Whether you begin your Holiday shopping in July or are the very definition of a last minute shopper, for those that have a cheerleader in their life but have absolutely no idea what to get for them as a gift, there are some things they may appreciate that you simply may not have thought of.

Buying a gift for a cheerleader can feel even more confusing if you have no background in cheerleading at all.

Cheerleaders, particularly ones that participate in All Star Cheerleading, are not just standing on the sidelines with pom poms and megaphones.

Today’s cheerleaders are serious athletes who train many hours a week working on stunts, jumps, tumbling, and dance.

Keeping this in mind may make gift shopping a bit easier.

A safe place to start is gear centered around practice.

Cheerleaders wear fitted athletic clothes that allow them to move freely and safely.

Think athletic shorts, leggings, sports bras, and lightweight tops.

These items get worn often and wear out quickly, so extras are always helpful.

Hoodies or warm up jackets are also popular because gyms can be cold.

If you are completely clueless in this category, discreetly stopping by the gym and bouncing ideas off someone who works in the office or maybe one of the coaches there could be a terrific thing to do – even better if your athlete’s gym has a Pro Shop!

Another great category is gear that helps with recovery.

Cheerleading puts a lot of stress on the body, especially the legs, back, and shoulders.

Foam rollers, massage sticks, or stretch bands help cheerleaders loosen tight muscles after practice.

Reusable water bottles are also a smart gift since staying hydrated is very important during long workouts (your athlete may even have a favorite name brand of water bottle!).

Hair and appearance items may be a surprise to keep in mind, but they matter a lot in cheer.

Hair must be neat and secure for safety reasons.

A small kit with hair ties, bobby pins, hair spray, and a brush is very practical.

Depending on the program, cheer bows can be a big part of the sport as well, and many cheerleaders love having extras in different colors.

Technology based gifts are also very useful.

Wireless earbuds are great for stretching, conditioning, or focusing before practice.

Many cheerleaders record themselves to work on skills, so a simple phone tripod or stand may be extremely helpful.

These tools support both training and confidence.

If you prefer experience gifts, consider things that help them improve.

Maybe an online fitness program, flexibility class, or dance lesson? These can all connect well to cheerleading.

Even a notebook or planner designed for fitness goals can be meaningful, since many cheerleaders track skills, practices, and competition dates.

Comfort items are another safe option.

Slides, cozy blankets, or pants for lounging around in are perfect for relaxing after tough practices.

Traveling to competitions can involve long days, so neck pillows or small travel bags are thoughtful too.

Spirit and encouragement matter more than people realize.

A framed photo from a competition, a charm to bring good luck, or a handwritten note recognizing their hard work can mean a lot.

If you are STILL unsure, gift cards work well.

Athletic stores, cheer supply shops (if there are any in your area), healthy food places, or perhaps for the Pro Shop at their gym are all good choices.

These all allow the athlete themself to pick what they truly need.

The best gift does not need to be flashy or expensive.

It should show support for the time, effort, and discipline the sport of cheerleading requires.

When you focus on comfort, recovery, and encouragement, you cannot go wrong.

One last helpful idea is to learn their schedule.

Cheerleaders often practice late and compete on weekends.

Gifts that save time, reduce stress, or make travel easier can many times be especially appreciated.

Even simple things like healthy snacks, ice packs, or a larger duffel bag can make a big difference in their daily routine and overall experience.

All of these small supports can show how much you care and recognize your athlete’s love for cheer without having a lot of knowledge about cheerleading yourself.