The Ultimate BJJ Holiday Gift Guide
The holidays are here! As the mats at Blythewood Jiu Jitsu get just a little colder and the aroma of holiday treats replaces the usual smell of fresh sweat, the annual question arises: What do I get the grappler in my life?
If you’re shopping for a dedicated student, a new beginner, or even just looking to drop a few heavy hints to your own family about what you’d like to find under the tree, you know that the Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle demands specialized equipment. BJJ gear isn't just about looking cool; it’s about hygiene, comfort, safety, and longevity on the mats.
This year, forget the generic sports store gift cards. We've compiled the definitive Blythewood Jiu Jitsu Holiday Gift Guide, broken down by category and budget, ensuring you find the perfect gift that says, "I support your passion for the gentle art."
Part I: The Essentials – Gear Upgrades for the Dedicated Grappler
These gifts are the backbone of BJJ life. They are the items our students use every single day, and a high-quality upgrade is always appreciated, regardless of their current collection.
1. The Gi: The White Whale of BJJ Gifts
A new Gi (or kimono) is the most coveted item on any grappler’s list. For beginners, it’s a necessity; for seasoned vets, it’s a rotation staple.
For the Beginner (The Starter Gi): If your loved one is a white belt who has been training for less than a year, focus on a solid, reliable, entry-level Gi from a reputable brand (like Fuji, Tatami, or Sanabul). These are often priced well and are durable enough to handle the initial burst of frequent training.
Why it's a great gift: It provides a fresh training uniform, reducing the pressure to wash their only Gi after every single session. Look for a 450 GSM Pearl Weave as a great all-around weight.
For the Veteran (The Premium Gi): For the blue, purple, or brown belt, look at investing in a premium, high-performance Gi. These often feature lighter, competition-grade fabrics (like 300-350 GSM Aeroweave), superior stitching, and tailored fits.
Blythewood Bonus: If we offer a custom Blythewood Jiu Jitsu Gi, this is the ultimate gift! It shows school pride and is a limited-edition item they will cherish.
Pro Tip on Sizing: Gi sizing is tricky (A1, A2, A3, etc.). If you want to keep the gift a surprise, discreetly check the tag on one of their current Gis, or buy from a retailer with a very easy exchange policy. When in doubt, a gift card to a reputable BJJ gear site or the Blythewood Jiu Jitsu Pro Shop is a guaranteed win.
2. Rash Guards & No-Gi Apparel
You can never have too many rash guards. This is the ultimate consumable piece of BJJ gear. They are worn under the Gi for hygiene and mat burn prevention, or alone for No-Gi class.
Rash Guards (Short or Long Sleeve): Look for BJJ-specific compression shirts. These wick sweat, protect the skin, and hold up better to the wear and tear of grappling than standard athletic shirts. Ranked rash guards (with the belt color on the sleeve) are great for No-Gi practitioners.
BJJ Spats (Compression Pants): Essential for No-Gi training or for wearing under the Gi during cold months. Spats help prevent mat burn and are an excellent hygienic layer.
Grappling Shorts: Unlike standard athletic shorts, BJJ shorts typically have no pockets (a safety feature) and include a flexible panel or split sides to allow for maximum hip mobility during high-kicking or deep guard work.
Part II: Stocking Stuffers – Under $50, Always Useful
These small, practical items are perfect for filling a stocking or adding a thoughtful touch to a larger gift. They address the daily grind and minor wear-and-tear of training.
3. Hygiene & Recovery Kit
Jiu-Jitsu is a close-contact sport, making hygiene and recovery non-negotiables.
Defense Soap/After-Training Soap: Specialty soaps (often containing tea tree oil) are a must-have for every grappler to help prevent mat-borne bacteria and fungus. This is arguably the most practical gift you can give.
Finger Tape & Athletic Tape: Grapplers use copious amounts of tape to protect and stabilize their fingers and joints from the demands of gripping the Gi. Buying a multi-pack of BJJ-specific finger tape (which is usually narrower and stickier than standard tape) is a fantastic, low-cost gift.
Mouthguard Case: Everyone needs one, and they frequently get lost. A durable, well-ventilated mouthguard case is a lifesaver.
Blythewood Jiu Jitsu Water Bottle: Training is exhausting. A high-quality, insulated water bottle (especially one branded with the Blythewood logo!) is essential for staying hydrated through long training sessions.
4. Training Aids & Mental Tools
BJJ Training Journal/Log: A dedicated journal (like "The Practitioner's Journal") is an invaluable tool for any grappler looking to accelerate their learning. They can log techniques, track sparring performance, and write down specific corrections from an instructor.
BJJ Stickers & Patches: Grapplers love to decorate their gear bags, water bottles, and cars. Fun, BJJ-themed stickers or unique, high-quality patches to sew onto a Gi are a cheap and cheerful way to show off their passion.
Jiu-Jitsu Dice: A fun, novelty gift. These dice often feature techniques (e.g., “Starting Position: Half Guard” + “Submission: Armbar”) to help generate random drills and break people out of their typical training routines.
Part III: The Luxury Tier – Investment Gifts for Serious Progress
If you're looking to truly splurge on a BJJ fanatic, these are the high-ticket items that elevate their training, recovery, and knowledge.
5. Private Lessons with an Instructor
This is arguably the most impactful gift you can give a student focused on improvement.
Why it's invaluable: Private lessons offer one-on-one attention, allowing the student to address their most specific weaknesses, refine a signature technique, and get detailed feedback tailored only to their game.
The Blythewood Advantage: Purchase a gift certificate for 1-5 private lessons with a specific instructor here at Blythewood Jiu Jitsu. This supports the school and gives the student priceless, specialized coaching from someone who knows their game best.
6. The Recovery Arsenal
BJJ is rough on the body. Grapplers are always stiff, sore, or managing a minor injury. High-end recovery tools are highly coveted.
Percussion Massage Gun (Theragun, Hypervolt, etc.): The gold standard for deep tissue recovery. These guns can reach deep knots and accelerate blood flow to sore muscles, drastically cutting down recovery time.
Mobility Kit: A good foam roller, a lacrosse ball (for trigger points), and specialized stretching bands (Yoga for BJJ is a popular program) are a fantastic combination gift to help maintain mobility and prevent injury.
Cauliflower Ear Prevention (CauliBuds): For competitive students or those with perpetually swollen ears, a set of CauliBuds or a similar magnetic compression system is a very thoughtful, niche gift that helps prevent the dreaded "Cauliflower Ear."
7. Instructional Deep Dive (The BJJ Library)
BJJ Fanatics Gift Card: BJJ Fanatics is the largest online library of high-level instructional videos taught by world champions. This allows the grappler to choose exactly which technique or world-class black belt they want to learn from (e.g., a full course on the Closed Guard by a master like Saulo Ribeiro or the latest Leg Lock instructional). This is the gift of knowledge and is perfect for the cerebral student.
Part IV: The Gift of the Gentle Art – For the Non-Grappler in Your Life
The holiday season is the perfect time to introduce a friend, family member, or coworker to the sport that you love so much. This is the gift that truly keeps on giving.
8. The Trial Membership or Beginner's Package
Don't buy them a Gi! The best gift for a non-grappler is a prepaid introduction to the art.
The Gift Certificate: Purchase a gift certificate for a Beginner's Trial Membership (e.g., 2 Weeks Unlimited Classes + a FREE Uniform). This removes the biggest barrier to entry—cost and commitment—and allows them to experience the benefits of BJJ firsthand.
Who is this for?
The Fitness Enthusiast: They want a challenging, full-body workout that's more engaging than the gym.
The Safety-Conscious: They want to learn practical, proven self-defense skills.
The Introvert: They're looking for a community and a new passion outside of their typical social circle.
This gift is an investment in their confidence, health, and sense of community. It's the best way to say, "Join me on the mats in the New Year!"
The holidays are a time to celebrate passion, dedication, and community. By choosing a gift from this guide, you’re not just buying gear; you’re investing in your grappler's journey, their safety, their health, and their love for the Gentle Art.
If you have any questions about Gi sizing, private lesson scheduling, or purchasing a Beginner's Trial Package, please contact us at Blythewood Jiu Jitsu! We are here to help you make this holiday season the best yet for the grapplers in your life.
Ready to get started?
Click here to purchase a Blythewood Jiu Jitsu Trial Membership Gift Certificate today!
Give the gift of the Gentle Art this Christmas!