Posted on: 3 December 2025
As the festive season swiftly approaches and the tinsel goes up, there’s one question on every hockey fan’s mind: What’s the perfect gift for someone who lives, breathes and dreams hockey? Whether your giftee is a seasoned player, a child just finding their feet on the pitch or a keen umpire starting their officiating journey, Christmas gives us the chance to score a win with something thoughtful, fun and within budget. That’s where this guide comes in: we’ve found you the perfect hockey gifts that cost under £20, so you can get into the spirit of giving without breaking the bank.
Hockey may be a high-energy, gear-heavy sport, but that doesn’t mean you need a three figure budget to deliver something meaningful. In fact, the best gifts often combine personality, practicality and an understanding of the recipient’s interests.
So, if you’re looking to delight a hockey lover this Christmas, here are a few things we’ll cover in this blog:
Why sub £20 gifts still hit big – budget doesn’t mean boring, it means clever.
What makes a good hockey gift – people like function & fun and what’s better than that “oh nice” moment when they open it.
If you’re ready, let’s unwrap the first part: why this price point works so well.
Why under £20 works
£20 is an accessible price point. It avoids the awkwardness of spending too much on someone you might only know casually (colleague, distant cousin, Secret Santa) – and yet it’s substantial enough to feel like a “proper” gift.
Practical accessories often deliver higher value than you’d expect. A fresh grip for a stick, a protective glove or other accessories – small items, but with high “feel-good” impact.
It’s the thought that counts. If you pick something that reflects the recipient’s team, position, or role at a club, you’ve already lifted the gift above “just another present”.
What makes a good hockey gift?
Let’s define a few criteria so you can spot the winners when you’re browsing:
Relevance – does it tie to their hockey personally (club colours, playing position or role)
Quality within budget – under £20 doesn’t mean cheap and flimsy. There are decent brands and items at this level.
Personal or unique twist – maybe it’s a colour they love, a piece of kit they are desperate for or didn’t know they needed.
Appropriate for the recipient – consider their skill level (beginner vs experienced), their role, their age, and whether they’ve already got the basics. So, with the scene set, let’s kick off the countdown. Here are five gift ideas that hit the £20 mark or below and are sure to bring a smile – whether it’s the player who’s on the turf every weekend, the enthusiastic junior, or the fan who watches from the sidelines (and proudly wears their team as they sleep).
Umpiring Cards & Whistle
Price – £11.90
If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas gift for a field hockey umpire, getting them both a whistle and a set of umpire cards is an excellent idea.
Firstly, every umpire needs a reliable whistle – something clear sounding, durable, and easy to wield under pressure. The requirement for a whistle is among the essential umpiring tools in the sport of field hockey. A high-quality whistle ensures the umpire can make themselves heard over play and ambient noise, which helps them retain authority and maintain control of the game.
Secondly, the card set is also an important piece of umpiring equipment. These cards are used to record cautions or dismissals and to manage the discipline of the match. Many umpire equipment lists highlight them as a required item. The card sets available for field hockey are designed for durability and usability – for example weather resistant plastic construction & convenient wallet design.
Putting the two together makes a fantastic gift for several reasons:
Practicality – The umpire will use both the whistle and cards match after match — no gimmick, but equipment that offers real value.
Affordability – Combining the two still stays comfortably under £20. That means you can gift both for little money, but with solid utility.
Thoughtful – It shows you’ve considered what is essential to their umpiring passion & it acknowledges and supports their role.
Durable and long-lasting – As described above, the gear is built to withstand regular use and all weather, meaning the umpire can rely on your gift through many matches and seasons.
In summary, gifting a good whistle paired with umpire cards gives a field hockey umpire a thoughtful, useful present that supports their equipment needs, won’t break your budget, and shows you appreciate their role.
OPRO Gold Mouthguard
Price – £19.95
If you’re thinking of a thoughtful and performance focused Christmas gift for a field hockey player, the OPRO Gold Mouthguard is a stellar choice – and what makes it especially appealing is that it’s a top end mouthguard, yet under £20. Here’s why it works so well:
In field hockey, players face fastmoving balls, stick clashes and close proximity collisions where a stray shot or deflection can hit the face. A top quality mouthguard isn’t just for contact sports – it’s highly relevant for any player who wants to minimise risk. OPRO is one of the world’s most technically advanced mouthguard company and a leading pioneer in oral protection. Thus, giving it to a hockey player says you’ve considered their specific environment and their safety.
Key features that make it stand out.
Here are some of the standout features of the mouthguard that elevate it beyond a basic piece of equipment:
Ultrafit retention – The mouthguard uses patented fin technology and a compression cage to mould precisely to the wearer’s teeth and gums, delivering a snug and secure fit.
Duallayer construction – There’s an outer layer engineered for high impact resistance plus an inner gelflow channel for cushioning and comfort. This helps absorb shock and protect both teeth and gums.
Breathability & Speakability – Because of its design (e.g., open palate, thinner profile) the player can still breathe, talk and perform without feeling overly restricted—important in a sport like hockey where stamina and communication matter.
Hygiene & durability – The mouthguard and its carry case feature antimicrobial protection to inhibit bacterial growth. In a sweaty, damp sports environment, that’s a plus.
Trusted brand & industry level – The OPRO Gold Mouthguards are “competition level” within the brand’s range, meaning you are essentially gifting something built for serious use rather than a basic, entry level guard.
🎁 Why it makes a great gift (especially as a premiumunder£20 option)
- Thoughtful & targeted – You’re not giving just any generic gift – you’re acknowledging the player’s sport, environment and safety needs.
- High perceived value – Because it’s premium (competition level) but still affordable, it feels like you’ve chosen something special.
- Longterm use – A well fitted mouthguard will be used season after season, so the gift has staying power.
- Versatility – Whether the player competes in club matches, school leagues or just plays recreationally, the mouthguard supports their participation level.
- Confidence & professionalism – Wearing top tier protective equipment helps the athlete feel primed and taken care of – both physically and mentally.
- A Mouthguard for Everyone – The OPRO Gold Mouthguard comes in a range of options; Senior (Age 10+), Junior (Up to Age 10) & suitable for Braces
In short: choosing the OPRO Gold mouthguard contributes to protection, comfort, durability and sport specific relevance – while being a premium item that doesn’t break the bank.
Opro Gold Mouthguard for Braces
Cloth Tape & Chamois Grip
Price – £11.90+
If you’re looking for a practical and thoughtful Christmas gift for a field hockey player, a combination of chamois grips and cloth tape is a fantastic option. These are essentials that players use regularly, making them both useful and appreciated – all while staying easily under £20.
What the product is
A chamois grip is a soft, absorbent overgrip that wraps around the handle of a hockey stick. Its primary purpose is to improve grip in wet or sweaty conditions by wicking away moisture and preventing the stick from slipping. This is especially valuable on water-based pitches or rainy winter match days, where a standard grip might become slick and difficult to handle.
Cloth tape, often referred to as hockey stick tape, is typically used to secure a chamois grip in place. Many players also use tape to customise the feel of their stick, adding extra grip where it’s needed most or just giving their gear a more personalised look.
Why it makes an excellent gift.
Highly practical – These are items hockey players genuinely need and use throughout the season. Most players go through multiple grips and rolls of tape, so restocking is always welcome.
Improves performance – A well-wrapped stick with a chamois grip offers better control, especially in fast-paced, damp conditions. Players can play with more confidence and less discomfort.
Affordable & valuable – Despite being relatively inexpensive, grips and tape are integral parts of a hockey player’s kit — making them excellent value gifts.
Customisable – With a variety of colours available you can choose options that match the recipient’s team colours or personal style.
Easy to wrap & gift – Lightweight, compact and functional, this combo is perfect as a stocking filler or part of a larger gift bundle.
In short, chamois grips and cloth tape make a small but powerful gift – functional, appreciated, and tailored to a hockey player’s real needs on the pitch.
Touch Pro Left-Hand Glove
Price – £19.95
If you’re hunting for a thoughtful, practical Christmas gift for a field hockey player, consider the Grays Touch Pro Hockey Glove. It strikes an excellent balance between performance, protection and value.
Why it’s a strong choice.
Protection where it counts – Field hockey players regularly face high-speed shots, stick clashes, tight deflections and turf abrasions. This glove offers moulded knuckle armour and extra thumb protection, helping guard against impacts and sideline injuries.
Excellent dexterity & feel – The glove features an open palm design and jointed finger construction, meaning the player retains stick feel, agility and movement rather than being restricted.
Trusted brand & performance profile – The glove is part of the well-respected Grays hockey protection line, meaning you’re gifting something with credible pedigree rather than a novelty item.
What makes it a good gift?
Relevant and used – This isn’t just a generic gift – it’s something the player will wear consistantly in training and matches.
Supportive of performance – By giving a glove that enhances protection *and* feel, you’re helping them play better and more confidently.
Recognition of need – Many players underestimate hand protection until they’re hit or scraped; giving this glove shows awareness of their sport specific risks.
Fits multiple levels – Whether they’re club level, school team or recreational players, this glove will serve well.
Choosing the Grays Touch Pro Hockey Glove gives you a gift that combines protection, mobility, brand credibility and practicality, all tailored to the demands of a field hockey player.
Grays Touch Pro Left-Hand Hockey Glove
Hockey Socks
Price – £8.95-£12.95
Giving a quality pair of hockey socks to a player is a fantastic and personal Christmas gift – it blends usefulness, comfort, and a thoughtful nod to their sport all in one. The Grays G550 Hockey Socks or Kookaburra Hockey Socks offer both performance benefits and a gift that gets used throughout the season.
Why hockey socks are more than just “another pair of socks”?
Field hockey players rely on the right socks to help them feel comfortable, secure, and focussed on their game – not worrying about their kit. Good hockey socks typically feature elements like ventilation panels and stretch leg fabric so they stay in place over shin guards and won’t bunch up or lose shape.
Because they’re part of a player’s on pitch kit every week, giving a fresh, well fitting pair shows you understand their world.
What makes this gift personal & practical?
Tailored to their sport – Unlike a generic gift, socks made for field hockey are specifically designed for the conditions the player’s in – shinguards beneath, turf underfoot, and frequent movement.
Comfort and performance impact – Better socks mean fewer distractions: less slipping, bunching or discomfort means more focus on the game.
Style and individuality – Many socks come in club colours which lets you pick something that reflects their team or personality.
Affordable but meaningful – A “nice” pair can cost well under typical large gifts budget, yet have real value to the recipient.
Everyday use, visible gesture – When they pull them up for training or match day, that gift will be front and centre – both practically and symbolically.
Giving a field hockey player a good pair of socks is a gift that’s part of their routine but also conveys care and respect for their commitment & passion for their sport & club.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to make a hockey player smile this Christmas. Whether it’s useful gear or fun accessories, these thoughtful gifts under £20 are perfect for players of all levels. It’s the little things that show you understand their passion, and these picks do just that.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season, and may the new year bring fresh goals, great games, and even better stick skills!
