Whether they are just picking up a racket or competing in tournaments, squash players appreciate gifts that improve their game or celebrate their passion. Below are ideas by category and skill level, with a quick-reference table at the end.
Equipment
The racket is the most personal piece of gear, so where you can, find out the exact model they want.
High-quality racquet (beginner to intermediate): a durable entry-level racquet jump-starts a beginner who does not own one, while an improving player enjoys an upgrade to something lighter or more powerful.
Professional-grade racquet (advanced): advanced players value an identical spare of their favourite model, since strings break at crucial moments. A larger investment, but welcome.
Squash balls (all levels): balls wear out and lose bounce, so a multi-pack is cheap and always useful. Match the dot to their level:
- Blue dot: more bounce, for beginners.
- Red dot: recreational and intermediate play.
- Double yellow dot: the standard low-bounce ball for advanced play.
Dunlop, the most common brand, splits its balls into Intro (blue), Progress (red), Competition (single yellow), and Pro (double yellow).
Protective eyewear (all levels): safety goggles are thoughtful, especially for juniors and anyone not already wearing eye protection, since squash is fast and eye injuries are serious. Many clubs require them for younger players, and modern goggles are light and comfortable.
Apparel
Non-marking court shoes (all levels): essential for grip, stability, and cushioning, and a must for a beginner switching from running shoes; regular players wear shoes out, so a new pair in their brand, model, and size is welcome. Check their current shoes first.
Breathable apparel (all levels): moisture-wicking shirts, shorts or skirts, and comfortable socks in light, breathable fabrics keep players dry; modern squash kit comes in many colours, so you can match their style.
Sweatbands and headbands (all levels): cheap and useful in a sweaty sport, keeping hair and sweat out of the eyes and helping grip; a good stocking stuffer, since extras get washed often.
Pro tour kit or themed T-shirts (intermediate/advanced): replica pro or national-team shirts, or a slogan tee like "Eat, Sleep, Squash, Repeat" or a tournament hoodie, for showing squash pride off court.
Accessories
Squash gear bag (all levels): a beginner with one racket is fine with a cover or small duffel; competitive players carry more, so a 6-racket bag (the common tournament choice) or a 9-to-12-racket bag with good ventilation and pockets suits them.
Overgrip pack or replacement grips (all levels): grips wear out from sweat and use, so a multi-pack lets them refresh a slippery handle; find out whether they prefer tacky or cushioned.
Insulated water bottle (all levels): a durable, leak-proof bottle such as a Yeti keeps water cold through a match and fits a bag pocket.
Fitness tracker or sports watch (intermediate/advanced): a WHOOP strap, Garmin, or Apple Watch tracks heart rate, recovery, and sleep; the WHOOP 4.0, sold with a membership, monitors training strain, sleep, and recovery, ideal for a serious player fine-tuning their regimen. A higher-budget gift.
Phone tripod or camera mount (intermediate/advanced): a flexible mini tripod records practice hands-free for video analysis, so they can spot weaknesses and track progress.
Training Aids
Squash ball machine (advanced): fires balls at varying speeds and angles for solo practice; the Squash Cannon, for example, holds around sixty balls with variable speeds and programmable drills. A high-end gift, often used by clubs or pros.
Agility ladder and cones (all levels): improve speed, balance, and direction changes with footwork drills, from basic agility for beginners to complex patterns for advanced players. Affordable and versatile.
Reaction ball (all levels): a small, uneven rubber ball that bounces unpredictably to train reflexes and hand-eye coordination; bounce it off a wall and catch it. A fun stocking stuffer that doubles as a training tool.
Resistance bands and foam roller (all levels): mini-bands for warm-up activation of the glutes, shoulders, and core, and a foam roller or massage ball for rolling out tight spots after games. Cheap and useful add-ons.
Coaching lesson or squash camp (any level): sometimes the best gift is an experience, lessons with a certified coach or a place at a squash training camp, which helps beginners avoid bad habits and gives advanced players a pro's fine-tuning. Many clubs offer gift vouchers.
Books and Media
Biographies of squash legends (intermediate/advanced): "Sweating Blood: My Life in Squash" by Nick Matthew (the three-time world champion's autobiography) or "All In: Becoming World Champion" by Laura Massaro show the dedication and mindset behind reaching the top.
Instructional and strategy books (all levels): coaching books cover technique, strategy, fitness, and drills, while sports-psychology titles such as "Champion Minded" by Allistair McCaw, or David Goggins' "Can't Hurt Me" for mental grit, build a winning mindset; step-by-step instructional books with photos suit beginners.
Squash magazine subscription (all levels): Squash Player Magazine covers tour news, interviews, equipment reviews, tips, and drills; a digital newsletter or online membership works if print is not their style.
Online coaching and video subscriptions (intermediate/advanced): a year of SquashSkills.com gives thousands of coaching videos, fitness programs, and drills on demand, while PSA SquashTV streams live broadcasts and replays of every major tournament, more than 800 live matches a year.
Fun or Novelty Items
Squash-themed mug (all levels): a mug with a slogan like "World's Best Squash Player" or a racket-and-ball graphic, a simple personal gift for the office or home.
Novelty T-shirts and socks (all levels): a humorous tee such as "I'd Rather Be Playing Squash", squash-themed socks, or a cap with a small racket logo, for casual or after-match wear. Pick the right size.
Keychains, bag tags, and ornaments (all levels): a mini racket keychain, a court-shaped or engraved bag tag, or a squash Christmas ornament with crossed rackets, inexpensive trinkets that show attention to their hobby.
Squash artwork and decor (all levels): a vintage racket patent poster, an action print of a famous player, or a custom "Squash Court" metal sign that adds character to a home, office, or trophy room.
Personalised keepsakes (all levels): a custom caricature on a squash court, a novelty "Squash Champion of the World" trophy with their name, or a squash-ball stress toy for someone with a sense of humour. The goal is a fun gift that celebrates their love of the game.
Quick Reference Table: Top Gift Ideas by Skill Level and Category
| Category | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | Entry-Level Squash Racquet | High-Performance Racquet | Pro Model or Spare Racquet |
| Apparel | Non-Marking Court Shoes | Breathable Apparel Kit | Top-tier Squash Shoes |
| Accessories | Basic Squash Gear Bag | Expanded Tournament Bag | Premium Travel Gear Bag |
| Training Aids | Intro Coaching Lesson | Agility Ladder and Drill Cones | Squash Ball Machine |
| Books and Media | Beginner's Guide Book | Pro Player Biography | SquashTV or Training Subscription |
| Fun and Novelty | Funny Squash Slogan T-Shirt | "World's Best Squash Player" Mug | Squash Wall Art or Personalised Decor |
