Picking a gift is never easy. Unless you have magical powers to read minds (in which case, shouldn’t you be using those to help the world?) then you’ll know that getting the right gift for anyone can be tricky.
Fortunately, when the intended recipient is a basketball obsessive, things get a little easier. Yep, whilst this thing isn’t perhaps as simple as a free throw, there is, thankfully, a bountiful choice of presents out there for the basketball lover in your life. For inspiration and ideas, read on for 6 slam dunkin’ gift ideas for a basketball lover.
A BASKETBALL HOOP
Sinking a shot (we’re not talking about tequila here) is always a good feeling – that sudden rush of endorphins when you make it is one of life’s great highs. Why not give the basketball lover in your life the sound of that swish everyday with a wall mounted basketball goal, helping them to step up their B-Ball game and find that feeling daily?
A basketball hoop will provide fun (and perhaps a growing proficiency) for years to come. Here’s a few of the most popular out there:
- Adjustable Basketball hoops – ideal for children as you can raise it as they grow
- In-ground basketball hoops – ideal if they have a garden or driveway
- Portable basketball hoops – ideal for taking this wherever they go
- Wall mounted basketball hoops – ideal for installing to indoor and outdoor walls
If you’re looking for a small token gift, then consider a mini basketball hoop – ideal for bedrooms and little ones not yet ready to take to the court proper. On the more intricate end of the spectrum, you can even find designer basketball hoops with a really cool, customised look, if you’re keen to take things further.
A TICKET & A TRIP
Why can’t basketball players go on vacation? They aren’t allowed to travel.
Why don’t basketball players like to leave their hometown? They hate traveling so much.
Luckily (unless you’re buying for Micheal Jordan or LeBron James) we’re pretty sure that once travel is permitted again, your basketball-obsessed loved one will be keen to get out there and watch a game. What could be a better gift than a ticket to go and watch their favourite team?
Over 600 teams compete in the NBL (England’s National Basketball League) with courts all across the country. Though spectators aren’t currently permitted, once we’re allowed to come together to watch sport again, a ticket to a game would make an awesome gift.
A SHOUT OUT
The modern world has brought with it a very modern gift; virtual messages from celebrities, wishing the receiver happy birthday, good luck, congratulations and more from afar.
You can pay for personalised messages from pro basketball players, coaches or even sports broadcasters on sites like Cameo, whose mission is “to create the most personalised and authentic fan experiences in the world”. Should your loved one be a big fan of the basketball played across the pond, then Caemo has a roster of NBA players past and present, all ready to deliver personalised shoutouts.
How does it work? The price varies depending on which talent you choose – each set their own fee which can range from a tenner to a few hundred quid. The likes of Micheal Beasley or Tony Allen will set you back £750. A message from Harlem Globetrotters star Brianna Green costs £712,50 and one from the NBA Legend that is Dennis Rodman will cost £562.50.
AN AUTOGRAPH
Autographed basketball memorabilia is big business which can cost big bucks to boot. As the Chicago Tribune tells us “A Michael Jordan basketball is a highly prized, sought-after example of sports memorabilia, and worth about $1,400”.
Perhaps you’re not intending to be quite that generous, but rest assured that you can still find some excellent collectibles, souvenirs and keepsakes from the archives, online and affordable. The best place to look for autographed basketball memorabilia is eBay; bidding fingers at the ready!
A CHARITABLE DONATION
Try thinking outside the court in terms of gifts. Give the gift of good karma rather than an item only guaranteed to gather dust in the attic and donate to a basketball charity.
Kind souls will love to receive a gift of a donation to a basketball or sporting charity. Here are a few we love:
- The London Basketball Association
- Future Stars – London United Basketball Club
- Ball for All
CLOTHES & ACCESSORIES
The basketball jersey has got to be one the most instantly recognisable sports shirts in the world. The oversized, loose fit, the shape and size of it…it just screams a certain style and we love it.
Get a replica shirt so your loved one can wear their team’s colours loud and proud. Whether it’s a team from across the pond liket the lauded L.A Lakers or Chicago Bulls, The Memphis Grizzlies or a team closer to home like the London Lions, Newcastle Eagles or the Surrey Scorchers is, of course, up to you. Just don’t make a mistake and buy a rival’s jersey…you won’t be forgiven in a hurry!
Why not go further and customise the jersey with your basketball-obsessed loved one’s name on the back? This is easily done in many of the high street sports stores, like Decathlon, Sports Direct or JD Sports.
Yep, when it comes to buying the ideal gift, the ball is in your court – whatever you choose, we’re sure it will be a slam dunk.
And if you’re after some inspiration for things to write in your card, here’s a few more jokes for you:
- Why was the basketball court wet?
Because all the players kept dribbling on it. - Why’d the chicken cross the basketball court?
He heard the ref was blowing fouls. - Where is a basketball player’s favorite place to eat?
Dunkin’ Donuts. - Why did the fish refuse to play basketball?
He was afraid of the net. - Why are frogs so good at basketball?
Because they always make jump shots. - Why did the basketball player sit on the sideline and sketch pictures of chickens?
He was learning how to draw fowls. - What’s the difference between a dog and a basketball player?
One drools, the other dribbles.