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10 Unique Gift Ideas for Basketball Coaches

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Last Updated on: March 3, 2023

basketball ball

Daily practices, planning game strategies and working individually with players to ensure they give their all to the game can really put a coach through the wringer. But a good coach is totally dedicated to ensuring their team succeeds, that each player is getting the help they need during practice and that everyone is motivated and encouraged.

If your coach gave their all this past season, then nothing can show your appreciation more than purchasing a gift that really means something and one that they will find very useful during the next upcoming basketball season. I’ve compiled a list of the 10 unique gift ideas for basketball coaches that your coach is sure to love, and included some ideas on what else you can do to show your coach how much you and your team truly appreciate him. Whether you’re part of the coaching staff or a player on the team, the following gift ideas can at the very least, point you in the right direction in terms of finding a gift that your coach will find themselves actually using during practice, or it can be a meaningful gift that they’ll want to put on display in their office or at home.

A Gift that Counts

A good coach isn’t one that’s just focused on creating strategies that can help their team win. In fact, a good coach should not only know how to win, but how to treat a player that will inspire them to do better. A coach that’s worth his salt will show you how you can develop your skills and what areas you need to focus on improving, instead of yelling at you when you miss a shot or keep you on the bench for most of the season. Good coaches are hard to find, so if you’re lucky enough to have one, it’s also important that you show them how much they’re appreciated. Getting together with the other players on the team to chip in on a present for your coach can be a great way to let him know you and your teammates recognize all of his hard work.

For most people, shopping around and finding the right present can be challenging, time-consuming, and a little frustrating, especially if you’re buying a gift for a coworker, new friend, or just someone you don’t know all that well. When it comes to a basketball coach, at the very least, you know they love the game, so finding a present that they’ll cherish may not be quite as difficult, but you’ll still want to put some thought into it and find one that they can use during practice or a game. These are often the best presents since you’ll pop up in a coaches’ mind each time they use it.

You don’t have to spend a fortune to buy a gift for your coach. In most cases, a gift that feels personal and significant, such as one that includes the autograph and messages from the whole team, are often the ones that a coach will value the most. In cases such as these, it really is the thought that counts. Buying your coach a token of your appreciation will let them know that they’re valued, that their hours spent planning strategies, working with players on their own time, and focusing on improving each player’s skills so together, you can succeed, was worth it. So, show your coach some love and find a gift that lets him know you and your teammates care.

Below, you’ll find a list of the top ten gift ideas that your coach is sure to love, with a little information on the product, why it earned top marks, and why your coach will love it.

ChalkTalkSPORTS Basketball Photo Frame


This large picture frame is perfect for coaches and players alike. It features a large sleek wooden frame and allows the buyer to choose between a horizontal or vertical layout. The frame measures in at 8×10 and can hold one 4×6 photo. The frame is fitted with a hanging back and easel, which allows you to display it on the wall or a tabletop. The picture is protected by a large clear piece of glass, that the coaches’ players can autograph, for a truly customized gift. This is a gift any coach will be proud to display.

Broad Bay Basketball Coach Gift SIGNABLE Personalized Coaches Plaque


Nothing will show your appreciation and that of the team better than this custom plaque specifically designed for basketball coaches. The whole team can sign this plaque and present it to their coach. This is a personalized plaque, so you can have the name of the coach and a message inscribed. The plaque measures in at eight and a half inches by eleven inches. You can expect a longer delivery time due to the engraving, so it’s best to plan ahead for this particular gift. Engraving the name of the team, school, and the name of your coach on the plaque gives this gift a truly customized feel that any coach is sure to love and can display in their office or at home.

Basketball Court Frame


This beautifully engraved picture frame was made in America and will make a great gift for your favorite coach. The frame is black, made out of metal, and features a sleek design. The design itself is that of a basketball court, so it will look right at home in your coaches’ home office or work office. This is one durable frame that’s designed to last and comes with a piece of clear glass and an easel backing that’s made out of black velvet, which gives the frame a more sophisticated look. For the perfect gift, you can add an image from one of your games or even a shot of the whole team. This frame can also be a great buy for the basketball lover or player. The eye-catching design will match most types of office décor and the frame itself can be displayed on a tabletop or hung on the wall.

The Mug With A Hoop


If you’re looking for a fun and charming gift for your coach, one they can use daily, then this mug is it. The mug is designed to look just like a large basketball, complete with a hoop. It can hold up to sixteen ounces of coffee and measures it at six and a half inches long, five inches wide, and four and a half inches tall. This oversized mug is made out of ceramic and is dishwasher safe. It’s perfect for that big cup of coffee or hot chocolate and it’s a great buy for any coach with a great sense of humor. If you’re not looking for a serious coach gift and instead want one that will appeal to your coaches’ sense of humor, then this unique mug is a great choice and one that’s priced affordably.

Coach Wood Word with Pen


This is a large wood sign that’s cut into letters that spell out coach. This gift is a great way to express your gratitude to your coach. The included pen can be used by your teammates to autograph the sign for a truly customized gift that your coach will love. The sign’s glossy smooth surface allows you to clearly autograph the sign or write a powerful message. The sign itself is built tough, is durable, and features a hook located on the back so it can rest on a tabletop or it can be proudly hung on a wall. It measures in at fourteen by five and a half by eight inches. The sign will look right at home on the wall, desk, or a bookshelf and features a flat bottomed surface that will prevent it from tipping over.

Basketball Coach 3 Piece Journal Set


This is a beautiful coach notebook set. The included journal comes with one hundred blank pages and measures in at five inches by seven inches. It also comes with an included ink pen. The included keychain reads “ A great coach is hard to find and impossible to forget”. Your coach can put this keychain to use and will always have a reminder of how much his team appreciates him. This is a beautiful handmade keychain, so no two are alike. The set is packaged nicely and will make a special gift that you can give your coach to show him how truly appreciated he is.

Dicksons Through Christ Praying Basketball


This gorgeous statue is made out of high-quality resin polymer stone material. It measures in at six and a half inches and is customizable. This statue of a basketball player praying can be customized with an inscription on the figurine or on the pedestal. This statue will make a great birthday present, or you and your team can give it to your coach at the end of the season. The flat base of the statue will prevent it from tipping over. This model has a nice sturdy feel to it and beautifully detailed work that gives it a classic high-quality look that will fit right at home on your coaches’ bookshelf or desk.

Wilson Autograph Basketball Series


What better way to end the season than by giving your coach a good basketball that contains messages and autographs from every member on the team? This beautiful white basketball by Wilson is display-worthy and something that any coach will love. Just like the balls this manufacturer has produced for years, this model is an instant classic and one that will look great on your coaches’ bookshelf, or displayed in his home. The price is also surprisingly affordable, so each player on the team can chip in for a truly thoughtful present that your coach will love. In terms of quality, this is a ball that’s produced by one of the leading basketball manufacturer’s in the world. In fact, Wilson is the same brand of basketball that’s used in the NBA and it’s probably the same type of ball you and your teammates use during practice or a game. This ball is definitely a steal for the price and will make a wonderful gift for not just the coach, but supporting staff, another player on the team, or the true basketball fan.

Engraved Personalized Basketball Coach Stainless Steel Tumbler


This is a stainless steel coffee tumbler that any basketball coach will love. The tumbler is designed to keep a hot drink hot or a cold drink cold, allowing your coach to do his job and enjoy his favorite beverage. The stainless steel tumbler can be laser engraved with the name of the coach, teammates, or a meaningful message, and will not fade over time. The cup’s push on lid is easy to attach or remove and will remain securely in place, preventing the cup from leaking during a drink or if it falls on its side. According to the manufacturer, the cup is able to keep a beverage hot for twelve hours or cold for up to twenty-four hours. The cups durable design will allow your coach to grab his hot or cold drink and enjoy it on the go.

Decade Awards Coach Bobblehead Trophy


This is a fun way to show your coach you care and appreciate them. The trophy features a gold plate finish and measures in at six inches tall. The trophy bobblehead can be engraved with up to twenty characters and three lines. The large flat wide base of the trophy will prevent it from tipping over, while the small statue bobblehead of a coach is smiling broadly, with the word coach emblazoned across his hat. This is a fun gift to give to your coach at the end of the season, for their birthday or Christmas or as just a way for you and your teammates to show your coach they’re appreciated.

Other Great Ways to Show Your Coach You Care

Coaches work hard to ensure their teams succeed, their players develop the skills they need, and that they motivate their players and encourage them to give the game their all. If you’re looking for other ways to show your coach you care, below you’ll find some great ideas that you and your teammates can use to give your coach a nice lift while letting them know they really matter.

  • You and your teammates can work together to create a highlight video of the season. Whether your team did exceptionally well or you simply appreciate all of your coaches’ hard work, there are plenty of shots from the games from the past season that are definitely worth remembering.
  • Start a fundraiser for your team to get new equipment. New equipment can have a big impact on your team’s success, such as when you’re practicing dribbling drills. Equipment matters and if you want your coach and team to succeed, get together and brainstorm what you can do to raise some cash for your team. A carwash is a popular option. New equipment will make your coaches’ life and the supporting staff’s life much easier and allows them to use the proper equipment to teach you how to own the game.
  • Give your coach a gift his whole family can use. As a team, you definitely appreciate all the sacrifices your coach has made. The gift can be something as simple as a dinner out or a movie theater gift card.
  • Nominate your coach for teacher of the year! This is something most schools participate in and will award to one teacher a year. If your coach is amazing, a hard worker, and just a great coach, make sure you and your teammates nominate him or her this year.

Final Thoughts

This list of the 10 unique gift ideas for basketball coaches includes great gifts that will really let your coach know how much they’re appreciated. A good coach is hard to find. If you’re lucky enough to have a coach that motivates you to be a better player and person, one that’s full of encouragement, and a coach that really challenges you, then showing him some love is important. Coaches work hard and dedicate many hours of their own time to ensuring their teams succeed. Giving them a meaningful gift will mean the world to your coach and will show them that their efforts have been noticed and are appreciated. These gift ideas can help to point you in the right direction so you can find a unique gift that matches your coaches’ style and personality at a price you and your teammates can afford.