Gifts for Tennis Players, Minus the Racquet Guesswork
By the Giftruly editorsUpdated 19 hand-picked ideas
Tennis players notice small things. They can feel when their strings have gone dead, when a can of balls has lost its pop, and when an overgrip has turned slick. That sensitivity is what makes them hard to shop for, because the big-ticket items (racquets, strings, shoes) are all matters of feel and fit. It's also what makes the small, right gift land so well.
We start with the gift tennis players secretly want most, which isn't a racquet at all. Then come the refills every bag runs out of, practice tools for days without a hitting partner, match-day gear, a couple of books worth reading between sets, and some starter equipment for beginners and kids. The short list below covers the safest choices.
If they've also picked up a paddle, see our gifts for pickleball players. For a broader mix of game-day ideas, try gifts for sports fans.
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Safest bets for a tennis player
The gift they really want: fresh strings
Racquets are personal. Grip size, weight, balance and head size all change how a frame plays, and most club players have settled on a model after demoing several. Strings are just as particular: some players swear by polyester for spin, others use softer multifilament to spare their elbow, and almost everyone has a preferred tension. Buying either as a surprise is a gamble.
What nearly every regular player needs, and puts off, is a restring. An old rule of thumb says to restring as many times a year as you play per week, and most recreational players fall well behind. A gift card for a restring at their club or local tennis shop lets them get exactly the setup they like. A lesson with the club pro, or tickets to a pro tournament near them, are the other big gifts that never miss.
Bag refills they burn through
Balls go flat, grips wear smooth and dampeners fly off mid-rally. These are inexpensive, always useful and easy to tuck into a card.
1.Tennis Overgrip 12-Pack ~$25
A dozen fresh overgrips. Players have strong preferences between tacky and dry feel, so peek at their handle first.
2.Extra Duty Tennis Balls 3-Can Pack ~$14
Extra duty felt holds up on hard courts. If they mostly play on clay or indoors, look for regular duty instead.
3.Tennis Ball Saver Pressure Keeper ~$15
A pressurized lid that keeps an opened can bouncy for longer, so a fresh can lasts more than one session.
4.Tennis Racquet Vibration Dampener Set ~$8
Small silicone dampeners that sit in the strings. They pop out and get lost, so a colorful spare set is welcome.
5.Tennis Ball Holder Waist Clip ~$10
Holds the second-serve ball at the waist. Great for players in leggings or dresses without a usable pocket.
6.Tennis Wristband and Headband Set ~$14
Terrycloth sweatbands that keep sweat off the grip and out of the eyes. A small classic for hot summer matches.
Practice without a hitting partner
Finding someone to hit with at the right level, at the right time, is the eternal tennis problem. These gifts let a player groove strokes and serves alone.
- Our favorite7
Portable Tennis Ball Machine
~$399
A rechargeable machine that feeds balls at the speed, spin and interval they choose, so they can hit fifty forehands in a row without waiting on anyone. It's the dream gift for a player who's working on their game seriously and has regular court access. Check the weight and battery life against how they'll get it to the court; it's a commitment, not a casual toy.
- 8
Collapsible Tennis Ball Hopper Basket
~$38
A basket of balls is what serve practice is made of, and a hopper lets them scoop balls back up without bending over each time. It pairs naturally with a ball machine, but it's just as useful on its own for anyone who practices serves. It folds flat for the trunk.
- 9
Tennis Ball Pickup Tube
~$20
A long tube that collects balls when pressed down on them. It's a smaller, cheaper cousin of the hopper and a real kindness for older players or anyone with a stiff back. It holds fewer balls, so it suits a short practice session or a group lesson.
- 10
Solo Tennis Trainer Ball with Rope and Base
~$28
A ball on an elastic cord attached to a weighted base, so a stroke can be hit again and again in a driveway. It's best for kids and beginners working on timing; experienced players will find the bounce too unlike a real rally.
Match-day gear
Tennis players carry a lot to the court, and comfortable, practical gear makes match days smoother. Sizes matter here, so keep the receipt.
- 11
Tennis Racquet Backpack
~$60
A padded backpack that holds two racquets, a separate vented pocket for shoes and room for balls and a towel. It suits the player who juggles a racquet bag and a gym bag, and the thermal-lined pouch helps protect strings from a hot car. A sensible gift that doesn't depend on their game at all.
- 12
Tennis Court Shoes
~$90
Tennis shoes have tougher soles and firmer sides than running shoes, made for sliding and stopping hard. Many recreational players wear sneakers far past the point they should, so new court shoes can be a genuinely useful gift. Only buy if you know their size and preferred brand, since tennis shoes run differently.
- 13
Women's Tennis Skirt with Ball Pockets
~$30
A skort with built-in shorts and pockets that hold a ball or phone. It's a good fit for a woman who plays in a league or a clinic and likes classic tennis style. Check her size, and lean toward neutral colors unless you know her favorite.
Two books tennis players pass around
Tennis is as much a mental game as a physical one, and these two books get recommended at club bars and changeovers for good reason.
- 14~$14
The Inner Game of Tennis Book
The classic on focus and getting out of your own way. Perfect for a competitive player who chokes on big points.
Tennis PlayersSports Fanssentimental - 15~$15
Open by Andre Agassi
Agassi's frank memoir of a career he often hated. Gripping even for people who don't follow the pro tour.
Tennis PlayersBook Loversfun - 16~$28
Custom Name Tennis Ball Set
A tube of balls printed with their name or a short message. A sweet thank-you for a coach or league captain.
Tennis PlayersSports Fanspersonalized
For beginners and junior players
If someone is just starting, a basic racquet is a fine gift, because they won't yet have the preferences that make racquets risky. For kids, the right size matters more than the brand.
- 17
Adult Recreational Tennis Racquet
~$60
A pre-strung aluminum racquet that's light and forgiving. It's right for an adult signing up for beginner lessons or playing a few times a summer. Once they're playing weekly, they'll want to demo graphite frames, so don't spend more than this on a first racquet.
- 18
Junior Tennis Racquet Starter Set
~$35
Junior racquets come in lengths from about 19 to 26 inches, and a child learns much faster with one that fits. A common sizing check: the child holds the racquet at their side with the arm straight down, and the tip should just clear the floor. Ask their coach if they're in lessons.
- 19
Kids Foam Tennis Racket and Ball Set
~$24
Foam racquets and soft balls with a little net, safe for indoor play and small backyards. It's a lovely gift from a tennis-playing grandparent who'd like to start the next generation early.
Shop this guide by price
Under $25
$25–$50
What tennis players wish you knew
Don't pick a racquet or strings for a regular player. Give a restring or a demo at their club instead.
Check the court surface they play on most. Hard courts eat extra duty balls; clay and indoor courts don't need them.
Peek at their grip. If they use a white tacky overgrip, buy that; a mismatch will sit in the bag unused.
Experiences are easy wins: a lesson with the club pro, a clinic, or tickets to a pro tournament.
If they have other interests too, our gift finder can pull together a mixed list.
Tennis gift FAQs
Is a tennis racquet a good gift?
For a beginner or a child, yes. For anyone who plays regularly, racquets are personal and are usually chosen after trying several, so a shop gift card or demo program is the better choice.
What is a good cheap gift for a tennis player?
Overgrips, a three-can pack of balls, a ball saver lid, vibration dampeners or a copy of The Inner Game of Tennis all cost under $25.
How often should tennis strings be replaced?
A common rule of thumb is to restring as many times a year as you play per week. Strings lose tension and feel even when they don't break, which is why a restring makes a thoughtful gift.
What can I give a tennis coach?
A custom name ball set, a ball hopper or a tennis book make good thank-you gifts. A card from the whole team or class means a lot too.
If your budget is bigger than a can of balls but you'd rather not gamble on gear, think about the pro game. The US Open in New York each late summer, and the big spring and summer tournaments in California, Florida and Ohio, all sell grounds passes for the early rounds. Those cost far less than seats for the finals and let fans wander between outer courts, watching top players practice from a few feet away. For a player who mostly sees the pros on TV, a day like that is the kind of gift they'll talk about at the club for years.
Closer to home, a weekend clinic or a set of private lessons does something similar: it shows you take their game seriously.