Are your loved ones reaching that age where they never know what they want for a present so you stand there scratching your head for possible gift ideas?
I have been there and I can confirm it’s not fun.
Well I am going to try and help you guys out by offering some off the best present ideas that nearly all volleyball players need, want or will just appreciate in general.
Luckily volleyball players tend to share the same wants and needs.
So let’s get diving into this list.
Where possible I will provide links to the likes of Amazon in which you can view and purchase these gifts but please bare in mind things such as shoes are very unique to a person.
Table of Contents
New Volleyball Shoes
So starting out with the obvious is new shoes.
Volleyball players shoes go through an awful lot, from the stop, start movements to the high impact of jumping they take a lot of pressure.
As such shoes can become very tired, broken or sometimes just start to really smell from repetitive use.
As such new volleyball shoes are certainly a fantastic idea.
Now knowing what pair to get is not such an easy task although I would suggest looking at the pair they currently have as chances are they will enjoy something similar.
If you have no idea I will help you guys out.
So there is 2 types of shoes I would recommend for volleyball, the first type rather obviously, is volleyball shoes.
The second type I would recommend is basketball shoes, both sports share very similar movements and actions, both are played on the same court and the common injuries such as rolling ankles or slipping etc are the same.
With this being said Basketball shoes are a solid option when it comes to volleyball shoes.
Now I actually have articles on my site that breakdown the best Volleyball shoes as well as the best Basketball Shoes for Volleyball.
If you need a full in-depth breakdown I would suggest you read them by clicking the relevant article below
Read: Best Basketball Shoes for Volleyball
So you know what to expect from the lists I will note the top 2 from each list below.
Best Volleyball Shoes
Number 1 – Mizuno Wave Lightning Z5
The Wave Lightning Z5 took the top spot in our Volleyball Shoe review and would be the perfect gift for any serious volleyball player.
The shoe has an X10 Carbon rubber sole which is non-marking and one of the most durable soles on the market.
It sports a three cushion setup. Pownce, SR Touch and waveplate.
Pownce stands for Power and balance and is designed to improve responsiveness. SR Touch is a supporting cushion that assists with impact protection and the wave plate is a unique design by mizuno that takes the energy created from impact protection and uses that energy to propel you forward during heel to toe transitions.
One thing that stands out in the shoes is addition of what is known as the sensorpoint which is a form of suspension that connects to the waveplate which provides additional support.
Moving on to the upper materials the shoe has both airmesh and intercooler. Airmesh is soft material designed to lock your foot in place whereas intercooler is a breathable membrane layer designed to force air out of the shoe to prevent overheating.
The shoe also has some additional features which include 360° DynaMotionFit which contours to the shape of your foot giving you a nice lockdown feeling and also dura shield which is a rubber compartment that covers the toe to prevent the materials splitting when dragging your toes.
Not only the shoe a great performer from one the leading volleyball brands it also features an awful lot of tech making this a fantastic purchase.
Number 2 – Asics Gel – Tactic 2
The number 2 spot is taken by on the best selling shoe brands in indoor sports.
The ASICS Gel-Tactic 2 is the next range up from the extremely popular Gel-rocket range.
The main difference between the 2 shoes is the cushioning and width of the footbed.
The sole on the Gel-Tactic 2 is the NC Rubber compound which is made of more natural rubber as opposed to the solid rubber options. This offers better traction that is more durable and less friable.
The cushion setup is a double Gel cushion in both the rear and forefoot which makes this shoe extremely comfortable and bouncy. The shoe will allow you to perform your highest jumps with the softest landings.
Midfoot stability and torsion control is fantastic in this shoe thanks for the lightweight molded Trussic unit.
The upper materials is an open seamless mesh that offers great ventilation and reduces the chances of irritation by removing them annoying seams or stitches.
The shoe is lightweight and the cushion is extremely plush so if you want a shoe that is comfortable in all aspects on the court this is a safe bet.
Best Basketball Shoes For Volleyball
It has been a fantastic year for high quality budget range basketball shoes this year and as such both of my top picks for Best Basketball Shoes for Volleyball are extremely competitively priced.
Number 1 Pick – KD 12
Now I go into a lot more detail in my article about these shoes so if you full run down I would suggest reading through that however in summary.
The KD12 is a fantastic shoe and takes the top spot in 2019. The sole is constructed of a very robust rubber that has nice deep grooves on the tread pattern making the traction amazing. Now the rubber is on the soft side a little bit so I wouldn’t recommend you use these regularly for summer tournaments but every now and then you should be fine.
I have already gone into great detail about the cushion set up above and as I said, it really is the main draw and feature of these shoes. It is an unbelievable cushion set up and deserves all the praise in the world.
Now as I said before the materials aren’t anything new or that impressive. For the most part they are a mesh material with fuzed panels.
However there is an unsung hero in the upper and that is the quad-axial flywire. This is a fantastic design and it’s main purpose is to lock your foot down and in place and boy does it do this well.
Most people talk about the full length zoom air unit but the quad-axial flywire really is the superstar behind the curtains.
Onto the fit, as with all KD’s they do run quite narrow and these shoes are no different. They run true to size but just note that they are very tight fitting and will take a little breaking in. If you really don’t like the snug fitting shoe but want to rep these you may want to consider going up ½ a size.
Number 2 – KD Trey VII
Now I will be honest up until this year I never really thought that much of KD’s line of shoes just based on how narrow they are, but this year they really are top tier even his budget model the KD Trey VII is a super star performer.
Now again if you take the time to read through my article you will see that it ranked in the top 3 in almost every category which for a budget shoe is just insane. However please see below summary taken from my other article regarding the KD Trey VII.
Seeing how much I have mentioned this shoe and how many times it has snuck it’s way into the top 3 on the category list im sure none of you are surprised to see it mentioned in the best overall picks.
Considering this is a budget shoe it is just amazing how well it performs.
The traction on this shoe is absolutely crazy almost to the point that it is too powerful for the cheap upper materials used. The KD Trey 5 VII’s deep wave/ herringbone design works wonders in each direction and is easily cleaned of dust with a simple wipe.
Again the shoe runs quite narrow and long so I would suggest maybe go down ½ a size if you want a more snug foot.
If you have a slightly wider foot I would suggest going true to size and using the extra wiggle room.
Volleyball Gym Bag
Volleyball is a game that can require a lot of clothing and accessories, clothing, towels, foam rollers and first aid etc..
Having a gym bag with lots of compartments can be a life saver.
Luckily gym bags are forever evolving and many come with things such as separate compartments for shoes and knee pads so you can keep your sweaty items away from your fresh clean clothes for after the games.
There is a plethora of bags to choose from, each one slightly different.
If you are struggling for gift ideas a nice new gym bag that can take all the required items is definitely something to consider.
Now I haven’t made an article about which bags are best but we would recommend the following bag based on requirements, colors available and cost.
Our pick is the Under Armour Undeniable Duffle 3.0 Gym Bag. It comes in a massive array of colors, with all the compartments you will ever need. It also has a selection of available sizes so if you are someone who takes a lot of things to a game you can still pick up this bag.
However with that being said if you look on places such as Amazon you will see there is hundreds if not thousands to choose from.
Jogging Bottoms
I for one am always in Jogging Bottoms when either en route to or leaving volleyball. Jogging bottoms have become very much a staple item of clothing for the volleyball world.
Being that they are comfy, lightweight and elasticated makes them the ideal choice of clothing to throw on over your volleyball kit en route to a game or simply a nice casual article of clothing for the journey home.
Everyone has their favourite brands of jogging bottoms and I would suggest taking a sneak peak of the brand they are currently wearing and simply getting another pair for them.
All of the big brands such as nike, adidas and under armour make high quality jogging bottoms so if you are unsure I would suggest looking at those brands first.
Sliders
Now I must be honest I am not a fan of the slider and sock lock but for many volleyball players this is crucial volleyball attire. Now I understand the convenience of slipping on some sliders to get across the wet car park outside without needing to do up shoes which is why I have included them on the list.
If your loved one is someone who likes the convenience of the slider then these would be a safe bet.
As I said, I personally am not a fan so I can’t make much comment towards which ones are best but I often see my teammates in the adidas sliders so these are the ones I would suggest going for.
First Aid Supplies
Unfortunately, like any sports there is risk of injury. Due to this there is always a requirement to hold a few first aid items.
Obviously if someone suffers any injury that isn’t minor then you need to contact the emergency services of head to a hospital however for situations such as pulled muscles, little cuts or scrapes and in some cases even broken or dislocated fingers.
A few small first aid items can be the difference in helping someone get through a game.
Some items I personally always like to have on board are the following
Deep freeze
Deep heat
Medical tape
KT Tape
Tubigrip.
Now you may not think these are exciting gifts but for volleyball players these can be essential items to help them stay on the court and help seal that important victory.
New Knee Pads
The next great gift idea is knee pads.
A lot of volleyball players put a lot of trust in volleyball knee pads to protect themselves from bruising, grazing, burns and other similar injuries.
Much like shoes they take a lot of punishment and when the materials and fabrics begin to breakdown it can cause rubbing, reduction in protection and the knee pads can begin slipping down where the elastic begins to stretch too much.
With that being said volleyball knee pads can be a fantastic gift idea.
Again I have actually done a full in-depth article on the best volleyball knee pads, which you can see here.
As I did with the Shoes I will post the top two picks from our article but I would strongly suggest you read through the article to get the full breakdown.
Number 1 – Mizuno VS-1
So the number 1 spot belongs to Mizuno.
The mizuno VS-1 is 9 inches in length offering a nice full coverage of the knee improving protection as well as offering medial and lateral containment.
The knee pad also features Mizuno’s intercool ventilation system. This improves air flow in and out of the knee pad to ensure your knees do not become too hot and sweaty. When a lot of sweat is present this can encourage the Knee pads to slip down.
One of the main features offered in the Mizuno VS-1 is the strategically placed padding that protects all parts of the knee including the infamous patella.
As well as the strategically placed padding it also sports what is known as DFcut or Dynamic Function cut pad which makes for a superior fit.
One of the main things that makes this Knee pad the winner for me is it ticks all the boxes. It offers great containment thanks to the long sleeve. It offers brilliant padding and fit with the DF Cut cushioning and its extremely durable for the price tag.
Number 2 – Asics Slider V Knee Pads
So to tell you the truth there isn’t much to differentiate between the number 2 and number 1 spot.
Both are fantastically protective as well as supportive and durable.
The main reason I am putting the Asics in the 2 spot is because as I said earlier.
Asics tend to run a little bit small and can sometimes feel too tight.
But that aside the Asics Slider V Knee Pads are a fantastic product.
These pads are very wide offering a large coverage, this large coverage can make them feel very bulky however if your main concern is knee protection then you can feel safe in these pads.
The Elastic sleeve makes these pads feel extremely comfortable and they conform to your knee extremely well.
The sleeve features and anti-microbial material which not only reduces odor but also makes them suitable for washing.
The cushion is constructed of a high density foam that protects all the fragile parts of the knee meaning you don’t need to worry even during intense rallies.
The supportive elastic sleeve is quite large meaning it covers your knee fully as well as parts of the upper and lower leg.
Due to this long sleeve the knee pad offers post later and medial support so you can play confidently.
New Ankle braces
If your loved on is unfortunate enough to suffer from ankle problems then a new ankle brace may be just the ticket.
If you want a full breakdown of the top 10 ankle braces you can read that here.
There is a variety of Ankle Braces to suit different requirements such as lightweight supports to full protective braces for post surgery recovery.
Number 1 – ShockDoctor 849
Shock Doctor has built up a fantastic name for themselves in the ankle brace world and is recognised as a well trusted brand.
The brace is designed to offer maximum support whilst still be flexible enough to allow you to practice or carry out rehabilitation activities.
This ankle brace has various gel pads featured around common areas which usually cause discomfort to offer maximum support and comfort.
You will also notice the brace sports a tongue that closers mirror the curvature of your ankle to ensure the brace does not feel cumbersome and bulky.
Using the laces you are able to secure this brace quite tightly which combined with the uppers offers a natural compression that produces heat. This heat helps circulate blood to the area and also encourages regrowth of the muscle and ligaments.
It has an open heel to allow air to enter and exit the brace to assist in ventilation and prevent bacteria build up in the anti-microbial liners
One clever feature about the Shock Doctor 849 is it can be suited to either foot meaning you don’t need to fork out for two braces should you pick up another injury or be unlucky in both ankles.
The Shock Doctor 849 is available in both a black and white finish meaning you can go for the more discreet option of white to blend in with the socks if you so desire.
Number 2 – Active Ankle T2
Active Ankle are another brand that are proving a point in the ankle brace world.
They are establishing themselves as one the most reliable brands on the market and you this is especially true in the Active Ankle T2.
This brace has really thought about the practicalities of wearing both and ankle brace and volleyball shoes.
The main bracing is lifted up around the ankle and lower leg and is kept in place using a non-slip silicon grasp.
This grasp sits just in front of the heel of your foot preventing it from slipping backwards and causing the support to slide up your leg.
The brace itself sports large gel pads that rise up the medial and lateral side of your leg. This is then forced to snuggly secure around your ankle using an elastic band.
As I said, this ankle brace is particularly good for those who don’t like the feel of a bulky brace around the opening of the shoes.
Inside the gel pads in low binding circles which encapsulate the ankle bones perfectly giving a nice comfortable ride.
The pads offer great compression which offers a warming sensation to the area thus speeding up recovery times.
The pads are made from a nice breathable material so although the compression provides a natural heat your leg and ankle won’t feel sweaty and clammy.
The last thing that bears mentioning is that the brace has well placed finger tabs to ensure the brace can be placed on and taken off with ease which prevents you from trying to push your ankle into the brace and causing further damage.
Compression Sleeves
Compression sleeves are becoming more and more popular throughout the sport of volleyball. Whether it is a passing sleeve for the arms of compression leg wear to keep the muscles warm and active a compression sleeve can be a great gift.
A nice thing about compression sleeves is they are often available in a multitude of colours and they won’t break the bank.
Sports Socks
When it comes to socks I am somewhat of a snob. Now I know many people will throw on any white pair of socks and be done with it. But there is something to be said about top quality socks.
Nothing quite compares to that feeling you get when you put on a new pair of socks for the very first time.
With top quality socks this is a feeling and sensation you can experience every single time you put them on.
Now in terms of what brands you should go for, there are only 2 brands of socks that I allow to touch my sock drawer.
These brands and Nike and Stance.
Now admittedly I own way more stance socks than I do Nike and its for a very good reason.
Stance used to be featured sock of the NBA so you know they are not only good quality but extremely comfortable and designed for use in sports.
Either brand of socks will be a well received gift and an excellent stocking filler.
Training Hoodies
Training hoodies unlike normal casual wear hoodies are designed to be lightweight, offer free range of movement and help evaporate sweat away from the skin to keep you cool during intense workouts.
Playing in training hoodies can be great for a number of reasons. One it keeps your arms protected from burns when diving, two it keeps your muscles warm and active and three it can help you get more of a sweat on if you are trying to cut down your body fat.
There are lots of fantastic training hoodies available these days from the likes of Nike, Adidas and now even places like Gymshark.
If you are really stuck for gift ideas a training hoodie may be the present they always wanted.
Keyrings
Now I know you read this and think it is a bit of cheap move but if you really are stuck for ideas something a simple as a keyring can be a lovely gift.
It shows you take an interest in them and know what sports they like.
If you need a cheap little stocking filler a keyring is a good start
Water Bottles
These days there is a water bottle for every eventuality whether you want fruit infused water, a novelty bottle or just simply a normal water bottle you will be sure to find something.
It goes without saying that when playing any sport you will want to have plenty of water handy.
This making something so essential as the water bottle a perfect gift.
New Volleyball
What would be a better gift for a volleyball then well, a volleyball.
Now if you want to get a top tier volleyball then it is really an easy decision as Mikasa are the kings when it comes to both Beach Volleyballs and Indoor Volleyballs.
If you are after an Indoor Volleyball then you should definitely be looking at the newly released Mikasa V200W
The Mikasa V200W is the new official volleyball of the FIVB so if you want a top tier ball, it really doesn’t get any more premium than the official ball.
If you want to get a beach volleyball then there are a few options depending on which country they play in.
With that being said the official FIVB ball is, yep, you guessed it, a Mikassa.
The Mikassa VLS300 is the official FIVB ball so if they are a beach player then again it doesn’t get much more premium than this.
If you think that maybe the VLS300 isn’t the ball they usually play with then I would suggest looking at my Beach Volleyball Ball Article to look at other options.
You can see that article by clicking here.
Foam Rollers
It is a common site to see the whole volleyball team laying down and rolling back and forth on foam rollers.
Volleyball is a high impact sport with lots of high intensity movements. All these movements cause a lot of pressure and tension in the body
A foam roller can be the perfect give to help your loved one work out them knots.
Foam rollers come in a variety of sizes, texture patterns and firmness levels so you find the perfect roller.
My personal favourite is the foam roller that has a stippled pattern and a flat pattern as it allows the user to determine the pressure and intensity.
Dyna Bands/ Resistance Bands
The last present idea on the list is dyna bands/ resistance bands. These can be used in a variety of different ways for a multitude of purposes.
The most common use of these bands is for warm up or injury prehab/ rehab. These bands come in a variety of different lengths, thicknesses, resistances and even colors.
If you are struggling for gift ideas dyna bands or resistance bands can be a perfect present.
So there you have it, a full list of potential present ideas perfect for any volleyball player.