Christmas is right around the corner and the holiday falls about halfway through the hockey season. This means that most players already have the foundational gear–like skates and helmets–that they need to play, since new gear is usually bought prior to the season. Even so, there are still many hockey-specific items that players can always use and make for great Christmas gifts. Be sure to keep these in mind for the hockey player on your list! 

1. Hockey Tape

Hockey players use hockey tape on their sticks or for their shin guards around their legs. Many players like to tape their sticks prior to each of their games, or at least each time the tape begins to wear from their sticks. Players who use tape on their hockey socks use the tape every time that they are on the ice, which can average 4-5 times a week, so it's always good to throw some in your favorite hockey players' stocking. 

Related: 3 Fool-Proof Ways to Keep Your Hockey Gear Clean

2. Helmet Kit/Skate Kit

Helmet and skate kits are small kits that include screws, clips, and small tools that can be left in a player's hockey bags. These kits can be used if a helmet or skate needs a repair, which comes in handy during practices or games when small repairs can be made on the spot, instead of having to bring it to a hockey shop to fix. The kits can help the player save money on repairs and allow a player to continue their games instead of having to stop playing due to a minor repair needing fixing. 

3. Under clothing

There are a variety of clothing items that players wear under their hockey equipment. Each player has their own preference on what they wear under their gear, but it is important to have what you need. Often it is best to have multiple of each item that a player wears. Some players wear long sleeve dry-fit shirts, short sleeve shorts, some players do not even wear a shirt at all. On their legs, some players wear compression shorts under their gear, while others wear leggings. 

4. Hockey Stick

Hockey players love to get a new hockey stick and since sticks can break more often than other pieces of equipment, you can never have too many of them. These sticks can often be pretty expensive, which makes receiving them as a gift even better. As a bonus, it can be exciting for a player to receive a new stick, as companies are constantly coming up with new and more advanced hockey sticks all of the time.

Related: Is Your Budget on Thin Ice? Here are 5 Ways to Make Hockey More Affordable 

5. Hockey net/at-home training tools

As a hockey player, you can only skate when there is ice available to skate on. Since this cannot be done anywhere at any time, it can limit on ice training for some players. Luckily, there are many training tools that players can use off the ice to improve their games. These tools can include a hockey net, stickhandling balls/pucks, shooting targets, shooting boards, and more.

6. Recovery/hydration tools

As athletes, recovery from sports training and being hydrated are very important. It is important to have your body in the best shape to perform well and recover well. Recovery tools can include foam rollers, bands for stretching, massage guns, etc. When it comes to hydration, it is important to have a water bottle to have for practices and training, along with specific hydration and recovery.

Related: Thirsty? Stay Hydrated With these 4 Awesome Water Bottles for Athletes

8. Team Gear

Many teams have pro shops or websites that offer team apparel and accessories that players can buy. These items can include shirts, sweatshirts, pants, backpacks, hockey bags, hats, etc. This team gear typically has the team logo on it so that players can wear it for practices and any training that they do with their teams. 

9. Favorite jersey/game tickets

Receiving a jersey of your favorite professional team or a favorite player is always a score when it comes to gifts. Everyone has their favorite teams to follow and root for, so it is nice to have fan gear to wear! Along with having hockey fan apparel, it is always great to be able to go and watch a game of your favorite team. If you're not favorite team is not in close proximity to where you live, buying tickets to see a game locally is also a great option!

10. Gift card

If you are unsure what the hockey player you are buying a gift for likes, or what they prefer when it comes to gear, you can also purchase a gift card to a local hockey shop. This will allow the player to go out and get the gear or apparel they need. Hockey shops are also where players can get their skates sharpened, which players do about every other week.
Have an idea for a story or a question you need answered? Want to set up an interview with us? Email us at [email protected]

* Originally published on November 16, 2022, by Marissa Massaro