The best Nike gift ideas for basketball players

Shopping for a basketball fan may feel a bit overwhelming because there are so many options. From memorabilia and equipment to jerseys and sneakers, there are thousands of gift ideas for basketball players. The trick to giving the perfect item: think about what the b-ball fan in your life can enjoy both on and off the court. For example, warm-up gear, sweat-wicking socks and basketball shorts can double as casual wardrobe staples. Plus, versatile options like sweatbands and backpacks can come in handy for other athletic endeavours.

Whether you're shopping for a birthday, the festive season or something else, these gifts for basketball players will be a slam dunk with the players, coaches and hoops fans in your life—and are sure to get lots of use.

(Related: Every position in basketball, explained)

Running up and down the court, pivoting away from opponents and snagging rebounds can be tough on the feet. So don't underestimate how thankful hoops enthusiasts will be to unwrap new pairs of socks that will give them some cushioning. If you have a lower budget, give a sampler of different styles so they can find their new favourite—you can never go wrong with a pair made with sweat-wicking, Dri-FIT technology, which helps feet stay dry and cool. Want to give a bit more? Put a bow around a pair or two of no-show, ankle or crew socks, along with one of Nike's latest drops, such as the KD17 basketball shoe, a collab with Kevin Durant.

You can't put together a list of the best gifts for basketball players without including some bags. Whether they're toting a lot of stuff to the court or just a change of clothes, Nike has an option to keep their gear organised.

For the baller going from work or school to the court, consider a large bag with padded adjustable straps and a laptop compartment, like the Jordan Monogram Backpack. For those with less stuff, the Nike Brasilia Training Gymsack is perfect for essentials, like a water bottle and a post-game sweatshirt. And if you're looking for the perfect thing for someone into merch, Nike has NBA backpacks that allow them to show off their devotion to their favourite team.

(Related: The best Nike bags for basketball gear)

If you're a hoops fan, you've probably noticed that many pros wear stretchy basketball sleeves that offer supportive compression and help ward off scrapes from opponents. Many Nike styles—including the Jordan Basketball Shooter Sleeves for kids and adults—are made with sweat-wicking technology, so they can also help keep players' arms dry and cool. If you need a stocking filler or a small gift for the hoops lover in your life, this is a great option that can come in handy during workouts on and off the court.

(Related: 7 common questions about using a compression sleeve)

Basketball made wristbands and headbands famous, and for good reason. These handy accessories can wipe away sweat and catch it before it drips onto players' eyes and hands. Nike offers many great options besides the classic Swoosh Headband and Jordan Jumpman Wristbands (which never go out of style, by the way). Nike Fly bands, for example, are a great alternative option. They feature adjustable ties to ensure a perfect fit and reversible styles so players can change colours for home and away games.

(Related: The 8 best Nike exercise headbands for your favourite workout)

A basketball player can never have enough T-shirts, tank tops and jerseys, and Nike has countless options to rock on and off the court. Tops made from lightweight mesh and Dri-FIT materials (such as this one and this one) help keep players cool during play and double as breathable options for warm summer days and workouts all year round. Retro-inspired jerseys and cotton graphic tees with bold b-ball-inspired designs are perfect for players who want to show off their love for the sport even when they're not working on their jump shot. You really can't go wrong no matter what you choose—or better yet, why not gift more than one?

Basketball shorts are a no-brainer when considering versatile and practical gifts for basketball players. Nike offers styles in various lengths for men, women and kids, including retro styles with shorter hemlines and longer 25.5cm (approx.) styles made popular in the '90s by Michael Jordan. Choose from a variety of fabrics and colourways—and pair them with high-performance compression shorts (like the Nike Pro Men's Baseball Slider) for a complete set.

A lot of b-ball players wear trousers over their basketball shorts while they warm up. Nike has stretchy, workout-ready options that are perfect for the occasion, ranging from lightweight to midweight and cosy, so they can throw them on, tear them off and shoot their shot in style.

Not sure of their size? Gift them a pair with an adjustable drawstring (Nike's Dri-FIT Tear-Away Basketball Trousers for women and men are a popular style that fit the bill) so they can adjust the waistband as needed for a custom fit on and off the court. For a sneakerhead, consider going with joggers or trousers with elastic ankle cuffs so they can show off their favourite kicks. The Giannis Dri-FIT Standard Issue Jogger is a great option made from a game-ready sweat-wicking fleece.

A basketball sweatshirt is a versatile gift for basketball players that will come in handy while recovering on the bench or hanging out after a game. It can even double as an addition to their everyday wardrobe. From crew necks and hoodies to fleeces and trendy short-sleeve options, Nike has countless styles that could be the perfect gift for the hoops fan in your life. Thanks to the timeless, simple designs, Nike's Standard Issue line works particularly well if you want to gift them something that can pull double duty on and off the court.

To help extend the life of high-quality basketball shoes, it's best not to wear them out of the gym. That's why many players go to and from the court in a comfy pair of slides. Plus, nothing beats the feeling of kicking off sweaty sneakers and slipping into something more breathable after a tough game or training. Nike's classic Victori One style is the perfect post-game pick with its easy slip-on design, foam cushioning and supportive contoured footbed. The best part is that they work just as well for beach days, park hangouts or just knocking around the house. In other words, it's a gift that's sure to get lots of mileage.

For basketball fans with strong allegiances, Nike offers all the gifts you could want, including NBA, WNBA and university-team gear. Whether the b-ball fan in your life roots for specific leagues, teams or players, there are plenty of jerseys, hats and athletic gear to help show off a love for the game.

If you don't know what to get the hoops player in your life, you can't go wrong with a ball and a pump. Nike basketballs come in various sizes and materials to accommodate all genders, ages and locations of play. A ball with a strong rubber exterior (like the Jordan Diamond Outdoor) is ideal for indoor and outdoor players, as it can stand up to rougher surfaces, while balls made from leather and rubber are better for those who generally play indoors. If you don't know where they typically play, the Nike Elite All-Court 8P Basketball—designed to perform on tarmac and gym floors—could be a good option.