2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Dancers
Between all the Nutcracker rehearsals and holiday parties, who has time to shop for gifts?
No worries…I’ve got you covered! I’ve rounded up ten of my favorite gifts perfect for the dancer in your life!
(Looking for even more ideas? Check out my 2021 Holiday Gift Guide!)
Heads up: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Dance Ed Tips: Cards vs. Dancers
“Played the first round over zoom! I was cry-laughing! The answers are too real and too funny! You guys did an amazing job on these!” - Customer Review
It’s Apples to Apples…but for dancers! Cards vs. Dancers is the perfect game for your dance holiday party or to use as a group bonding activity.
Pointebrush X RubiaWear Tote Bag
What do you get when you combine the gorgeous artwork of Margot from Pointebrush with the incredible quality of RubiaWear? Your next go-to tote bag!
Just for the holidays, they also have water bottles and stickers with this stunning artwork! 😍
Parlovable Slippers
I bought these slippers at the beginning of Fall and haven’t taken them off since. They are so cozy and the memory foam feels amazing on my tired dancer feet. Whether you need something to slip on while getting ready backstage or lounging in front of the fireplace reading a good book, these are about to become your go-to slippers!
Blue Label Dancewear Legwarmers
Blue Label Dancewear is a true family business run by Summer and Mason, a mother-daughter team who work together to design and hand-create every piece. Their legwarmers are cozy, cute, and practical to keep you warm in the studio or backstage during a long day of tech rehearsals. I especially love the luxe waffle knit collection (pictured here!).
***Use code BRAINY25 for 25% off your purchase!
Popflex Belladonna Duffle
I am currently coveting this bag from Popflex active! With a laptop holder, yoga mat holder, hoards of pockets, and a fully-lined, waterproof shoe compartment, its everything I want in a dance bag! And it’s not just functional - it’s beautiful! What more can you ask for?!
Aurora Skirts
Professional dancer Sophie Williams founded Aurora Skirts on the belief that each dancer is unique, beautiful, and deserving of dancewear as creative and special as them.
Here to brighten up your rehearsals, these flattering styles let your personality shine! All skirts are handmade with LOVE in New Zealand & USA, for professional and aspiring dancers!
Enchanted Ballerina Hair Accessories
Founded by former ballet dancer Karla Aldebol, these bunwraps are the perfect hair accessory. What started as a family operation (Karla started making them for her daughter to allow her to express her unique style while still adhering to the studio dress code) quickly grew into a full-fledged business! With a huge selection of styles and colors, you’re sure to find exactly the accessory for your aspiring dancer.
Barreto Dancewear Leotards
Founded by Ballet Idaho Principal Dancer, Elizabeth Barreto, these leotards are so well made and always make me feel secure and beautiful. Be sure to follow Barreto Dancewear on Instagram for more details about their Black Friday ready-to-wear sale - these leotards are in such high demand that they typically sell out within hours!
Photo by: Francisco Estevez Photography
Ballerina Line Art Sweatshirt
I love the simple, elegant design of this abstract ballerina sweatshirt! This cozy crewneck from Etsy shop Riverside Retailers is the perfect cover-up to keep you cozy on those long Nutcracker rehearsal days. Would make a great gift for aspiring ballerinas, professionals, or anyone who dances, teaches, creates or just appreciates the amazing, athletic, art of ballet!
The College Dance Decision Digital Course
Gift a special Dancer in your life confidence and clarity on their dance future! The College Dance Decision mini course was developed by Gina McFadden (Dancer 360) and Caitlin Sloan (The Brainy Ballerina) especially for rising Junior and Senior dancers to take stock of what they really want after high school, develop a plan (and a backup plan!) toward achieving their goals and provide actionable advice to connect and unite with parents to bring their dreams to life.
BONUS! Stocking Stuffers!
Gifts that are small enough to fit in a dancer’s stocking, but will still be well-loved!
Meet the Author
Caitlin Sloan is a Dance Educator and Career Mentor based in Madison, WI.
Caitlin received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Grand Valley State University and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Missouri.
She danced professionally for nine years with companies including Ballet Tucson and Missouri Contemporary Ballet (now Mareck Dance). Caitlin has taught at schools all over the Midwest, most notably serving as Director of The School of Missouri Contemporary Ballet and Youth Company Director for Central Indiana Dance Ensemble. She is currently on faculty at the School of Madison Ballet.
Caitlin founded The Brainy Ballerina® in 2019, a virtual resource providing support and guidance for aspiring ballet dancers. Follow @thebrainyballerina on Instagram for your daily dose of dance career guidance and inspiration.
