--- title: "The Best Gifts for High School Athletes (and College Athletes, Too): Based on Our Users' Wishlists" description: "The best gifts for high school and college athletes from real wishlists: recovery gear, gym bag stocking stuffers, practice gear and splurges." author: "Listful" published: "2026-10-19T19:04:01.967Z" updated: "2026-10-19T19:04:01.967Z" canonical: "https://www.listful.com/guides/article/gifts-for-high-school-athletes" source: "Listful" --- # The Best Gifts for High School Athletes (and College Athletes, Too): Based on Our Users' Wishlists Peak-performance gifts straight from their wishlists ## There’s one item every athlete wants as much as winning the championship. We gathered the most-wished-for gifts that more than 4,000 high school and college athletes are saving on Listful. From recovery tools to on- and off-duty apparel to ideas for the athlete who has it all, we curated sixteen picks that are sure to score this year. ## SECTION 01. Recovery Gifts for Sore Muscles If they’re wishing for recovery between back-to-back matches, they’re asking for these gadgets and remedies. ### Dr Teal's Epsom Salt Soak, Eucalyptus & Spearmint (3 lb) - **Brand:** Dr Teal's - **Price:** $6.99 - **Category:** Budget - **Link:** https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0092MG5JW Epsom salt baths are one of the oldest remedies that athletes swear by. This soak relieves achy, sore muscles, and its spa-like scent makes recovery feel a little more luxurious. ### TriggerPoint GRID 1.0 Foam Roller (13") - **Brand:** TriggerPoint - **Price:** $39.99 - **Category:** Budget - **Link:** https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0040EGNIU Daily recovery massages aren’t always doable, but TriggerPoint’s foam roller works like a massage therapist’s hands. The GRID pattern and texture dig into muscles for better blood and oxygen flow, resulting in faster recovery. ### Theragun Mini (3rd Gen) - **Brand:** Therabody - **Price:** $219.99 - **Category:** Splurge - **Link:** https://www.therabody.com/products/theragun-mini-gen-3-black When an athlete needs to get a knot out during halftime, the most popular massage gun should be in their arsenal. It’s small but precise, helping to reduce muscle tension, increase circulation, and relieve pain. ### OOFOS Women's OOahh Slide Sandal (Black) - **Brand:** OOFOS - **Price:** $59.95 - **Category:** Mid - **Link:** https://www.oofos.com/products/womens-sandal-ooahh-slide-black These recovery slides will induce sighs of relief when the cleats are kicked off. OOfoam™ technology absorbs impact, reduces stress on joints, and is spongy soft. ## SECTION 02. Gym Bag Stocking Stuffers Small but mighty gym bag necessities. ### Owala FreeSip Water Bottle (32 oz) - **Brand:** Owala - **Price:** $39.99 - **Category:** Budget - **Link:** https://owalalife.com/products/freesip This is our athletes’ favorite water bottle, and you’re likely to see a lineup of these on the sidelines. To avoid water bottle mix-ups, there are 27 different colors and patterns to choose from. ### Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm - **Brand:** Summer Fridays - **Price:** $24.00 - **Category:** Budget - **Link:** https://summerfridays.com/products/lip-butter-balm-pink-sugar Between outdoor practices and cold bleachers, braving the elements means having hydrated lips. This is the most highly requested lip balm from our users, probably for its shea seed butter and subtle tints. ### Nike Dri-FIT Everyday Plus Cushioned Training Ankle Socks (6 Pack) - **Brand:** Nike - **Price:** $30.00 - **Category:** Budget - **Link:** https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/nike-dri-fit-everyday-plus-cushioned-training-ankle-socks-6-pack-19nikm6pkdfqtrxxxapa/19nikm6pkdfqtrxxxapa The most-saved item on our athletes' wishlists is also quite practical. Believe it or not, they want socks this year: six pairs of cushioned, sweat-wicking ones. ### Sol de Janeiro Mini Cheirosa 62 Hair & Body Perfume Mist - **Brand:** Sol de Janeiro - **Price:** $26.00 - **Category:** Mid - **Link:** https://www.ulta.com/p/cheirosa-62-bum-bum-hair-body-perfume-mist-pimprod2043067?sku=2618560&cmpid=PS_Non!google!Product_Listing_Ads&cagpspn=pla&CATCI=&CAAGID=&CAWELAID=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23093139302&gbraid=0AAAAAD9rLH6BvKQ3eiLDcVETU3PeqkRgX&gclid=CjwKCAjw_9bWBhBGEiwAomyTIsShU8JrU4JhoPStzikpykJrQ1tqSH0bMrH_U4Bx6Hyc3DVmjMpfWBoCFUwQAvD_BwE Sol de Janeiro's hair and body mist is warm and gourmand, with notes of pistachio and salted caramel. Perfect for throwing the rival team off your scent or refreshing after practice. ## SECTION 03. Gifts for Athletes Who Have Everything Sure they have trophies and the title of team captain, but this is what they really want. ### Alo Accolade Straight Leg Sweatpant - **Brand:** Alo - **Price:** $138.00 - **Category:** Mid - **Link:** https://www.aloyoga.com/products/u5012rg-accolade-straight-leg-sweatpant-black These sweats are saved more than any other luxury athleisure piece. Probably because their unisex style and heavyweight fabric can be dressed down for travel days and dressed up for team dinners. ### Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) - **Brand:** Apple - **Price:** $239.99 - **Category:** Splurge - **Link:** https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HJ9ZNRKT With a flick of the wrist, they can track everything: their sleep, heart rate, workouts, and menstrual cycle. The built-in workout tracking guides them when to push and when to rest. ### lululemon Scuba Evolve Oversized Half-Zip Hoodie - **Brand:** lululemon - **Price:** $128.00 - **Category:** Mid - **Link:** https://shop.lululemon.com/p/scuba-evolve-oversized-half-zip-hoodie/lp4yqrz3sp lululemon combined all the best features of a hoodie into this one: half zip, big kangaroo pocket, oversized fit, and a hood to pull over while visualizing the plays. ### Beats Solo 4 Wireless Headphones - **Brand:** Beats - **Price:** $199.95 - **Category:** Splurge - **Link:** https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZPLV566 Every athlete has a pre-game playlist, and now they can get in the zone with spatial audio. Up to 50 hours of battery life means they'll last through long tournaments. ## SECTION 04. Practice Gear Gear with the endurance to last through every practice. ### Nike Women's Pro 3" Training Shorts - **Brand:** Nike - **Price:** $35.00 - **Category:** Budget - **Link:** https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087QVMKK3 Nike knows that every second counts, and an athlete can’t get distracted with adjusting their shorts. Dri-FIT compression shorts keep them dry from sweat and comfortable during any training routine. ### lululemon Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Short 2.5" - **Brand:** lululemon - **Price:** $68.00 - **Category:** Mid - **Link:** https://shop.lululemon.com/p/hotty-hot-short-hr/zmvnnefy6j For athletes who need to move easily and breezily, lululemon's shorts are in high demand. The built-in liner and zip pocket might just take extra seconds off their record. ### Under Armour Women's HeatGear Compression Short-Sleeve T-Shirt - **Brand:** Under Armour - **Price:** $35.00 - **Category:** Budget - **Link:** https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/under-armour-womens-heatgear-compression-short-sleeve-t-shirt-22uarwhgcmprssnssapt/22uarwhgcmprssnssapt Stay cool under jerseys and pinnies with this sweat-wicking compression shirt. It feels like a second skin, which is why it's a favorite base layer among training athletes. ### Nike Streak Volleyball Knee Pads - **Brand:** Nike - **Price:** $30.00 - **Category:** Budget - **Link:** https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/nike-streak-volleyball-knee-pads-16nikankstrkvllybvll/16nikankstrkvllybvll Hitting the floor for a dig hurts a lot less in these. They’re the most-saved knee pads on our athletes’ wishlists, with their shock-absorbing foam and contoured construction. ## Don’t make a rookie mistake Athletes are goal-oriented and know exactly what they want. Save this guide to your wishlist for inspiration, or share it with your cheer squad.