Looking for that perfect gift for the bowling enthusiast in your life? Iโve got you covered. As someone whoโs spent countless hours on the lanes and given (and received) my fair share of bowling gifts, I know the struggle of finding something thatโll really knock their pins down, so to speak.
Essential Bowling Equipment Gifts
Letโs start with the big ones โ the gifts that can really make a difference in a bowlerโs game.
Bowling Balls
The crown jewel of any bowlerโs kit. I still remember getting my first real bowling ball; it felt like Iโd just been handed the keys to the kingdom. But hereโs the thing โ picking a bowling ball isnโt as simple as going for the prettiest one on the rack (yeah, I learned that one the hard way).
When youโre shopping for a bowling ball, youโve got to consider the bowlerโs skill level and style. Are they all about that hook, or do they keep it straight? Newbie or seasoned pro? The weight, coverstock, and core all matter. For beginners, you canโt go wrong with a plastic or polyester ball. For the more advanced folks, reactive resin or particle coverstock balls can give them that extra edge. Not sure where to start? Check out our guide on how to choose a bowling ball.
To help you choose the right bowling ball as a gift, hereโs a quick comparison of the main types of bowling balls:
| Ball Type |
Best For |
Characteristics |
Price Range |
Durability |
| Plastic/Polyester |
Beginners, Straight bowlers, Spare shots |
Minimal hook potential, Consistent roll |
$30-$60 |
High |
| Urethane |
Slight hooks, Dry lanes |
Moderate hook potential, More control than plastic |
$70-$150 |
High |
| Reactive Resin |
Intermediate to advanced bowlers, Hook shots |
High hook potential, Strong backend reaction |
$100-$200 |
Medium |
| Particle |
Advanced bowlers, Heavy oil conditions |
Earliest hook, Most aggressive reaction |
$150-$250 |
Medium-Low |
This table should give you a good starting point when considering which type of bowling ball might make the best gift. Remember, the right choice depends on the bowlerโs skill level and playing style.
Here are some solid options to consider:
Plastic/Polyeste
Last update on 2024-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Urethane
Last update on 2024-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Reactive Resin
Last update on 2024-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Particle
Last update on 2024-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Just a word of advice: donโt be like me and accidentally order a ball that weighs more than your dog. Trust me on this one.
Bowling Bags
Nothing says โIโm here to bowl, and I mean businessโ like walking into the alley with a slick bowling bag. From simple single ball carriers to rolling behemoths that could probably house a small family, thereโs a bag for every type of bowler.
If your gift recipient is a casual bowler, a basic single ball bag might do the trick. But if theyโre the type who shows up with their own personal bowling ball armory (guilty as charged), you might want to look into a double ball bag or even a roller. Their back will thank you later. Want to see whatโs out there? Take a peek at our 10 best bowling ball bags review.
Check out some great bowling bag options here:
Last update on 2024-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
And remember, bigger isnโt always better โ unless youโre trying to sneak some snacks into the bowling alley. Not that I would know anything about thatโฆ
Bowling Shoes
Ah, bowling shoes. They might not be the most stylish kicks out there, but theyโre absolutely crucial. Wondering why theyโre such a big deal? Our article on why you really need bowling shoesย breaks it down.
When youโre picking out bowling shoes as a gift, comfort is key. Look for shoes with cushy insoles and good slide soles. If your bowling buddy is always griping about rental shoes (and letโs be real, who doesnโt?), a pair of their own will be a game-changer.
Take a look at some top-notch bowling shoe options here:
Last update on 2024-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Just maybe steer clear of the super flashy ones unless youโre sure your friend is into that look. Letโs just say Iโve made someโฆ interesting choices in the past.
Bowling Accessories and Performance Enhancers
Now, letโs talk about the little things that can make a big difference in a bowlerโs game.
Bowling Towels
I know, I know. Youโre thinking, โA towel? Seriously?โ But trust me, a good bowling towel is like a trusty sidekick. Itโs there to wipe off lane oil, dry sweaty palms, and occasionally serve as a victory flag when you finally beat that annoyingly good guy two lanes over.
Microfiber towels are great for keeping bowling balls clean and oil-free. And hey, you can even get them personalized! Nothing says โI put thought into this giftโ like a towel with your friendโs name on it. Check out some options here:
Last update on 2024-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Wrist Supports
Wrist supports are the unsung heroes of the bowling world. They provide stability, improve accuracy, and can even help prevent injury. I remember the first time I used one โ suddenly, my hook was actually hooking instead of limply rolling into the gutter.
There are different types available, from simple elastic supports to more advanced positioner-style supports. The right one can really elevate someoneโs game. Take a look at the variety of wrist supports here:
Last update on 2024-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Bowling Socks
Okay, I can almost hear your eyes rolling. โSocks? Really? Thatโs like getting underwear for Christmas!โ But hear me out. Good bowling socks can be a game-changer. They help prevent blisters, keep feet dry, and can even improve how shoes fit.
Look for socks with extra cushioning in the heel and ball of the foot. Moisture-wicking materials are a big plus, especially for those of us who tend to get a bitโฆ letโs say โenthusiasticโ when the game heats up. Check out some bowling sock options here:
Last update on 2024-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Your bowler friendโs feet will thank you!
Fun and Unique Bowling-Themed Gifts
Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones that bring a smile to your face every time you see them. Here are some fun options that any bowling fan would love.
Bowling Keychains
Keychains might seem small, but theyโre a great way for bowlers to show off their passion everywhere they go. From miniature bowling pins to tiny bowling balls, thereโs a keychain for every style.
Iโve got one that looks like a bowling lane โ it never fails to start a conversation! Take a look at some fun bowling keychain options here:
Last update on 2024-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Desktop Bowling Sets
For those times when you canโt make it to the lanes (or when youโre supposed to be working but really just want to bowl), desktop bowling sets are a fun little distraction. Iโve got one on my desk, and let me tell you, itโs gotten me through many a boring conference call!
These sets come in all shapes and sizes, from simple plastic ones to fancy wood and metal versions. Check out some great desktop bowling sets here:
Last update on 2024-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Bowling Pin USB Fans
Now hereโs something you donโt see every day โ a USB fan shaped like a bowling pin! Itโs quirky, itโs fun, and itโs surprisingly useful. Iโve got one that sits on my desk, keeping me cool while reminding me of my favorite sport.
These fans are a great conversation starter and a unique gift for any bowling fan. Take a look at some bowling pin USB fan options here:
Last update on 2024-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Just be prepared for some curious looks if you use it in public!
Experiential Gifts for Bowlers
Sometimes, the best gift isnโt a thing at all โ itโs an experience. And what better experience for a bowler than, well, more bowling?
Gift Certificates to Bowling Centers
A gift certificate to a local bowling center is like giving the gift of fun. Itโs perfect for bowlers of all levels, from the newbie whoโs still figuring out how to not throw the ball backwards (weโve all been there) to the pro who practically lives at the lanes.
Youโll need to check with your local bowling alleys for gift certificate options. You could even pair it with some of the other gifts weโve talked about for a complete bowling package. I once received a gift basket with a gift certificate, some bowling socks, and a fun bowling keychain โ it was like Christmas came early!
Wrapping Up
Finding the perfect gift for a bowler doesnโt have to feel like youโre trying to pick up a 7-10 split. Whether you go for essential equipment like balls and shoes, fun accessories like keychains and desktop sets, or the gift of bowling itself with a center gift certificate, your bowling enthusiast is sure to appreciate the thought.
Remember, the best gift is one that shows you understand and support their passion. And if all else fails, you could always offer to be their bowling buddy for a night. Just be ready for some friendly competition if theyโre better than you โ speaking from experience here!
So go ahead and pick out that perfect bowling gift. Who knows, you might even find yourself inspired to hit the lanes. And hey, if you do, donโt say I didnโt warn you about how addictive it can be!
Got any great bowling gift ideas of your own? Or maybe a funny story about a bowling gift gone wrong? Drop a comment below โ Iโd love to hear from you!
