Gift Ideas for Squash Players at Every Skill Level

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 is a list of gift ideas, from practical equipment and training aids to fun, squash-themed novelties, organised by category and skill level. A summary table at the end gives a quick reference to top picks by skill level and category.

Equipment

Choosing the right racket depends on the player's level and preferences. It is the most personal piece of squash equipment, so where you can, find out the exact model they want.

High-Quality Squash Racquet (Beginner to Intermediate). A good racket is fundamental for any player. For beginners, a durable entry-level racquet can jump-start their journey, since new players often do not own one yet.

Intermediate players might enjoy an upgrade to a lighter or more powerful racquet as they improve. A racket can have a big impact on performance, but keep in mind it is a personal choice.

Professional-Grade Racquet (Advanced). Advanced players often have a preferred racket model, so gifting them a spare of their favourite is welcome. Having an identical backup racquet is useful for competitive play, since strings can break at crucial moments.

This is a larger investment, but serious players appreciate a top-of-the-line racquet that matches their playing style.

Squash Balls (All Levels). Squash balls wear out and lose bounce, so players always need fresh ones. A multi-pack of balls is inexpensive and very useful. Choose the right ball type for their level:

• Blue dot: more bounce, aimed at beginners.
• Red dot: suits recreational and intermediate play.
• Double yellow dot: the standard low-bounce ball for advanced play.

Dunlop is the most common brand and splits its balls into Intro (blue), Progress (red), Competition (single yellow) and Pro (double yellow).

Protective Eyewear (Squash Goggles, All Levels). Safety goggles are a thoughtful gift, especially for juniors and anyone not already using eye protection. Squash is a fast game and eye injuries can be serious.

Many clubs require eyewear for younger players, and adults benefit from protecting their vision too. Modern goggles are lightweight and comfortable, suitable for players of any skill level.

Apparel

Proper footwear and attire are key for comfort and performance. Squash shoes provide grip and stability on court, while breathable clothing keeps players cool.

Non-Marking Court Shoes (All Levels). Every squash player needs good indoor court shoes. These provide the grip, stability and cushioning needed for quick movements on a squash court.

For beginners, a pair of non-marking squash shoes is essential if they have been playing in running shoes, which can be slippery or mark the floor. Intermediate and advanced players wear out shoes with frequent play, so a new pair in their preferred brand, model and correct size is always welcome.

Players are often particular about footwear, so try to check their current shoes for size and style.

Breathable Squash Apparel (All Levels). Moisture-wicking shirts, shorts or skirts, and comfortable socks make good gifts for players who spend hours training. Look for light, breathable fabrics designed for sport.

A fresh kit helps keep the player dry and unrestricted. Squash attire was once mostly white, but players now enjoy a variety of colours and designs, so you can choose gear that matches their style.

Sweatbands and Headbands (All Levels). These inexpensive accessories are useful in a sport as sweaty as squash. Headbands keep hair and sweat out of the eyes, and wristbands help wipe sweat off the face and grip.

Even if your player already has one, extras are handy since they need regular washing. They make a good stocking stuffer or add-on gift for any skill level.

Professional Tour Kit or Themed T-Shirts (Intermediate/Advanced). For a bit of flair, consider a replica professional kit or a squash-themed T-shirt. Many squash apparel brands release pro player replica shirts or national team jerseys that advanced players and fans like to wear.

Alternatively, a T-shirt with a clever squash slogan, such as "Eat, Sleep, Squash, Repeat", or a hoodie from a major tournament can suit players who want to show off their squash pride off court.

Accessories

Accessories such as bags, grips and tech gadgets add convenience for squash players of all levels.

Squash Gear Bag (All Levels). A specialised squash bag helps players carry rackets and gear. Beginners with just one racket will appreciate a simple cover or a small duffel that fits a racket, shoes and balls.

More serious players often carry multiple rackets, shoes, towels and other equipment, so a larger 6-racket or 9-to-12-racket bag suits intermediate and advanced players. A 6-racket bag is the common choice for most competitive tournament players, while larger bags add storage for coaches and serious competitors.

Choose a sturdy bag with good ventilation and enough pockets.

Overgrip Pack or Replacement Grips (All Levels). Squash racket grips wear out frequently from use and sweat. A pack of quality overgrips or replacement grips is a useful gift that every player needs.

Most players have a preferred grip type, such as tacky or cushioned, so try to find out what they use. A multi-pack lets them refresh their handle whenever it gets slippery, which helps comfort and control during play.

Insulated Water Bottle or Thermos (All Levels). Hydration matters in such an intense sport. A durable, insulated water bottle, such as a Yeti or a similar high-quality brand, keeps water cold throughout a match or training session.

Look for a bottle that fits in their bag pocket and is leak-proof. It is a practical gift to help them stay hydrated.

Fitness Tracker or Sports Watch (Intermediate/Advanced). Devices like the WHOOP strap or a Garmin or Apple Watch can track heart rate, calories, recovery and sleep, which is valuable data for players serious about improving fitness.

The WHOOP 4.0, for example, is a wearable tracker sold with a membership that monitors training strain, sleep and recovery. An advanced player training regularly would appreciate this tool for fine-tuning their regimen. It is a higher-budget gift.

Smartphone Tripod or Camera Mount (Intermediate/Advanced). A portable mini tripod or phone mount lets players record themselves during practice or matches hands-free. By watching footage later, they can spot weaknesses and track improvements.

Many coaches and tech-minded players use these for video analysis. Make sure it is a flexible, easy-to-use model that fits in a squash bag.

Training Aids

Training aids range from simple tools to high-tech machines, all aimed at improving on-court performance.

Squash Ball Machine (Advanced). For the dedicated player, a squash ball machine is a serious training aid. These machines fire balls at various speeds and angles, letting a player practise shots solo and groove their technique without a partner.

The Squash Cannon, for example, holds around sixty balls and offers variable speeds and programmable drills to simulate different rallies. This is a high-end gift, often used by clubs or professionals, for an advanced player who wants to develop their solo training.

Agility Ladder and Cones (All Levels). Quick footwork is crucial in squash, and an agility ladder with drill cones can boost speed and coordination. This set works for all levels: beginners can build basic agility, while intermediate and advanced players can sharpen their quickness with more complex drills.

Ladder exercises improve acceleration, balance and the ability to change direction quickly. It is an affordable, simple gift with many exercise variations.

Reaction Ball (All Levels). A reaction ball is a small, uneven rubber ball that bounces unpredictably, which makes it good for reflex and reaction training. Squash demands quick reflexes, and drills with a reaction ball can improve hand-eye coordination at any skill level.

A player can bounce it against a wall or floor and try to catch it, and because it ricochets at random angles it trains the quick adjustment needed to reach a squash shot. It is a fun stocking stuffer that doubles as a training tool.

Resistance Bands and Foam Roller (All Levels). To train hard, players also need to recover and prevent injury. Resistance bands, especially mini-bands, are good for warm-up exercises and building strength in the glutes, shoulders and core, and players often use them for activation exercises before matches.

A foam roller, or a massage ball such as a lacrosse ball, helps muscle recovery by rolling out tight spots after games. Both are inexpensive and useful for any level, which makes them smart add-on gifts.

Coaching Lesson or Squash Camp (Any Level). Sometimes the best gift is an experience rather than an object. A series of lessons with a certified coach or a place at a squash training camp can help a player's development.

A beginner can learn proper technique from the start and avoid bad habits, an intermediate player can get targeted tips to break through to the next level, and advanced players can fine-tune their game with a session from a pro. Many clubs and coaches offer gift vouchers for lessons.

Books and Media

Biographies of Squash Legends (Intermediate/Advanced). Inspire a player with the stories of squash champions. Books such as "Sweating Blood: My Life in Squash" by Nick Matthew, the official autobiography of the three-time world champion, or "All In: Becoming World Champion" by Laura Massaro give an inside look at the dedication and mindset required to reach the top.

These accounts can motivate intermediate players and advanced competitors by showing how the pros overcame challenges.

Instructional and Strategy Books (All Levels). A good book on squash technique or sports psychology can help players sharpen their mental and tactical game. Squash coaching books often cover strategy, fitness and drills.

Sports psychology titles such as "Champion Minded: Achieving Excellence in Sports and Life" by Allistair McCaw teach mental toughness and a winning mindset that applies to squash. For beginners, there are instructional books with step-by-step photos on grip, strokes and footwork; for advanced players, more nuanced strategy books or well-regarded general sports books, such as David Goggins' "Can't Hurt Me" for mental grit, can be helpful.

Squash Magazine Subscription (All Levels). Keep them up to date with a subscription to a squash magazine or online news portal. Squash Player Magazine, for example, is a print publication covering professional tour news, interviews and equipment reviews.

A new issue arriving regularly is a reminder of their love for the sport, and magazines often include tips and drills, so it doubles as entertainment and education. If print is not their style, consider a digital newsletter or online magazine membership.

Online Coaching Memberships and Video Subscriptions (Intermediate/Advanced). There are good online resources for squash. An annual membership to SquashSkills.com, a training video library with thousands of coaching videos, gives access to coaching videos, fitness programs and drills on demand.

Another idea is a subscription to PSA SquashTV, the official streaming service for professional squash. With a SquashTV pass, they can watch live broadcasts and full match replays of all major tournaments, with more than 800 live matches a year featuring the world's best players. It suits advanced players who study the pros and any fan of the game.

Fun or Novelty Items

Squash-Themed Mug (All Levels). A coffee mug with a squash twist is a lighthearted gift that any player can enjoy. Look for mugs with funny or motivational slogans, such as "World's Best Squash Player", or a graphic of a squash racket and ball.

It is a simple, personal gift, good for the office or at home, that lets them show off their squash pride in a low-key way.

Novelty T-Shirts and Socks (All Levels). A humorous squash T-shirt can bring a smile to a player's face. There are shirts with phrases like "I'd Rather Be Playing Squash" or graphics of a squash evolution chart, good for casual wear or after-match lounging. Squash-themed socks and a cap with a small racket logo fit this category too.

These items work for any skill level, from a beginner who has just taken up squash to an advanced player who practically lives at the club. Be sure to pick the right size.

Keychains, Bag Tags and Ornaments (All Levels). Small squash-themed trinkets make charming gifts or stocking stuffers. A mini squash racket keychain or a squash ball keyring can personalise everyday items. Bag tags shaped like a squash court, or engraved with their name and a squash motif, help distinguish their gear bag.

For the holiday season, consider a squash Christmas tree ornament, such as a glass or pewter ornament featuring crossed rackets and a ball. These novelty items are inexpensive and show you pay attention to their hobbies.

Squash Artwork and Decor (All Levels). For the squash lover's home or office, decor items are a nice touch. Think of a vintage patent poster of a squash racket, an artistic print of a famous player in action, or a customised metal sign with their name and "Squash Court" on it.

Wall art or desk sculptures, such as a small model of a player or an engraved squash ball on a stand, make distinctive gifts. They add character to a personal space and suit a coach, an advanced player with a trophy room, or anyone who enjoys displaying their passion.

Humorous or Personalised Keepsakes (All Levels). Consider a one-of-a-kind memento, such as a custom caricature of the person on a squash court, a "Squash Champion of the World" novelty trophy with their name, or a pillow printed with a squash court diagram.

If the person has a good sense of humour, gag gifts like a squash ball stress toy work well. Tailor the novelty to the person's personality. The goal is a fun gift that celebrates their love of squash in a light-hearted way.

Quick Reference Table: Top Gift Ideas by Skill Level and Category