The Ultimate Bowling Gift Guide
updated: December, 2025
It's holiday shopping time again! Are you shopping for a seasoned league bowler? Are you helping your kids get started in the sport you love? Or, are you choosing a little something for yourself? We won't tell! No matter who you're buying for, finding the right gift early can be a weight off your shoulders, letting you enjoy the season that much more. Bowling gear makes for a fun gift, but it's also really practical because your recipient will make use of it all year round. There are too many options when you're gift shopping, so this guide breaks down the core pieces of gear every bowler should own, and removes the clutter, pointing you to the gifts that will make your friends and family smile on Christmas morning!
1. The Bowling Ball: Every Bowler's Foundation
A bowler's ball is the most important piece of equipment they own. It affects control, hook, and perhaps most importantly, their confidence! When you're shopping balls for a gift, consider the bowler's skill level and how often they play. Beginning bowlers are usually better off with an all-purpose ball that's easy to control, like one of these, 1) Brunswick Rhino Red/Black/Gold Pearl, 2) Hammer Raw Solid Black, 3) Brunswick Rhino Metallic Blue/Black Pearl, 4) Brunswick Twist Sky Blue/Pink/Snow, while more experienced bowlers will appreciate a higher performance ball that gives them more hook and hitting power. Try one of these, 1) Storm Ion Max, 2) Hammer Zero Mercy Solid, 3) Roto Grip RST Hyperdrive, 4) Motiv Nebula.
Top Kids Balls
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Top Entry Performance Balls
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Top Mid Performance Balls
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Gift Buying Tip: If you don't know specifics for your gift recipient, like ball weight or drilling options, just opt for an undrilled ball or maybe better yet, grab a Bowling.com gift card, so your gift friend or family member can get what they really want!Top High Performance Balls
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2. Bowling Shoes: Comfort Meets Performance
Any athletic or performance bowling shoe you find on bowling.com will be a huge upgrade from the rental pairs you find at the lanes. They really improve slide, stability, and honestly, they're better for your hygiene. These days, bowling shoes come in casual sneaker-style, athletic designs for beginners and higher performance models with replaceable soles and heels for competitive players.
Top Kids Shoes
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Top Athletic Shoes
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Gift Buying Tip: If you're shopping for someone new to bowling, look for universal-slide shoes. They work for both left and right-handed bowlers.Top Performance Shoes
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3. Bowling Bags: A Gift That Carries Its Weight
Every bowler's got to be able to get around with their gear. There's no better way than having the right bag. Bags vary from compact single-ball totes to multi-ball rollers (2, 3, 4 or 6 balls) with tons of room for shoes and accessories. A high-quality bag keeps your gift recipient's gear protected and organized, making it an ideal Christmas present.
Top Tote Bags
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Tip: For bowlers who already have several balls, a two or three-ball roller is a great option. They make it much easier to get around with your full arsenal of gear.Top Rolling Bags
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4. Essential Accessories: Small Gifts, Big Impact
Accessories are essential. They make bowling more comfortable. And they make your game more consistent. Plus, they're usually the perfect size for a stocking! Start with items that maintain a bowler's equipment, or that improve grip (and therefore confidence). Wrist supports, grip sacks, towels and cleaners are small, but really meaningful gifts that show you pay attention to detail.
Top Stocking Stuffers
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Tip: Accessories pair perfectly with larger gifts. Try bundling several smaller gifts in a bowling bag for an extra big smile on Christmas morning!Top Other Fun Gifts
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5. When in Doubt: Gift Cards & Bundles
If you're not sure exactly what your favorite bowler needs, you can never go wrong with a Bowling.com gift card. You'll give them the freedom to choose the perfect gear or upgrade when they're ready. That means no guessing on your part. You can also bundle a gift card with small accessories or apparel for a thoughtful, complete package.
Top Bowling Apparel
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Gift Guide Wrap-Up: Make This Season a Strike
The best gifts are the ones that help the bowlers in your life enjoy the game even more. So you want gear that fits their level of play, complements their style, and gives them confidence every time they hit the lanes.
Whether you go big with a new ball and shoes or keep it simple with accessories and a gift card, the thought you put into that gift will be appreciated long after the holidays are over.
Happy shopping, and happy bowling!
