Ice hockey

Are you looking for ideas to make a young hockey player or hockey fan happy? Check out this list of 50+ great hockey gifts for kids to help you find the present that will put a big smile on his/her face: games, accessories, equipment, experiences and personalized hockey gifts for boys and girls...  All those are great for birthdays, Christmas or to celebrate a special occasion!

Note: if you are looking for gifts for a hockey player late teen / adult, check out my other article. And if you want a gift for his/her coach, check out this article.

This article may contain affiliate Links (info on the Disclosure page). If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you.

Games and toys as ice hockey gift ideas for kids

Let's start by combining the fun of games with the theme of hockey. Below are some ideas for different types of hockey related games for your player or fan to play alone or with friends and family.

Hockey board games - great hockey gifts for the 7, 8, 9 10 year olds and older

Board games are always a good gift idea. This is perfect to spend time together with friends and family. Below you can see 3 traditional board games adapted by NHL, to create hockey board games 🙂

• You can play the hockey version of Monoply: NHL-opoly! And instead of building houses and collecting rent, you are playing face off, collecting players, making trades... fun!
• Next we have the Spot it game - this is perfect for every age! And instead of having dolphins and stars on the cards you have hockey related drawings - you have to find matching symbols
• The classic matching game when you find pairs of cards 
• And a rink version of checkers!

Hockey tabletop games

For something a bit more hockey like, you can find a variety of tabletop hockey games where disks are sliding inside the small table.
Some are played with small sticks others with your fingers or a pusher. Fun for the whole family! And a great gift for a hockey fan.

Hockey card games - team or personalized

Hockey cards are easy to take wherever you are. You can choose a deck of card with the favorite NHL team on the back or you can opt for a personalized set of hockey playing cards.

Young kid games - Great hockey gifts for 5 and 6 year olds

If you are looking for a gift for younger kids, you can also go for some classics: a Playmobil sets or a puzzle. 

Other games - outdoors and video games

And finally, in the category of games, if you have a backyard or a quiet street, you can consider a set for playing street hockey with sticks, balls and goal nets.
Or for rainy day you can also pick the video game.

Unique and Personalized hockey gifts for kids

If you are looking for some more unique hockey gift for a boy or a girl, check out the following section. You can find useful objects with great hockey design, that you can personalize for your little hockey player or hockey fan.

Puck

Let's start with the most hockey gift of all: the personalized puck. This is a great combination of the love of the sport and the special thought to make the kid happy.

Towels & accessories for skaters

If your kid is an ice skater, the following gift ideas are useful accessories related to the rink:

• A towel to try out their blades - this is an essential step at the end of practice and those towels are very absorbent. Plus, they are way more fun than the boring ones most people use.
• A cool personalized tag to identify their hockey bag. Sometimes, many players end up with the same bag (especially if there is a Team bag). Therefore, a beautiful tag is a great way to separate yours from the rest.

Clothes

Clothes are useful and fun, especially when personalized. Consider the following hockey gift ideas:

• Hockey t-shirts for kids,
• Cap,
• Socks,
• Hoodie,
• ...

Notebooks & school supplies

Kids spend a lot of their time at school. Why not make the experience more personal with notebooks and school supplies including hockey elements? And you may personalize some of them such as:

• notebooks, see my collection
• rulers,
• pens,
• erasers,
• binders,
• ...

Watch & jewelry

Wouldn't it be cool if every time the kid looks at the watch, he/she thinks about his/her passion for hockey and thinks about you?
Consider offering hockey themed watch or jewelry.

Trinkets

And if you are just looking for a small trinket to add to a gift package or to give to all players on the team, or in a favor bag, check out these ideas:

• keychains,
• stickers,
• magnets,
• ...

Hockey Christmas ornaments for kids & stockings

And for a special Christmas gift to decorate the house, you can also offer a personalized hockey Christmas ornament or a stocking.

Hockey gifts for babies and toddlers - Toys and more

Sometimes the parent is the hockey fan or hockey player... so if you are looking for hockey gifts for 2 year-olds or babies, here are a few ideas including hockey toys for kids:

Books - great gifts for kid hockey players

Books are one of my favorite things to offer. They can take you on a journey and teach you many things via stories or information book.
I have a full article about the best books for kids about hockey but below is a quick selection for you to look at.

Hockey books for Young kid - hockey gifts for 3 and 4 year-olds

If you have a very young kid that is already enjoying watching hockey, check out these image books with charming stories about ice hockey.

Hockey stories for older boys

There is a large collection of stories where the hero is the hockey player. You can find books for various reading level from 6 to teens. In my book article, I have organized them by age.
They take the reader on a journey about hard work, friendship, overcoming failure and, mostly, enjoying the sport of hockey.

Hockey Stories with girl heroines - hockey gifts for girls

If you are looking for hockey gifts for girls, it can be a lot more difficult. Especially when it comes to books. There are not that many where the hockey player is a girl (especially for younger girls). But you can see 3 options below and a few more in my hockey book for kids article.

Hockey learning & techniques

You can opt for a book that is not a story. There is also a collection of books that will allow the kid to learn more about his/her favorite game:

• The history from the 1800s
• The rules and techniques
• The strategies
• The teams
• And some fun trivia

Hockey gifts for boys and girls

When kids are fan of something, they love being surrounded by it. You can really go crazy decorating a bedroom!
Below are some hockey gift ideas for a kid's bedroom decoration:

• Cool 3D lamps
• Bed sheets
• Wall decal
• Pillows (which are easy to change as the kid gets older)
• Shower curtain, to think about hockey even in the shower
• Posters to decorate the walls
• Bedroom sign to identify his/her domain
• ...

Equipment & off ice training ideas - gifts for serious hockey player kids

If the kid is really really into playing hockey, then you may consider offering equipment.
The pieces of equipment can be expensive, so you may offer to renew them at Birthdays or Christmas.
There are also plenty of ideas for off-ice training.  The kid cannot spend all the time at the rink, but he/she can still practice and improve at home.

On ice practice equipment

Gift ideas include:

• New skates
• A hockey bag,
• Protections, 
• Gloves,
• Blade guards / blade covers,
• Colorful laces - see best options,
• ...

Off-ice practice equipment

And even better, if you have the space in your basement, garage or backyard, why not build a synthetic ice training area to be able to skate on!
Learn more on my article about the best synthetic ice tiles for hockey.

Experience hockey gifts

But your gift to a kid hockey player or hockey fan does not have to be physical. Experience gifts are also fantastic. They will create lasting memories and you can enjoy them together.

Training logs, Journals and Playbooks

Tickets for favorite team match

Consider offering a ticket to a match to see his/her favorite team playing - or maybe a season's pass...

Ice skating Experience / Trip 

And if you are looking for a very special gift for a big occasion, why not take your kid hockey player to one of the most beautiful ice skating places in the World such as:

ICE SKATING IN NATURE

• Lake Louise in Banff - an ice-skating experience on a frozen lake surrounded by mountains
• Ontario's Arrowhead ice skating trail which is surrounded with forest
• Lake Weissensee, another frozen lake, this time in Austria also surrounded by mountains
• or Lake Windermeere Whiteway in British Columbia, Canada
• ...

ICE SKATING IN CITIES

• The Somerset House Ice rink in London - a classic around Christmas
• Wollman Skating Rink in Central Park in New York city (or one of the many other rinks around New York)
• Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa which is 7 km long!
• ...

For some of these places, maybe it can become a hockey weekend if combined with a match at the local Arena.

Complete your kid's hockey equipment set!

• Best hockey gloves for players - read article
• Best youth hockey sticks - read article
• Best junior hockey stick - read article
• Best hockey helmets - read article
• Best hockey laces - read article
• Best hockey mouthguard - read article
• And check out my 30+ tips for hockey moms - read article

Share it on your favorite social media!

Need a hockey gift idea? 
The list below includes a large variety of gifts for hockey players fo all the levels and occasions: Birthdays, Christmas and success. Plus, many can be personalized to create unique hockey gifts! 

Note: for a list dedicated to hockey fan gifts (for non players) - check out my other article.

This article may contain affiliate Links (info on the Disclosure page). If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you.

Top 10 ice hockey gifts

If you don't want go through the 50+ ideas in this article, here is a top selection of gifts for hockey players

For the rink

For training at home

For fun

Personalized gifts for hockey players

Further in the article I cover equipment to play hockey and practice on and off the ice.
But I am starting with personalized gifts because I think they are thoughtful.
Receiving a unique object made for you is always a hit!

Personalized hockey gifts - around practice

Let's start with practical objects that can be used around hockey practices - unique + practical is a winning combination! For example:

• Towels to dry the blades and make sure no rust forms on them - this is an essential item, and yet players often use boring towels...
• Water bottles to stay hydrated during practice
• A luggage tag to identify / personalize your hockey bag
• ...

A personalized puck

Want a present that is even more hockey-obvious? Check out these personalized pucks 🙂
Great to practice or to decorate a bedroom!

Personalized notebooks / planners

To take notes about hockey practices and matches - technical plays, drills and shills...
Or simply to plan the weeks or year ahead, organize your time around hockey!
These is a very useful gifts, that do not have to be used for hockey:

• Notebooks - see my collection of hockey themed notebooks
• Planners
• Binders
• ...

Playbook

A special notebook to write down the best plays and take some notes about them.
To improve strategy and game!

Personalized hockey clothes

Clothes are also a good idea: to show the passion for the sport outside of the rink or as practice wear during off-ice training. Hockey clothing gift ideas include:

• t-shirts,
• jackets,
• tank tops and leggings,
• caps
• bags
• ...

Some can be personalized with the name of the player or the name of the team or both!

Hockey themed gift ideas - Decorations

A hockey player often wants his/her room to reflect the passion for skating. Gift ideas include:

• pillows,
• room signs,
• lamps, candles,
• posters,
• bathroom items (mat, shower curtain)...

Christmas ornaments

And for a small gift specific to Christmas, you can also offer an ice hockey Christmas ornament to decorate the tree! Find out more decoration ideas on my Hockey Christmas decor article.

Practical hockey accessories - on and off ice training

Now, if you are looking for something really dedicated to the practice for a serious hockey player gift, this section is for you.

New skates

Well, ice hockey implies quite a significant budget. Therefore, a birthday or Christmas can be the occasion to offer a new pair of skates. But this is a decision to be taken with the skater, to make sure the pair is adapted to the level and the foot shape.
And if you do know the player wants new skates, but don't know which one, consider the Pure hockey gift card!

Ice hockey accessories

Any player needs a collection of equipment apart from the skates:

• An equipment bag - to carry all that is needed to the rink
• Guards to protect the blades when walking outside of the ice
• Fun soakers to protect the blades inside the bag
• Pucks
• Sticks or goalie blockers

Training clothes & On-ice training equipment 

You can of course offer items to help with training on the ice. However, those are very practical gifts and may not be the most inspirational. Mostly:

• Gloves and socks (Best hockey gloves for players - read article)
• Pads
• Compression pants
• Protective pads to reduce risk of injuries when playing (Best hockey shoulder pads - read article)
• Water bottle (we saw some personalized ones above, but you can also choose traditional ones)

Off-ice training equipment 

Another idea for a hockey player is to find a gift to help with off ice training.
The player cannot always be on the ice. Practice hours are limited. But there is much he/she can do off the ice to improve performance: exercises to
improve balance, flexibility, strength and endurance. As well as drills to improve precision.
Therefore you can find original gifts for a hockey player in this category such as:

• a wraparound for the stick
• pucks for street hockey
• a steel goal
• ...

Other off-ice options include gifts to work on one aspect of the physical training:

• Stretching bands and guide to help improve flexibility
• Stickhandling tools to be more in control of the puck - see best options
• A balance board trainer to improve balance - see my article about the best options
• A trick and shot kit such as the sauce kit to work on precision
• A hockey puck rebounder to practice receiving pass and controlling the puck - see my article about the best options
• Targets and shooting tarps, to practice accuracy when shooting - check out my article with the best options
• Or a more obvious slide board - to slide, even if stuck in your bedroom
• Check out this article to find more off-ice hockey training equipment ideas

And don't forget the shooting pads and tiles to practice, even at home - tips on my best shooting pads article

And even better, if you have the space in your basement, garage or backyard, why not build a synthetic ice training area to be able to skate on!
Learn more on my article about the best synthetic ice tiles for hockey.

Inspirational ice hockey gifts

Now let's have a look at inspirational hockey gift ideas.

Training logs and journals

Hockey related Books

Books are a great option and there is a wide variety of books on hockey:

• Practice tips
• Biographies
• Stories

Find out more in my article about the best hockey books.

Tickets for favorite team match

Consider offering a ticket to a match to see his/her favorite team playing - or maybe a season's pass...

Ice skating Experience / Trip 

And if you are looking for a very special gift for a big occasion, why not take your player to one of the most beautiful ice skating places in the World such as:

In NATURE

• Lake Louise in Banff - a skating experience surrounded by mountains
• Ontario's Arrowhead ice skating trail which is surrounded with forest
• Lake Weissensee in Austria also surrounded by mountains
• or Lake Windermeere Whiteway in British Columbia, Canada
• ...

IN CITIES

• The Somerset House Ice rink in London - a classic
• Wollman Skating Rink in Central Park in New York city
• Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa which is 7 km long!
• ...

For some of these places, maybe it can become a hockey weekend if combined with a match at the local Arena.

Plus you can offer a monogram luggage for the travel...

Gifts for hockey fans

Your player can also be fan of a special NHL team. You can find some gift ideas with the colors / name / logo of the team.
Below are 3 ideas but you can find more in my article about gifts for hockey fans.

Hockey movies 

Want to share a hockey movie or documentary as a gift? Check out my list of the 35 best ones.

Small hockey trinkets

If you are looking for smaller gifts, trinkets for a hockey player, you can consider:

• Stickers,
• Magnets,
• Keychains,
• Erasers,
• Pens...

Ice hockey gifts for kids

Many of the gifts below can be adapted to kids. But you can also find products more geared towards children: T-shirt, products for school, books, games...
For more ideas, I have written an article dedicated to gifts for kid hockey players and fans.

Ice hockey coach gifts

Are you looking for a hockey coach gift for Christmas or at the end of the season to say thank you?
Ideas to consider are:

• Clipboards to take notes
• Mugs to keep drinks warm at the rink
• Water bottle to stay hydrated
• Keychains
• and many more...

Check out my full article with the 30+ of the best hockey coach gift ideas

Ice hockey Mom & Dad gifts

And to finish here is my collection of gift ideas for figure skating mums and dads. Show your kid that you are proud to wake up early and go freezing at the rink. Ideas include:

• Hoodies to keep warm
• Seat cushion to protect from the freezing hard benches
• Planners to stay organized
• etc...

Find out more ideas in my article about the best gift ideas for hockey moms.

When you search for the best hockey skates for kids or for the on the internet, you are mostly shown search results that review and provide details and specifications of the best ‘Youth hockey skates.’ Now, while those results may be incredibly helpful to kids that have been playing hockey for some time, they rarely serve the purpose of parents looking to buy hockey skates for their kids who are absolute beginners.

Therefore, this article, on the best skates for kids who are just starting with ice hockey, is written with the intent of listing the best hockey skates for - 

1. Toddlers and kids who are absolute beginners
2. Kids who have just started showing some inclination of pursuing ice hockey seriously.
3. Beginner players in an ice hockey team.

To complete your introduction, I will also suggest products that must be bought to make the best of use of your hockey ice skates and some best practices to help you take care of your children’s hockey skates.

This article may contain affiliate Links (info on the Disclosure page). If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you.

Top picks - Best hockey skates for kids 

If you do not have the time to read the entire article, here are my top picks of the best hockey skates for kids - But help for hockey moms or dads to choose the best skates for your kids and review of each suggestions are available in this article.

Best adjustable skates:  Lake Placid Summit Adjustable Ice Skate

Best skates in terms of comfort:  Jackson Ultima Softec

Get them  / Read review

Best skates for beginners on a team:  

How to choose the best ice hockey skates for toddlers and kids?

Playing ice hockey has a lot of benefits. However it all starts with proper skates.
There are numerous factors that must be taken into consideration when determining which ice hockey skates for kids you should settle for.

Fit

Buying hockey skates that fit perfectly is of utmost importance.
Ill-fitted ice skates can be the numero uno reason why ice skating newbies may lose interest in the sport.
Ill-fitted skates can cause blisters, prevent free movement, affect precision and negatively impact performance. 

To find the right fit, you will have to undertake a careful study of the foot type. If you have wide feet, you will need to buy wider hockey skates for wide feet. Similarly, narrow toes need hockey skates with tapering fronts. 

The best way to determine if the skates fit correctly is if - 

• The skates feel snug on the feet as compared to regular shoes leaving no negative space
• The forefeet, as well as the heels, can breathe with the skates on
• There are no blisters on the feet once the skates have been broken into
• The skates feel secure and allow free movement
• Feet do not cramp after a while

Size

To ensure the perfect fit, you must buy skates of the right size.
It is important to note that hockey skates are sized 1-2 sizes smaller than regular shoes.
The biggest mistake you can make is to order skates the same size as regular shoes as they will most definitely end up being much bigger.

Another reason why parents tend to buy slightly bigger skates is to factor the growing foot-size of kids. However, larger skates will not provide the right amount of stability, and beginners will find it hard to speed in these skates. 

Therefore, regardless of the cost involved in having to upgrade to a larger size frequently, it is best to buy the right-sized skates for kids. 

Alternatively, if your kid is still very young and just starting ice skating, you can consider purchasing adjustable skates for kids such as Lake Placid Summit Adjustable Ice Skates.

To ensure that you order hockey skates of the right size - 

• Wear a pair of socks that you would wear while playing. 
• Trace an outline of the foot on a piece of paper. Measure the length and width of the foot.
• Refer to the size chart and order a size suitable to accommodate your foot. (As stated earlier, do not buy skates the same size as your regular shoes)

Stiffness

The boot of a hockey skate is usually stiffer than other types of skates. That is because stiffness ensures adequate ankle support and allows speedier movements and greater control.
Stiffness becomes vital while playing an advanced level of ice hockey as it allows more aggression. 

However, as beginners learning to skate, the boot should not be too stiff. Excessive stiffness will prevent the kid from learning to develop ankle support.
On the other hand, skates with low stiffness may cause foot-fatigue on account of lesser ankle support.

To determine if the skates have the perfect stiffness, give your boots a little squeeze. If the boot folds in easily, it is too weak. If it does not bend at all, it is too stiff. But it is perfect for kids if it offers resistance and only bends in slightly.

Price

Finally, the most crucial factor that must be taken into consideration when choosing the perfect hockey skates is the price. Absolute beginners can opt for cheap hockey skates while those with a little more experience may opt for ones with a heftier price tag. 

The frequency of playing will also be important when determining whether you need to stretch your budget or whether basic hockey skates that provide adequate support and protection would suffice.

FAQs about choosing hockey skates for beginners

Can hockey skates be used by a beginner learning how to skate?

Hockey skates are narrower than figure skates, and many beginners often get thrown off when learning to skate in hockey skates.
However, that does not mean that hockey skates cannot be used by an absolute beginner to learn skating.
The use of good skating trainers (details given below) will aid the process of learning and make it much quicker.

Should you buy new skates or used skates?

The decision as to whether you should buy new skates or used skates often depends on your budget.
Used skates are considerably cheaper than new skates and can be bought if they are in good condition and offer a flawless fit. 

It is a common practice to buy used skates for kids given the fact that their foot-size keep changing frequently and buying new skates every time may be unaffordable.
However they have already adapted to the feet of the previous kid and will never provide the same fit as new ones.

What is baking?

Baking hockey skates is a practice wherein the skates that you use are baked in a special oven to ensure that they fit you perfectly.
Baking skates requires skill and should only be done by professionals. 

Also, not all skates can be baked. Most beginner-level skates are not compatible with baking.
Check if your skates can be baked before getting them baked to avoid any damages to them.

Can you use regular skates or figure skates for ice hockey?

Not really. You can to learn to skate but once you start hockey specific moves, you need hockey skates.
There is a big difference between figure skates and hockey skates.
Figure skates come with a toe pick and a longer blade that does not support the techniques required while playing ice hockey.

Best Hockey Skates for Kids - Reviews

In this section, you will find detailed hockey skates reviews to help you zero down on the best ice skates for kids venturing into hockey.

Bauer Lil Champ Ice Hockey Skates - best hockey skates for toddler

Who are these skates ideal for?

The simplistic structure of these skates makes these the best ice hockey skates for beginners. The comfort that the single-unit design of these skates provides can allow toddlers to spend long hours on the rink. 

However, someone more experienced at skating will struggle to upgrade their skills wearing these skates. 

Pros

• Affordable
• One-piece structure
• Perfect for absolute beginners
• Comfortable for long practice hours
• Easy to put on and take off
• Size range is ideal for toddlers

Cons

• The buckle is not secure enough

Features and Review

The Bauer Lil Champ skates are perfect for toddlers who need to be introduced to ice hockey. Their solid simplistic structure provides an ideal mix of comfort and protection at a super affordable price range.
These skates come in a single unit. Thus, the blade is non-detachable and fixed to the holder. The skates come with an inner bootie liner. 

Also, instead of featuring a fancy lacing system, the buckle used on these Bauer hockey skates cuts down on the effort of putting on skates.
What’s impressive is that these skates are available in a wide range of sizes suitable for kids between 2 to 5 years of age. 

Read te reviews on Amazon

Lake Placid Summit Adjustable Ice Skate

Who are these ideal skates for?

These long-lasting skates capable of accommodating the growing foot-size are perfect for ice-hockey beginners and for toddlers who are just beginning their ice-hockey journey. 

Pros

• Adjustable up to 4 full sizes
• Comfortable
• Secure with buckle, power strap and laces
• Durable 
• Affordable

Cons

• Size adjustability impacts blade length to boot ratio

Features and Review

The Lake Placid Summit Adjustable Ice skates pack several impressive features while still working as great beginner-level kid hockey skates. 

These durable skates come with a hybrid-style boot and a waterproof sole. The warm-woven lining adds to the comfort of the skates, and the skates don’t feel stuffy even when worn for an extended period. The skates also employ deluxe padding for extra comfort. 

Unlike the Bauer Lil Champ Ice Hockey Skates, the buckle system with a power strap makes these skates feel more secure. The ankle-length shoe-style lacing system ensures that development of ankle support amongst beginners is not compromised.

In terms of the blades for hockey skates used, the Lake Placid Summit features a decent-quality stainless steel blade.
However, the unique feature of these skates is that they are adjustable up to four full sizes.
Thus parents who worry about having to regularly spend on new skates for the growing feet of their kids could happily invest in these skates. 

That said, the downside of this feature is that on account of the adjustability of these skates, the improper blade length to boot ratio may affect performance. 

Read the reviews on Amazon

Jackson Ultima Softec

Who are these skates ideal for?

These skates are ideal for those looking for lightweight skates that deliver absolute comfort and come with a decent blade to meet the needs of entry-level kids. 

Pros

• Extremely comfortable
• Ultralightweight
• Durable
• Easy to wear
• Attractive

Cons

• A bit expensive
• Only suitable for beginners and recreational ice hockey players

Features and Review

In terms of comfort, Jackson is one of the best brands of hockey skates. That is precisely why the Jackson Ultima Softec features on this list. 

Recreational ice hockey players or beginners getting into their first hockey skates often complain about how tight and stiff hockey skates feel. This discomfort is one of the prime reasons why many kids seem to give up on ice hockey without investing much time learning it. 

However, the Jackson Ultima Softec can offer a great solution to this problem. 

It is made using a nylon upper and a foam-padded tongue. The nylon upper and synthetic outsole ensures endurance, and the foam-padded tongue offers excellent comfort and protection. The color-coordinated trim also makes these skates attractive and modern-looking.

The highlight of these skates, however, is the innovative use of Thinsulate insulation. The skates employ a Thinsulate liner which helps retain warmth inside the boot without making them bulky. 

The use of Thinsulate is what makes these skates the lightest hockey skates available in the market. Plus the impressive retention of warmth also makes them feel gentle and comfortable on the feet.

In addition to this, the velcro ankle strap and lace loops also make these skates relatively easy to put on and take off. 

The skates use a stainless steel blade adequate for the needs of kids learning to skate.

Read the reviews on Amazon

Botas Draft 281

Who are these skates ideal for?

These skates are perfect for beginner-level player in ice hockey teams. 

Get them on Amazon

Pros

• Ergonomic design
• Extremely comfortable
• Made using high-quality material
• Comes with a toe protector
• Ideal for active athletes and team players

Cons

• A bit expensive
• Suitable for slightly experienced players

Features and Review

Botas is one of the top hockey skates brands that is known for producing reliable hockey skates. Accordingly, the Botas Draft 281 is also made keeping the needs of an active ice-hockey player in mind. 

These attractive skates are made using a PA fabric combined with a synthetic material that provides the right amount of stiffness. Its high-quality anatomical tongue makes the overall feel of the skates comfortable and secure. 

The heel area of these skates is wide-enough to lock the heel securely. 

However, hockey being a contact-sport, the reason why these skates impress active athletes is for the protection that they offer. These skates come with a unique plastic toe to specifically protect toes in case of collisions. 

The Botas-special DDP padding of ankles in two different stiffness variants and the synthetic velour padded lining ensure that the boot provides enough stiffness to allow maximum ankle support. 

The blade used by these skates is the Botas Icehawk Carbon Ultra Steel which makes speedy strides and skilled manoeuvring possible. 

What’s also impressive about Botas is that it has released this variant of skates in a wide range of sizes, making them an ideal choice for little kids growing into serious hockey players.

Read the reviews on Amazon

Bauer Supreme S27

Who are these skates ideal for?

Ice-hockey newbies that play and practise regularly and continuously put in the work required to get better at the sport must invest in these skates. The Bauer Supreme S27 are perfect beginner hockey skates to support and accommodate the growing skills of young players.

Pros

• Feature high-quality Tuuk Lightspeed Pro II blade holder and Tuuk stainless steel blade
• Can be baked
• Highly comfortable 
• Out of the box fit, requiring minimal break-in time
• Provide all-round protection 
• Durable
• Affordable
• Suitable for evolving young players

Cons

• A bit too sophisticated for toddlers and absolute beginners

Features and Review

Beginner-level skates rarely need the features that come in men’s hockey skates. 

However, in an attempt to make solid simplistic skates, many skates seem inadequate to cope with the developing hockey skills.

But, these Bauer Supreme hockey skates are an exception to that rule. These skates feature many remarkable features for their affordable pricing. 

Firstly, these skates employ the Tuuk Lightspeed Pro II blade holder and the Tuuk stainless steel blade. Both these elements together make these skates dependable for the long-run. The blade grips well while also allowing enough agility. 

The TPU outsole of these skates is perfect for young players working on their stride and balance. 

Even in terms of comfort, these skates shine. The quarter package allows instant out of the box comfort that can only be improved if baked. 

The large heel goes a bit further in offering breathability without introducing unwanted negative spaces. The comfort is further enhanced by memory foam ankle padding and the dry-fit served by the HD microfiber liner.

Moreover, the flexible tendon guard, metatarsal guard insert, and the foam-padded tongue work well together towards offering optimal protection. 

Bauer Supreme S37 

Who are these skates ideal for?

Serious newbies who are dedicated and want to evolve in those skates. 

Pros

• Feature high-quality Tuuk Lightspeed blade holder and Tuuk stainless steel blade
• Flex rating of 65
• Can be baked
• Highly comfortable 
• Out of the box fit, requiring minimal break-in time
• Provide all-round protection 
• Durable
• Suitable for evolving young players

Cons

• Too sophisticated for toddlers and absolute beginners that are only recreational
• More expensive

Features and Review

Beginner-level skates are often basics. They can limit the progress of a seriously dedicated child. 
The S27 are sufficient for young players, especially considering the growth of the feet at this age.
However, if he/she is really dedicated and you want somethign a little bit more advance that can be fit for intermediate level, this is a great product.

Necessary ice skating equipment for kids

In addition to a good pair of skates, toddlers and kids may need the following skating equipment.

Skateez Skate Trainers

These are a must for kids who need some confidence to step on the rink with their skates on.

• These skate trainers are like the training wheels for a bike. 
• They attach to the bottom of the skate.
• They are durable and long-lasting.
• They are lightweight.
• They make it easier for the kid to confidently step on the ice with his skates on.
• They make the task of teaching how to skate far less cumbersome.

Franklin Sports Ice Skating Steel Trainer

This trainer is a must for kids learning to skate who don't have much balance at firsr- However if you kid has balance right away, there is no need for this.

• Kids learning to skate can hold on to the trainer for support and balance.
• It comes with a leash can also be used by parents to drag their child around.
• It is lightweight.
• Its adjustable height is ideal for kids of all ages.

Warm House Kids Protective Gear

• This set includes a helmet, knee pads, wrist pads and elbow pads.
• The protective gear is specifically made for kids and is an absolute must while skating.

Best practices to make the most of your ice hockey skates

Blade care

• Sharpening: Sharpening of blades is critical for safety and performance. Most blades need to be sharpened before their first use and then regularly after that. 
• Blade guard: In order to protect the blade from dents, blades must be covered with a blade guard immediately upon stepping off the ice t. Wipe the blade guards completely after use. This is an essential item to purchase with your skates!
• Drying blades: It is essential to let your blades dry out completely after skating - you need an absorbent towel - see my article with the best ones
• Blade cover: After drying, the blades must be wrapped in a towel or a blade cover to absorb and draw off any remaining moisture on the blade. This practice helps keep the blade rust-free.

Boot maintenance

• Drying boots: Let the boots dry out thoroughly after every use to let go off any accumulated moisture
• Polish boots: If the boots are made of leather, polish them regularly to keep them in top condition.

Overall maintenance

• Laces: Replace laces that may be thinning out with new laces - see the best options for laces
• Blade holders: Check if the blade holders are tightly fastened to the boots. This would not be required in case of one-piece skates such as the Bauer Lil Champs Ice Hockey Skates.

Complete your kid's hockey equipment set!

• Best hockey gloves for players - read article
• Best youth hockey sticks - read article
• Best hockey helmets - read article
• Best hockey laces - read article
• Best hockey mouthguard - read article
• And check out my 30+ tips for hockey moms - read article

Are you looking to enjoy the ice hockey theme for Christmas this year, or do you want just a few pieces to please the hockey player or hockey fan in the family? This is the list for you. Below are plenty of ideas for your ice hockey Christmas decorations including hockey ornaments, stockings, displays, pillows... And maybe you can finish the day at the rink!

Note: this is for ice hockey - if you are looking for ice skating / figure skating decorations, read this other article.

Ice hockey ornaments

The most frequent pieces of hockey Christmas decorations are the ornaments to hang on the tree. You can find different shapes and texture.
And thanks to the print-on-demand website out there, you can have many different designs from cute kids playing hockey, to skate-shaped and modern design.
Plus some of them can be personalized with the name of the hockey player or hockey fan!

Let's discover a great collection of ornaments for your tree.

Sparkling personalized Hockey ornaments

Let's start with some sparkles for your Christmas tree!

Hockey skate Christmas ornaments

You can also find ornaments that are directly shaped into hockey skates or hockey players. Below is a selection including a goalie:

Ice Hockey Christmas ornaments - Less sparkle

If you are looking for more neutral ornaments, with less sparkle, check out these options with red for Christmas or blue ice to think of the rink.

Hockey Christmas ornaments for kids

If you are looking for something cute for your young hockey player, boy or girl, below are other options for your Christmas tree ornaments.

Jersey shaped hockey Ornaments - personalized

Short sleeves for hockey are not exact, but this is the shape that exists. You can create your own with the color of the favorite team of the player or choose a more Christmassy one.

DIY hockey ornaments

If you enjoy DIY projects, why not create some for ice skating decorations yourself? There are some great ideas to be found on the Internet. For example, if you do the following designs in black and white, they will look more like hockey skates:

• An easy one is using felt for the ice skate boot and a paper clip to create the blade - check instructions here to create a homemade ice skate ornament
• And if you only have paper as a tool, here is a quick video to create a skate ornament

• Or DESIGN YOUR OWN on a print on demand store such as Zazzle - You can add a picture of your skater or add any text you want - see the options

Ice hockey Christmas stockings

Other must have items to decorate your home for Christmas are the stockings.
These can also be included in your hockey Christmas decor. Below are some of my designs to go with the ornaments on your tree. You can personalize them with the name of the hockey player or hockey fan.

Hockey skate Christmas stockings

Hockey Christmas stockings for kids

And for the little one, here are some cute stockings with hockey player or simply ice skating.

Other hockey Christmas decoration ideas

Ice hockey (Christmas) pillows

Another great option is to change your pillows during the holiday season. You can add ice skating themed pillows that can then be used throughout the year or opt for specific ice hockey Christmas pillows that you bring out just for December.

Below are some of my modern Christmas designs to keep with the themes seen above as well as a more neutral pillow, or pillows that can decorate your rooms during Christmas as well as the rest of the year.

Ice hockey cake toppers

Another idea that people don't consider when thinking about Christmas decorations is the cake topper (which you can use to top anything on the table: mashed potato, butter, jelIy). It is a great way for your table to be in phase with your overall hockey decorations.

Ice skating tableware

You can also serve food and drinks with items decorated with hockey skates and hockey players: napkin band, paper napkins... Some of them, such as the wine charms, are useful, decorative and can also be used as a small gift for everyone present! And for the kids you can have them color their placemat at the end of diner!

Other

Lights, snow globes, candles... you can find other decoration items for the finishing touches...

Ice hockey Christmas cards

Sending holiday cards is a tradition worth keeping. It is great to keep in touch with people you don't see often.
And you can see when people have put some thoughts into their cards.
Below you can find some ice hockey Christmas card ideas to add to your collection and send this year.
And if you want to say thank you to your coach or your child's coach, a Christmas card is always thoughtful!

Modern - figure skating Christmas cards

Send your wishes to a hockey player, a hockey fan, your whole hockey team or your coach!

Ice skating Christmas cards for Kids

Or create your own

Or you can go for it and design your own Christmas or holiday card thanks to the software inside Zazzle. Just add a picture or a drawing, add text, check out how it looks and buy your cards!

Personalized Ice hockey Christmas gift ideas

And to prepare your Christmas gifts you can also personalize the wrapping with special paper and tags:

You might also be interested in: