The best gifts for basketball players are things they will use on the court every week: a ball that never needs a pump, a ball that stands out at night and an easy way to drink water during training. Below are three gift ideas for basketball players from our gift ideas collection, with who each one suits.
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What to look for in gifts for basketball players
- Where they play: indoor gym, smooth outdoor court or a mix of both.
- When they play: players who shoot after dark need a ball they can see.
- How they train: players who run drills or jog for fitness need water close at hand.
1. Apex Airless Basketball (Size 7)
The Apex Airless Basketball is a 3D-printed ball with a double-layer honeycomb shell and no air inside, so it can't go flat, leak or need a pump. It is size 7, 29.5 inches around, and weighs 600 ± 50 g. It is made for indoor courts and smooth outdoor surfaces, and comes in orange, black, blue, red, purple, silver and white. Note that it is not approved for official games, so it is a ball for training and pickup play.
Wondering where it can be used? Read Can You Use an Airless Basketball Outdoors?
Who it's for: the player who keeps a ball in the car or at the park and is tired of checking air pressure. Also a talking point for anyone who likes new tech.
2. SPECTRA Luminous Reflective Basketball
The SPECTRA Luminous Reflective Basketball has a holographic outer layer that reflects streetlights, car headlights and a phone camera flash in many colors, which makes the ball easier to follow in low light. It is a size 7 ball with a polyurethane (PU) cover, a rubber bladder and a nylon-wound layer, and is made for both concrete courts and indoor floors. Colors are purple, green and white.
Who it's for: streetball players who shoot in the evening, and players who film their moves for social media.
3. Running Wrist Water Bottle
The Running Wrist Water Bottle straps to the forearm and holds 200 ml of water. A silicone bite valve opens when you sip and seals again after. The strap is nylon webbing with a soft neoprene backing and an adjustable hook-and-loop closure, and the bottle is BPA-free. Our guide on the wrist water bottle for running covers when to use one.
Who it's for: players who add running or conditioning to their basketball training.
Gift ideas by type of player
- The park regular: the airless basketball, since there is no pump to carry.
- The night shooter: the reflective basketball.
- The fitness-focused player: the wrist water bottle for runs and conditioning days.
Shopping for more than one player on your list? Browse our unique gift ideas for other sports and hobbies.
Choosing a color
Both basketballs come in several colors, which makes it easy to match a gift to the player. The airless ball comes in seven colors: orange for a classic court look, black, blue, red, purple, silver or white. The reflective ball comes in purple, green or white. If the player has a favorite team color, that is a simple way to choose. If not, orange is the safe classic for the airless ball.
Putting together a basketball gift bundle
For a bigger gift, pair one ball with the wrist water bottle. A ball covers the time on court, and the bottle covers runs and conditioning days, so the gift fits more of their training week. For two siblings or teammates, one airless ball and one reflective ball give each player something different to use on the same court.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good gift for a basketball player?
A ball they can use every week is a safe choice. An airless basketball suits players who hate pumping up balls, and a reflective ball suits players who shoot at night.
Can the airless basketball be used in official games?
No. It is not approved for official play. It is for training and casual games on indoor courts and smooth outdoor surfaces.
What size are these basketballs?
Both are size 7.
Do you ship gifts worldwide?
Yes. Triovari offers free worldwide shipping with no duties to pay on delivery.
See all gift ideas: Unique gifts for him, her and home · free worldwide shipping, no duties.