Portable volleyball net set
Perfect for backyard fun or park outings, this set allows for spontaneous games anywhere.
Sport & Fitness
Volleyball
8 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.
Volleyball gifts mostly go to teens and tweens who play on a school or club team, plus families who set up a game in the backyard or at the beach. What gets used most is gear a player touches every practice, like a good ball or a pair of knee pads, and anything that lets them play more often, like a volleyball net that goes up in minutes. Start by finding out whether they play indoors, on sand or casually on grass, because the right gear is different for each. Then think about whether the gift is for their own practice time or something the whole group can use.
Kind 1 of 8
A net for backyard and park games
A portable net set turns any open patch of grass or sand into a court, which makes it a good gift for a whole family or a teen with friends nearby. Most sets come with poles, guy lines, stakes and a carry bag. Before buying, check whether the height adjusts between men's and women's play, how long setup takes, and whether the stakes suit the ground where it will be used. Also check that the bag is sturdy enough for trips to the cottage or beach.
Kind 2 of 8
Gear for playing on the beach
Beach volleyball is a different game from the indoor version: two players a side, a softer ball, and bare feet or sand socks. It suits players who spend summers at the lake or have joined an outdoor league. Sand socks are a small, practical gift that keeps grit out and makes hot or rough sand more comfortable. Before buying, check the sizing chart, since a loose fit tends to slide around, and look for a strap or closure that stays put through quick moves.
Beach volleyball sand socks
Designed for sand play, these socks protect feet from hot or cold sand and provide grip.
Kind 3 of 8
A good ball of their own
Most players practise with whatever balls their team has on hand, so a quality ball of their own gets plenty of use for passing drills at home. An official size ball suits teens and adults, while younger players often do better with a lighter one. Check whether the ball is made for indoor or outdoor play, since indoor balls wear quickly on sand and pavement. Look at the cover material too: a soft composite cover feels better on the forearms during long passing sessions.
Official size volleyball
Ideal for players of all levels, this ball is suitable for both indoor and outdoor play.
Kind 4 of 8
Knee pads for indoor players
Knee pads are standard kit for indoor players who dig and dive on hardwood, and they wear out, so a fresh pair is rarely wasted. They suit anyone on a school or club team. Check sizing carefully, because pads that are too loose slip down and ones that are too tight get left in the bag. Look at the thickness of the padding, since liberos and defensive players usually want more than hitters do, and check whether the fabric can go in the wash.
Volleyball knee pads
Essential for safeguarding knees during dives and slides, these pads offer comfort and impact absorption.
Kind 5 of 8
Extras for sand court regulars
Sand volleyball players play in heat, wind and grit, so their wish list is different from an indoor player's. Useful gifts include an outdoor ball, sand socks, a visor or sunglasses strap, and a bag that shakes clean easily. This kind of gift suits someone in a summer league or a teen who plays at a local beach court most weekends. Before buying, ask whether they play doubles or larger groups, and whether the court is public or at a club with its own equipment.
Kind 6 of 8
Arm sleeves for passing practice
Arm sleeves cover the forearms, where the ball makes contact on every pass and dig, and many players simply like how they look with a team uniform. They suit indoor players, especially tweens and teens still getting used to passing. Check sizing by arm measurement rather than age, and look for a breathable, stretchy fabric that won't bunch at the elbow. Colours that match team or school colours are a nice touch, since some leagues ask players to coordinate.
Volleyball arm sleeves
These sleeves provide forearm protection and help improve ball control during serves and passes.
Kind 7 of 8
Tools for coaches and serious practice
Coaches, team parents and players who train on their own all make good use of practical training gear. A clipboard with a printed court makes it easy to plan rotations during a timeout. A rolling ball cart keeps practice moving, and a solo training aid lets a player work on serves or passes without a partner. Before buying, find out whether the coach already has team equipment, how much storage space there is, and whether the training aid works indoors, outdoors or both.
Volleyball coaching clipboard
An essential tool for strategizing and demonstrating plays, suitable for coaches and team captains.
Rolling volleyball ball cart
This convenient cart simplifies ball storage and transport for coaches or team practices.
Solo volleyball training aid
This device helps players practice serving and spiking techniques independently, improving skills.
Kind 8 of 8
Padded sleeves for heavy defenders
Arm pads are sleeves with padding sewn in along the forearm, a step up from plain sleeves. Defensive players who take a lot of hard-driven balls tend to like them. Before buying, check that the padding sits where the ball actually lands, between the wrist and elbow, and that it won't change how the ball comes off the arms. Some players find thick padding throws off their feel, so it helps to ask first or pick a slimmer design.
How to choose volleyball as a gift
- Find out whether they play indoors, on sand or casually outdoors before choosing a ball or any accessories.
- Get sizes for knee pads, sleeves and sand socks from their current gear rather than guessing by age.
- Match team or school colours for wearable gear, since some teams ask players to coordinate.
- For a family or friend group, shared gear like a portable net often gets more use than individual accessories.
- Ask a parent or coach what the team already supplies so you don't double up.
Usually safe to skip
- Indoor balls for outdoor play usually miss, because the cover wears quickly on sand, grass and pavement.
- Novelty or mini volleyballs rarely get used past the first day by players on an actual team.
- Generic sport pads bought without sizing tend to slip or pinch and end up forgotten in a gym bag.
Questions people ask about volleyball
- What size volleyball should I buy for a teenager?
- Most teens use an official size ball, the same size used in high school and adult play. Younger tweens may prefer a lighter version of the same size, which is easier on the arms while they build technique. Make sure the ball matches where they play: indoor or outdoor.
- Is there a difference between indoor and beach volleyballs?
- Yes. Beach balls are usually a little larger, softer and lower in pressure so they float in the wind and stand up to sand and sun. Indoor balls are firmer and have covers made for smooth gym floors. Each one wears out faster when used in the wrong setting.
- How do I pick the right size knee pads as a gift?
- Check the sizing chart, which is usually based on the measurement around the leg just above or below the knee. If you can, look at the size of their current pads or ask a parent. A snug pad that stays in place without pinching is the goal.
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Everything else
All volleyball picks
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