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The best gifts for parkour lovers are things that get used in training: a few classes at a local parkour gym, a pair of grippy shoes, precision trainers for practising at home, a slim training bag, or a compact first aid kit. Parkour needs very little equipment, so skip anything gimmicky and pick from the short list below.
We haven’t tested these ourselves. They’re chosen on published specifications and on what parkour organisations say beginners and regular traceurs actually need. As American Parkour puts it, “Parkour requires nothing,” so the best gifts make training easier rather than adding gear for the sake of it.
1. Parkour Classes
For most people, coached sessions are the most useful gift of all. Many parkour gyms sell gift cards or class packs. London Parkour, for example, sells single classes and 5 or 10 class packs as gift codes that are emailed straight to the recipient. Check the expiry date and what the card covers, since London Parkour’s can’t be used on workshops or private sessions. In the UK, Parkour UK’s class finder is a good place to start looking. Our guide to choosing a parkour coach explains what to look for.
2. Feiyue Shoes
Feiyue canvas shoes. American Parkour recommends Feiyues as a cheap option with a simple, soft rubber sole. Garage Gym Reviews describes the Fe Lo 1920 as a light canvas shoe with a gum rubber sole, popular with parkour practitioners, and notes the sole wears and can start to separate from the canvas over time. Shoes are personal, so include a gift receipt. For other options, see our guide to parkour shoes for beginners.
3. Precision Trainers
American Parkour Precision Sticks. A pair of recycled rubber blocks for practising precision jumps and balance indoors. American Parkour lists each stick at 22.5 inches long, 6 inches wide and 2.5 inches tall, safe for hardwood floors, and sells them in pairs for $80. They’re a good gift for someone who trains at home between sessions. This one isn’t an affiliate link.
4. A Slim Training Backpack
Osprey Daylite Plus. A 20-litre pack weighing 0.585 kg, with an adjustable sternum strap and a removable webbing hip belt, according to Osprey’s product page. Those straps keep it from swinging when you move. Our parkour backpack guide explains why that matters.
5. A Compact First Aid Kit
Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .5. A 3.6 oz kit in a waterproof inner bag, with moleskin and butterfly closures included, according to the manufacturer. Small enough to live in a training bag. Our parkour first aid kit guide lists what’s worth adding.
6. Soft Knee and Elbow Pads
McDavid HEX Knee/Elbow/Shin Pads. A soft sleeve with 9mm hexagonal foam padding, sold as a pair and machine washable, according to McDavid. Useful for someone learning wall work or rolls. Pads are optional in parkour, as we explain in Knee and Elbow Pads for Parkour.
7. A Book on Parkour’s History
Breaking the Jump by Julie Angel. Angel is the author of Breaking the Jump: The Secret Story of Parkour’s High-Flying Rebellion. As the subtitle suggests, it’s a pick for someone curious about where parkour came from. Our article on the history behind parkour and freerunning is a free taster.
8. Home Conditioning Kit
American Parkour lists resistance bands and a doorway pull-up bar among a few inexpensive items that help with strength and mobility. For specific picks, see resistance bands for parkour and pull-up bars for parkour training. Check the doorframe or wall first if you’re buying a bar for someone else’s home.
9. Winter Training Basics
For someone who trains outdoors all year, warm layers make a practical gift. Parkour Visions recommends wool, including wool socks, because it keeps insulating when damp, and notes that gardening gloves give good grip and some protection from wet and cold. More ideas are in our cold weather training guide.
What to Avoid
- Gloves for everyday training. Parkour.com and American Parkour both advise against them, because they reduce the feel and grip of your hands. Cold-weather gloves are the exception. See Parkour Gloves: Do You Actually Need Them?
- Heavy, cushioned running shoes. Parkour shoes work best with a flat, grippy rubber sole.
- Anything that encourages risk. Skip novelty gear aimed at rooftops or big drops.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s a good parkour gift for a beginner?
A pack of classes at a local gym. A coach will help them progress safely, and they’ll meet people to train with.
What can I buy a child who loves parkour?
A kids’ class, a pair of grippy trainers, or precision trainers for indoor play all work well. See What Age Can Kids Start Parkour? for age guidance.
Are parkour shoes a safe gift if I don’t know their size?
Only with a gift receipt. American Parkour calls fit and comfort the most important factor in a shoe, so let them swap if needed.
Where to Go Next
For the full list of what a traceur actually needs, read Parkour Gear for Beginners. If the gift is for someone just starting out, send them How to Start Parkour Safely too.