The Best Gifts for your Gymnast: 2015 Edition

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When putting together this years gymnastics gift guide, I wanted to keep in mind the results of the recent GymnasticsHQ survey. More than half of the respondents wanted to know more about practicing gymnastics at home. So this year there is a larger expanded section of gifts for practicing at home. There are also gymnastics stocking stuffer ideas, gymnastics clothing gifts, books, and room decor among the 70+  gymnast gift ideas in this years guide.

You can also check out previous years gift guides for more gymnast gift ideas: 2013 Gymnast Gift Guide and 2014 Gymnast Gift Guide.

Our NEW Gift Guide is HERE for 2023! We’ve rounded up the best gifts this year that we know your gymnast will love!

gymnastics stocking stuffers

Gymnastics Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas

Here are some gymnast stocking stuffer gift ideas.

Gymnastics Quote Sticker Bundle: These adorable gymnastics quote stickers are perfect for any gymnasts water bottle, phone case, notebooks – really pretty much anything!

No Crease Gymnastics Hair Ties: These glittery hair ties feature different designs and are sure to please any gymnast. They really shimmer in person and each set comes with one each in lavender, silver, gold, light blue, and pink.

Athletic Tape: This pack of colored athletic tape is such a fun gift idea. Gymnasts are going to go through tape, especially when they rip their hands–why not make it a little more fun with colored tape.

Roll of White Athletic Tape: If your gymnast isn’t into the colored athletic tape, then white athletic tape makes a great stocking stuffer.

Gymnastics Headbands: These no slip elastic headbands are perfect for holding your flyaway hair back from your face. Purchase individually or all 3 as a bundle!

Wristbands: These 3″ cotton rainbow gymnastics wristbands are perfect for wearing with your grips. Also available in pink and blue and purple.

Motivational Sticker Bundle: Your gymnast is going to LOVE these motivational gymnastics stickers! They are perfect for her phone case, notebooks, laptops, desk, folders/binders, water bottles…you get the idea – just about everything! The bundle includes 6 different designs and quotes. Grab one for yourself and also for your gym bestie! Make sure to carefully peel back off in smaller areas (See.Believe.Achieve. Gymnast). These also make great teammate gifts!

Rainbow Pack of Pre-Wrap: Believe it or not, this rainbow pack of pre-wrap was the single most popular item on last year’s gift guide.

USA Pride Stickers: Rock your gymnastics gear like a champion with these cute USA-themed stickers!  Perfect for any gymnast’s notebooks, phone case, water bottles, etc!

 

gifts practice gymnastics at home

Practice Gymnastics at Home

The results of the recent GymnasticsHQ reader survey are that 50% of you want to learn more about how to practice gymnastics at home. Because of this, I decided to expand this section in the gift guide this year. There are big pieces of home gymnastics equipment, as well as smaller accessories.

Beginning Gymnastics for Girls Video: This beginning gymnastics for girls video features Steve Nunno, a two-time Olympic coach. The video has a little bit of an old-school feel, but what he goes over is very relevant. He takes you through the skill and progressions on each of the events. This would be a great video to watch after you purchase home gymnastics equipment to help beginner gymnasts figure out what to practice.

Tumbl Trak Junior Kip Bar with Junior Practice Mat: I used to recommend a smaller less-sturdy bar for beginners, and only recommended the Kip Bar to higher-level gymnasts. However, I think this Junior Kip Bar is a perfect home gymnastics bar for all levels. It is only slightly more expensive than a less-sturdy bar, and it will grow with your gymnast better. There aren’t many skills a gymnast can do at home with less-sturdy versions, but this Kip Bar lets the gymnast practice many skills. Because the bar has two additional cross supports, your gymnast can perform skills like kips and back hip circles. You will need a mat to cover the supports to make it safe. But you would need a mat with any bar. Beginner gymnasts won’t need the bar to be stabilized any further than how it comes. For more advanced gymnasts to do more advanced skills, you can further stabilize the bar with a piece of plywood.

Pull Up Bar: Pull-up bars are great for helping gymnasts increase their upper-body strength at home. Your gymnasts can do pull-ups, leg-lifts and other conditioning exercises on this bar.

Parallettes: Parallettes are useful for more advanced gymnasts to be able to practice handstands at home on them. This leads up to a gymnast being able to learn giants. However, parallettes aren’t only for more advanced gymnasts. You can check out a drill for learning press handstands using parallettes.

Tumbl Trak Folding Panel MatIf you were going to buy only one gift for your gymnast to practice gymnastics at home, I would recommend buying a panel mat. It’s the most versatile piece of gymnastics equipment you can have at home. Your gymnast can do strength and conditioning exercises on it, practice beginner tumbling skills and use it to do drills for more advanced skills. Check out 25 videos for practicing gymnastics at home, and almost all of them use a panel mat.

Tumbl Trak Cartwheel MatA cartwheel mat is a great gift for preschool and beginner gymnasts. Once side has hand and feet prints to help your gymnast figure out where to put them for a cartwheel. And the other side has a line drawn like a beam, so your gymnast can practice walking, jumping and scales on the line.

Conditioning, Shaping and Flex with Sliders Video: This video is by Tammy Biggs (click on the link to see excerpts of her videos), who I have seen at gymnastics clinics and is an absolutely amazing coach. She has been a member of the women’s national team coaching staff since 1986. Many of the drills in this video your gymnast should be able to do at home.

Kettlebell: Kettlebells are great for strengthening the whole body, particularly the core. Many times the reason gymnasts can’t get a particular skill is because of a lack of strength. Here is a video by elite gymnastics coach Mary Lee Tracy using kettlebells to improve core strength for different body positions you need on beam.  And if you scroll down to video #22 “Kettle Bells” you will see exercises using kettlebells that will help your gymnasts learn a standing back tuck.

Jump Rope: Jumping rope is a great exercise for overall physical health. Jumping rope on beam is a conditioning exercise that helps your gymnast improve her balance. Mary Lee Tracy recommends jumping rope on beam as a way to improve the height of your gymnast’s jumps on beam. Here is a video of different exercises you can do jumping rope (video #25) on the beam.

Tumbl Trak Suede Floor Beam: This suede floor beam will give your gymnast a similar feel to a competition beam at home! The base of the beam is coated in rubber for safety and it’s easy to assemble. Your gymnast can practice basics at home on this beam, along with some beam drills for learning more advanced skills.

Exercise Band: Theraband exercise bands can be used for strength training and are also frequently used for drills for gymnastics skills. Check out the videos of exercise bands being used in drills for back extension rolls, press handstands, kips and back handsprings.

Folding Incline Mat: This mat folds for easy storage and inclines from 1″-12″ in height. Perfect for safely learning skills at home.

Sliders: Sliders are another accessory recommended by Tammy Biggs. And they can be used in drills for a variety of skills: press handstands, aerials, casts and kips. And if you’re interested in other ways to use them, check out Tammy Biggs’ video Conditioning, Shaping & Flex with Sliders. If she uses them to train future members of the National team, then they are good enough for me!

Gold Medal Gymnastics Drills Video featuring Amanda Borden : This video, Gold Medal Gymnastics Drills Video: Beam, has Olympic gymnast Amanda Borden teaching beam drills. You can see a clip of the video here.

AAI Air Beam: Air beams and mats seem to be the most coveted gymnastics gifts these days! This 16″ wide by 9′ long inflatable has a 4″ raised center line that lets the gymnast feel the beam. It easily inflates and deflates so it can be stored away when not in use. Watch the video at the link to see how fun it looks!

Light Weights: One of the main things that makes a gymnast successful is how strong she is. Using light weights at home for strength exercises is one way to help your gymnast improve at home, without actually doing any gymnastics skills.

gymnast gifts gear

Gymnast Gear

These gifts are basic gymnast gear and essentials.

Holographic Tie Dye Grip Bag: Every gymnast needs a grip bag to hold her grips, tape, prewrap, grip brush and any other miscellaneous items. This bag lets her do that while showing off her personality with inspirational words!

Holographic Tie Dye Burst Leotard – Matching our Holographic Gymnast Grip Bag, this leo is bright, fun, shimmery and holographic displaying a burst of inspirational words. Definitely a must have!

Rhinestone Leopard Grip Bag: With an easy drawstring closure, holographic print and perfectly placed rhinestones your gymnast will love using this grip bag!

Stripes Leotards: This buttery soft leotard comes in 3 different colors: coral, plum and ocean. This is an absolute must have for practice! These leos are so comfortable, your gymnast may never way to take it off!

Black & Pink GYMNAST Sports Bra: Comfortable and durable, this cute sports bra with GYMNAST on the back is perfect not only for practice, but everyday wear too! Pair it with our biker shorts for a cute practice look.

Ombre GYMNAST Sports Bra: Just like our black with solid pink gymnast, this sports bra is comfortable and durable and of course, cute. Add a little flair to the gymnast with a cute font and white/pink ombre letters.

Biker Shorts: Comfortable, durable and cute, these shorts are a must have – whether you wear them over your leo for practice, as a set with the matching sports bra for a workout, or even just with a t-shirt, they’re perfect!

Shimmer Leopard LeotardWith a rhinestone belt, bias trim and moisture wicking fabric this leotard is great for your gymnast! It also has a leopard print on the top half with rhinestones and a plain shimmer on the bottom half. Watch your gymnast go to practice feeling cute and confident!

DIY Tie Dye USA Leotard: Who doesn’t love tie dye?! Now you can spend a summer day tie dying your very own leotard! With our USA Red, White & Blue Tie Dye Leotard Kit you will be able to create your very own design and show it off at your next practice.

USA Red, White & Blue Grip Bag: Matching our Rhinestone USA Leotard, your gymnast will need this grip bag to match of course 😉 Perfect to store and carry her grips around in.

Rhinestone USA Leotard: Show your patriotic pride with this beautiful red, white & blue gymnast leotard!

Ript Hand Care Kit: This hand care kit has everything you need to take care of your gymnast hands. It has a quick fix balm for when you do rip along with a daily dose balm and a grindstone to help your prevent rips from happening.

Grips: If your gymnast is starting to tear her hands on the bars then she might be ready to start wearing grips. Grips protect gymnast’s hands when they start learning more advanced skills. Check out my guide to buying grips online.

gymnastics clothing gifts

Gym Rat Wear

Here are some of my favorite gymnastics clothing gifts this season.

This is My Handstand Shirt: Fitted “This is My Handstand Shirt” Tee that comes in many colors!

Born a Gymnast Sweatshirt: This sweatshirt has the words “Born a Gymnast” with a gymnast girl in bling-y diamantes. It also comes in black.

Warning Gymnast Could Flip At Any Moment Shirt: This “Warning Gymnast Could Flip at Any Moment” Tee comes in 14 different colors.

GYMNAST Belt Bag: Functional, stylish and cute, this belt bag brings a new spin on a classic look. Not only will it showcase your love of the sport, but you’ll be able to transport your everyday essentials and have your hands free!

Coach’s Favorite Shorts: Designed to empower you with confidence and comfort, these shorts are going to be your gymnasts favorites. While showcasing your love for gymnastics, these shorts are the perfect addition to your activewear collection. Snag yours today and experience the winning combination of style and functionality in these exceptional gymnastics shorts.

Black Rhinestone Shorts: These TumbleWear black rhinestone biker shorts are great for your gymnast to wear over her leotard during practice. I love the shooting star rhinestone design. The material is a soft velour.

Tie Dye Summer Set:This Summer Tie Dye Lounge Set will be perfect for your gymnast during the warm summer days! Great for before/after practice or just as everyday wear. Get your gymnast one of our lightweight, breathable, quick dry, anti-pilling TIE DYE sets today!

I am a Gymnast Shirt: This word has a bunch of different “I am” statements that describe a gymnast on the front. A great gift for your gymnast!

Sweatshirt: This sweatshirt is so soft and cozy! Your gymnast is going to go crazy over this and its sure to be her new favorite!

PJ Pants: Available in navy/silver with GYMNAST down the front of the leg, or in purple/white with GYMNAST across the bum, these flannel PJ pants are a must have for year-round comfort!

Zip Up Sweatshirt: This zip up hoodie with “Gymnast on a Mission” on the back is going to be your gymnasts go to for grabbing a light jacket! Showcase your love of the sport and that you are a gymnast on a mission in this cozy sweatshirt.

Look Like a Beauty Train Like a Beast Drawstring Bag: This drawstring bag with “Look like a Beauty, Train like a Beast” on the front is perfect for your gymnast to take her gear to and from the gym.

 

gifts for gymnasts

Rose Gold #GYMNAST Cell Phone Case: This rose gold gymnast with #GYMNAST design on black & white marble background would be the perfect gift for your tween/teen gymnast!

Gymnastics Achievement Water Bottle: This stylish and practical water bottle is more than just a hydration companion; it’s a proud display of your dedication and triumphs in the world of gymnastics. Stay hydrated and motivated as you sip from this special bottle that commemorates your gymnastics milestones. Show the world what you’ve accomplished!

Flipping Gymnast Necklace: This silvertone necklace with clear stones is a simple way for your gymnast to accessorize!

Gymnastics Suede Bracelet: This gymnastics bracelet would be perfect for any tween/teen gymnast who loves jewlery.

Gymnastics Girl Personalized Holiday Ornament: This gymnastics girl ornament can be personalized with your gymnast’s name

Love Gymnastics Infinity Bracelet: This bracelet has been a top seller! It comes in a variety of colors and is the perfect gift.

Mindset & Meet Journal: This Journal is a great resource to help you be at the top of your game for meet season. From mindset tools to goal setting to confidence building to meet log to season-in-review, this gymnastics journal is anything but your ordinary journal!

Glitter Hair Spray: Some coaches let their gymnasts use glitter hair spray for meets. If so, it does make gymnastics hairstyles more fun!

Gymnastics Bracelet Making Kit: New this year is this awesome bracelet kit. A gymnastics spin on the Taylor bracelets, this kit will allow you to make your own gymnastics bracelets with things like “Gym BFF”, “Gym Besties” “Bars Queen”, “Tiny Tumbler”, “Podium Ready”, etc. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

gymnastics books and movies

Gymnastics Books and Movies

Grace, Gold, and Glory My Leap of Faith by Gabby Douglas: This autobiography by Gabby Douglas is a story about her faith, perseverance and determination to achieve her dreams. It’s been called “a must-read for teen athletes”, “Very Inspiring” and a “wholesome, positive book for young readers”.

Mind Gym : An Athlete’s Guide to Inner Excellence by Gary Mack and David Casstevens: I’m in the middle of reading this book right now, and so far it’s very good. I’m reading it to write an article on gymnast mental blocks.  This book is motivational, while describing how mental toughness is essential if you want to be a successful athlete. Gary Mack is a successful sports psychologist that has helped the best players in a variety of sports, and he shares the techniques and exercises he uses to”help elite athletes build mental muscle”.

Stick It: Stick It is a gymnastics movie from the writer of Bring it On. It’s an inspiring movie for tweens and young adults.

Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell: If I could recommend one book for young adults/adults to read it would be Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers. In it Gladwell details what makes high-achievers different. He has easy-to-digest anecdotes throughout the book that basically back up his hypothesis that hard work and a little bit of luck are what has made the world’s most successful people. And he describes how you need 10,000 hours to become a master at something. It really is a must read for sports and life.

DK Readers: First Day at Gymnastics: This book is great for young gymnasts learning to read. DK Readers is a learning-to-read program that combines photographs with age-appropriate stories.

Gabby Douglas Story: This movie about Gabby Douglas, starring her, is about her moving away from her hometown and family in order to pursue the Olympics. It’s an inspirational and moving story. I’ve heard stories of younger gymnasts watching this movie over and over.

Letters to a Young Gymnast by Nadia Comaneci: Nadia Comaneci’s memoir details how she “found the inner strength to become a world-class athlete at such a young age”. Romanian-born Comaneci was the first person in Olympic history to earn a perfect score in gymnastics at just 14 years old. She describes some of the years she trained with legendary coach Bela Karolyi and his intensive training requirements. She also describes some of the conditions at the time in Communist Romania, giving the book an historical aspect.

Raising the Bar by Gabrielle Douglas: Raising the Bar is Gabby Douglas’ latest book which features a day-to-day look at her world. It includes tips on how to “raise the bar on your life and accomplish your dreams”. It’s been called a “great book for aspiring gymnasts”.

gymnast room decor gifts

 

Gymnast Room Decor

Here are some of my favorite gifts to help your gymnast decorate her room!

Gymnastics Zone Sign: This is a cute sign for your gymnast to hang on her bedroom door, or inside her room. A great way for her to personalize her space easily.

Reach for the Stars Gymnastics Quote Wall Decal: This inspirational quote decal says ” Jump off the beam, flip off the bars, follow your dreams, and Reach for the Stars.”.  It comes in 9 different colors.

Gymnast Medal Hanger: This gymnast medal hanger is another popular gymnast gift. Gymnasts usually accumulate medals from the meets they compete in throughout the year.

Gymnastics Rug: This soft beautiful gymnast rug would make a great addition to any gymnasts room!

3 Gymnastics posters: This bright, vibrant set of gymnastics posters make a great gift! You can pick up some frames from Target or Ikea to really make them stand out.

3D Gymnastics Night LightI think this is the perfect gift for gymnasts. USB LED lights with remote – you can choose from 16 different colors. It will look so pretty in your gymnast’s room!

I love Gymnastics Wall Decal: This I love Gymnastics wall decal is simple and cute for a girls bedroom.

Gymnastics Collage Wall Decal: Wall decals are always some of the most popular gymnastics gifts when I put together gift guides on GymnasticsHQ. The decals are removable. This gymnastics word collage wall decal is a great way for your gymnast to decorate her space. It has the words “Gymnastics”, “Back Handspring”, “Chalk”, ” All Around”, “Flip”, “Tumble”, “Meet”, Stick It” and “Dismount”.

Gymnastics Street Sign: This gymnastics street sign is another great inexpensive gift your gymnast can use to decorate her room.

Gabby Douglas Quote Wall Decal: This wall decal has this quote by Gabby Douglas, ” Hard days are best because that’s when CHAMPIONS are made.”. I love this as every day inspiration for your gymnast.

I know sometimes it can be hard to find gymnastics gifts, so hopefully this years gift guide helped!

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2 comments… add one
  • angie maclennan May 5, 2017, 2:03 pm

    id like to purchase a bar and mats for my ten yr old daughter bedroom can u please tell me how much I can purchase these for but not too big of a room

    Reply
  • jasmine June 19, 2017, 1:13 am

    love,love the stuff….TOATLLY NEED IT!!!

    Reply

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