Sport & Fitness

Basketball

8 kinds worth knowing, 9 picks, and what to check before you buy.

Representative photo-style image of basketball — generated, not a specific product
Representative image, generated

Basketball gifts usually go to kids, teens and adults who already play, whether that means a school team, a driveway game or a few shots between homework. What gets used most is simple: a good ball, a hoop at the right height and gear that fits how and where they play. Before you choose, figure out if they play mostly indoors or outside, and whether they have space at home. A portable outdoor basketball hoop suits a family with a driveway. An official size basketball is a safe bet for a teen who plays on a team. Smaller extras like a mini hoop or a replica jersey work well for fans who watch more than they play.

Kind 1 of 8

A hoop to practise on at home

A hoop at home turns spare minutes into practice time. Wall-mounted and in-ground systems stay put, while portable models can be moved or stored for winter. Hoops suit kids and teens who shoot around often and families with a driveway or yard. Before buying, measure the space, check whether the height adjusts for younger players and look at the backboard material. Think about who will put it together, since full-size systems take real time and at least two people to set up.

Kind 2 of 8

Jerseys for fans of a team

A jersey lets a fan wear their team or favourite player, at games, in the gym or around the house. They suit teens and adults who follow the pro or college game closely. Before buying, confirm which team and player they actually support, since favourites change with trades. Check the sizing chart, because jerseys often fit loose or long, and decide if they want one for playing in or one mainly for wearing to watch games.

  • Representative photo-style image of replica basketball team jersey — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

    Replica basketball team jersey

    A popular gift for fans and players alike, perfect for showing team spirit or wearing during casual play.

Kind 3 of 8

A new ball for regular players

A new ball is one of the most-used gifts in this category, since balls wear out, lose their grip or go missing. It suits almost any player, from a young beginner to a teen on a school team. Check the size first, because younger kids use smaller balls than teens and adults. Then think about where it will be used: indoor balls feel softer on gym floors, while balls made for pavement hold up better outside.

Kind 4 of 8

Mini hoops for bedrooms and offices

A mini hoop hangs over a door or sits on a desk, with a small foam or rubber ball for quick shots. It suits kids, teens and office workers who like a short break, and it works as a fun gift for a coach or a fan who doesn't play much. Before buying, check how it mounts, since some clip over a door and others need a flat surface. Make sure the ball is soft enough for indoor spaces.

  • Illustration of Mini Desktop Basketball Hoop

    Curated pick$15–$25

    Mini Desktop Basketball Hoop

    Turns the coworker you barely know into the most visited desk on the floor.

Kind 5 of 8

Gear made for playing outside

Outdoor play means rough pavement, weather and cold hands in the fall. Gear built for outside, especially balls, uses tougher covers that keep their grip on asphalt longer. This suits players who mostly use driveways, park courts or school yards. Before buying, check that the ball or hoop is labelled for outdoor use. Keep in mind that in much of Canada, outdoor play slows down in winter, so a gift that also works indoors can get more use.

Kind 6 of 8

Training extras and gear for players

Beyond the ball and hoop, players use a range of smaller gear: a pump to keep balls inflated, cones for dribbling drills, arm sleeves, court shoes and a bag to carry it all. These suit teens on a team, dedicated young players and coaches. Before buying, ask what they already own and what wore out last season. Shoes and sleeves need exact sizing, so gear like a pump, cones or a bag is easier to get right as a surprise.

  • Representative photo-style image of ball pump and needle set — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually under $15

    Ball pump and needle set

    A practical and necessary gift for any basketball player to ensure their ball is always properly inflated for optimal performance.

  • Representative photo-style image of dribbling training cones set — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Dribbling training cones set

    A practical accessory for players looking to improve their ball handling, agility, and court awareness during practice sessions.

  • Representative photo-style image of athletic arm compression sleeve — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually under $15

    Athletic arm compression sleeve

    Provides muscle support, helps with circulation, and can offer a layer of protection during intense basketball games and practices.

  • Representative photo-style image of performance basketball footwear — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually over $100

    Performance basketball footwear

    Designed to provide optimal support, cushioning, and traction for quick movements and jumps on the court.

  • Representative photo-style image of sports equipment duffel bag — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Sports equipment duffel bag

    An essential item for athletes to conveniently carry their basketball, shoes, apparel, and other accessories to and from the court.

Kind 7 of 8

Portable hoops for driveways

A portable outdoor hoop sits on a base filled with sand or water, so it can go on a driveway without digging or mounting anything. It suits families who rent, move often or want to roll the hoop aside for cars or snow. Before buying, check how far the height adjusts, how big the backboard is and whether the base fits the space. Plan for assembly time and for the work of filling the base.

  • Representative photo-style image of portable outdoor basketball hoop — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually over $100

    Portable outdoor basketball hoop

    An excellent gift for families or individuals who want to practice their game in a driveway or backyard.

Kind 8 of 8

Full-size balls for teens and adults

An official size ball is the full size used in most men's high school, college and pro games. It suits teen boys and adult players who want the same feel they get in games. Women's and girls' leagues, and younger kids, usually use smaller sizes, so confirm which one the player uses before buying. Also decide between an indoor ball for gym floors and one built to handle outdoor courts.

  • Representative photo-style image of official size basketball — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Official size basketball

    This classic gift is perfect for players of all levels who enjoy shooting hoops or practicing their dribbling skills.

How to choose basketball as a gift

  • Confirm the ball size the player actually uses in their league, since it changes with age and between boys' and girls' play.
  • Ask whether they mostly play indoors or outside, then pick a ball or hoop made for that surface.
  • Measure the driveway or wall space before choosing a full-size hoop, and plan who will assemble it.
  • For team fans, check which team and player they follow right now before choosing a jersey.
  • Small practical gear like a pump or a duffel bag is easy to get right when you're unsure what they own.

Usually safe to skip

  • Shoes bought as a surprise often miss, because players are picky about fit and feel on the court.
  • Jerseys for a player who was traded or retired can feel outdated to a fan who follows the team closely.
  • Indoor-only balls given to someone who plays on pavement wear out quickly and lose their grip.

Questions people ask about basketball

What size basketball should I buy for a teenager?
Most teen boys and men use the official full size. Teen girls and women usually use a slightly smaller size, and younger kids use smaller balls again. Ask the player or their coach which size their league uses before you buy.
Is a portable basketball hoop a good gift for a family?
It can be a great one if there's a driveway or flat spot to put it. Portable hoops need no digging, the height often adjusts for different ages and they can be moved when needed. Check the space and plan for assembly.
What basketball gift works for someone who doesn't play much?
A mini hoop for a bedroom door or desk, or a jersey from their favourite team, suits fans who watch more than they play. Both are easy to enjoy without a court or a team schedule.

Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.

Everything else

All basketball picks

Show:AllSpecific productsGift ideasBudget:AnyUnder $15$15–$25$25–$50$50–$100Over $100

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