The best gifts for badminton players
Wracking your brain for great gift ideas for the badminton lover in your life and falling short?
We’ve been there.
That’s why we solicited the help of a true expert. Reaching a career high of 23 in the world badminton rankings and representing Ireland three times at the Olympics, Scott Evans generously gave us his thoughts on a badminton-specific holiday gift list.
You still have time, so this list should prevent you from roaming around the shops aimlessly on Christmas eve.
1. Salming badminton shoes
According to Scott, not only are Salming shoes built for high performance players, they’re also great value. Lightweight, cushioned and created with stability in mind, these kicks make a great gift. We particularly like the Viper 5 model for men and the equally eye-catching 'Hawk' option for women.
2. Ashaway Phantom Helix Badminton Racket
The Phantom Helix is a new performance frame by Ashaway which balances power and forgiveness. Suitable for the top amateur to professional player, if the goal is considerable power without added weight, this racket will be a solid choice.
Specifications:
Weight : 85g
Balance: 288mm
Flexibility: Medium Stiff
Frame: High Modulus Carbon Graphite 40 Tonne
3. Lululemon's Active Jacket
If you're perusing this list, it's safe to say that you’re shopping for someone with an active lifestyle. Why not consider a gift that is super versatile? The 'Active Jacket' from Lululemon checks a bunch of boxes: it's stylish enough to wear off the court, is designed to wear whilst playing sports AND fits restrictive apparel codes that exist in some country clubs. If you're a fan of this idea but are shopping for a female, you're in luck! Lululemon stocks a comparable item for women.
4. Thorlo socks
Here at Epirus, we are Thorlo superfans. The socks are incredibly soft, comfortable and durable. Cushioning is added to all of the vital places. The two-sock blister prevention strategy is unnecessary with socks this well-made. Needless to say, the gift recipient will be extremely appreciative of their Thorlo socks’ performance at the end of a long practice session.
5. YONEX AS-50 feather shuttlecock
Why not pop a sleeve of premium feather shuttlecocks into the stocking of your favourite badminton player? Used in all top international tournaments, the YONEX AS-50 birds have unparalleled durability and flight consistency. Just like opening a new can of tennis balls, there’s something a bit magical about that first strike of an immaculate shuttlecock…
6. Stylish badminton racket bags that work both on and off the court by Epirus
If you really want to impress, then this is the ‘unique and thoughtful’ gift you’ve been looking for. The Epirus racket bag collections allow for seamless transition from the badminton court, to work, to the gym and out to dinner in style. If the person you’re buying for leads a busy, active life, an Epirus bag will be a godsend for them.
The 24 hour bag was designed with the daily commute in mind and is large enough to elegantly stow all badminton essentials without any excess bulk. The Weekend bag comes in 2 sizes and is designed for mixing business, badminton and travel. The Dynamic Duffel has similar dimensions to the Weekend bags but a more casual atheleisure feel. All of the bags in the Signature Collection are made with Italian canvas and calf leather and carry at least 3+ badminton rackets as well as your laptop and work gear.
7. Tickets to the YONEX All England Badminton Championships
Prefer to go the experiential gift route? Why not buy tickets to the All England Badminton Championships that will be held in the spring of 2020? With a heritage dating back 1898, the YONEX All England is held in the highest esteem as the oldest and one of the most prestigious badminton events in the world. The tournament is only one of three top-tier tournaments convened each year by the Badminton World Federation. Tickets start at just £15 (GBP) per session.
8. Handmade shuttlecock keychain
Full-disclosure - this item was not pointed out to us by Scott. However, when we saw the colorful bejewelled keychains, we knew that they would appeal some badminton players out there. Created in three sizes - small, medium and large - these are another stocking stuffer contender.
9. Personalised S’well water bottle
S’well insulated water bottles have been in our bags for quite a while. We like the environmentally conscious aspect of the product as well as the sleek design and high quality fabrication. Now they make even better gifts by offering a personalisation service. Choose the size, color and text on the bottle to comprehensively tailor the gift.
10. Elevated sports towel from Lululemon
The only thing worse than forgetting your towel on the badminton court is having to use a big, unsightly one that has seen better days. The upgrade? A compact, high tech towel from Lululemon. Offered in 3 colors and made of absorbent microfibre, this towel falls into the category of a practical gift you wouldn’t automatically buy for yourself but one which is highly appreciated.
If you want to learn more about Scott or keep up with his training and travel schedule, follow him on Instagram.
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