Basketball is among the top 10 most popular sports in Australia. It’s also one of the most attended and has a big fanbase. As its popularity is growing, so are the number of fans. Every day, more and more youngsters and kids discover the beauty of this sport and become avid fans. So, next time you’re thinking about what to buy for a young basketball fan, make sure it’s something basketball-related.
The Classic: Basketball Jersey
A jersey is probably the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of a gift for a basketball fan. But is it a good gift for a young fan? Absolutely yes. Kids and teens are especially passionate about sports and their favourite players and teams. They’re one of the greatest and most devoted fans.
There’s a big variety of NBA junior jerseys you can choose from, Memphis Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets and many more. This is a present that can match any occasion, especially birthdays and graduations.
It’s something they can wear in different surroundings. From hanging out with friends to walks in the park, during practice and on the court. You can make this gift even better if you manage to find a signed jersey from a player they love. Put it in a frame and it’ll be the most unique piece of history they have in their possession.
It’ll be something they’re proud of and will gladly show it off to anyone who comes into the house. Shopping for smaller kids can be a problem sometimes because they often change their favourite player or team. It’s best that you buy a jersey of their current favourite player because even if the player changes teams, the kid will still love them and the new team. Teens are easier to shop for because they don’t change their minds as much.
Getting the right size isn’t difficult. Jerseys are usually sized as regular shirts. They just have a different style. If you’re not sure which one to get, ask their parents. Just in case, ask for the store’s sizing chart because sometimes they can be different. Keep in mind that this gift may be pricier because jerseys are considered high-end clothing.
Keep Them Active: Basketball Lessons
If the child shows interest in basketball and likes watching and playing it, you should get them some beginner’s basketball lessons. By getting them involved in the action they’ll develop even greater love and appreciation for the sport and the players. Plus, playing basketball is very beneficial for their physical and mental health.
Kids develop hand-eye coordination by learning how to handle the ball. They develop their ability to track moving objects and react to their movement. Basketball can also improve their cardiovascular health by reducing the risk factors for high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Basketball will also teach them to be a team player, how to handle winning and losing and how to communicate with their peers.
One of the best benefits of getting the kids basketball lessons is that they’ll learn discipline. They’ll build up their confidence and strive to do better and better each game. But the most positive thing of all is how much fun they’ll have. If they enjoy basketball, they’ll love spending time at practice. Choose one of the many NBA junior jerseys to get them ready for the lessons.
Developing Strategy: Basketball Clipboard
If the kid shows interest in strategies and starts making player combinations and plans, you should definitely get them a clipboard. This is a great coaching accessory that will help the child develop their skills, become invested in what they do and give them a confidence boost.
There are readily available clipboards online and in stores. Most of them are the same size and colour. However, there are options for a custom-made clipboard. This gives you the opportunity to personalise it however you want. You can add the kid’s name, choose the court colours, and size, add logos or even motivational quotes. The opportunities are endless.
A Bit of Fun: Basketball Games
The basketball games category is truly a broad one. There are so many games to choose from. Starting with video games, we have the latest NBA 2K24. If the kid likes playing video games this would be a great option. It gives them the opportunity to dive into the wonderful world of basketball, to play with their favourite team and players and create their own strategies.
There are also basketball variations of games such as Monopoly or Checkers like Monopoly: Space Jam a New Legacy. The Guess Who? NBA edition is a fun way for them to get familiar with the drivers and learn something new. Jigsaw puzzles can also be fun. Once they put them together, you can get the puzzle framed and leave it as a nice room decoration.
If you think that a game might not be enough, pair it with a basketball jersey for kids, and you’ll get the perfect present. Mini basketball hoops are also a fun gift. They can hang the hoop on the door or on the wall and shoot hoops even if they can’t go out and do it on the court.
Knowledge is Great: Basketball Books
Books are rarely at the top of the list of basketball gift ideas. They’re a very underestimated gift that every basketball fan should get no matter their age. This unique present is filled with information on events, statistics, memories, and the entire life story of a particular athlete or team. The history, career and full biography of a certain player can be a special gift for a young fan.
For kids and teens who are ready to learn, educational books are an effective way to explain basketball concepts and spark their curiosity. These books will get them inspired and boost their confidence. They’ll have a new insight into what’s the coach’s job and how hard players work to get where they are. There are plenty of books you can choose from, but some of the most popular ones are:
- The Mamba Mentality: How I Play – Kobe Bryant;
- Where Tomorrows Aren’t Promised: A Memoir of Survival and Hope – Carmelo Anthony;
- 24: Life Stories and Lessons from the Say Hey Kid – Deckle Edge;
- On the Court With…LeBron James (Matt Christopher Sports Biographies) – Matt Chistopher;
- Tipp-Off: How the 1984 NBA Draft Changed Basketball Forever – Filip Bondy;
- Getting to Us: How Great Coaches Make Great Teams – Seth Davis.
Daily Spark 
Leave a comment