There are plenty of reasons why you are shopping for a gift for a basketball player. It could be because it is your son’s or daughter’s birthday and he or she loves playing the sport. You may be buying one for your boyfriend or girlfriend for the holidays. And for some, it might be because of a dad that just loves the sport or is working as a basketball coach. The reasons are simply endless.

However, what can be just as endless are the gifts that you can choose to buy for a basketball player. There are plenty of basketball-related gifts to choose from to the point that it can be difficult to narrow down the choices without a guide. Luckily for you, we have chosen what we believe are the best basketball gifts for boys or even for grown men if you are shopping the market for thoughtful and cool basketball gifts.

If you want to get back to playing basketball, get our top pick gift for basketball players here.

Our Favorites for the Best Gifts for Basketball Players (the best out of the bunch)

Nike Basketball Shoes

If you have the money to spare, then you should totally get a new pair of basketball shoes to serve as basketball Christmas gifts for your son or loved one during the holidays (when you might have more cash than usual) or for any other occasion whatsoever as long as you have the cash to pay for those sneakers. Basketball shoes are by far the best basketball-related gifts a player can possibly get. And if you are looking for the best basketball shoes, you might want to consider Nike sneakers since this company leads the market by a wide margin.

The reason why shoes tend to be the best gifts for basketball fans and players alike is that they cannot excel on the court with ordinary shoes. And even if the one you are going to give the gift already has shoes, it does not hurt for him or her to have a new pair in case the old one gives out. Any basketball player would love a new pair of basketball shoes.

If you are looking for basketball shoes, Nike should be a good brand to choose as it has a lot of different basketball shoe lines for you to choose from depending on the style of play and on the preferences of the person you are gifting the shoes to. Brands such as Adidas and Under Armour are also fine but you may want to go for Nike if you want a wider variety.

What makes Nike Basketball Shoes Unique:

• Wide variety of shoes to choose from.
• Durable, safe, and very effective when it comes to performance.
• Has different signature shoe lines Nike Men's Basketball Shoes, Black/Metallic Gold/Anthracite, 12 UK

Why choose Nike Basketball Shoes:

• Nike is the world leader in basketball apparel and shoes.
• They have the best signature basketball players endorsing their sneakers.
• You can literally choose any shoe that fits your style of play and preference.

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Nike Elite Socks

Of course, every basketball player needs socks to wear whenever they are playing basketball. But basketball players should not be given ordinary socks as those are not going to hold up to the wear and tear and different complex movements that a player undergoes when playing. Instead, give the player Nike Elite Basketball Socks  that are considered as some of the best basketball gift ideas for guys and girls alike.

The reason why Nike Elite Socks are good for basketball players is that they were specifically made to be worn and used by basketball players in the sense that the materials used and the shape and design of the socks were all tailored for the basketball player. Nike Elite Socks use special materials that are breathable, durable, comfortable, and quick-drying all at the same time. They are also padded well enough on the impact zones to reduce fatigue.

Another good reason why Nike Elite Socks are ideal gifts for basketball players is that they come in all sorts of designs and lengths. There are literally dozens of varieties to choose from depending on the player’s personal style and preferences. In other words, you can give these socks over and over again as long as you choose different designs.

What makes Nike Elite Socks unique:

• Made specifically for basketball players
• Comes with a lot of different designs and lengths.

Why choose Nike Elite Socks:

• Socks are necessities for basketball players.
• Can be given over and over again and the basketball player will still be fine with it.

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RAMgoal Indoor Mini Basketball Hoop

A mini basketball hoop such as RAMgoal Indoor Mini Basketball Hoop is perfect as a basketball gift for boys or girls who are still under the age of 10. This allows them to be able to love the sport at an early age as they are able to shoot the ball safely from the comforts of their own home without having to put in a lot of effort into trying to hit a jumper or a layup on a standard-sized hoop.

The great thing about this basketball hoop is that it can easily be mounted on a door indoors so that your son or daughter can practice their shots as early as possible in the safety of your own home. You would also love how this mini basketball hoop can be adjusted as your child grows bigger and older. It also does not feel like a hoop for children because it is made with the materials that are similar to standard basketball hoops. Think of it as a miniaturized version of the regular adult-sized baskets you see in parks and in stadiums.

Start your child as early as possible by giving him or her this mini hoop. His or her love for basketball will foster at an early age while the child learns the basics of shooting and layups. That is why this mini hoop is a favorite of ours as it fosters the child’s love for the sport of basketball during his or her formative years.

What makes RAMgoal Indoor Mini Basketball Hoop unique:

• Looks and feels like a regular adult-sized basketball hoop but was miniaturized for children.
• Can be adjustable in size as the child grows up.

Why choose RAMgoal Indoor Mini Basketball Hoop:

• Good for developing your child during his or her formative years.
• Can be used in the safety of your own home.

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The Runner-Ups for the Best Gifts for Basketball Players (still good but a bit lacking)

Nova Microdermabrasion Kids Portable Basketball Hoop

As the young basketball player grows up, a mini hoop indoors simply will not be enough to hone his or her talents. That is why a portable basketball hoop is a cool basketball gift for growing and developing young players when their interest in the sport is still growing at a rapid pace. This allows them to develop their skills at pace with how their bodies are growing and developing as well.

What we like about the Nova Portable Basketball Hoop is that you can basically take it anywhere that has enough vertical and horizontal space for the young player to shoot and practice layups. This is a good way for the young teenager or the adolescent to try to practice the basics of jump shots and layups early on. And the best part is that this portable hoop actually is solid and sturdy enough to handle dunks and hard hits from a basketball without breaking or moving.

As expected, this hoop is so portable that it will be easy for you to move it around from one front yard or backyard to another. Or if you actually want to take it elsewhere, it is quite easy to disassemble and re-assemble again. You can use it indoors or outdoors as long as there is enough space for the young player to practice his or her moves.

What makes Nova Microdermabrasion Kids Portable Basketball Hoop unique:

• Very easy to move around and disassemble and re-assemble again.
• Made to be sturdy enough for kids to be able to dunk on it.

Why choose Nova Microdermabrasion Kids Portable Basketball Hoop:

• Allows the young player to practice fundamentals early on.
• Very solid and sturdy to the point that it will not easily break when kid dunks on it.

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Spalding Basketball

What better gift is there to give to a basketball player than an actual basketball? After all, a basketball player will not be able to play the sport without an actual basketball to shoot and dribble with. As such, a Spalding Basketball should be on your list of gifts to give to basketball players to help him or her hone his talents and skills without having to rely on someone else’s ball.

The reason why we prefer Spalding Basketballs out of all of the other balls available on the market is that it was made with the specifications used by the NBA. This is the NBA’s official basketball and is the same type of ball used by the greatest players on the planet. As such, a basketball player will be able to hone his or her talents using the same ball that NBA players use and will be able to adjust to it quickly if ever there is a chance for the player to actually make it to the NBA.

Spalding Basketballs are made to strictly adhere to NBA standards and are known to be some of the toughest and most durable balls out there. The outing is made of a composite material that should allow it to bounce and stick well on your hands. Meanwhile, it has a good and comfortable feel to it as its foam-backed design does not feel too hard on your hands.

What makes Spalding Basketball Unique:

• It is the same ball used by the NBA.
• Made to give you a solid and comfortable grip thanks to its composite material.

Why choose Spalding Basketball:

• Allows the basketball player to adjust to the same ball used by NBA players.
• Made to be very durable and long-lasting.

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POWERHANDZ Weighted Basketball Gloves

If the basketball player you are planning to give a gift to is already in the advanced stages of his or her training and development as a player, then the best way for him or her to improve his or her dribbling and ball-handling is by through POWERHANDZ Weighted Basketball Gloves, which are known to help the player excel as a dribbler.

The mechanics of this product is simple. It takes away the friction in your hands to make gripping the basketball a lot more difficult so that you will be able to train yourself to dribble and handle the ball regardless of how slippery your hands are. Meanwhile, it is also weighted in specific spots to train the muscles in your hands and wrists to become stronger so that you will be able to dribble the ball quicker and stronger.

POWERHANDZ is not only great for basketball players but is also good for coaches as well because of how they can use this to help develop their players. This is a tried and tested product that even NBA All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas was able to use effectively to improve his coordination as well as his dribbling speed on his way to putting up almost 29 points per game when he was at his peak.

What makes POWERHANDZ Weighted Basketball Gloves unique:

• Reduces friction while adding weight on your hand to improve your dribbling.
• Isaiah Thomas openly endorses the product.

Why choose POWERHANDZ Weighted Basketball Gloves:

• Proven to be effective at improving dribbling and ball-handling skills.
• Good for basketball players who are still trying to develop steady ball-handling skills.

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The Value Picks for the Best Gifts for Basketball Players (good and affordable)

Basketball Books

It is not all the time that a player gets to learn all about basketball on the hardwood floor or in the playground. In fact, a lot of the learnings can be done in the safety of the player’s home so long as he or she reads more about different players, basketball fundamentals, biographies, and instructional books that were all written to help basketball players improve their understanding of the game.

The reason why basketball books are good gifts for basketball players is that these are instructional and inspirational. Single books such as the ones written by

Clayton Geoffreys not only contain biographies and stories of NBA players but also their training regimen and their journeys towards becoming better players. Basketball players whether young and old can learn a lot from such books. They can emulate the training and drills done by the best NBA players or try to put themselves in the shoes of those greats to know what it is to live their lives and to be inspired by the same things that inspired some of the best basketball players on the planet.

And the great thing about different basketball books is that they are very affordable. Paperback options might cost you a bit but choosing to go digital by buying Kindle or ebook versions will save you a lot of money. You can buy several of these gifts without even going over your budget. The basketball player getting such books will surely enjoy your gift knowing that he or she will have a new avenue to try to improve as a player. 

What makes basketball books unique:

• Improves and inspires the basketball player at the same time.
• Very cheap and affordable when bought in their digital formats.

Why choose basketball books:

• Enlightens the mind.
• You can buy plenty of them without having to break the bank.

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GoSports Coaches Boards

If you are planning on buying for a coach or are looking for basketball manager gifts, then a clipboard is a good gift for you to look at without having to spend a lot of money. This is an essential item for any coach, manager, or aspiring coach or manager as clipboards have been around for decades and are still yet to turn obsolete even as basketball is now becoming more technology-based.

Any coach would be able to use a basketball clipboard well if he or she is fond of drawing up plays and illustrating how a play works to his or her players. And the reason why clipboards are still very much used today is that it is easier and quicker to draw a play on them rather than on tablet computers and other mobile devices. Simply put, the clipboard is here to stay and will never go away.

The best part about a coaching clipboard such as GoSports Coaches Boards is that it is actually very affordable. A single one will last for a very long time and does not cost very much. This makes it a good budget idea for those who are looking for basketball gift ideas for coaches and managers. Even simple basketball lovers will love this basketball-themed gift.

What makes GoSports Coaches Boards unique:

• Comes with different designs that fit all sorts of different sports.
• Has a two-sided design that shows the full court and the half-court sets.

Why choose GoSports Coaches Boards:

• Proven to be rugged and sturdy enough to last for a very long time.
• Complete with two sides and stat sheet as well.

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FAQ on Best Gifts for Basketball Players

What Do Basketball Players Need? 

Basketball players are actually pretty simple in terms of their needs. As long as you give them the basics such as shoes, socks, and an actual ball, they are good to go. However, you can also go for more advanced basketball needs such as an actual hoop they can shoot on and training gloves designed to improve their handling and dribbling. And if a player needs some sort of enrichment or enlightenment, basketball books can also be considered necessities.

What Does Every Basketball Coach Need? 

It depends on the type of basketball coach. A skills basketball coach will need a lot of tools and equipment that are all designed to help improve specific basketball skills. Cones, speed ropes, agility ladders, and resistance bands maybe some of the tools that basketball skills coaches need.

Meanwhile, actual team coaches have more simple needs than skills coaches. Such coaches focus more on learning and teaching plays. That is why basketball books, instructional videos, and clipboards are some of the few things they need to excel as basketball coaches.

What Do You Get a Kid Who Loves Basketball? 

If you have a kid or if you know a kid who loves basketball, then you may want to give him or her something as simple as a mini hoop set that is complete with an actual miniature version of a basketball hoop and a smaller and lighter ball that is designed for children. Kids can also benefit from other gifts such as basketball clinics designed for children and beginners.

How Much Should You Spend on Gifts for Basketball Players? 

The amount of money you spend on gifts for a basketball player really depends on you. If you have a large budget, it is quite easy to spend north of a hundred bucks for great Nike or Adidas basketball shoes. A hoop set for children can also be quite expensive. If you want to stay under $100 or even much lower than that, basketball socks such as Nike Elite or basketball books such as those written by Clayton Geoffreys can be good and affordable gifts.

How to Choose the Best Gifts for Basketball Players

If you are looking for gifts for a basketball player, here is a guide you might want to follow:

Know your budget

Looking at how much money you are willing to spend and deciding on a budget should be the first thing you need to decide on when you are planning on buying a basketball gift for a basketball player. That is because gifts for basketball players have prices that vary depending on the item. Shoes, for example, can be quite expensive. But socks and books are quite affordable. Decide on a budget first and everything else goes smoothly.

Age and gender of the recipient

The age of the recipient is an important factor when you are looking for good basketball gifts because of how the needs and wants tend to change depending on age. For example, you would not want to give a mini hoop to a teenager already playing college basketball. Likewise, a 10-year old basketball player would not be able to wear size 11 basketball sneakers.

Gender may not be as important as age is but it still does play a good role here because of how some gifts change in design and size depending on the gender. For example, the size of the basketball varies between male and female players. There are also specific gifts such as inner wear that only female players should receive. 

Personal preferences and style of play

Personal preferences and style of play can quickly narrow down the choices when you are deciding on a good basketball-related gift for a basketball player. For example, a player might favor a specific team or player. In such a case, giving him a gift that is related to the team or player he favors the most might be a good idea. You might want to give a Kobe fan a Lakers jersey, for example.

Similarly, the style of play also makes a difference whenever you are buying specific gifts such as shoes or if you are looking at basketball training tools. Different basketball shoes were made and designed for specific styles of play. Take note of that. Meanwhile, training tools such as weight gloves may only be useful for specific types of players.

Player, fan, or coach?

Finally, knowing whether the recipient is a player, a fan, or a coach can make things very easy for you because of how each one of those prefers different gifts. Players would want to receive gifts that allow them to improve as players. Fans would enjoy simple memorabilia or other similar gifts that were not necessarily made to be used for playing basketball. Meanwhile, coaches tend to be simple in the sense that anything that allows them to improve as coaches (such as books and videos) is good enough for them.

Wrapping Things Up: The Best Gifts for Basketball Players

To sum up, here are the best gifts for basketball players we looked at today:

All things considered, there are plenty of different gifts you can give to a basketball player regardless of what occasion or season it is. For starters, Nike Basketball shoes might be the best gifts a player can receive as these are quite expensive and are pretty quick to wear out depending on how often the player plays. Of course, socks such as Nike Elite are essentials for players as these also wear out fast and are so quick to run out if the player frequently plays. And if you are raising a young basketball player still under 10 years of age, a RAMgoal Indoor Mini Basketball Hoop is a perfect give for honing the fundamentals of shooting at an early age.

Other gifts such as an outdoor hoop for older kids can also be good. Nova Portable Basketball Hoop might be a good option for you if you are looking for an outdoor portable hoop. Of course, a Spalding Basketball is essential for any player because of how he or she will not be able to play the sport without an actual ball. And if the recipient is training to become a better ball-handler, POWERHANDZ is great for honing his or her dribbling skills to reach a more advanced level.

But if you are looking for affordable gift ideas in case your budget cannot hold out, there are plenty of basketball books such as those written by Clayton Geoffreys to give you a wide option of inexpensive options. And if you looking to give a basketball coach or manager a gift, why not give him or her an affordable basketball clipboard?

As broad a topic as basketball gift ideas is, we have tried our best to narrow it down to what we believe are the best ones to give in any kind of occasion. We hope that our list of the best gifts for basketball players helps you decide if you are in the market for some awesome and cool gift ideas.

Did you find this helpful? You may also enjoy our other basketball gear reviews here.

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