Picture the car after Saturday practice. There’s a muddy ball rolling in the trunk, one shin guard under the seat, and a pair of socks you’d rather not touch. Your player has been asking for something new, and you’re not sure if they mean cleats, a ball, or just a bag that zips.
Shopping for gifts for soccer players gets tricky fast. A lot of what’s sold as “soccer gear” is either the wrong size, the wrong surface, or a gadget that gets used twice. The gifts that stick are the ones that show up at every practice.
This list is grouped by budget, with a section for senior night and end of season, a few DIY ideas, and an honest list of what to skip.
How to choose the right size and gear
Ball size matters more than brand. Under the U.S. Soccer Player Development Initiatives, kids in U6 to U8 play with a size 3 ball and U9 to U12 use a size 4. For ages 13 and up, a size 5 ball (27 to 28 inches around) is standard, according to Nike’s ball size guide. Buy one size too big for a 9 year old and they’ll struggle with every touch.
Shin guards aren’t optional. IFAB Law 4 makes them compulsory, says they must be a suitable material and size, and requires them to be covered by the socks. So a new pair has to fit under their match socks, not just look cool. Mouthguards are worth a thought too: the American Dental Association lists soccer among contact sports where mouthguards are recommended.
Cleats are the gift everyone wants and the hardest to get right. A 2017 systematic review in Applied Bionics and Biomechanics found bladed studs raise pressure on the outer foot, while turf style shoes lower peak pressure. Fit and surface both matter. Buy a gift card, or match the shoe to where they play most (firm ground grass versus artificial turf).
Gifts for soccer players under $25
1. Grip socks
Grip socks stop feet from sliding inside cleats. A pair runs around $10 to $20. Players wear them under or over match socks, and they wear out fast, so a two pack is never wasted.
2. A mouthguard
A boil and bite mouthguard costs around $5 to $15. It’s cheap, it’s recommended for contact sports, and teens lose them constantly. Add a case so it doesn’t end up in the grass.
3. Shin guard sleeves or straps
Thin compression sleeves hold slip in shin guards in place under the sock. Around $8 to $15. They solve a small, annoying problem every single game.
4. A personalized bag tag
Add their name and jersey number to a tag for around $8 to $18. It’s a cheap, personalized pick that ends the “whose bag” shuffle at tournaments.
5. A ball pump with needles
Soft balls make for bad touches. A pocket pump with spare needles costs around $8 to $15 and lives in the bag all season.
Gifts in the $25 to $75 range
6. A ball in the right size
Use the size guide above. A good training ball costs around $25 to $45, and a match quality ball runs closer to $60 to $75. This is the gift they’ll juggle in the backyard all winter.
7. New shin guards
Kids outgrow shin guards. A fresh pair that fits under their socks costs around $20 to $45. Ask for their height or current size first.
8. Drawstring or cleat bag
A separate vented bag for muddy cleats keeps the rest of their gear clean. Expect around $15 to $35 for a drawstring, or $40 to $70 for a backpack with a shoe pocket. Our gym bag essentials for men has more packing ideas.
9. Insulated water bottle
Summer tournaments run hot. A 32 oz insulated bottle (around $25 to $45) keeps water cold through a whole day of games.
10. Agility ladder and cones set
A ladder plus a stack of disc cones costs around $20 to $40. Add a printed drill from our how to jump higher guide for headers and keeper work.
11. Personalized jersey or warm up top
A custom jersey with their name and number runs around $40 to $75. It’s a strong birthday pick, especially in their club’s colors.
Gifts for $75 and up
12. Cleats (or a gift card for them)
Good cleats cost around $80 to $200. Because fit and surface both matter, a gift card is the smarter wrap. If you buy shoes, confirm their size and whether they play on firm ground grass or turf.
13. A rebounder net
A rebounder sends the ball back for solo passing and first touch work. Expect around $80 to $200. Measure your yard first.
14. A camp or clinic spot
Skills camps often run a few hundred dollars. Print the registration and tuck it in a card with a new ball, so there’s something to open.
Senior night, end of season, and coach gifts
The best end of season gifts for soccer players are matching and cheap to buy in bulk. Aim for around $5 to $15 per player.
15. Matching team gifts
Think team color drawstring bags, numbered bottles, or grip socks for the whole roster. Small and matching beats random every time.
16. Senior night keepsake
A ball signed by teammates or a framed jersey number makes a great senior night gift. High school soccer is huge right now: NFHS figures for 2024 to 25 counted 484,908 boys and 393,048 girls playing. That’s a lot of seniors walking out with flowers, so a personal touch stands out.
17. A coach thank you
Coaches love a team signed ball, a framed photo, or a quality clipboard and whistle set. A card where every player writes one line often means the most.
DIY and handmade ideas
18. A crochet soccer ball keychain
If you crochet, a mini black and white ball takes an evening and a few dollars of yarn. Make a batch for the team.
19. A season scrapbook
Print photos, scores, and a note from each game. It’s a cheap, heartfelt gift for a boyfriend who plays, or a sweet Valentine’s Day idea.
Quick picks if you’re short on time
Save this card for your next shopping trip.
- Under $15: grip socks, mouthguard, shin sleeves
- Around $35: a ball in the right size
- Around $40: new shin guards or a cleat bag
- Splurge: a cleat gift card or rebounder
What to skip
Some soccer gifts look fun and then sit in the garage. Skip these:
- Cleats in a guessed size. Get a gift card.
- A size 5 ball for a young child. Check the age chart.
- Shin guards too bulky to fit under their socks.
- Light up or novelty balls that feel wrong on a real touch.
- Bulky goals with no yard space to set them up.
Keep exploring
For more ideas, browse our roundups of gifts for athletes and gifts for gym lovers. If your player also runs to stay fit in the off season, see our gifts for runners list and our guide to strength training for runners, which carries over well to soccer.
Questions people ask
What are good Christmas gifts for soccer players?
A ball in the right size, new shin guards, and an insulated bottle are safe Christmas picks. Fill a stocking with grip socks, a mouthguard, and shin sleeves. Skip cleats unless you know their exact size and playing surface.
What are cheap gifts for soccer players?
Grip socks, a boil and bite mouthguard, shin guard sleeves, and a pocket pump all cost under $20. They get used every week, which makes them better value than a pricier gadget that sits in a closet.
What should I get my boyfriend who plays soccer?
Try a personalized jersey, a cleat gift card, or a rebounder if he trains alone. For something sentimental, a season scrapbook works well for a birthday or Valentine’s Day. Ask a teammate for his cleat size if you want to surprise him.
What is a good senior night gift for a soccer player?
A ball signed by teammates, a framed jersey number, or a photo collage from their high school years. Personal beats expensive here, since seniors keep these keepsakes for years.
What are good end of season gifts for a soccer team?
Matching drawstring bags, team color grip socks, or numbered water bottles at around $5 to $15 per player. Pair it with a signed ball or framed photo for the coach.
What are easy DIY soccer gifts to make?
A crochet soccer ball keychain, a painted ball with their name, or a season scrapbook. Handmade gifts cost little and mean a lot to teammates and close friends.
Images in this article are AI-generated illustrations and original graphics created by SportsFable. They show gift ideas, not real people, teams or events.
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