HOLIDAY SHOPPING FOR THE TENNIS PLAYER {2007}

By Vince Chiarelli, PTR, MRT and Owner of String Along With Vince in Largo

Here it is December already! I have an anxious editor breathing down my neck and restricting me to 400 words this month, so let’s get right to it.

This is the time for holiday giving which means holiday buying. If you’re looking for tennis products, here are some tips that may make the giving a little more joyous. DO NOT, under any circumstances, buy a racquet for someone else UNLESS: you know EXACTLY (including grip size) what they need, OR you purchase an UNSTRUNG racquet with the store’s agreement that it may be returned for a different frame to suit the recipient. Go to a store that knows something about tennis equipment (I could suggest a place) rather than just shopping for price. In the long run it could cost you more both in money and in disappointment if you just go out to a place where the clerk says, “This is the latest, so buy this one.” OR ”You’ll save money buying this one.” Another way to buy a racquet is with a gift certificate, thereby giving the recipient the ability to choose the ultimate frame.

For other less costly items, they will be truly be appreciated only if they are the right thing, so ask, if you have to. Even balls come in different types and brands that some people prefer over others. Novelty items can be a good gift without having to worry about size, color, etc. Wristbands, towels, gift certificates for racquet stringing can also make great gifts. Clothing, because of size, color and style can be somewhat of a problem, UNLESS you know the person’s dimensions and desires.

Finally, if you still don’t know what to get and trust the store personnel, listen to their suggestions. We run into this problem all the time and usually have ideas you probably never even considered, like a gift basket of “must have” things for the tennis player. A really appreciated gift brings the most joy to both giver and receiver.

I made it with words to spare. Next time I’m held to 400 words, I’m going to spend a week reading the dictionary to find the longest words I can use (just kidding, Jim). Let me use up my remaining stash to wish everyone who reads this a really HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON and great weather to enjoy what we all love, TENNIS!