Here is the trick with gifts for tennis players: almost everyone who plays regularly already has a racquet they are loyal to, so the racquet is the one thing you should not buy. The gifts that land are the things tennis quietly eats through, like balls, grips, and string jobs, plus court clothes that get worn every week.
The short list
- Under $25: a 3-can pack of balls, overgrips, performance socks, a wristband
- $25 to $75: a visor, a pleated tennis skirt, a court polo
- $75 and up: a tennis bag, a polo dress, a restring at their local pro shop
- Can’t decide: an e-gift card or a prepaid restring
Gear they burn through
This is where you get the most “how did you know” reactions, because players rarely treat themselves to the basics.
Balls. Pressurized tennis balls lose their bounce within a few sessions of being opened. A regular player goes through cans constantly, so a multi-pack never goes to waste.
Overgrips. The grip gets slick and worn far faster than most players replace it. A pack of 10 or more is a small, very practical gift.
A fresh string job. A common rule of thumb is to restring as many times a year as you play per week. Most recreational players restring far less often than that. A prepaid restring at their club or local pro shop is one of the most useful gifts you can give, and it sidesteps guessing their string preference.
Court clothes they’ll wear every week
Tennis clothes take a beating from sweat and sun, and players appreciate pieces that actually perform.
A pleated skirt with built-in shorts. Look for a skirt with a ball pocket in the shorts and a sweat-wicking fabric. The Birgit Pleated Skirt and the Court Flow Skirt are both court-ready.
A polo or polo dress. Some clubs still expect collared tops or all-white outfits, so a classic polo is a safe bet. Try the Centre Court Polo or the one-and-done Classic Tennis Polo Dress. If you are unsure what their club allows, our guide to what to wear to play tennis covers dress codes.
A visor. It blocks the sun on high tosses without trapping heat on the head. The Halo Visor is a good pick.
Off-court gifts
- A tennis tote or bag. A structured tote fits a racquet, shoes, and a change of clothes for players who go straight from work to the court.
- An insulated bottle. Ice water at changeovers in July matters. The Steel Water Bottle keeps it cold.
- Recovery basics. A foam roller or massage ball for sore calves and forearms after long matches.
Gifts by player type
|
Player |
What they’ll love |
|
New to tennis |
Balls, a visor, and a beginner lesson or clinic |
|
Club regular |
Overgrips, a restring, a new skirt or polo |
|
Competitive junior or league player |
Performance socks, a bigger bag, a restring |
|
Social player |
A cute court outfit and a tote for after-tennis plans |
New players will also appreciate a plain-English rules refresher. Our guide to basic tennis rules is a good one to share.
What not to buy
- A racquet, unless you know their preferred head size, weight, and grip size. These are personal, and the wrong one gets shelved.
- Strings off the shelf. String type and tension are a matter of taste. A prepaid restring lets them choose.
- Novelty mugs and shirts. Fun for a laugh, but they will not make the bag.
Frequently asked questions
What does a tennis player need most?
Fresh balls, a grip that is not slick, strings that are not dead, court shoes, and clothes that handle sweat. Everything else is a bonus.
What is a good tennis gift under $50?
A multi-pack of balls, overgrips, a visor, performance socks, or a wristband set.
What are good tennis gifts for women?
A pleated skirt with built-in shorts, a polo dress, a supportive sports bra, a visor, and a tote that fits a racquet. See the women’s tennis collection.
Is it a good idea to buy someone a tennis racquet?
Only if you know their exact preferences or they are just starting out. Experienced players are particular about racquet specs.
How often should tennis strings be replaced?
A widely used guideline is to restring as many times per year as you play per week. Someone who plays three times a week would restring about three times a year.
The bottom line
Skip the racquet and give them what tennis uses up: balls, grips, a fresh string job, and clothes they will reach for every week. Browse women’s tennis and tennis skirts to round out the gift.
