The 23 Best Tennis Gifts For Every Type of Player

Sun Bum Bonfire Tinted Lip Balm SPF 15 ($6)

While most people don't play tennis in a full face of makeup, I like to have a pop of color to accompany my on-court beauty look. I love this Sun Bum Tinted Lip Balm, because it has UVA and UVB sun protection, a silky texture, and a cocoa butter scent that smells like vacation. This lip balm is available in a range of five shades (including a dusky pink and a darker raisin), all of which lend a subtle but noticeable tint. Like wristbands and sunscreen, tennis players go through a lot of SPF lip balm, so an extra tube or two makes a great gift for players who like to look just a little bit more polished.

Wilson Wristbands ($6)

Tennis is a sweaty sport, and sweaty hands can be a player's worst enemy. A pair of classic white wristbands, like these from Wilson, are a great go-to gift for all levels of tennis players. Wristbands can keep your hands clean and dry while you're playing tennis, allowing for better grip when serving or smashing backhands. Tennis players who live in hot climates will especially appreciate this gift, because they not only need wristbands, but they go through them pretty quickly, which means a new pair is always a welcome addition. You can give these as a stocking stuffer or buy a bunch of them in bulk for a more substantial gift.

PS Magnesium Bath Flakes ($7)

My tennis pro brother relies on hot soaks in the bath to help his muscles recover from especially intense matches or just the daily physical stress of his job. These magnesium-infused bath flakes are an ideal antidote for sore muscles at the end of the day and a great gift for people who play tennis regularly. Magnesium is known to help ease muscle tension, improve sleep quality, and reduce stress levels. The unscented formula is great for people who are sensitive to fragrance, but this product is also available as PS Lavender Magnesium Bath Flakes ($7) or the PS Eucalyptus Magnesium Bath Flakes ($7).

"The Inner Game of Tennis" Paperback Book ($11)

This book is a classic for a reason, and if the tennis player in your life doesn't have "The Inner Game of Tennis" on their bookshelf, this book is a must-have gift for beginners to advanced players. Originally published in 1972 and popularized by players like Billie Jean King, this book uses mindfulness and visualization to help players overcome their toughest opponents: their own brains, anxiety, and doubt. Available in hardback, paperback, audiobook, and Kindle e-book, "The Inner Game of Tennis" is a gift your loved ones can revisit anytime they're encountering a new hurdle in their game.

Tennis Court Keytag ($15)

This cute, compact keychain from Various Keytags makes a great stocking stuffer for the tennis players in your life. Available in royal blue, burgundy, classic tennis-court green, and gray, this minimalist design evokes the lines of a tennis court without indulging in the sometimes too-cutesy aesthetic of tennis-themed tchotchkes. I have owned several Various Keytags over the years, and they hold up well to wear and tear, and these keychains get so many compliments. This keychain would make a great gift for your tennis team or a cute addition to a gift bag at a tennis tournament.

Acosen Tennis Bag ($20, originally $22)

If you're buying a gift for someone who is just getting started playing tennis, consider this affordable but versatile backpack from Acosen. Designed to hold one or two tennis racquets or pickleball paddles, this bag makes a great gift for folks who go back and forth between tennis and pickleball. Although the bag is lightweight and not at all bulky, this backpack has room for everything you'll need for a casual match or a lesson, including a water bottle and a can of balls. This backpack comes in a variety of color combinations and patterns, including a fun tropical print.

Swiftwick Non-Slip Crew Socks ($24)

Tennis players go through a lot of socks – sometimes multiple pairs in one match. Often for the holidays, my mom will just give my tennis-player brother a giant box of socks. I recently discovered these Swiftwick Flite XT socks, which I love for tennis because they have built-in stability and ankle support, which is crucial for the side-to-side movements in tennis. They are also sweat-wicking to keep your feet comfortable on hot days. Also, for players who primarily play on clay, the crew length will prevent court grit from invading your socks, and you'll be in on the latest cool socks trend.

Goodr OG Sunglasses ($27, originally $30)

Most tennis players prefer polarized sunglasses, specially designed for sports, but many of the top brands of athletic sunglasses can cost a sweaty arm and a leg. Many of the tennis pros I know swear by pairs from the Goodr brand, which is a much more affordable line of polarized sunglasses — which is especially good for people like me, who tend to lose their sunglasses too easily. These sunglasses have a classic silhouette that doesn't scream sporty, and the frames come in a choice of nine different colors. They are also made from a grippy frame so they don't slide around when you sweat.

West Elm Tennis Scene Beach Towel ($29)

If the tennis fan in your life also frequents the pool, beach, or park, consider gifting this stylish cotton beach towel. The classy design sports an artsy tennis court motif, which incorporates soft and gentle colors. With velour on one side and super-absorbent terrycloth on the other, this 40" x 70" towel looks cute on a hook or on the sand. As a bonus, this beach towel gift comes in handy as a blanket or extra cushion if you're just watching a match, not playing in one, making it a great gift for tennis players and fans alike.

Baleaf Pleated Tennis Skirt ($30)

You don't have to play tennis to rock a tennis skirt. This clothing item is a great gift for anyone active. But tennis players will always welcome a new tennis skirt. I own several skirts from the popular Amazon brand Baleaf, and they are remarkably well made. I love that this skirt has a sort of business in front, party in the back vibe, with the feminine pleating on the tush. Plus, the no-slip built-in shorts don't ride up, and there are three hidden pockets perfect for your phone, lip balm, and balls. This skirt also comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, pink, and baby blue.

A coffee table book makes a great gift. This stunning photography book, spotlighting 200 of the best tennis courts from around the world, is the type of table topper that tennis fans will love but are unlikely to buy for themselves. The Tennis Court: A Journey to Discover the World's Greatest Tennis Courts ($29.89) by Nick Pachelli profiles tennis courts that are iconic, aesthetically pleasing, obscure, and unpredictable. Fans will recognize famous courts like Roland-Garros and enjoy voyeuristic peeks at hidden gems, such as a one-court tennis club in Venice, Italy.

Supergoop! Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF 50 ($30)

When you're playing in a tournament or just a long match, you're probably going to want to reapply your sunscreen once or twice. I love Supergoop! Glow Stick SPF 50 because I can reapply it to my face even if my hands are dirty or sweaty. Plus, this oil-infused sunscreen goes on clear and doubles as a highlighter, leaving your skin with a dewy finish. I also like that it's easy to twist up and down, which means it's unlikely to make a big sticky mess in your tennis bag. This sunscreen incorporates buriti oil, pracaxi oil and tamanu oil, making it an ideal gift for tennis players with normal to dry skin types.

Vacation X Prince Ball Boy Scented Candle ($42)

Adorably poured into a glass container that evokes a can of tennis balls, this "ball boy" scented candle collaboration from Vacation and Prince has notes of freshly opened tennis balls, sunscreen, cotton sweatbands, and cucumber sandwiches. The retro design evokes Grand Slams of the 1970s and '80s, and this affordable candle would make a great year-end gift for your tennis coach, your doubles partner, or (why not?) everyone on your tennis team. Plus, the soy-blend wax candle is vegan and cruelty-free with a high-quality cotton wick.

Mark and Graham Tennis Double Old Fashioned Glasses ($49)

Tennis is a notoriously social sport, with mixed doubles and mixers forming the nucleus of many players' social lives. Sold by Mark and Graham, these old-fashioned glasses are ideal for hosting a post-match cocktail hour, with a pastel tennis racquet motif adorning the glass and an optional monogram for an additional $12.50. Stir up some bourbon old-fashioneds or negronis and celebrate the end of the tennis season, or gather your teammates to reflect on the highlights and lowlights of your last match. These glasses make a great gift for a couple who feels equally passionate about serving tennis balls and serving drinks.

Athleta Ace High Rise 13 1/2 Tennis Skort ($50, originally $69)

Another brand beloved by me and the other tennis players in my life is Athleta, and this Ace High Rise Tennis Skirt makes a great gift for tennis players of all levels. I love the combination of high waist and miniskirt length, which is comfortable and flattering. This skirt also comes in a broad range of sizes, from XXS to 3X, though in my experience, you should go one size up from what you'd normally wear. Basic black is always a great option, though this versatile skirt also comes in white, navy, and royal blue.

Alo Airbrush Streamlined Bra Tank ($78)

With so many high-waisted skirt options for tennis players, sometimes all you need to complete your athletic look is a really striking sports bra — especially when you're playing in extreme heat. This Alo Bra Tank offers the support of a sports bra (including removable cups) with the style of a crop top. Available in solid black, cream with black trim, or black with white trim, this top features under-bust piping that accentuates your assets. This sports bra tank (which I could easily see Zendaya's character wearing in "Challengers") pairs well with a tennis skirt or a pair of denim cutoffs when you're off the court.

Penn Championship Tennis Balls ($84, originally $107)

Listen, you can get really cute with tennis ball gifts, with options in unexpected colors like pink or tennis balls that you can personalize or monogram. But going by the tennis players I know and love, you really can't go wrong with a gift of classic Penn Championship tennis balls. While 24 cans might seem like a lot for the non-player, tennis players will love this plentiful pack of balls — given they have sufficient storage space, of course. Plus, this gift really keeps on giving; everytime they crack open a fresh can, they will think of you.

Mark and Graham Short Pajama Set ($89)

For the player who dreams of tennis, this set of shorts pajamas from Mark and Graham would be a welcome addition to a sleepytime wardrobe. Crafted from lightweight viscose, these PJs feature a button-up short-sleeved shirt and matching shorts, decorated with tiny little tennis racquets. Available in small, medium, and large, this set would be ideal for someone who has a big match coming up out of town; I could also imagine getting matching pajamas for me and my tennis partner. Similar to most Mark and Graham products, you can pay an extra $12.50 to have these personalized with embroidered lettering.

Uncommon Goods On The Court Tennis Embroidered Sweatshirt ($98)

Tennis has a reputation for being the sport with the best clothes, including short skirts and dresses. But it also has a preppy legacy that lends itself to nostalgic, vintage-inspired fashion. This retro embroidered sweatshirt from Uncommon Goods looks great on the way to and from the match, but it's stylish enough that you could wear it far away from the court with a pair of jeans. Available in sizes small to XXL and made from 100% cotton, this sweatshirt would make a great gift for tennis players of any gender.

K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 HB Court Tennis Shoe ($115)

If you know that the tennis player in your life is in the market for new shoes, I highly recommend the K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2. (They also sell a similar model for people who play exclusively on clay courts.) I have tried many brands of tennis shoes, but these are the pair I keep coming back to, and the same can be said for the other women in my life who play tennis. They require no breaking in whatsoever; you can just lace them up and hustle onto the court. Plus, they come in so many fun color combinations, including a charming sea-foam green and a peachy white combo. These shoes run true to size and work on many different kinds of feet.

Outdoor Voices Volley Dress ($108)

If you're considering giving a tennis dress as a gift, you really can't go wrong with this piece from Outdoor Voices, available in sizes ranging from XXS to XXXL. The Volley Dress — available in black, navy, olive, and tangerine — has a classic fit-and-flare silhouette and built-in shorts with pockets. But maybe the best thing about the Volley Dress is how flattering and comfortable it is for tennis bodies in a variety of shapes and sizes. It's sweat-wicking and breathable while also giving wearers support in all the key areas. This dress is on the pricier side, but the fact that it's a splurge is precisely what makes it a great gift.

Beach Riot Astrid Cutout Tennis Dress ($138)

In swimming pool blue with white trim, this Beach Riot dress has a retro style that will really stand out on the court. The cutout and faux wrap details make this dress a fashionable addition to a summer wardrobe, but it's also functional for tennis players with a built-in sports bra and shorts. If you're looking for a gift for players whose style is a little bit edgier, this eye-catching tennis dress will delight on the court or off.

ADV Tennis Backpack V2 ($225)

For the very serious tennis players in your life – especially those who do a lot of traveling — I recommend splurging on a very nice tennis bag as a gift. This cleverly designed backpack from upstart brand ADV has many thoughtful design details that players will appreciate, including room for three racquets, a built-in cooler (for drinks or sunscreen), and a compartment for dirty shoes and sweaty clothes. This backpack also has a ton of pockets for accessories, including a laptop pouch, making it ideal for student athletes. In addition, this larger-profile backpack is remarkably comfortable to wear, and you can either stand it up straight or hang it up during game play.

Nancy Einhart is the head of content at PS, where she manages the editorial, video, social content, and creative teams. She previously worked at PS from 2006 to 2020, where she served as executive editor and SVP of content, overseeing entertainment and lifestyle creators. Nancy worked from 2020 to 2023 as a content strategy consultant. Before working at PS, Nancy was a senior editor at Time Inc.'s Business 2.0 magazine and a music writer for SF Weekly.