From the Court to the Locker Room: Top Gifts for Basketball Players
Buying Guide
Looking for a gift for the everyday player or the hoops-obsessed fan? Here's the game-changing guide from Nike.
Between late-night training sessions, casual games at the park and repping your favourite team, basketball is a year-round sport.
Since there's no true off-season, there's always reason to find the perfect gift for the basketball player or fan in your life.
From shoes to apparel and accessories, here's the ultimate gift guide from Nike to outfit the hooper on the go.
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Gifts for the on-court basketball player
Shoes
For basketball players, a pair of shoes is more than gear—it's their identity.
The right pair helps them cut, jump and lock down their opponent, all while keeping their feet fresh through to the fourth quarter.
Nike offers several options for players from our signature athlete shoes to high-performance styles that help elevate their game.
Key features to look for in basketball shoes
- Traction to make quick cuts and strong pivots.
- Cushioning to absorb jumps and impact.
- Support and fit to help keep ankles stable.
- Durability to last multiple seasons throughout indoor/outdoor play.
Signature styles to shop for
- LeBron James: The King's collection has lasted for nearly a quarter of a century—for good reason. For the absolute best in Nike tech that pushes the boundaries of sport science and innovation, his shoes have been built to play fast and powerful, like The Chosen One himself.
"Over two decades later, we're still going strong, inspiring the next generation", says LeBron. - Sabrina Ionescu: precise, refined and crafted with attention to detail, Sabrina's shoe perfectly matches the magic she displays on the court.
"I hope it inspires all hoopers, especially young girls, helping them continue to break down barriers and believe in themselves", says Sabrina. - A'ja Wilson: built for comfort, versatility and style, the A'One redefined the shoe game and is engineered to put all defenders on notice.
"When athletes wear my shoe or any of the pieces from my collection, I want them to feel that power behind the logo: the power to dream big, then put in the work—in style and confidence", says A'ja. - Ja Morant: fast, fearless and edgy, Ja's collection is built for those high-flyers and players who can electrify the game at any moment.
"That's what I'm about", says Ja. "No limits, no second-guessing. Just go". - GT Series (Cut, Jump and Hustle): designed for different player styles and strengths, the GT Series shoes are designed for a series of moves from quick cuts, jumping and all-out hustle.
Apparel
When the intensity heats up, the right gear can help players and coaches stay cool and dry. Skip the sticky and sweaty fabric—gift them the essentials to keep them focused on the game.
Key features to look for in basketball apparel
- Breathability to help you stay cool.
- Dri-FIT technology to help wick away sweat from your skin.
- Lightweight fabric to help you play without distractions.
Essentials to shop for
- Tops: our Dri-FIT tops, including for both training and basketball, wick away sweat during practice and games, as well as giving an effortless, laid-back look that can be paired with anything.
- Shorts: our signature DNA and Crossover styles are breathable and come in a variety of inseam lengths (from 12.5cm to 25.5cm (approx.)), colours and designs to cater to any hooper.
- Tights: get that extra support and a compressive feel with our Nike Pro Tights. They can be worn underneath basketball shorts to score style points.
- Socks: never overlook a new pair of socks to match your shoes. They come in a variety of lengths (crew, ankle and no-show) with sweat-wicking tech to help feet stay comfortable while hustling up and down the court.
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Gifts for off-court basketball wear
For true hoop lovers, the game never really ends.
Whether they're heading to practice, running post-game errands or winding down after a win at home, gift them the essentials to keep them looking sharp and feeling comfortable all day long.
Key features to look for in off-court gear
- Comfort for that easy transition to on-court play
- Layering options to help keep them warm
- Basketball style that fits their unmistakable hoops love
Styles to shop for
- Standard Issue: fill that spot in your rotation with these classic pieces that feature our performance fleece and sweat-wicking Dri-FIT technology. From hoodies to sweatshirts to trousers, the Standard Issue Collection is designed for that athletic look you can take anywhere.
- T-shirts: you can never have enough T-shirts. From your classic fit to a roomier Max90 fit, there's a style for any basketball fan.
- Signature athlete collections: not only do Nike athletes have their own shoes, they give insights during the design process for their own apparel collections every season. From LeBron to Caitlin Clark to Sabrina to Ja and A'ja, their clothing is crafted to fit their style with details that connect to their own journey.
Gifts for the basketball fan
Other must-have basketball gifts
These equipment and accessory essentials help players stay ready, recover quickly and give a personalised basketball touch to their game.
Styles to shop for
- Bags: every athlete needs a storage option for their shoes, a change of clothes and necessities before they're off to hoop. Help them stay organised and clean by choosing from an assortment of Nike bags.
The Classic Duffel is spacious with compartments to keep things separated. The Nike Varsity Elite Backpack holds everything for the hooper on the go, even a compartment for a full-size ball and separate pockets for sweaty clothes and basketball shoes. - Slides: ask any player—slides are a lifesaver after a hard session on the court. They slip on fast, help feet recover and keep your basketball shoes clean from wear and tear off the court. It's a win all around.
The ReactX Rejuven8 Slides use some of Nike's best tech, like our soft and responsive ReactX foam, for recovery after a long session. The OffCourt Slides use dual-layered foam and a plush strap for that extra recharge, plus they come in many colours and graphics from your favourite team. - Shooting sleeves: gift the look of the pros. Shooting sleeves provide that extra support, while helping keep muscles warm and offering a look that's instantly recognisable on the court.
- Basketball: the feel of a fresh ball is unmatched—that perfect grip, clean bounce and new ball smell. Just remember, their sizes differ by age and indoor vs indoor/outdoor use makes a difference. The Elite All-Court Ball is built for both tarmac and gyms, while the Elite Championship Ball brings a pro-level feel to indoor play.
For more gift ideas, head to Nike.com to see everything we offer for the hooper in your life.
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