Slam Dunk Your Gift Giving Game: A Guide to Gifts for Basketball Fans

In many ways, buying the perfect gift is almost a science. The key rule, though, is clear enough: match the gift to the person receiving it. Does the person you're buying a gift for love basketball? If they do, you're in luck! The game of basketball lends itself very well to gifts, from NBA-themed gear and clothing to gadgets like portable hoops. Not sure where to look? We'll get you started on the right track! Read on for a list of ten awesome gifts for basketball fans.

Team Jerseys

Every basketball aficionado loves a nice jersey. On top of showing support for a favorite team or player, jerseys have practical uses. You can wear them while you're working out, playing hoops, or watching a game. If your gift recipient loves a particular player, get them their jersey. If not, consider getting a customized jersey with the person's name on the back. Of course, you'll still have to get their favorite team right!

Themed Clothing

Basketball gear comes in many types, from hats to hoodies. A themed T-shirt, for example, has even more utility than a jersey. You can wear it to pretty much any informal occasion while repping your favorite team. One underrated yet useful piece of clothing is a pair of basketball socks. If your gift recipient loves playing hoops, high-performance socks can take their game to the next level. They're comfortable, reliable, and supportive. On a similar note, a themed shooting sleeve is another great utility gift. Due to its compression, a sleeve helps players warm up faster. Plus, it can help with shooting by decreasing muscle recovery time.

Portable Hoop

When it comes to sports gifts, is there anything more classic than a portable hoop? If you know a kid who's a big basketball fan, give them a hoop they can put in their driveway. It may just make you their favorite person.

If space is an issue, a mini hoop is a nice alternative. This is a common feature in college dorms, even with students who don't care for the game. Be sure to get a hoop you can put on both a door and a wall!

Premium Ball

If there's one thing you can be sure a basketball fan already has, it's the ball. Why buy them another one, then? Simple: depending on how big of a fan they are, there's a decent chance you can get them a better product. For instance, the Wilson Evolution ball is a nice combination of quality, price, and durability. Many athletic organizations use it in official games. The ball also comes in different sizes, so don't forget who you're buying it for.

Basketball Shoes

Like with the ball, a basketball fan likely already has a pair of hooping shoes they're happy with. If they need a new pair, though, this is a great chance to impress them with something that can improve their game. With so many brands out there, picking the right shoes can be tricky. The easy solution would be to stick to Nike, as they're still the leading brand on the market. You can find Nike dunks here now.

Specialized Backpack

Speaking of shoes, your gift recipient will also need something to carry them in. May we suggest a specialized basketball backpack? These backpacks come with unique compartments to fit shoes, a ball, and similar items. The great thing about these backpacks is that you can use them even if you're not heading to the court. They tend to have a variety of pockets, features such as anti-theft hooks, as well as earphones and USB ports.

Basketball Books

There are some books that every basketball fan should read. One of them is The Last Shot by Darcy Frey, which offers an inside look at NYC basketball. It covers the entire basketball journey, from struggles to success. For a more analytical fan, there's nothing better than Wooden: A Coach's Life. It's a biography of John Wooden, an iconic coach and player. Beyond his achievements, the book covers all the lessons Wooden has learned in his life.

Finally, there's Bill Simmons' The Book of Basketball. At 736 pages stacked to the brim with NBA trivia, this is an ideal book for learning about the game. Add in Simmons' witty writing style, and you get a certified hit!

Basketball Movies

As far as gifts for basketball lovers go, movies go hand in hand with books. Most of the great ones focus on coaching a team and the challenges that come with it. Hoosiers and Coach Carter are two great examples.

For a more realistic look at the game, check out Hoop Dreams. The documentary follows two high school prospects trying to get into the NBA. It's smart, heartbreaking, and it's about life as much as it is about basketball.

NBA 2K23

Not that long ago, basketball fans could choose between a variety of NBA-based video games. These days, there's only one game in town: the NBA 2K series. Given how good NBA 2K is, though, this is far from an issue!

The latest game in the series, NBA 2K23 is also one of the best. The on-court gameplay is still fantastic, and the MyCareer mode is better than ever. You also have retro modes featuring NBA legends, including Michael Jordan!

League Pass

We'll top off our list of gifting ideas with the official NBA League Pass. It allows fans to catch their favorite team live, wherever they are. This is a great option for people who can't watch their local team due to blackouts.

On top of being easy to use, League Pass offers plenty of features that make the game more entertaining. For example, you can watch condensed versions of games without commercials and timeouts.

Gifts for Basketball Fans Made Easy

As you can see, gifts for basketball fans come in many forms. Finding the perfect gift will depend on the person receiving it. The above list contains plenty of good ideas to make your shopping decision easier!

Interested in other basketball equipment that can help you on the court? Keep checking out our basketball-related content for expert advice!

Here are Some Other Articles Related to Your Search:

4 Gift Ideas for Athletes & Sports Fans This Holiday Season

Ranking of NBA Playoffs Matchups for 2023

Why We're Drawn to the Competitive Edge: The Top Reasons People Love Sports