Basketballs to give as Christmas gifts

Why the ball falls just under the Christmas tree

Because it’s used right away. A player wears out their ball quicker than they admit, from shooting at the playground or taking it to every practice. And for you, the risk of error is limited to size, which comes from age and category.

Five brands for five ways to play

Each brand has its own page, arranged here in the order that basketball players on the site choose them.

• Molten provides the official ball for FIBA competitions. The page Christmas Molten balls features the Compet balls approved by the FFBB for club matches, the training BG range, and street balls for 3x3.
• Wilson makes the official ball of the NBA. On the page Christmas Wilson balls, you’ll find the NBA range, the Evolution for indoor use, small Dribbler balls in franchise colours, and also American footballs.
• Spalding was the NBA ball for decades. The page Christmas Spalding balls showcases the TF range, from the TF-50 in rubber to the TF-1000 for indoor use, plus Spaldeen mini balls and sets for clubs.
• Nike mainly focuses on outdoor play. The page Christmas Nike balls highlights the Everyday Playground in rubber, with the Elite Championship for indoors and the small Skills for kids.
• Baden Sports, an American brand, supplies the ball for the German Bundesliga. Its page Christmas Baden Sports balls offers the Elite Pro, Legend and Crossover balls for all surfaces, and the Basic for beginners.

Wood floor, asphalt or both

First, check where the person plays. Composite leather gives the best touch on indoor courts but wears out quickly on concrete. Rubber handles asphalt and rain, at the cost of a less fine grip. Indoor/outdoor marked models bridge both, which is handy for a teen going from the gym to the local court.

Winter adds a constraint. A ball left in a car trunk or a cold garage loses pressure: a pump before playing and it regains its bounce.

Size 5, 6, or 7: finding your way by category

Size follows the game category, not the physique.

• Size 5: mini-basketball players, up to U11.
• Size 6: all U13 players, then girls and women up to seniors.
• Size 7: boys from U15, and men.

For the littlest ones, there are also size 3 and mini balls, lighter, which are used just as much for playing in the hallway as for decorating a fan's room.

For the NBA or NFL fan

All gifts don’t end up on a court. Balls in franchise colours and player-themed balls are loved by fans, and the selection also includes American footballs for the NFL fan in the family. To complete it with a jersey or cap, head over to the page Christmas NBA.

Completing the gift

A ball travels better in a bag. The page Christmas equipment offers sports bags and accessories, and the page Christmas textiles has training shorts and jerseys. If you know their shoe size, the page Christmas shoes completes the set.

Tight budget, late order, promotions

An outdoor ball often fits into gift ideas under €50. A composite match ball is more likely to be found in gift ideas under €100, while a ball and bag set fit into gift ideas under €150.

Running late? The page delivered on time for Christmas only keeps items in stock, shipped within 24 hours: order early to give yourself some leeway. Before the holidays, the Black Friday balls discounts some models. Then come the sales, and throughout the year clearance and good deals sell off last items.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find a cheap basketball for Christmas?

Look for a rubber ball: it costs less than a composite and withstands all outdoor courts. Entry-level models from Nike, Spalding or Molten can be found in gift ideas under €50. For a child just starting out, that's more than enough.

What ball should I give to a player who plays in a club?

A ball approved by the FFBB, in the size for their category. They can use it at home with the same feel as in a match. The Compet balls on the page Christmas Molten balls carry this certification, noted on each item.

What ball should I give to a fan of the NBA who doesn't play in a club?

A ball in their franchise colours, or a Dribbler ball to display on a shelf. If the fan does play outside, choose an outdoor version from the NBA range. Everything is on the page Christmas Wilson balls.

A deflated ball delivered, is that a problem for a gift?

No, it’s actually easier to wrap. Just prepare a pump with a needle, and inflate it to the pressure marked near the valve. Many balls from the page Christmas Nike balls arrive this way.

Can I give a basketball to a child aged three or four?

Yes, in a mini ball or size 3, which are lighter and easier to catch. The Spaldeen mini ball in rubber, in the colours of clubs like ASVEL or AS Monaco, makes a nice first ball. It's on the page Christmas Spalding balls.