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. Versatile & Performant Apparel from Epirus
Epirus makes the most technically-advanced, functional racket sports apparel wear. Case in point: the brand new cropped leggings. The four way stretch fabric is figure flattering, breathable and fluid with every movement. Needless to say, the cropped legging style is right at home in the gym, at spin class or at yoga practice.
Designed to wear with the leggings, the Timeless Tennis Tank is made from a buttery-soft, performance fabric with plenty of stretch for a flattering fit. Slightly cropped so that it's the perfect silhouette for badminton (it doesn't need to be tucked in but doesn't ride up too high while hitting smashes) this is a classic piece that has staying power. You can't go wrong gifting a high quality staple that works both on and off the court.
Play tennis, train or relax. You can wear this pro short for pretty much everything which makes it a great gift. Modern fit means just the right amount of room, in just the right places. Lightweight and quick drying materials make these shorts a go-to option.
We made this Modern Crew with innovative yoga fabrics that stretch and feel comfortable all day. Game after game, this abrasion-resistant fabric never stops feeling buttery soft against sweaty skin. This naturally breathable crew moves from workouts to whatever's next.
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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