Since the late 1800s, baseball has been recognized as the National Sport of the United States. Each year, fans across the country gear up to support their favorite teams. From Spring Training games to the World Series, baseball season is a time of excitement for many.
If you have a baseball lover in your life, you may be searching for gift ideas for them. With so many options available, it can be tough to decide. To help make your decision easier, we’ve put together a list of the best gifts for baseball lovers in 2022.
We’ve tried to provide a list of recommendations that span the price spectrum while focusing on quality items rather than generating a long list of tchotchke trinkets and junk. We assume that when you searched “best baseball gifts” you meant genuine, unique gifts they can be proud of and treasure for years to come.
So whether you’re looking for a luxury item or a stocking stuffer, we think you’ll find something here to help make the baseball fan in your life happy.
- 1. Ticket to a Major League Ball Game
- 2. Heirloom Custom Baseball Bat
- 3. Collector's and Commemorative Baseballs
- 4. Personalized or Heirloom Baseball Glove
- 5. Official 59FIFTY Ball Cap
- 6. Alpha Industries New Era Bomber Jacket
- 7. Official MLB Team Jersey
- 8. Collector's Batting Helmet
- 9. Fanatics Authentic Framed Collage
- 10. Authentic Autographed Baseball
- 11. Total Baseball: The Official Encyclopedia of Major League Baseball
- 12. Luxury Bleacher Seat or Cushion
- 13. Major League Team Flag
- 14. Topps Baseball Card Collector's Box
- 15. Officially Licensed MLB Wall Decal
- 16. Vintage Baseball Glove Leather Wallets and More
- 17. Officially Licensed MLB FOCO Bobbleheads
- 18. Officially Licensed MLB Furniture Protector
- 19. MLB Fanatics Pack Gift Box
- 20. Officially Licensed Team Slogan Pint Glasses
- 21. Baseball Greatest Plays Slate Coasters
- 22. Officially Licensed MLB YETI Coolers and Drinkware
- Batter Up!
1. Ticket to a Major League Ball Game
For the pros, the season officially kicks off in April and there are few experiences like watching the pros underneath the towering lights of Minute Maid Park or Dodger Stadium.
While prices for tickets will vary depending on the team and game, you can typically find tickets for under $100 with the average around $53.
If you’re looking to score some points with a hard-core baseball enthusiast, spring for a ticket to the MLB All-Star Game.
Ticketmaster provides a simple and secure method to get tickets for MLB Regular Season baseball games, the MLB Postseason, as well as the World Series.
2. Heirloom Custom Baseball Bat
Players of America’s most iconic sport feel a deep bond with their baseball bats. Why not get the baseball fan in your life a personalized bat with their name on it as well as some custom styling?
The beauty of this gift is that you can make it as expensive and technical as you wish depending on whether you order a custom gift/souvenir bat just for decoration or go all out with a professional-grade bat that’s made for stepping up to the plate.
This gift is ideal for a baseball coach and players who have just finished a season. Once you receive it, have the entire team sign the bat and you’ve got an instant heirloom.
These bats are also game-worthy; so they can be used for practice in the backyard with a baseball practice net or in a real game.
You can find many places online that will make a custom bat for you but we recommend ordering from Louisville Slugger Custom Bats. They have a wide range of base colors, customization options, and different types of wood to choose from so you can get exactly what you’re looking for.
Download this guide to get your kids outside and off screens.
Download The FREE Guide Now3. Collector’s and Commemorative Baseballs
Like personalized baseball bats, certain baseballs can become treasured heirlooms. If you’re looking for a gift that the baseball player or fanatic in your life will keep forever, a good idea getting them a collector’s baseball.
These real baseballs are emblazoned with team logos, iconic players, and historical moments. They’re also sometimes signed by the player themselves which can add an extra layer of meaning and value.
You can find many different collector’s baseballs online but Unforgettaballs.com has a wide selection of balls commemorating legends like Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, Derek Jeter, and more.
4. Personalized or Heirloom Baseball Glove
Even deeper than a player’s bond with his bat is the one he has with his glove. A glove is often handed down from generation to generation as they age and soften with use.
If you’re looking for a gift that will last a lifetime, consider getting the baseball lover in your life a personalized or heirloom baseball glove.
This is another gift that can be as inexpensive and simple or expensive and technical as you wish, depending on who you’re buying for.
Check out RICO Custom Gloves or JustGloves if you’re looking to build a glove from the ground up or just want some simple engraving done.
5. Official 59FIFTY Ball Cap
The 59FIFTY by NewEra has been the official cap by the Major Leagues for decades now. While many teams have multiple cap designs these days, the 59FIFTY is still the gold standard and is sure to be worn proudly by the biggest baseball fans.
You’ll need to pay attention to the type of cap the recipient prefers to wear, whether the classic, low profile, snapback, or any of the other countless styles offered by NewEra.
You can get a cap emblazoned with any team logo, a variety of mantras, and more designs than you can swing a bat at.
The beauty of giving a cap as a gift, is that it works for everyone: players, fans, and the tireless baseball mom cheering for her kids from the bleachers every Saturday.
6. Alpha Industries New Era Bomber Jacket
If you’re really looking to score some points with a baseball lover, thrill them with an Alpha Industries New Era Bomber Jacket.
The jacket, which honors your favorite sports team, has embroidered patches on the chest and sleeves, as well as an embroidered applique team wordmark at the rear.
Additionally, the right-wear sleeve features a utility pocket with the Alpha Industries ribbon.
This reversible jacket has a camo design on the inside, with NewEras official demarcation in the left chest. The back of the jacket features a screen-printed team logo.
7. Official MLB Team Jersey
What is it about pulling on the uniform of a professional ball player that just feels so right?
Whether it’s the history, the prestige, or just the fact that you’re supporting your favorite team, an official MLB team jersey is a must-have for all sports fans.
You’ll need to know which team your recipient follows (or let them choose their own!) but once you’ve got that, you can find an official jersey at the MLB Shop website.
No fakes here. These are the real thing!
8. Collector’s Batting Helmet
Nothing puts a jolt into the heart of a serious baseball fan than an authentic piece of professional gear displayed at home or at work.
And an official MLB Helmet … oh, yeah.
And one with an autograph … cue the chills.
A collector’s batting helmet is the perfect gift for any baseball lover who is passionate about their favorite team and/or player.
There are many different styles and designs to choose from, so you’ll need to know a bit about the recipient’s favorite team and, perhaps, player.
Do a little digging and ask some questions to determine where their loyalties lie and check out the MLB Shop for official team helmets (some autographed and some mint). Prices range GREATLY depending on the team and autograph.
Or, to save some green, you can grab a MLB Rawlings Baseball Helmet Decal Kit and they can spruce up their existing helmet … or anything else they want to stick it to.
9. Fanatics Authentic Framed Collage
While browsing the MLB Shop for a jersey, you may want to check out their commemorative photo collages.
These beautiful frames feature images of some of the most iconic players and moments in baseball history. They make for a great addition to any home or office and are sure to be cherished by any baseball fan.
You can find collages featuring legends like Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, Derek Jeter, and more. There’s even a “Holidays at Fenway” frame featuring images of the Boston Red Sox playing at America’s most beloved ballpark.
They run some pretty heady deals from time to time so keep your eyes peeled.
10. Authentic Autographed Baseball
True, replicas can be snagged off Amazon for a few pence, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But, an authentic autographed baseball is something special.
These can be had for a few hundred dollars or more, depending on the player and how recently they retired. But, for the baseball lover in your life, it will be worth every penny.
The MLB Shop has these in spades as well as many other items like autographed jerseys, and trading cards.
11. Total Baseball: The Official Encyclopedia of Major League Baseball
First published in 1989, Total Baseball is the ultimate reference book for any baseball fan. This massive tome contains everything there is to know about Major League Baseball, from statistics and records to player biographies.
Written by one of the best historians in the U.S., David Pietrusza, it has been hailed as “a national treasure.”
If you’re looking for a gift that will keep on giving, this is it. The baseball fan in your life will pour over this book for hours, discovering new and interesting facts about their favorite sport.
Total Baseball is also great for settling arguments (like who was better, Babe Ruth or Ty Cobb?) once and for all.
12. Luxury Bleacher Seat or Cushion
Whether your budget is big or small, everyone can appreciate a good seat cushion, especially when it’s emblazoned with their favorite team’s logo.
While the big-time stadiums have relatively comfortable chairs, the everyday bleachers of small-town and city fields do little more than result in numb-bums by the bottom of the second inning.
If you’re just going for superb comfort without any customizations, the ONIVA Ventura is the first stadium seat of its kind. This lightweight, foldable chair features actual lumbar support, can be used as a recliner, and is available in many different colors.
You can also opt for a simple cushion with a favorite team logo emblazoned across the top. Fanatics.com has an exhaustive collection that is sure to spoil the gluteus of your resident baseball groupie.
13. Major League Team Flag
Run it up a pole, hang it in the game room (or living room if the wife will let you), and wear it like a cape at the next game. It’s the perfect way to show off team pride, and flags make for great gifts since they can be used again and again.
U.S. Flags Unlimited has them ready to order with any team logo that ruffles their truffles. All flags are Made in America, so you can take pride in supporting American craftsmanship as well.
14. Topps Baseball Card Collector’s Box
Baseball trading cards had their start in 1868 and are almost as integral to the world of baseball as the ball itself. These make an excellent birthday gift, stocking stuffer, or party favors.
Sure, you can find packs of cards at the local grocery store, but for the real enthusiast, an entire box is a must.
Topps is the biggest name in baseball cards, and their official website offers a wide variety of collector’s boxes.
These range in price depending on the year and which players are featured, and, if you’re not sure that cards are the thing to get them, they have a wide assortment of other collectibles as well.
15. Officially Licensed MLB Wall Decal
Ahhh, the glorious sticker. What better, cost-efficient way to express our unique passions and interests than a mass-produced decal.
Okay, so maybe that’s not the best sales pitch; but, truth be told, these things are actually pretty cool.
They come in all shapes and sizes, but we particularly like the Fathead wall decals. They’re life-size (and bigger), and they look great. You can find your favorite team’s logo, or a mascot’s likeness, or even photo-realistic images of their favorite player in action!
These make for great gifts for the younger crowd, or for those of us who are still young at heart.
And that blank wall in the man cave … yep, definitely.
16. Vintage Baseball Glove Leather Wallets and More
Baseball gloves have been manufactured, bought, used, and retired for well over 100 years.
If all that vintage leather could talk. The stories it would tell.
An intuitive man by the name of KC Mack found a way to give it a voice by renewing its life.
At Mack Provisions, hard work and a passion for the sport inspire transforms vintage baseball gloves into one-of-a-kind wallets, key clips, coasters, and other accessories. The best part is that each item is made from an actual game-used glove, so you know it has a story to tell.
If you’re having trouble coming up with gifts for baseball fans that are both unique and useful, these hit the sweet spot.
17. Officially Licensed MLB FOCO Bobbleheads
The thing with bobbleheads is, when you get one, even if you think you don’t need one, you develop a weird tick to keep accumulating them. It’s like a collector’s mentality, but with more head-nodding.
These little guys from FOCO are officially licensed by the MLB, so you know they’re quality. They come in all sorts of designs, from player likenesses to mascot renditions making them a just-for-fun baseball gift idea.
We particularly like the “Big Head” style for its ability to freak out small children. But, to each their own.
These make for great gifts, especially for that person who already has everything or even fun end-of-season baseball team gifts.
Because, really, who doesn’t need a bobblehead?
18. Officially Licensed MLB Furniture Protector
Fact: Sports is the number two cause of household furniture stains.
Another fact: Most of those stains are from beer.
The solution: Buy your favorite baseball fan a furniture protector! These things are great. They’re like big, waterproof, washable blankets that you can put over furniture to protect it from spills.
And they come in all sorts of team designs so you can show off your team pride.
We’ve all had that one friend who’s a little … um … less than coordinated when it comes to eating and drinking in front of the TV. This is the perfect gift for them.
And, hey, it might just save your couch.
Helpful Tip: The link provided will take you to a New York Mets Sofa Protector. If they’re not your team, peruse the MLB Shop site to find one that suits you.
(If you’re wondering, the number one cause of household furniture stains is, yep, having kids.)
19. MLB Fanatics Pack Gift Box
Trying to generate great gift ideas for a sports fan that already has everything is infuriating. It’s almost as if the only thing left to buy them is their own team.
Almost.
The MLB Fanatics Pack Gift Box is the perfect solution. It comes with a little bit of everything, so there’s bound to be something in there that they don’t have.
It includes team-branded items like a t-shirt, 30″ x 60″ team towel, a two-sided yard flag with a metal pole, a sheet of vinyl decals, a stainless steel bottle opener, and 4 can coolers, all themed out with their favorite team logo!
Whew! One of those items should be a first for them … hopefully.
20. Officially Licensed Team Slogan Pint Glasses
Do you know what’s great about pint glasses? They hold a lot of beer. Do you know what’s even better? A set of pint glasses, so you can share with your friends.
These officially licensed team slogan glasses come in singles; so, you can mix and match to create the perfect combination for the lucky dog you’re giving them to.
21. Baseball Greatest Plays Slate Coasters
Along with being a major cause of furniture stains, baseball is also responsible for ruining a whole lot of tables.
Cut from genuine black slate and etched with the layouts of a game-changing moment in the history of your favorite team, these Greatest Plays Slate Coasters
These coasters are a must for the baseball fan who loves to entertain and who does not want to answer for the new set of rings permanently set into that antique mahogany table.
22. Officially Licensed MLB YETI Coolers and Drinkware
While a personal cooler or tumbler wouldn’t be permitted into a Major League Stadium, they’re still a fantastic way to show your team spirit at home, at a local Little or Minor League game, or on the go.
And forget the cheap plastic team logo water bottle or Walmart travel mug. Anybody that has ever had a YETI knows that, while there are a few contenders for their standards, there are not many and a run-of-the-mill bottle or mug just isn’t going to cut it.
The Rambler Tumblers start at around $30 and the Coolers range from $200 – $350. With these prices, you’re sure to hit a home run.
Staying hydrated is important, and there’s no better way to do it than with an ice-cold drink from a YETI. The company offers all sorts of team-branded coolers and tumblers, so you can find the perfect one for the baseball fan in your life.
Batter Up!
Consider yourself coached on some of the best and most unique baseball gift ideas for hardcore baseball fanatics. Now, it’s the perfect time to take your new-found knowledge and put it to good use.
We wish you luck in your gift-giving endeavors! But, more importantly, we hope your team wins the World Series. (Unless they’re playing against our team. Then, bring it!)
Joshua Davis
Being outdoors is freedom! Being outdoors with my wife and two boys is LIVING! Whether in my backyard or getting lost in a National Park, there’s nothing I’d rather do than explore, discover, and experience the paradise that surrounds us. Give me my family, a backpack, and a trail and my life is full!Download this guide to get your kids outside and off screens.
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