Checklist · 10 picks · 4 categories
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Tennis players go through balls fast and always have room for a better bag, so these gifts work whether they're new or play every weekend.
The Wilson Recreational is BestReviews' best bang for the buck racket and its pick for beginners, with a wide head for a bigger sweet spot. Penn Championship is its best of the best ball, with extra-duty felt for hard courts, Wilson's is the official ball of the U.S. Open, and a KEVENZ 12-pack covers practice. RunRepeat lab-tests court shoes: the K-Swiss Ultrashot Light is its best cheap tennis shoe overall and the adidas Gamecourt 2.0 its most durable. The Head Core bag holds up to six rackets plus gear. The splurges are the Head Ti.S6, BestReviews' best of the best racket, and the K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2, RunRepeat's pick for shock absorption. Every pick is on my tennis starter list with its source.
Who this is not for. Skip this if they play pickleball instead; the pickleball gifts page has paddles and balls.
| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilson U.S. Open Extra Duty Tennis Ball | mid | under $15 | matches with friends | 1 outlet |
| Penn Championship Tennis Balls | budget | under $15 | hard-court hitting | 1 outlet |
| KEVENZ Green Advanced Training Tennis Balls | mid | $15-25 | wall drills and serve practice | 1 outlet |
Best tennis ballsmid pick · Can of 3
Best for matches with friends
BestReviews' best bang for the buck tennis balls: the official ball of the U.S. Open, known for responsiveness and good bounce.
Heads up. Durability and quick loss of pressure can be issues, per BestReviews
1 outlet. BestReviews best Bang for the Buck tennis balls.
under $15
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budget pick · Can
Best for hard-court hitting
BestReviews' best of the best tennis balls: extra-duty felt holds up on hard courts, and they're approved for competitive play.
Heads up. Can pick up debris easily
1 outlet. BestReviews best of the Best tennis balls.
under $15
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mid pick · 12-pack
Best for wall drills and serve practice
A BestReviews top pick for tennis balls: a 12-pack of real-rubber balls for practice and casual play.
Heads up. Not as bouncy as bigger brands, and fairly soft
1 outlet. BestReviews top Pick tennis balls.
$15-25
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Best tennis racketbudget pick · Adult
Best for a first season of rallies
BestReviews' best bang for the buck tennis racket, and its pick for beginners: a wide head gives a bigger sweet spot.
Heads up. The grip can be harder to hold when wet
1 outlet. BestReviews best Bang for the Buck tennis racket.
$25-50
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| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head Ti.S6 | splurge | $50-100 | a light racket they won't outgrow fast | 1 outlet |
| K-Swiss Ultrashot Light | budget | $50-100 | beginner and rec players | 1 outlet |
| adidas Gamecourt 2.0 | mid | $50-100 | hard courts that chew through soles | 1 outlet |
| K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 | splurge | $100-150 | wide feet and sore knees | 1 outlet |
Best tennis racketsplurge pick · Adult
Best for a light racket they won't outgrow fast
BestReviews' best of the best tennis racket: a light titanium and graphite frame that's well balanced and good for beginners.
Heads up. Expert players may feel it holds them back
1 outlet. BestReviews best of the Best tennis racket.
$50-100
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Best court shoesbudget pick · Pick by size
Best for beginner and rec players
RunRepeat's best cheap tennis shoes overall: one of the lightest tennis shoes it has reviewed, with sticky traction even on wet courts.
Heads up. Borderline narrow toebox and limited lateral support
1 outlet. RunRepeat best cheap tennis shoes overall.
$50-100
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mid pick · Pick by size
Best for hard courts that chew through soles
RunRepeat's cheap tennis shoe with the best durability: a wide, stable base with excellent grip on hard courts.
Heads up. Very little forefoot cushioning
1 outlet. RunRepeat cheap tennis shoes with the best durability.
$50-100
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splurge pick · Pick by size
Best for wide feet and sore knees
RunRepeat's cheap tennis shoe with the best shock absorption: soft, well-balanced cushioning on a wide, stable platform.
Heads up. Lacks breathability, and not for narrow feet
1 outlet. RunRepeat cheap tennis shoes with the best shock absorption.
$100-150
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Best racket bagmid pick · Up to 6 racquets
Best for carrying gear for two players
BestReviews' best bang for the buck tennis racquet bag: holds up to six rackets plus gear, and it's light.
Heads up. Thin material doesn't protect rackets as well
1 outlet. BestReviews best Bang for the Buck tennis racquet bag.
$50-100
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budget pick · 3 racquets
Best for racket, balls, phone, keys
A BestReviews top pick tennis racquet bag: two outside pockets, one felt-lined for sunglasses and your phone.
Heads up. May really only fit two racquets, per BestReviews
1 outlet. BestReviews top Pick tennis racquet bag.
$25-50
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means three independent outlets recommend a pick, means one, and limited evidence means none has yet. I research these picks. I have not tested them myself. How I pick · Broken link, wrong price range or an outdated pick? Tell me
Balls and a bag are easy wins. Penn Championship is BestReviews' best of the best tennis balls, approved for competitive play, and the Head Core Tennis Bag, its best bang for the buck racquet bag, is light and holds up to six rackets plus gear.
Yes, if you know their size. Running shoes are built for forward motion, while tennis shoes support quick side-to-side steps. RunRepeat's best cheap tennis shoe overall, the K-Swiss Ultrashot Light, is one of the lightest it has reviewed, with sticky traction even on wet courts.
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