not be a groundbreaking gift idea for someone who loves tennis, opening a case of tennis balls will put a smile on any player’s face.
Here are two great reasons I love giving cases of tennis balls:
- Balls Aren’t Cheap: As tennis players, we’re always buying tennis balls, and the expense just adds up. Not having to pay for them for a while is a welcome surprise.
- Convenience: When I’m ready to play, I don’t want the hassle of chasing down a can of balls from the store or local pro shop – just grabbing one or two and heading out to the courts is ideal.
A case of Wilson or Penn extra duty tennis balls that comes with 24 cans in the pack is what I’d recommend.
By itself, a case of tennis balls is an excellent gift for any tennis player. However, when paired with a ball hopper, you can take your gift-giving up a notch.
That’s because now, I can crack open a few cans of tennis balls, dump them in the ball hopper, head out to the court with a friend, and take turns feeding balls to each other to practice our game.
It’s also a great option if I want to practice my serve on my own without having to chase down balls constantly.
A ball hopper serves three great purposes:
- First, it holds tennis balls and is great for transportation.
- Second, a good ball hopper has handles that fold down to serve as legs so I can easily grab tennis balls.
- Third, when the ball hopper presses down on top of a ball, they go straight through, which makes picking up balls much quicker without having to bend down.
I recommend Wilson’s Ball Hopper for a few reasons:
- It’s made of durable metal and will last for years.
- It has a 75-ball capacity, which is more than enough.
- It has handles that swing down below the basket to serve as legs.
- There are small inserts at the bottom of the basket where the handles can lock into place, so the basket is sturdy when standing.
Helpful Tip
When a player gets a case of tennis balls and a ball hopper, it can be tempting for them to open up all the tennis balls and fill the basket to the brim for practice. There’s certainly nothing wrong with opening all the balls, but they have a pretty short lifespan once you open them.So, to get the most out of the case of balls, I recommend opening roughly six cans at a time. That’s 18 tennis balls for practice, and your recipient will extend the life of their gift that way.
At the same time, even pressurized cans don’t last forever. You’ll want to encourage your player to use all of the balls within the year for the best result. I find this usually isn’t a problem for most players :)
Tennis Racquet Bag
A tennis racquet bag isn’t a necessity for playing tennis. However, any serious player will attest that their bag is essential because it carries everything they need to play and compete in a tennis match.
First and foremost, a tennis bag serves to protect a player’s tennis racquets. However, beyond that, my bag stores a slew of essentials.
After all, once you start your match, it’s not like you can go running down to the store if you need something.
Here’s a list of what I keep in my bag:
- Three strung tennis racquets
- A can of tennis balls
- Pack of replacement grips
- Large water bottle
- Two sports towels
- Two pairs of socks
- Two shirts
- One pair of comfy running shoes
- Dry bag for dirty clothes/towels
- Headphones and cell phone
- The Stick leg massager
- The Log foot massager
- Hyperice massage gun
- Yoga strap for stretching
- Energy bars
- Hydration packets or tabs, i.e., Liquid IV, LMNT, Nuun
- Tiger Balm
- Advil
- Hand sanitizer
- Kinesiology tape
- Neutrogena facial wipes
- Tape for blisters
- Sunscreen, a small bottle of zinc, lip balm with SPF
For every player, what they like to stock in their bag is different, and even if I had half of what I listed here, I’d still want something to hold it all. That’s why I think it’s essential.
My pick for a bag that makes a great gift is the Vessel Baseline racquet bag. I opted for a six-racquet bag even though I don’t need to hold that many racquets because I like the extra space to keep all the items listed above.
A few reasons I like the Vessel Baseline racquet bag:
- Exceptional materials and craftmanship
- Stylish appearance and multiple colors
- Multiple colors for different tastes
- Spacious for storing all of my gear
- Removable backpack straps for comfortably carrying around
- Plenty of small pockets for organization
- Thermal insulation for protecting my strung racquets from the heat and cold, which can change the tension of my racquets
- A separate breathable compartment for my shoes
- It’s a unique brand that doesn’t make racquets, so if you’re a Babolat user today and Head user tomorrow, you don’t have to worry about switching bags for them to match (if you’re into that)
Helpful Tip
One thing to keep in mind when giving a bag as a gift is that some players are picky about matching the brand of their bag with the brand of their racquet. I prefer to use the bag that best serves its purpose, but it’s worth keeping in mind, and one of the main reasons the Vessel Baseline racquet bag makes my list of the best tennis gifts.
If you’re looking for another fantastic option from a different brand, I’d recommend the Babolat 12 racquet bag or the Wilson Federer DNA 12 racquet bag – both are excellent choices.
Headphones
Headphones make a great gift for any tennis player. However, they’re particularly awesome for the competitor or student-athlete.
For the competitor, headphones serve as an excellent means to clear your head, stay focused, and drown out any noise and distraction before a match. As any player can attest, tennis is a sport of mental strength, and headphones can help put a player in the zone with the right music.
For the student-athlete, the same benefits apply to competition. However, if they’re on a tennis team in high school or college, they’ll regularly travel with their team. It may be by bus, van, car, or plane, but they typically travel as a group. Here are two excellent reasons I loved to drown out the noise with a quality pair of headphones.
- Studying: Without headphones, studying while traveling would have been nearly impossible. There’s just too much distraction. However, a good pair of headphones allowed us to focus on getting work done. When you’re spending a few hours traveling a couple of times a week during the season, this can pay huge dividends for a student-athlete.
- Zone Out or Sleep: As much as I love my teammates, sometimes, after a stressful day, a tough loss, or just pure exhaustion, it can be nice to zone out – and if the mood strikes, shut my eyes and get a little sleep. Again, without a quality pair of headphones, this would be nearly impossible when surrounded by a group of teammates.
My pick for my favorite headphones for tennis players is Beats by Dre over-the-ear noise-canceling headphones. Here are a few reasons I love my Beats headphones:
- Sound: Beats makes great headphones with excellent sound, and they’ve only become better after Apple purchased the company.
- Comfort: I think over-the-hear headphones are some of the most comfortable. I can wear them for long periods without my ears hurting or getting a headache.
- Noise Cancellation: With music on or no music at all, this feature sets these headphones apart from others.
- Colors: They come in various colors that you can choose to match your gift recipient’s style.
I also think Bose over-the-ear noise-canceling headphones are equally as great an option with high-quality sound. Of course, if you can’t swing the expense of noise-canceling headphones, another pair from either of these companies will still do the trick.
Beyond their uses for tennis players, everyone can use a great pair of headphones, whether traveling or around town, so I think it’s a fantastic gift option for anyone.
Pocket Radar
Growing up and watching the pros on TV or at the occasional tournament, I loved keeping an eye on the speed of serves. It’s a unique element of watching professional tennis that I always enjoyed, so naturally, I wanted to know how fast I could serve.
When I was younger, I recall my tennis club having a radar detector on hand where we all got to measure the speed of our serves – it was an absolute blast seeing how we stacked up against our expectations and peers.
Unfortunately, the price of a radar detector for the value made it an unrealistic purchase. Until, of course, I found the Ball Coach Pocket Radar.
Here are a few reasons I fell in love with this gadget:
- Cost: It’s a fraction of the cost of high-end radar guns.
- Accuracy: Less expensive doesn’t mean less accurate. The Pocket Radar has been tested alongside considerably more costly radar guns and shown to be just as precise.
- Size: I can easily store the pocket radar in my tennis bag, and it lives up to its name as you can slide it into your pocket or hold it comfortably in the palm of your hand.
As for my favorite feature, you can set it up to continually record up to 25 serves, which is useful if you’re practicing alone. You can place the Pocket Radar on the other side of the court or behind you near the fence to record the speed of your serves.
I have to admit, the Pocket Radar is a bit of a splurge, but that’s part of what makes it such a fun gift. It’s great for the tennis instructor or coach in your life because they’ll get a ton of use out of it regularly. However, high school and college players will also have a lot of fun measuring the speed of their serves with their teammates.
Helpful Tip:
Pair the Ball Coach Pocket Radar with a simple, inexpensive tripod like the Daisen Camera Tripod. That way, it can be set up on the opposite side of the net or attached to the fence to monitor the speed of shots, and both can easily store in a player’s bag.
While serving might be the primary use for many players, it does just as well at measuring the speed of groundstrokes and other tennis shots, too.
Muscle Massage Gun
Over the past few years, muscle massage guns have exploded in popularity, and for a good reason, they work incredibly well.
To be honest, when they first came out, I was a bit unsure of them, and the whole product seemed a bit gimmicky, especially with the slow-motion videos of muscles vibrating and all.
However, for us, all that changed when I was at a running store and had an opportunity to try a Hyperice massage gun, and to be honest, I was shocked at how good they felt and, more importantly, how effective they were at relieving tension.
I still love The Stick and Foot Log roller mentioned earlier in this guide, but as good as they are, those two products are somewhat limited in the body’s parts that they can help relieve tension. For example, as a tennis player, you’d likely want to massage your arms and shoulders.
Of course, there’s a bit of a price difference, so if you’re on a budget, then The Stick and Foot Log roller are still excellent options. Honestly, I use all of them and find they each provide different benefits.
However, if you can swing the extra cash to get a massage gun, it’s going to be a slam dunk gift that they can use for any fitness recovery, including tennis. Plus, the recipient will get to keep using it for years.
When it comes to massage guns, there are many different brands to consider, but two, in particular, stand out from the crowd:
- Hyperice
- Theragun
I’m using the Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro and have loved the product since day one. It performs as advertised, runs effectively for years, and is a gift I’m sure any tennis player will love.
Apple Watch or Fitbit
As an athlete, tracking and measuring my fitness is incredibly insightful and rewarding.
When it comes to tennis, the quality of my fitness is just as important as my technique or ability to hit the ball well. Lack of conditioning or being out of shape can quickly degrade the quality of my tennis and can also hold us back when competing at higher levels.
On the other hand, a fit player can maintain the quality of their technique throughout an intense three-set match. Proper conditioning can serve as a considerable edge over players who aren’t willing to work hard.
Fitness trackers help because they bring context to the quality of my training. When monitored and used as a goal-setting tool, they can help us improve and become stronger players.
First off, a fitness tracker gives players concrete data for how well or hard they’re training. For example, if I’m looking to improve my endurance, I may want to set goals for the number of steps I take during a workout. Similarly, I may want to shoot for a specific heart rate that helps us better understand the intensity of my training, which I’d expect to improve over time.
I also like to track my tennis matches as workouts. This way, I can use this data to reflect on my results and then set specific goals around where I see opportunities for improvement.
For example, suppose my heart rate during a tennis match exceeds what I typically reach during practice. In that case, it gives me a sense of what I need to strive for in my training to be comfortable at a certain level of intensity during a tennis match.
My two favorite picks for fitness trackers are:
- Apple Watch
- Fitbit tracker
Both are terrific options for comprehensive fitness tracking and provide companion smartphone apps for monitoring a player’s fitness.
Regardless of which brand you choose, I highly recommend getting a waterproof version because I’ve personally broke my watch when I forgot to remove it before jumping into a pool. In my opinion, a device you’re supposed to wear all day just has to be waterproof.
I also like a watch with a full screen to monitor my results throughout the day. Plus, the larger screen allows us to take advantage of the other cool features like music and apps.
For Apple, that means getting the Series 3, SE, or Series 7, and for Fitbit, that means getting the Icon, Sense, or Versa – all of which are waterproof and have full screens.
For tennis players, a smartwatch or fitness tracker is the perfect gift. It helps improve my fitness, and it also has a wealth of other uses beyond tennis that make it a sure-fire winner.
Tennis Racquet Stringer
Over the years, I’ve found most players don’t even consider the fact that they can purchase a tennis stringer. I believe that’s because the general assumption is that tennis stringers are way too expensive.
The truth is, there are terrific stringers that are surprisingly affordable. Of course, as with anything, there are versions with extra features that can quickly become more expensive, too.
However, the unique thing about a stringer is that they pay for themselves if you frequently string over time. Consider the fact that, on average, the cost of stringing a racquet (minus the price of the string) is $15, i.e., just for the labor.
Next, let’s assume you play competitively all year long and string your racquet every two weeks on average. That’s $390 every year!
Over a four-year high school career, you’d see $1,560 in savings. Add in an additional four years at college, and you’re up to $3,120. Some families may even have multiple players racking up those costs.
For me, I’d even use my stringer to string my teammates’ tennis racquets, and I’d charge $10 for the restring. Since most players on my team didn’t own a stringer, I made a few hundred dollars each season and helped my teammates out, too.
As a parent who tends to foot the bill for the cost of restringing, it’s a no-brainer purchase if you can afford it, assuming your son or daughter would be open to learning how to string.
Of course, it’s a gift, so you don’t need to expect by default that it will pay for itself, but it’s a nice side benefit when considering whether to buy one.
However, there are many reasons why I think a stringer makes a great gift idea beyond the cost savings or even the ability to make a little extra cash on the side stringing for friends and family.
Here are some of the top reasons:
Strings are Key
When it comes to tennis equipment, tennis strings and the tension we string our racquets at is highly underrated. As players, we often put so much time and energy into finding the perfect tennis racquet, but we tend to overlook the strings.
In my opinion, we often neglect our strings because it’s expensive to test and learn what string setup and tension enhances our game. When you own a stringer, you can drastically reduce the cost of each string job and experiment with both the tension and type of tennis strings to get the most out of your racquet.
Convenience
If you’ve ever broken a string the day before a match, then you know how frustrating it can be to try to get your racquet restrung in a hurry. Even when you’re not competing, getting your racquet restrung often means an extra trip to drop off your racquet and pick it up before you play next. All in all, it’s just a hassle.
When you have a stringer at home, you can always spend some time in the evening restringing a racquet. Whether you broke a string or you’re looking for a fresh string job before you compete, it’s easy to make it happen when you’re the stringer.
Consistency
Hopefully, you have access to someone who takes great care and is meticulous in their stringing process, so you get a consistent result each time you restring. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for some of us, and we don’t always get our money’s worth.
However, when you’re the stringer, you have complete control over the process and can ensure that you get a consistent result each time. It will take some time to become proficient as a seasoned stringer, but the payoff is enormous in the long run.
It’s Fun
While this may not be true for all players, I love stringing my racquets. I get a lot of satisfaction out of owning the process, and there’s nothing better than flipping on the TV, watching some tennis, and stringing my racquet to get excited to play the next day.
If buying a stringer for your favorite tennis player makes sense for you, then you should check out the Gamma line for quality and affordability. Here are a few options to explore – generally speaking, the more you spend, the more features you get for making stringing quicker, easier, and more accurate.
Gamma X-2
The Gamma X-2 is going to be one of your most affordable options for a stringer, which makes it a fantastic gift. Here are some key features:
- Drop weight tensioning
- Two-point mounting
- Floating clamps
- Includes basic tools
Gamma X-ST: RECOMMENDED
An excellent step-up from the X-2 is the X-ST. I like this machine because the spring tension winder that you crank to tension your strings is easier and faster to use, the six-point mounting system holds the racquet more securely, and the quick action swivel clamp base makes clamping after tensioning each string a breeze.
- Spring tension winder
- Six-point mounting
- Quick action swivel clamp base
- Includes basic tools
Gamma Progression II Els
Last but certainly not least is the Progression II Els. The primary upgrade from the X-ST is that the Els provides an electronic controlled constant pull tensioner instead of the spring tension winder. Stringers may find it’s a bit faster to string with the X-ST, but the main advantage is accuracy and consistency when stringing.
- Electronic controlled constant pull tensioner
- Six-point mounting
- Quick action swivel clamp base
- Includes basic tools
Whichever stringing machine you choose as a gift, you’re going to put a massive smile on the recipient’s face. It’s indeed the gift that keeps on giving for many years to come.
Helpful Tip:
In the long run, one of the additional ways a stringing machine can help save money is by purchasing reels of string instead of individual packages. Buying in bulk means you save per string job, so once your player settles on a type of string they can’t live without, buying a reel is ideal for maximizing your savings.
Ball Machine
For the tennis player that has pretty much everything or is looking to take their game to the next level, a ball machine might just be the perfect gift.
Here are a few reasons why I love the idea of a ball machine as a gift for tennis players:
- Repetition: As with learning pretty much anything, practice or repetition combined with proper instruction is essential for taking your game to the next level. For tennis, a ball machine fulfills that need by providing players with a tool that allows them to hit the same shots over and over to help perfect their technique while developing a good solid feel.
- Consistency: Developing consistency is critical to success on the court. Of course, building up the ability to keep the ball in play over and over takes time and practice. Once again, a ball machine is an excellent tool for helping players develop consistency.
- No Partner Needed: Sometimes, players will find themselves in a situation where they want to hit, but no one is available to play. With a ball machine, they can still get out on the court to get some exercise and have some fun.
- Save Money: While the upfront cost of a ball machine may be a bit pricey, there are opportunities for some players to save money by reducing their cost of lessons. For example, say a player takes tennis lessons once a week at $50 per lesson. Instead, if they moved to every other week and substituted each private lesson with practice on a ball machine, they could save $100 per month. While there’s no substitution for quality instruction, it’s a worthwhile consideration – mainly because a player would likely get much more hitting time in on a ball machine than they would during a group lesson.
- Great Workout: It might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but a ball machine can give a player a fantastic workout. Many ball machines can load up over 100 balls, and the good ones have programmed drills that can keep you moving around the court for a solid workout to help players improve their conditioning.
- Fun: Last but not least, ball machines are just plain fun to use, which makes them a terrific gift.
There are quite a few ball machines out there, but I’d recommend Lobster ball machines as the perfect gift idea, with a few different models to choose from at varying price points.
One of my favorites for a terrific mix of features and price points is the Lobster Elite 2. I wrote an entire article on this ball machine, so if you’re considering this as a gift, I’d highly recommend you check it out.
There you have it – my list of the top 12 gift ideas for tennis players. Of course, that’s just the beginning. Keep reading for loads more fresh gift ideas that tennis players will love.
Clothing, Apparel, and Shoes
Help ensure the tennis player in your life is playing in style with a gift of clothing or shoes that will have them look good, whether they win or lose.
Tennis fashion is relatively unique in that we get new styles released each season and different outfits that typically coincide with the four majors, so there are always new threads coming out all year long to give as gifts.
From t-shirts to tennis skirts and everything in-between, here are some ideas for different types of apparel to get you started.
- T-shirt
- Longsleeve shirt
- Sweatshirt
- Jacket
- Shorts
- Pants/tights
- Skirt
- Dress
- Shoes
- Socks
- Hat
- Visor
- Headband
- Wristband
Before making a purchase, it’s worth considering whether or not the individual you’re buying for has an affinity toward a specific brand, which will help ensure your gift hits home.
Alternatively, you might consider buying a clothing item such as a hat or t-shirt from one of the four majors, i.e., the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, or US Open. Every year these tournaments offer custom gear that makes for a special gift.
Shoes
Tennis shoes are a unique breed specifically designed to provide superior comfort, durability, and stability required for the court.
Unfortunately, many players tend to wear their shoes considerably longer than is ideal, leading to sub-par comfort, support, and traction.
If you’re interested in purchasing a new pair of shoes as a gift, you may want to consider discussing it with the recipient as there is quite a bit of personal preference involved in selecting shoes.
Of course, if you’re buying for someone who isn’t super picky and you know they will appreciate the gesture, then head on over to my tennis shoe guide for men and women to find a pair they’ll love.
Socks
I have to give a special shout-out to socks, which I find are heavily underrated. Often players spend well north of $100 for a pair of tennis shoes, but they’ll use sub-par socks.
With that in mind, they make a great gift because most of the time, players aren’t splurging on them despite their benefits. Here are a few of my favorite brands to check out:
- Thorlo
- Bombas
- Smartwool
- Lululemon
- Feetures
Although quality tennis socks might not be the gift that wows someone immediately, they’re something they’ll be sure to love. For this reason, I recommend giving these in addition to another gift if you can swing it.
Grips & Accessories
As a tennis player, regripping a racquet is part of many players’ pre-match routine and can be borderline therapeutic.
Tennis racquets come standard with replacement grips, which are thick, durable, and the primary covering over the handle’s hard surface. They take more effort to install, and players replace them less frequently, perhaps once a season or even less for more casual players.
On the other hand, overgrips are thin disposable grips that a player can wrap quickly and easily on top of their stock grip, use a few times, and then replace them with a new one.
If a player always uses overgrips on top of their standard grip, they’ll likely never need to replace the grip that came with their racquet.
I’m big fans of overgrips and find that it’s the preference for most players. One reason is that a fresh overgrip often has a bit of tackiness to help keep their racquet held firmly in their hand. Many players will even replace their grip during a match on hot, sweatier days to keep it fresh.
As a result, a replacement grip or pack of overgrips can make a great gift because I’m always going to need more!
Below I’ve listed out my favorite grip and accessory gift ideas along with brief descriptions that you’ll want to check out.
- Replacement Grips: If their grip is in seriously rough shape, it might warrant a replacement grip. These come in softer synthetic materials for comfort and leather for players who prefer maximum feedback. Overgrips can wrap over the top of either type.
- Overgrips: There’s a wide range of overgrips to consider. If you’re unsure which to choose, a safe bet is to buy the brand that matches their tennis racquet. Of course, there are plenty of bright colors, patterns, and designs to choose from for a unique gift.
- Vibration Dampener: Small rubber/plastic devices placed between the strings for a muted sound and feel when hitting. Vibration dampeners come in all shapes, sizes, and designs.
- Tennis Stencil & Ink: Typically, players will use the stencil that matches the brand of their racquet. For this gift, you’ll need to buy the stencil along with a tube of ink designed for use on tennis strings. Many tennis retailers carry stencils and ink. If you’re crafty, you could even consider making a custom stencil for their racquet.
- Gexco Tennis Ball Saver: A simple device for extending the life of up to three tennis balls at a time. After playing with a new can of three tennis balls, players add their balls to the ball saver and then twist the two parts of the can together. Doing so increases the can’s pressure to 14 PSI, which matches the original pressure of a new can of tennis balls to prevent further loss and extend their life.
- String Thing Tennis String Straightener: A simple device used to quickly and easily straighten the strings of a racquet, which often moves out of alignment during play. A player runs the String Thing straightener over the top of the strings vertically and horizontally to straighten them.
- Portable Over-the-Net Tennis Scorekeeper: It’s surprisingly common that players forget the score and end up in an argument with their opponent. A small portable scorekeeper solves this problem. It sits on top of the net and can be changed each time players switch ends to keep track of the score. For something a bit more subtle, you can find scorekeepers that attach to a player’s tennis racquet.
- Tennis Net Measure: Tennis nets should measure three feet in the middle, but most courts don’t regularly check their net heights. A chain or foldable plastic net measure will pack neatly into the recipient’s bag and allow them to check the net for consistency before each match.
Tennis accessories are less expensive items, so if you’re considering them as a gift, you might try buying a few of them or combining them with a more expensive gift for fun.
Training Equipment
The following gift ideas are perfect for virtually endless drills and exercise routines to help players develop their fitness and improve their footwork, which is essential for peak performance.
- Agility discs
- Agility cones
- Agility ladders
- Agility hurdles
- Agility rings
- Bosu balance trainer
- Jump rope
- Resistance bands
Cones and discs are also perfect for target practice. However, if target practice sounds like a fun gift idea, you might consider air targets.
Rather than sitting on the court like a cone, air targets attach to the net and help players develop accuracy.
Another popular item, which makes for an excellent gift, is a rebound tennis net that’s freestanding and returns the ball to the individual.
Players who don’t have time to hit the court every day or have trouble finding hitting partners but still want to swing their racquet and get some exercise can easily set up a rebound net in their driveway.
My favorite is the Tourna Delux rebound net, which offers a generous hitting surface and ideal bounce off the net for continuous hitting.
Health & Recovery
After a long practice or tennis match, players must take steps to protect and rejuvenate their bodies. Gift ideas like foam rollers and massage balls can help work out knots and relax muscles, while a yoga strap can help a player stretch their legs effectively without putting a strain on their back.
Of course, a good old-fashioned ice pack can always come in handy for problem areas like a sore wrist, elbow, back, knee, etc. I recommend flexible ice packs that a player can mold to their body. You’ll also want to make sure the ice pack is large enough for the target area.
When people take time off from playing tennis, it’s common for blisters to form on their hands and feet. Gifts like therapy and blister tape can go a long way to helping reduce discomfort so they can continue playing.
- Foam Roller: One of my favorite post-match and workout routines is rolling my legs and back to work out knots, release tight muscles, and reduce muscle soreness. When first starting to use foam rollers, they can feel relatively harsh, so I’d encourage you to opt for a softer roller to start. Once the recipient gets used to it, they’ll likely want to graduate to a firmer roller for better pressure.
- Massage Ball: Perfect for applying more pressure when massaging out tough knots and tight muscles. These come in all shapes and sizes, but my favorite is a lacrosse ball, which I use to work out knots and tension when lying down on the ground.
- Yoga Strap: Great for stretching legs while laying down to reduce strain on a player’s back. When purchasing, be sure to purchase the appropriate length for the height of your recipient.
- Yoga Mat: Perfect for striking a few yoga poses before and after a match and stretching on the ground. For maximum comfort, consider the thickness of the yoga mat’s foam. Many high-quality yoga mats are incredibly thin, so you may want to consider going thicker to provide a bit more cushion.
- Kinesiology Therapy Tape: When used appropriately, it can provide a wide range of benefits such as reducing pain, promoting circulation and healing, preventing injury, and more. Most companies that offer kinesiology tape provide video instruction for taping your body, depending on the support needed.
- Blister Tape: Great for preventing blisters in sensitive areas or for taping over blisters to minimize pain and prevent them from getting worse. In tennis, blisters are incredibly common on players’ hands and feet and are helpful to keep in your bag at all times.
- Cold Therapy Ice Packs: Handy for nursing injuries or reducing swelling and muscle soreness after working out, practicing, or match play. I prefer soft and flexible ice packs so they can mold to my body or lay on comfortably.
The more time a player puts into their health and recovery, the better they’ll feel the next time out on the court.
They’ll also be less likely to encounter nagging injuries that keep them from playing the sport they love. As a result, gifts around health and recovery are a worthwhile investment if you think the recipient will have the discipline to use them regularly.
Essentials For The Court
Many of the items I’ve already covered will find their way into a tennis player’s bag, but here are a few additional items that I like to keep in ours anytime I hit the court.
You might even consider packaging a bunch of them together to create a gift basket. If you give a tennis bag as a gift, consider pre-packing the bag with a few of these items to start them off on the right foot.
- Tiger Balm: Reduce pain and aches before and after playing tennis. Tiger Balm has helped athletes worldwide for over a hundred years, and I always keep a small container in our bag.
- Energy Bars: Great to have on hand before, during, and after matches for fueling up. There’s virtually an endless selection available these days, but a few of our favorites are RXBAR, GoMacro, Larabar, and Cliff Bar. If buying as a gift, grab a selection from different brands to help the recipient figure out their favorite.
- Hydration Packs or Tabs: Toss in a water bottle for faster hydration that’s more effective than water alone during and after tennis. I’m a huge fan of LiquidIV, LMNT, and Nuun tablets.
- Neutrogena Facial Wipes: Perfect for wiping yourself down after a long match, especially when showers aren’t available. They’re easy to pack and stay fresh for a long time – it’s the simple things.
- Sunscreen: Protects a player from the sun. If you buy sunscreen, make sure it works well for vigorous activity and won’t run into their eyes or down their arms when sweating. One of our favorites for tennis is Supergoop Play, which they make with high-quality ingredients and is water and sweat-resistant.
- Zinc: Sunscreen is critical for any exposed body area when spending lots of time in the sun, but I find some areas are still prone to burns even when using it. Zinc is an extra layer of protection that works super well for areas of your face, such as your nose. One of our favorite brands is Zinka.
- Lip Balm with SPF: Prevent chapped lips that are common when spending too much time in the sun or cold. There are limitless types available, but I keep Banna Boat Ultra Sport lip balm stocked in our bag and apply it regularly.
- Deodorant: Perhaps the least exciting gift to give, but clutch for any tennis player to keep in their bag is deodorant. However, don’t get the standard deodorant because it will melt in a hot tennis bag. Consider a spray or roll-on liquid that will be as effective regardless of the temperature. Lululemon’s black pepper sandalwood is an excellent spray, and there is plenty of roll-on options available at your local convenience store.
- Advil: Pain reliever.
When putting together a gift basket or variety of items for a player’s bag, keep in mind unique things that they might appreciate having in their bag.
For example, if they wear contact lenses, consider putting some lens solution in the basket or hair ties if they have long hair. When it comes to a bag, it’s often the little things that make a big difference on the court.
Tennis Books
There is a vast selection of tennis books out there that make terrific gifts for players of all ages and levels. I’ve compiled my list of the top 120+ books you can check out for inspiration.
From biographies and autobiographies about famous tennis players to books on strategy, conditioning, and mental toughness, there’s a book for everyone. Here are my top 10 picks.
- Open, by Andre Agassi
- Rafa, by Rafael Nadal, John Carlin
- The Inner Game of Tennis, by W. Timothy Gallwey
- The Outsider, by Jimmy Connors
- Winning Ugly: Mental Warfare in Tennis, by Brad Gilbert, Steve Jamison
- The Art of Doubles: Winning Tennis Strategies and Drills, by Pat Blaskower
- A Terrible Splendor, by Marshall Jon Fisher
- Tennis Strategy: How to Beat Any Style Player, by Grant Grinnell
- Tennis For Dummies, by Patrick McEnroe, Peter Bodo
- Tennis Fitness for the Love of It, by Suzanna McGee
When selecting a book, consider their personality. Is your recipient a do-it-yourself kind of person? If so, getting them a book on technique might be of interest to self-diagnose their game.
However, if they’re more into novels or reading for entertainment, a biography like Open by Andre Agassi or Rafa by Rafael Nadal and John Carlin will likely be a better fit.
Of course, some picture-heavy books are perfect for coffee tables, including Wimbledon: The Official History by John Barrett and the 50th Anniversary US Open Tennis Book by Rick Rennert.
Sensors, Trackers & Apps
Smart sensors track a player’s on-court performance to provide data that they can use to analyze their game. Stats such as swing speed, ball speed, sweet spot analysis, stroke type, topspin, and backspin are among the kind of information that these sensors can track.
Each comes with a companion smartphone app for viewing the data collected and provides slightly different data that you can track. They also each give players access to a community of other users who have purchased a sensor themselves.
Here are my top picks for sensors:
- Sony Smart Sensor
- Zepp Swing Analyzer
- QLIPP Sensor
- Babolat Pop Wristband
Wearable tech also makes an excellent gift idea for tennis players:
- Scoreband: A simple watch that tells the time and allows players to keep score of a match.
- Pulseplay Tennis Watch: Another simple watch for keeping score of your tennis matches along with a companion Apple and Android smartphone app.
- Smash Wristband: A lightweight band you wear on your wrist that uses sensors combined with an app to provide technical analysis and personalized recommendations for improving a player’s game.
If you don’t think the individual you’re buying a gift for will be into a tracker that attaches to their racquet or wrist, then consider purchasing an app such as SwingVision.
The free version of SwingVision provides players with automated shot tracking and video analysis that’s surprisingly detailed and accurate. You can upgrade them to a Pro plan for $20/month or $150/year as a gift.
Tournament Tickets
For any player, attending a tennis tournament is an excellent gift that comes with memories that last a lifetime. Not only does it give a player something to look forward to, but it also allows players to watch some of their favorite players in person, which is a fantastic experience.
Listed below are a few of the top tournaments that attract the game’s best players for inspiration. I recommend attending during the earlier rounds when there’s a lot of energy and excitement. The tickets are cheaper, and you’ll be able to see the most amount of players before the draw gets smaller and seats more expensive.
I’ve organized them by month that they occur, so you can determine which might be a good fit as a gift.
Of course, there are many other ATP and WTA tournaments that are smaller but can be just as fun, so check out the complete lists if you can’t make it to any of the events below.
- Australian Open: Melbourne, Australia (mid-January)
- BNP Paribas Open: Indian Wells, CA (early March)
- Miami Open: Miami, FL (late March)
- Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters: Monte Carlo, Monaco (mid-April)
- Mutua Madrid Open: Madrid, Spain (early May)
- Internazionali BNL d’Italia: Rome, Italy (mid-May)
- Roland Garros French Open: Paris France (late May-June)
- Wimbledon: Wimbledon, United Kingdom (early July)
- Rogers Cup: Toronto, Canada (early August)
- Western & Southern Open: Cincinnati, OH (mid-August)
- US Open: Flushing Meadows, NY (late August-September)
- Rolex Shanghai Masters: Shanghai, China (early October)
- Rolex Paris Masters: Paris, France (late October-November)
If the expense of attending a tournament is too costly or there’s not one near you that makes it reasonable to visit, then consider purchasing them some official merchandise from one of these tournaments.
These days virtually all of them offer online shops where you can buy a wide range of products, including shirts, hats, towels, bags, water bottles, or keychains.
Subscription & Memberships
A subscription is a great gift idea because it keeps on giving as long as it’s active. The following are a few of my favorite subscriptions to give to tennis players.
- Racquet Mag: It’s a quarterly magazine that goes way beyond the typical and provides insight into the art, ideas, style, and culture surrounding tennis. Racquet offers stunning photographs and exceptional writing on unique topics. It’s by far my go-to pick for anyone looking to buy a magazine as a tennis gift.
- Tennis Magazine: Six editions copies published yearly. First published in 1965, Tennis Magazine is the OG mag of the tennis world and one of the most prolific in tennis media.
Tennis TV: Stream and watch up to 2,000 ATP matches on your phone, tablet, or computer. To date, it’s by far the most comprehensive tennis streaming subscription service, which will allow the recipient to watch live tennis year-round. - Court Crate: A box of tennis gear, equipment, and accessories delivered straight to your doorstep every month. Each crate contains 6-9 items, and you can give it as a gift for a single month or three-month subscription. Plus, I love how you can opt for a men’s or ladies’ box for more personalized items.
- Top Court: If you’re looking to learn tennis from some of the best athletes in the game, then look no further than Top Court. With over 50 players and coaches on their roster, their classes offer excellent stories with insight into the game, drills, instruction, and behind-the-scenes clips for virtually every player.
- MasterClass: Although its classes extend beyond the sport of tennis, MasterClass features an entire course with Serena William’s, one of our sport’s most accomplished players. Of course, the recipient will also benefit from classes with over 100 other instructors on various topics.
Beyond the subscriptions mentioned above, there’s nothing better than supporting or being part of a group that’s passionate about tennis, which makes the gift of membership to these great organizations a pleasure.
Not only does a gift of membership provide players with a sense of belonging (and in some cases a few perks), you’ll also be helping them thrive because they rely in part on membership to continue operation.
- United States Tennis Association (USTA): Adult, junior, and family memberships allow you to compete in sanctioned events, receive a subscription to Tennis Magazine, and discounts on tournaments and travel.
- International Tennis Hall of Fame: Membership gives you access to the International Tennis Hall of Fame, discounts at the yearly Hall of Fame grass-court tournament, and more.
- United States Racquet Stringers Association (USRSA): A membership to the USRSA gets you a copy of Stringer’s Digest, discounts, free samples, and the ability to become certified as a professional stringer.
- Local Club: What’s better than the gift of a membership to your local club or courts so that the tennis player in your life can easily schedule time on the court and get to know other local tennis players?
As a gift, I recommend giving subscriptions or memberships for a year to ensure you and the recipient gets the maximum value.
Wall Art
Tennis wall art is perhaps one of the more unique gifts to give a tennis player because it’s often unexpected. There’s also a wide variety of styles of art available for different players with varying tastes.
Here are a few of my favorites to give you a peek at what’s out there.
Monte Carlo
Every year, the Monte Carlo Masters takes place in Monaco, with one of the most stunning venues in tennis. This print of the clay-court tournament is classy and an excellent gift idea.
Racquet Patent
Racquet patents feature unique drawings and annotations and are a fun way for tennis players to showcase their love and appreciation for the sport. I love the look of three patent prints famed and positioned side-by-side on a wall for a vintage style any player will love.
Roger Federer
One of the legends of our sport and arguably the greatest player of all time, Roger Federer is one of the most stylish players whose photographs, art, and prints, make for a fun addition to any room.
Be a Good Loser
In tennis, sportsmanship reigns supreme, and proper etiquette is of utmost importance. One of the game’s traditions is to shake your opponent’s hand after a match, which this print showcases perfectly.
Net Patent
Like the racquet patent, a net patent provides a unique visual to hang in a player’s room, office, or den. Consider combining with a racquet patent and a tennis ball patent for a set that makes a fun gift.
Rafael Nadal
Like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal is one of the game’s most iconic players who will go down as one of the best players of all time. His grit and strength make for some powerful images that are perfect for anyone who’s a fan.
Of course, these are only a handful of pieces of art that you can find online, so if you’re considering it as a gift, I’d encourage you to do some exploration of your own.
For example, some of the yearly artwork and posters from tournaments make for excellent gift ideas.
Bonus Ideas
Hopefully, with the help of this guide, you’ve dug up some unique ideas worth considering for your next gift.
Of course, if you’re still on the fence or looking for a bit more inspiration, keep scrolling because I have a few extra ideas up my sleeves.
Vintage Tennis Gear
For those who love tennis, vintage gear, such as a wooden tennis racquet or an old can of tennis balls, can breathe life and texture into a room. Hang them on a wall or place them on a shelf for a bit of flare.
Tennis Memorabilia
For the person that can’t get enough tennis but seems to own everything the sport has to offer, memorabilia has the potential to be the perfect gift because it’s limited and has some historical significance.
From SportsMemorabilia to the MeiGrayGroup and eBay, there are plenty of websites where you can track down signed gear, photographs, and tennis balls that are one of a kind.
Tennis Hall of Fame Visit
Located in scenic Newport, RI, the International Tennis Hall of Fame is a museum and tennis club that’s well worth visiting. Plus, their grass courts are open to the public, so if you’ve always dreamed of playing on grass, it’s a fantastic location to experience it.
Tennis Themed Candy
If the tennis player in your life has a sweet tooth, consider buying them some candy that showcases the sport. A popular option from Maria Sharapova’s company, Sugarpova, are the lemon and lime or fruity tennis gumballs. Do some digging, and you’ll find plenty of additional options.
Jewelry
For the player who loves jewelry, a tennis-themed piece can make a fantastic gift. From the classic tennis bracelet to a necklace and earrings, there’s plenty of ideas depending on the recipient.
Kitchen & Dining
The gift of a tennis-themed kitchen or dining item is a great way to provide a player with a constant reminder of their favorite sport.
Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
- Cups
- Glasses
- Mugs
- Cutting board
- Wine topper
- Spreading knives
- Timer
If you can think of it, there’s likely something in your kitchen that you can find online with a tennis spin.
5-Point Friday
A brief recap of the five most interesting things I’m enjoying or thinking about in tennis.
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