As the unmistakable sound of pins crashing echoes through alleys across the UK, the nation’s passion for tenpin bowling continues to roll on with gusto. Whether it’s a competitive league player with their own kit or a casual enthusiast who enjoys the occasional game with mates, there’s something universally appealing about hurling a heavy sphere down a polished lane.
If you’ve got a bowling aficionado in your life and you’re struggling to find the perfect present that won’t end up gathering dust faster than an unused lane, we’ve got you covered. From practical gear to quirky novelties, here are 9 IDEAL gifts for the tenpin bowling enthusiast in your life.
Personalised Bowling Ball
Nothing says commitment to the sport quite like a personalised bowling ball. Unlike those weathered house balls with mysterious stains and worn finger holes, a custom ball is drilled specifically for the owner’s hand, providing a perfect fit that can dramatically improve their game.
As tenpinshop.com, who provide tenpin bowling equipment, tell us, many specialist shops offer personalisation services where you can select the weight, colour and even add custom designs or initials. For the truly dedicated, consider reactive resin balls which provide superior hook potential compared to traditional plastic options. Expect to pay between £80 and £250 depending on the quality and level of customisation.
Remember though, choosing the correct weight is crucial – consult with your bowling buddy before splashing out, or consider a gift voucher to let them select their perfect match.
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Microfibre Bowling Towel
While it might seem like a modest gift, a quality microfibre bowling towel is an essential piece of kit that any serious player will appreciate. These aren’t just for wiping sweaty palms; they’re used to clean the bowling ball between frames, removing lane oil and debris that can affect the ball’s trajectory.
Look for towels with a hook or carabiner that can be easily attached to a bowling bag. For a special touch, have their name or a witty bowling slogan embroidered on it. At around £10-£20, it’s a thoughtful stocking filler that will actually get used.
Bowling Shoes: A Step Above The Rest
Those garish, odorous rental shoes with their velcro fasteners and questionable hygiene history? They’re the bane of every bowling enthusiast’s existence. A pair of dedicated bowling shoes makes for a brilliant gift that combines practicality with a touch of luxury.
Entry-level shoes start from around £40, while performance models with interchangeable soles and heels (allowing bowlers to adjust their slide depending on lane conditions) can fetch upwards of £150. Make sure you know their size before purchasing, and consider their bowling style – different shoes cater to different approaches.
Bowling Lessons With A Pro
For the friend who’s constantly moaning about their 7-10 splits or inability to consistently hit the pocket, consider gifting them a session or series of lessons with a professional coach. Many bowling centres offer one-to-one coaching that can transform an amateur’s game through personalised feedback and technique adjustment.
A single hour-long session typically costs between £30 and £50, while a package of 3-5 lessons often comes with a discount. Not only will your gift improve their game, but it also shows you’ve taken a genuine interest in their passion.
Wrist Support Or Posture Corrector
If your bowling enthusiast complains of wrist fatigue or inconsistent releases, a bowling wrist support could be the perfect gift. These devices help maintain proper form throughout the swing and release, providing stability and potentially adding revolutions to the ball.
Various models are available depending on skill level and specific needs, ranging from basic fabric supports (£15-£25) to professional-grade devices with adjustable settings (£40-£80). As a bonus, they might help prevent those bowling-related injuries that tend to flare up the morning after a competitive series.
Bowling-Themed Home Décor
For when they can’t be at the lanes, bring a touch of retro bowling alley aesthetic to their home with some tasteful (or delightfully tacky, depending on their personality) bowling-themed décor. Options range from vintage bowling pin lamps and repurposed lane wood coffee tables to framed vintage bowling advertisements or neon signs.
For something more subtle, consider artistic photographs of bowling scenes or abstract pin arrangements that hint at their passion without screaming “I LOVE BOWLING” to every visitor. Etsy and specialist sporting memorabilia shops are excellent hunting grounds for unique pieces that won’t break the bank.
Bowling Alley Experience Day
For something a bit special, consider booking an exclusive bowling experience day. Many alleys now offer VIP packages that include private lane hire, food and drink service, and even personalised on-screen graphics.
For the truly dedicated, some venues offer ‘behind the scenes’ tours where bowling enthusiasts can see the pin-setting machinery in action and learn about lane maintenance – oddly fascinating stuff for the true bowling aficionado. Prices vary widely depending on location and inclusions, but expect to pay from £100 for a comprehensive package for two people.
Bowling Bag With All The Trimmings
A proper bowling bag is worlds apart from lugging equipment around in a standard sports holdall. Purpose-built bowling bags feature padded ball compartments, ventilated shoe sections, and pockets for all those bowling accessories.
Single ball bags (stop sniggering at the back) start around £30, while premium roller bags that can accommodate multiple balls and pairs of shoes can cost upwards of £100. Look for models with sturdy wheels and telescopic handles if your bowling buddy frequently travels to different alleys or competitions. Some of the higher-end options even include insulated drink holders and removable accessory pouches.
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Digital Score Tracker Or Performance Analyser
For the technologically inclined bowler who loves to track their progress, a bowling performance analyser app subscription or portable score tracker makes an excellent gift. These smart tools record game statistics, track improvements over time, and some even offer AI-powered technique analysis through smartphone cameras.
Several bowling apps offer premium subscription options (ranging from £5-£15 monthly) that unlock advanced features like lane oil pattern analysis, spare conversion tracking, and integration with bowling community platforms. For those less digitally inclined, traditional bowling scorebooks with space for detailed game notes remain popular among the old-school crowd.
The Bottom Line
Whether they’re a casual player who enjoys the occasional game or a league competitor with aspirations of professional glory, these gifts are sure to strike a perfect balance between thoughtfulness and practicality. And unlike that novelty bowling shirt with flaming pins you got them three Christmases ago, these presents won’t end up languishing at the back of the wardrobe after a single outing.
Now, all that’s left is to wrap it up, present it with a flourish, and prepare for the inevitable invitation to join them at the lanes where they can show off their new gear. Just remember to act surprised when they bowl three strikes in a row – it’s definitely the gift that made all the difference, not the fact they’ve been secretly practising for months.
