Every holiday season, parents ask us the same question: what can I get my player that won't sit in the garage? The best baseball and softball gifts are simple, safe and fun enough that kids grab them on their own.
The best baseball and softball gifts for kids 7–12 are ones they will use often: a sturdy batting tee, foam or plastic practice balls, a rebounder net, a new glove, and a fun training plan. Skip anything heavy, complicated or meant for older players.
Train it: 46/60 Whole System →What makes a good baseball gift for a young player?
A good gift passes three tests. It is safe for the space you have, it is simple enough that a child can use it without an adult every time, and it is fun enough that they want to.
The worst gifts are the ones that are too heavy, too advanced or too much work to set up. A gift that gets used ten minutes a day beats an expensive one that gets used once.
Think about where your player will practice this winter. A small apartment, a garage and a big backyard each call for different gear.
Stocking stuffers
- Foam or plastic practice balls. Safe for indoor swings and soft toss. Kids go through these fast, so buy a bucket.
- Batting gloves. Let your player pick the color. Make sure they fit snugly, not loose.
- A small baseball or softball notebook. A place to write one goal a week and track practice days.
- Eye black, wristbands or a fun water bottle. Little things that make a kid feel like a ballplayer.
- A ball with stitches marked in a bright color. Great for learning grips and watching spin.
Practice gear kids actually use
These are the gifts that build skills all winter long.
- A sturdy batting tee. The most useful hitting tool there is. Look for one that adjusts low enough for younger kids and doesn't tip over easily.
- A hitting net or rebounder. Lets kids hit or throw in the backyard without chasing balls all day. Measure your space first.
- A new glove that fits. A glove that is too big makes catching harder. Take your player to try gloves on if you can.
- A training bat or wiffle bat. Light bats help kids learn control. Wiffle bat and ball games are some of the best training there is.
Indoors, always use soft balls, give plenty of space, and have an adult nearby. A quick look at our indoor hitting guide helps you set up safely.
Thinking about a new bat? Check this first
A bat can be a wonderful gift, but buy the wrong one and your player might not be allowed to use it. Many youth leagues, including Little League, Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken and PONY, use the USA Baseball (USABat) standard. Travel organizations may use other stamps. Fastpitch softball bats have their own certifications.
Check your league's rulebook before you buy. Then go a little lighter rather than longer. A bat your player can hold straight out to the side with one hand for about 10 seconds, without the barrel dropping, is usually not too heavy. Our bat size guide walks you through it.
Gifts that build the whole player
Gear helps. A plan helps more. Many kids get a tee for the holidays and then don't know what to do with it.
Our courses give young players short, fun daily sessions they can do at home with a parent's help. Each 30-day course is $49. The 46/60 Whole System includes all seven for $249, and covers hitting, athletic development, seeing the ball, the mental game and more.
Not sure where to start? Try our free Quick Check. Six simple cards give you one clear first step. Experience gifts are great too. Ask us about in-person camps for something your player can look forward to.
One thing to remember
The best baseball gift is the one your player picks up on their own every day.
What to do this week
Walk your house or yard and pick the safest spot for winter practice. Then choose gifts that fit that space, and check your league's bat rules before buying any bat.
Parent questions
What is the best baseball gift for a 10-year-old?
A sturdy batting tee with a bucket of practice balls is hard to beat. Pair it with a hitting net or a simple training plan so your player knows what to do with it.
Is a new bat a good Christmas gift for a kid?
It can be, but check your league's bat rules first. Many youth leagues require a certain stamp, and a bat that is too heavy can hurt a young hitter's swing.
What can kids use to practice hitting indoors?
Foam or plastic balls, a batting tee and a soft net work well indoors. Clear plenty of space, keep breakable things away, and have an adult nearby.
Sources: USABat FAQ (USA Baseball)