Sports Water Bottle: Their own bottle, ready by the court

Pick the lid they will actually use

A squeeze nozzle is simple to reach for between points; a straw or drinking spout offers a different feel. Some players prefer a bottle they can open with one hand, while others want a covered mouthpiece in their bag. Ask what annoys them about their current bottle before choosing another.

Capacity has a carrying cost

A bigger bottle means more weight once filled. Check the bag pocket or bottle holder it needs to fit, including the base width and height with the lid attached. A compact bottle can be the better gift when refilling is easy at their venue.

• Check material and any venue restriction on glass.

• Read the maker's cleaning instructions for the bottle, seal and lid.

• Compare insulated and uninsulated designs without assuming every bottle keeps drinks cold.

Make it easy to keep clean

A wide opening may be easier to reach with a brush, but straws, valves and seals still need separate attention. Dishwasher suitability varies by part. Choose a design that fits the recipient's routine, and check that replacement seals or lids are available if that matters to them.

An ordinary sports bottle serves a different purpose from a travel mug or a hands-free hydration pack. It is for the drink they bring to the session, with no need for an app, a drinking target or a complicated kit.

Steel without guessing the lid

Choose the stainless-steel bottle option for an actual metal drinking vessel, rather than a plastic bottle with a steel cap. That body can follow the traditional eleventh-year theme. Steel adds weight compared with many plastic bottles, and the lid still needs its own cleaning and carrying checks.

Compare the anniversary years and themes for the traditional and modern alternatives.