Longboarders, like their skateboarding cousins, often have very specific preferences when it comes to their gear. They tend to stick to favorite brands, board shapes, and even preferred skate shops. This can make gift-giving a bit of a challenge. If you’re looking for the perfect present for a longboarder, whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just because, this guide will steer you in the right direction. As a seasoned longboarder myself, I understand the culture and can offer valuable insights. Ideally, it’s best to chat with the longboarder and learn about their specific needs and preferences beforehand.
Gifts for longboarders arranged on a longboard
What Makes a Good Gift for a Longboarder?
There are several reliable gifts that almost any longboarder will appreciate. Many are relatively inexpensive, making them great options for any budget. Here’s what generally works well:
- High-Quality Bearings: Brands like Bones Reds or Swiss bearings are highly sought after and make a significant difference in a board’s performance.
- Longboard-Specific Backpacks: Look for backpacks designed with straps specifically to carry a longboard.
- Essential Accessories: Longboard wax, reliable skate tools, and spare hardware are always useful.
- Unique Items: A subscription to a relevant magazine like Thrasher, or tickets to a local skate event can be great additions to a gift.
- Safety Gear: For longboarders of all ages, quality knee pads, elbow pads, and helmets are not just thoughtful but practical gifts.
- Practice Gear: If you have space and no local park, a portable ramp can be a unique and fun idea.
Gifts to Avoid When Shopping for Longboarders
Making changes to a longboarder’s setup can be risky because they’re often very particular about their gear. They may have specific preferences about brands, size, or even the way things feel. Any changes might affect their abilities, and the last thing you want is to make them relearn their favorite tricks.
- Longboard Decks: Buying a deck without knowing the preferred size and brand is a gamble.
- Trucks: New trucks can take a long time to get used to, and it’s usually best to avoid this gift.
- Helmets: While essential for safety, older longboarders might not appreciate a helmet as a gift.
- Footwear: Shoes can be a great present but only if you know their exact preferences.
- Wheels: Wheel size and hardness are crucial for a boarder, so know their current setup before buying.
- Scooters: A scooter instead of a longboard is a surefire way to miss the mark with any longboard enthusiast.
- Skate Trainers: These are generally unnecessary for most longboarders.
- Clothing: Clothing can be a great gift, but it’s best to stick to popular skate brands and styles.
Creating a Custom Longboarding Gift
If you want to create something special and thoughtful, consider making a longboarding “survival kit.” A personalized gift goes a long way and shows you put in the effort. It might include a gift card from a favorite local skate shop along with some stickers and wax.
Longboarders are often fond of visiting skate shops to browse and select their own gear. You could make an outing of it. Alternatively, a useful survival kit might contain:
- A set of high-quality bearings
- Longboard wax
- A versatile skate tool
- Stickers from popular skate brands
- Spare 1″ bolts and nuts
- Extra axle nuts
These kits are always appreciated and practical. Get creative with the packaging for that extra touch.
Budgeting for Longboard Gifts
You don’t need to spend a fortune to make a longboarder happy. Here’s a look at what you can get at various price points:
Budget-Friendly Gifts (Under $10 USD):
- Mini Logo bearings
- Longboard wax
- Basic skate tool
- Skate socks
- Spare hardware
- Bones Speed Cream
- Stickers
- Laces
Mid-Range Gifts ($15 – $30 USD):
- Silver Skate Tool
- Bronson G3 bearings
- Shoe Goo
- Insoles
- Cap
- Beanie
- Fingerboard
- Socks
Higher-End Gifts ($30 – $60 USD):
- Longboard backpack
- Spitfire Wheels
- Longboard deck (be sure to know their specs)
- Handboard
Premium Gifts ($60 USD and Up):
- Cruiser skateboard
- Skate shoes
- DJI OM5 Gimbal
Top 20 Gift Ideas for Longboarders
The following gifts are not only affordable but are also things that longboarders genuinely use and appreciate. Unless you’re absolutely certain about their setup, avoid decks, wheels, and trucks. Here’s a list of some of the best gifts for longboarders, with tips to minimize buying the wrong thing.
1. Longboard Wax
Longboard wax and griptape
Wax is a crucial item, especially for longboarders who enjoy street skating. It helps smooth out rough surfaces, allowing for easier slides and grinds. This affordable and essential gift comes in various shapes and colors, although quality does vary. Even poor-quality wax is better than none.
- Price range: $3 to $10.
- Age: All.
- Type of skater: Ideal for those who enjoy grinding trucks on curbs or sliding rails.
2. Skate Tool
Tools for skateboarding
A quality skate tool is another excellent gift. They range from basic models for around $6 to more durable tools around $30. A tool with a re-threader is ideal for fixing damaged axle threads. Skaters use skate tools frequently, and a quality one is a great addition.
- Price range: $6 to $30.
- Age: All.
- Type of skater: Suitable for all styles of longboarding.
3. A Visit to a Local Skate Shop or Gift Card
The experience of visiting a skate shop is something that any longboarder will appreciate. It’s a great way to pick out their own gear. Make the gift more exciting by adding custom stickers, socks, or creating your own gift card. It’s more than just a gift; it’s a fun activity.
4. Signed Deck
Skateboard deck signed by Tony Hawk
A signed deck can be a unique gift. The price varies greatly based on the skater, the rarity, and the type of deck, from $20 to $2,000. Old-school, original decks signed by legends are collector’s items and are not usually meant for the average rider.
- Budget: $20 – $2000.
- Age: 18 and up.
- Great for: Collectors and older longboarders.
5. Dakine Backpack for Longboarding
Longboarder backpack Dakine
Though not essential, a backpack with longboard straps is very useful. It keeps the grip tape away from other items and many high-quality backpacks feature laptop compartments. Look for a design with many pockets for storing wax, bearings, hardware, and other essentials.
- Budget: $35 – $70
- Age: All
- Longboard style: All styles.
6. Bearings
Bones & Reds
You can’t go wrong with bearings. Bones Reds and Bronson Speed Co. G2 are highly recommended for a balance of performance and price. They’re a great gift that positively affects skating abilities.
- Price range: $15 – $20.
- Age: All.
- Style: All styles.
7. Skate Socks
Longboarders appreciate a good pair of skate socks from their favorite brands. Not just comfortable, they add to the overall skate look. There are many options from brands like Independent and Element at reasonable prices.
8. Shoe Goo & RipCare
Shoe goo and rip care glue
Skateboarding can be hard on shoes, and Shoe Goo or RipCare allow skaters to repair their shoes and extend their lifespan. This is an inexpensive but essential gift for any technical skater.
- Price range: $5-$10
- Age: 10+
- Great for: Street longboarding and park skating.
9. Insoles
Dr Scholls insoles
Often overlooked, insoles make a big difference by preventing injuries and reducing strain from impacts. Dr. Scholls insoles offer great support and shock absorption, and can be adjusted to fit any shoe.
- Price range: $20 – $25
- Age: 15+
- Great for: All styles.
10. Stickers
Skateboard stickers
Stickers are always a hit. Many skaters collect or use them to personalize their boards or helmets. A pack of stickers from real skate brands is a great gift.
- Price range: $5-15
- Age: 9-99
- Great for: All types of skaters.
11. Spare Parts
Skateboard hardware
Hardware (bolts and nuts) and axle nuts are useful and affordable gifts. Axle nuts wear out quickly due to impacts, so having spares is always beneficial. 1″ Allen hardware will fit most longboard setups.
- Price range: $3-$9
- Age: 12-99
- Great for: All types of skaters
12. Griptape
Grizzly grip tape color
Griptape is essential for keeping your feet on the board and allows skaters to perform tricks. Jessup is a good budget option, but there are many different brands and colors, such as Mob grip tape and Grizzly.
- Price range: $6-$15
- Age: 12+
- Great for: All types of skaters
13. Paint Pens
Paint pens are used to customize grip tape and add creative designs. Brands like Testors offer quality paint pens for detailed work.
- Price range: $8-$12
- Age: 9-16
- Great for: All types of skaters
14. Fingerboard or Handboard
Hand and finger skateboards
Fingerboards and handboards are great for practice and fun. They’re a great way to think about tricks or just pass the time, but the quality varies, with Tech Decks being a good starting point.
- Price: $5 – $25
- Age: 5+
- Style: All
15. Skate Park Tickets
If your local skate park has an entrance fee, tickets can be a fantastic gift. Skateboarding is not only fun but also a great exercise.
- Price range: Varies by location
- Age: 9-99
- Great for: All types of skaters
16. Box of Goodies
Various small skateboard gifts
A box or bag filled with skate essentials is great for all budgets. Include a tool, hardware, stickers, wax, and maybe a gift card.
- A skate tool
- Stickers
- Thrasher Magazine
- Skate Wax
- etc
Skateboard gift wrapped in grip tape and lacesWrap the gift in grip tape and laces for a unique presentation.
- Price range: $5-$30
- Age: 9-99
- Great for: All types of skaters
17. Recycled Skateboard Coasters
Recycled skateboard coasters and thee
These coasters are a great gift, especially for older longboarders. They’re typically handmade from recycled skateboards and can be found on Etsy, Amazon, or other online stores.
- Price range: $15 – Your limit
- Age: 25-50+
- Great for: Older skaters
18. Thrasher Magazine Subscription
Thrasher magazine & handboard
A Thrasher Magazine subscription is a classic gift for longboard enthusiasts and often comes with additional goodies.
- Price: $8 for a single issue
- Age: 9-99
- Great for: All types of skaters
19. Laces & Tricktape
Extra laces are always appreciated and are one of the most affordable gifts. Combine them with suede patches and other small items for a useful present for street skaters.
- Price range: $2 – $10
- Age: 10 – 20
- Great for: Street skateboarders
Final Thoughts
This guide offers a range of ideas for gifts that longboarders will appreciate and use. While the thought behind any gift is appreciated, having an idea of what gear works and what does not will make your gift-giving much more effective. Longboarders are generally attached to their gear and prefer to stick to what works.
While getting the right gift might be tricky, use this guide to learn about what to buy and what to avoid, and consider simply asking them about their preferred gear before making a purchase.
Ruben veeRuben Vee
I’m an experienced longboarder who has been riding for many years. I’m passionate about skate gear and enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience.
This guide was carefully curated based on my understanding of the culture, and I hope it helps you choose the perfect gift for the longboarder in your life.
