What to Buy
What you actually need, by sport and age.
Honest starter kits for the activities your kid is doing. Real cost ranges. How to choose between options. Written by parents who have already bought the wrong thing at least twice.
Sports
Baseball
Glove, bat, helmet, cleats. Tee-ball through middle school.
Softball
Mostly the same as baseball, with a few specific tweaks.
Soccer
Cleats, shin guards, ball, water bottle. Year-round in many places.
Basketball
Shoes, ball, athletic gear. Indoor sport, low equipment overhead.
Football
Helmet, pads, cleats. The most equipment-heavy youth sport.
Hockey
Skates, helmet, stick, full pads. Plan for serious investment.
Lacrosse
Stick, helmet, gloves, pads. Boys and girls gear differs.
Volleyball
Shoes, knee pads, kneepads, ball. Indoor and beach variants.
Performing arts & activities
Theater
School plays, community theater. Mostly time, less equipment.
Band
Instrument, reeds, accessories. Rent before you buy.
Choir
Almost no equipment. The list is short and cheap.
Dance
Shoes, leotards, tights, recital costumes. Style-specific.
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