How to Buy a Basketball as a Gift

While buying a basketball may seem like a straightforward proposition, there are a surprising number of choices to wade through.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Athletic Socks
• Basketball Uniforms
• Basketball Hoops
• Basketball Shoes
• Basketballs
• Basketballs

1. 

   Determine if the recipient will play with the basketball indoors or outdoors. Leather balls are great for indoor play, but they tend to deteriorate rapidly if used outside. Synthetic leather balls work well for both indoor and outdoor play.

2. 

   Decide on a size. Basketballs range from mini balls to normal-size to oversize balls.

3. 

   Choose a color. Basketballs come in a variety of colors besides brown. You may be able to buy one that is the recipient's favorite color.

4. Find out the favorite professional or college team of the recipient. Many teams have basketballs with their name and logo on them.

Tips & Warnings

• Wrap the basketball inside a box so it's not as easy to determine what it is.
• Speciality stores for professional and college teams can be found in the team's city. These stores generally take orders over the phone.
• Sporting good stores typically offer a wide selection of basketballs.
• Some professional athletes affix their signiture to basketballs. If the recipient has a favorite player, you may be able to find a ball with her or his signature.

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[TaylorW]

on 12/12/2006 Don't forget that girls play with a smaller ball than do guys, and that holds true from youth all the way through college.

Official girls basketballs are always marked 225. Don't let them sell you one without this number.