Football Gifts for Kids: 14 Ideas They'll Actually Use
Got a child who lives in their football boots? Then you already know the struggle. Another football annual or novelty mug just won't cut it. The best football gifts for kids are the ones they'll actually take to training on Tuesday and wear on matchday Saturday.
We've pulled together our favourite ideas for young players, from budget-friendly stocking fillers to big-ticket training wear. Every pick is something we've designed with grassroots footballers in mind, so you can buy with confidence that it'll get used, not shoved in a drawer.
Short on time? Head straight to our football gifts for kids collection to see everything in one place.
How to choose football gifts for kids
Before you add to basket, a few quick questions will help you land the perfect present.
How old are they? Younger players (under 8) often play mini-soccer with a size 3 ball, juniors move to a size 4, and older teens use a full size 5. Check what their club uses before buying a football.
What do they need right now? Ask their coach or have a look in their kit bag. Worn-out shin pads, a missing water bottle or socks that slide down mid-match are all easy wins.
Will it fit? Kids grow fast. For clothing, it's usually worth going one size up so they get a full season (or two) out of it.
Safety first. Shin pads are compulsory in matches, so a properly fitting pair is one of the most practical gifts you can give. Look for youth-specific sizes rather than squeezing a small child into an adult pad.
14 football gifts for kids they'll actually use
Matchday essentials
1. Lion Elite 2.0 Dual Grip Socks Grip socks are what the pros wear, and kids notice. Grip on the inside and outside stops feet sliding around in their boots, so they feel more stable when turning and shooting. A brilliant first "pro-level" upgrade.
2. Pre-Cut Sleeve Socks Pair them with grip socks for the full pro look. Sleeves sit over the shin pads and match the team colours, and they're part of our Mix & Match range, so you can save when you buy a few colours.
3. Silicone Band Holders No more socks and shin pads sliding down mid-game. These bands hold everything in place and come in a range of colours. An ideal stocking filler.
Protection that fits
4. Lion Elite Flex Youth Shin Pad with Sleeve Designed specifically for young players, with a built-in sleeve that keeps the pad in place. If their old pads are cracked or too small, this is a gift they genuinely need.
5. Shin Pad Sleeve Socks with Shin Guard All-in-One Set Perfect for younger kids still learning to get their own kit on. The shin guard slots into the sleeve, so it's quick to put on before training with no fiddling.
6. Ankle Protectors Extra peace of mind for players who get stuck into tackles. Lightweight and comfortable under socks.
Training wear
7. Elite Signature Training Kit A T-shirt and shorts set made for training sessions, so their match kit stays clean for Saturday.
8. Elite Signature Hoodie Warm-ups, the walk to training or just lounging at home: a football hoodie gets worn constantly.
9. Elite Signature Spray Jacket Winter football in the UK means rain. A spray jacket keeps them dry during warm-ups and on the sidelines.
10. Elite Signature Tracksuit The big-ticket gift. A full tracksuit makes young players feel like part of a proper squad, from the warm-up to the drive home.
Kit bag and back garden
11. Lion Elite Training / Match Football You can't go wrong with a new ball. Available in sizes 3, 4 and 5, so choose the one that matches their age group.
12. Lion Football Kit Backpack Somewhere to keep boots, shin pads, a drink and a change of clothes together, so nothing gets left behind at the pitch.
13. Boot Bag Keep muddy boots away from everything else. It has a water-resistant lining, a reinforced handle, a mesh drinks bottle holder and a zip pocket for keys or subs money. A great match for the Kit Backpack.
14. Player Drinks Bottle Staying hydrated matters, especially in long tournaments. A dedicated football bottle is a small gift that gets used every single session.
Football gifts for kids by budget
Whatever you're spending, there's something here. Prices are correct at the time of writing.
|
Budget |
Gift ideas |
|---|---|
|
Stocking fillers (under £10) |
Player Drinks Bottle £7.99 · Ankle Protectors £8.99 · Silicone Band Holders £8.99 · Pre-Cut Sleeve Socks £9.99 · Dual Grip Socks £9.99 (was £14.99) |
|
£10 to £25 |
All-in-One Shin Guard Set £11.99 · Boot Bag £13.99 · Elite Flex Youth Shin Pad £19.99 · Elite Training / Match Football £19.99 |
|
£25 to £35 |
Kit Backpack £26.99 · Training Kit from £26.99 · Hoodie from £26.99 · Spray Jacket from £34.99 |
|
The big present |
Elite Signature Tracksuit from £46.99 |
Gift bundle idea: grip socks, sleeve socks and band holders together come to under £30. Add a drinks bottle and you're over the £30 free delivery threshold.
Football gift FAQs
What is a good football gift for a child?
The best football gifts for kids are practical items they'll use every week. Grip socks, shin pads, a new football and training wear are all popular because they get used at every session.
What size football should I buy for my child?
As a general guide, size 3 suits younger children, size 4 suits juniors and size 5 suits older teens and adults. Check with their club, as age groups vary.
What can I buy a football-mad kid for under £10?
Grip socks, sleeve socks, silicone band holders, ankle protectors and a drinks bottle all come in under £10, making them ideal stocking fillers.
Are grip socks good for kids?
Yes. Grip socks help stop the foot sliding inside the boot, which can improve stability and comfort. They're worn under sleeve socks, so they work with any team kit.
How quickly will my order arrive?
Orders are dispatched the same day for next-day delivery, and delivery is free on orders over £30. Check our shipping policy for Christmas cut-off dates.
Kick off their season in style
The right gift doesn't just look good under the tree. It shows up at training, gets muddy on Saturday and helps them feel like a real footballer. Whether you go for a £7.99 stocking filler or a full tracksuit, you'll be giving them something they'll genuinely use.
Browse the full football gifts for kids collection to find their next favourite piece of kit. New to Lion? Sign up to our newsletter for 15% off your first order.