When I was a kid, my dad was in two bowling leagues, one with work, and one with friends. Sometimes his friend Bruce would come over on Wednesdays for dinner before bowling. Then my dad would grab his bowling ball, and they would head out the door.
Bowling is a sport for all ages. The local bowling alley used to have cheap bowling for kids during the summer, so I would take my children there on a weekly basis. My dad had a friend who bowled a perfect game at age 79. Although my dad hasn’t bowled in years he was happy to use his expertise to help me find the best gifts for bowlers, from the very young to the well seasoned. Of course I added in some novelty gifts as well.
1. Tabletop Bowling Game
Fun gift ideas for bowlers
When they can’t hit the bowling alley, they can still have fun at home with a tabletop version of the game.
For the outdoors, try lawn bowling. It is a great way for everyone to get some exercise and fresh air.
For a variation on lawn bowling, give them a bocce ball set. In this Italian version, teams take turns trying to hit the smaller ball with their larger ones. We used to play this when I was a kid. I luckily inherited the set. We played it until one of my kids left a ball in the driveway, and my husband ran over it with the car.
2. Bowling Ball Bag with Wheels
Best bowling gifts
This is a great gift for older bowlers who can still bowl, but carrying the heavy bag to the bowling alley is getting a bit tough for them. A bag with wheels will make transporting the ball to their bowling lane less strenuous. Let’s face it, you don’t want them pulling their shoulders out carrying that extra weight.
For those who can shoulder the weight of the ball, you can get a regular ball bag with a separate compartment for shoes. These are more moderately priced.
Another useful gift is a bowling ball kit. There are several options, but all have accessories for cleaning and caring for their bowling balls.
For additional wrist support, get a bowling wrist band. While my arms are strong, my wrists are not. They always get strained after a few frames. A wrist band gives the wrist the extra support it needs.
3. Beer Glass
Bowling gifts for him
Give him a cool beer glass with a funny bowling pun to celebrate the team’s win.
Then get him a pair of bowling cufflinks and a necktie for the office.
4. Makeup Bag
Bowling gifts for her
Get her a cute makeup bag with a bowling theme to keep her makeup in, or for toiletries when traveling.
Does she wear earrings? You can get her a pair of earrings with bowling pins. Or maybe she would like a necklace. If you aren’t sure what to get, you can give her one of each, and place the jewelry in the makeup bag as an extra surprise.
5. Bowling Shoes
Bowling gift ideas
They will thank you profusely for getting them a pair of comfortable bowling shoes. Nobody likes the tattered ones from the bowling alley that zillions of people have put their stinky feet into. Just make sure you know their size.
Some bowlers like to use shoe covers to protect their shoes from moisture or sticky bowling alley floors.
Others use sliders on the lanes to help prevent the sole of their shoes from gripping when they want to slide.
6. Bottle Opener
Novelty bowling gifts
Get an electric wine bottle opener for wine lovers, or get an opener for beer bottles.
To keep hydrated while bowling, get them a reusable water bottle in the shape of a bowling pin.
Funny mugs with sayings such as, “Grab your balls, and let’s go bowling”, are also sure to get a laugh.
You might want to take a look at gifts for lovers of other sports too!
7. Bowling Video Game
Bowling gifts for kids
Teens can virtually bowl at home with a bowling video game. Maybe, if you’re lucky, they will let you have a turn. Make sure you get one that is compatible with their gaming system.
Start them young with bowling sets made for children. Kids love knocking things down. They can have fun while improving hand eye coordination.
You can even get a bowling themed LED lamp and a bowling themed bedding set to decorate their bedroom.
Maybe your child wants to have a bowling party. You can get bowling themed paper products, invitations, decorations, and more. If you are making a cake at home you can even get bowling cake toppers. My youngest had his 11th birthday at a bowling alley. Even though food came as part of the package, we still brought themed plates to serve it on.
8. Funny T-shirt
Wearable bowling gifts
For those with a sense of humor, choose some funny t-shirts for them to wear.
Then get them some goofy bowling themed socks.
You can even get bowling themed masks. These will most likely still remain popular to protect against germs during winter flu season.
If you are looking for something more serious, you can get them actual bowling shirts to wear while bowling.
Bowling gifts for babies? These adorable onesies make great baby shower gifts for bowlers. There are so many cute sayings to choose from.
9. Wall Art
Bowling gifts for the home
For the person who eats, lives, and sleeps bowling, get them some wall art to decorate their home.
You don’t have to stop there. You can get them a bowling themed clock so they won’t be late on league night.
You can even get a bowling throw blanket for the couch or bed, along with an accent pillow.
10. Bowling Pens
Bowling gifts for Christmas stockings
Yes, that is correct, pens, not pins. For work or school, give them some pens shaped like bowling pins.
Thumb socks sound silly, but they help bowlers grip the ball without their thumb sticking in the hole.
You can always get them gift cards to use for buying pitchers of beer or food while bowling. When my dad was in a bowling league, sometimes he didn’t have time for dinner if he had to work late. Then he would grab something at the bowling alley or stop out with the guys afterward. Gift cards are also great if you don’t know exactly what gear they need, or if they need a new ball. In that case, a gift card in the amount of a new ball would make an excellent gift.
11. Custom Bowling Shirts
Personalized bowling gifts
You can order personalized bowling shirts for the whole team or for an individual. Custom gifts make people feel special.
Bowlers need a towel to wipe grease and dirt from the lane off their ball. Why not get them a personalized bowling towel to let them know how special you think they are?
Personalized bowling ornaments make great gifts for a team, coach, or an individual that you want to remember their experience.
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