Tennis players are notoriously picky when it comes to their gear. Having their racquets strung and gripped just so, lacing their shoes a specific way, and lining up their water bottles in a specific order are all things that may seem strange to non-tennis players. These quirks can make buying a gift for the tennis player in your life intimidating. I am here to help sort through all the options and make choosing the right gift easy.

1. Lotto Mirage 200 Speed

Lotto might not be the household name in terms of shoes like Nike or Adidas, but they are an Expert favorite here at Curated. The Mirage 200 Speed takes the low weight of their pro-level shoe and adds in a bit more comfort for the average competitive player. With a glove-like fit, comfortable low-profile cushioning, and high levels of breathability, it’s the type of shoe that will make any tennis player happy. Available in multiple colors in both men’s and women’s sizes, these shoes are sure to please.

2. Adidas Barricade

The Barricade is a legendary shoe in the tennis world. For almost 20 years, it was worn by dozens of top pros and competitive amateur players who wanted the best combination of stability and durability. After being discontinued in 2019, Adidas reintroduced the Barricade in 2021 and updated it for the modern game. While still offering great stability and durability, it is lighter and faster than ever, making it perfect for attacking players of all playing levels. With multiple colorways for men and women, the Barricade is a shoe that you can’t go wrong with for a tennis player on your list.

3. Head Coco Backpack (2022)

Coco Gauff is a rising tennis sensation and budding fashion icon. Her signature backpack from Head makes the perfect gift for someone looking to carry their tennis gear in style. With room for two racquets, a water bottle sleeve, a separate shoe pocket, and a roomy main compartment, there is plenty of room to carry the essentials on the court. The black and teal match her Head Boom tennis racquet but look great in just about any situation.

4. Joola Essentials Pickleball Set

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in America. All across the country, tennis clubs and towns are adding pickleball courts to their facilities or converting tennis courts into pickleball. Many avid tennis players are curious about the game but don’t know where to start with picking out a paddle. Joola is a top brand in the game of pickleball and their Essentials Set makes a great gift for a tennis player looking to dip their toes into the waters of pickleball. With two paddles and two balls with a bag for carrying, it can let a couple or doubles team join in on the craze without getting too deep into the ins and outs of different paddle types.

5. Lotto Squadra II Jacket

Tennis is, first and foremost, a warm weather sport, but even in the tennis hotbeds of the South, early morning and evening matches throughout the winter and early spring can be chilly. So what better way to stay warm to and from the court and during warmups than in a Lotto Squadra II jacket? Its clean lines exude Italian suaveness and will let the tennis player in your life live by the motto: “Look good, play good.”

6. Adidas Club Dress

The Adidas Club Dress is a simple, timeless performance tennis dress that comes in a variety of colors, making it a great choice for the tennis-playing lady in your life. Choose a bright, trendy look or go for classic white or black. With a racer back and pleated hem, it flatters most body types. It comes with matching shorts to complete the look.

What About Gifting a Racquet?

Choosing a tennis racquet for someone is especially daunting. There are hundreds of options from dozens of brands with a wide range of price points—personal factors such as playing style and experience can help determine which racquet is best for each player. The next items on my list are two racquets that will make a variety of people happy and can be very good options for gift giving. Finally, our Curated Experts can help determine the best grip size and string options so your tennis player can hit the court ASAP.

7. Babolat Boost Drive Racquet · Strung

The Babolat Boost Drive racquet is a great gift option for someone just looking to get into tennis, a high schooler moving to their first adult-size racquet or someone who just wants to play casually without getting too invested. With an easy-to-swing weight, forgiving head size, and a nice boost of power, it’s the perfect racquet to make progress with.

8. Yonex EZone 98 Racquet

The Yonex EZone 98 is one of our most popular racquets at Curated for good reason. It’s a racquet that works well for intermediate to top-level advanced players and gives them a seductive blend of controllable power and maneuverability. So if you have a tennis player on your list who has been playing with the same racquet for 20+ years, a fast-improving youngster, or someone looking to move on from their basic big box racquet, look no further than the Yonex EZone 98 to help them move into a high-performance racquet. One of our Curated Tennis Experts or myself can help you choose the best string to pair with the EZone 98, so it is ready to use right away on Christmas morning.

My Top Tennis Stocking Stuffers

Are you looking for something to stuff in a stocking or pair with a larger gift? Here are two great smaller, less expensive options to finish your holiday shopping.

9. Head Velocity MLT String

Have a tennis player on your list whose racquet is getting up there in age, but they swear it’s still perfect for their needs? Help them refresh it with some new string. Head Velocity MLT is a great upgrade string for someone who is using the original string that came in their racquet or doesn’t know what would be best for their needs. As a multifilament string, it offers a comfortable feel, good touch, and a boost in power. Finding someone to restring a racquet can be relatively easy by contacting a local club, facility, or school coach who can link you up with the right professional.

10. Yonex Super Grap O/G

Overgrips make a perfect stocking stuffer for the tennis player on your list, and the Yonex Super Grap Overgrip is a go-to for many of our Curated Experts. With a tacky, yet nonsticky feel that stands up to the highest humidity, the Super Grap is a great way to keep a racquet feeling like new. It’s available in multiple colors, but classic white is the top choice for that pro look. Pick up at least a 12-pack to keep the serious player in your life happy throughout the year.

Final Thoughts

If none of these options are what you are looking for, a Curated gift card makes shopping easy. Pick any amount and let our Tennis Experts help your tennis player find the right gear for their needs. That way, you can feel confident knowing that your gift is exactly what they want.