Performance tennis racquet
An essential piece of equipment for any player, offering improved control and power on the court.
Sport & Fitness
Tennis
5 kinds worth knowing, 9 picks, and what to check before you buy.
Tennis gifts usually go to someone who already plays, whether that's a teen in lessons, a parent with a weekly doubles game or a friend who books court time all summer. The gifts that get used are the ones that wear out or get replaced anyway: fresh tennis balls, grips, strings and a good pair of shoes. Bigger items like racquets and bags are personal, so they work best when you know what the player already uses. Think about how often they play and on what surface. A regular player goes through consumables fast, and a restock is rarely unwelcome.
Kind 1 of 5
Gear for regular court time
Most people searching for courts are players looking for their next game, so the useful gift is whatever makes that time on court better. A performance racquet suits someone who plays often and knows what they like. Fresh string suits anyone whose racquet has gone flat or had a string break. Before buying a racquet, check the grip size and head size the player uses now, and ask whether they want something lighter for control or heavier for power. For string, find out the racquet model and whether they restring it themselves or take it to a shop.
High-performance tennis string
Essential for racquet performance, offering varying levels of power, control, and spin depending on the material and gauge.
Kind 2 of 5
Tennis shoes built for the court
Tennis shoes are made for quick side-to-side movement, which running shoes aren't designed for. Court-specific shoes have outsoles made for hard courts, clay or grass, and hard-court soles are the most common pick in Canada and the US. They suit players who are on court at least weekly and have worn through their last pair. Check shoe size and width, whether they play indoors or outdoors, and the surface they play on most. Shoes are a fit-sensitive gift, so a gift receipt helps.
Court-specific tennis shoes
Designed to provide stability and support during quick lateral movements and sudden stops on various court surfaces.
Kind 3 of 5
Fresh tennis balls for any player
Tennis balls lose their bounce once the can is opened, so regular players go through them quickly. That makes a can or a multi-can pack one of the safest gifts in the category, and it suits any level from beginner to league player. Extra-duty balls are made for hard courts, while regular-duty balls suit clay and indoor surfaces. Check which surface the person plays on most. A larger pack works well for someone who practises often or runs a group game.
Wilson US Open tennis balls
US Open official balls in hard-court extra duty felt; a can for a stocking or a case for the season.
Standard tennis ball canister
An essential consumable for practice and match play, ensuring players always have fresh balls on hand.
Kind 4 of 5
Tennis bags and small bag fillers
A multi-racquet bag holds two or more racquets plus shoes, balls, water and a change of clothes, so it suits players who carry backup racquets or head straight to court from work or school. Smaller add-ons like an overgrip pack or a vibration dampener make good stocking stuffers for players who retape their grips often or like a certain feel off the strings. Before buying a bag, count how many racquets they carry and check whether they want a separate shoe compartment. For overgrips, ask if they prefer a tacky or dry feel.
Multi-racquet tennis bag
A practical accessory for carrying racquets, apparel, and other essentials to and from the tennis court.
Racquet overgrip pack
An inexpensive yet crucial accessory that enhances grip, absorbs sweat, and extends the life of a racquet's original grip.
Racquet vibration dampener
A small but effective accessory that reduces string vibrations, offering a more comfortable feel and sound upon ball impact.
Kind 5 of 5
Tennis clothing that moves well
Tennis clothing is made to stretch, breathe and dry quickly during long rallies. Shirts, shorts, skirts and dresses often have ball pockets or liners built in. It suits players who are on court often and anyone joining a club or league with a dress code. Check their size and how they like things to fit, and find out whether their club requires white clothing. Layers like a light zip jacket get worn at outdoor spring and fall games.
Tennis apparel
Comfortable and breathable clothing designed to allow full range of motion and manage moisture during intense play.
How to choose tennis as a gift
- Find out which court surface they play on most, since it affects both the shoes and the type of balls that suit them.
- Consumables like balls, overgrips and string get used up, so they rarely sit unused in a closet.
- Look at their current racquet for grip size and model before buying anything that attaches to it.
- Match the gift to how often they play: a weekly player gets more use from upgrades than someone who plays casually.
- For shoes and clothing, include a gift receipt, since fit matters more than looks.
Usually safe to skip
- Racquets chosen without knowing the player's preferences often miss, because weight, balance and grip size are very personal.
- Novelty tennis gadgets and training gimmicks tend to get tried once and then forgotten.
- Clothing in guessed sizes or bright colours can miss if their club has a dress code or they have a set style.
Questions people ask about tennis
- What is a good tennis gift for someone who already has a racquet?
- Fresh tennis balls, an overgrip pack, new string or a vibration dampener all fit around the racquet they already own. These things get used up or swapped often, so a regular player will use them.
- What's the difference between extra-duty and regular-duty tennis balls?
- Extra-duty balls have a thicker felt made for hard courts, which wear balls down faster. Regular-duty balls are made for clay and indoor courts. If you're not sure, hard courts are the most common surface outdoors in Canada and the US.
- Can regular running shoes be used for tennis?
- Running shoes are built for moving forward, while tennis involves constant side-to-side movement and quick stops. Court-specific tennis shoes have sturdier sides and outsoles made for the surface, so they're the better gift for anyone who plays regularly.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All tennis picks
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