Gifts for Cheerleader Tryouts

Trying out for any sport is often an exhausting, scary and nerve-wracking experience; cheerleader tryouts are no exception. When the person trying out for a position on the cheerleading team is a teenager, the tryout can be even more intimidating. An effective way to keep the event enjoyable and exciting is to offer small prizes or gifts to everyone who tries out for the team. These gifts help the hopeful candidates feel better about the tryout process and alleviate the feeling of being let down if they do not make the squad.

  1. Pompoms

    • Pompoms are a traditional cheerleading accessory, and they can be purchased or made to give as gifts. They come in a variety of sizes and colors that can be held in the hands or tied to shoelaces. Purchase pompoms online or make them at home. Shoe pompoms are also available in a variety of colors and are generally made from yarn or streamers. To make pompoms yourself, begin with two cardboard circles. Cut out a circle from the center of each circle and place one on top of the other. Hold a piece of yarn on the donut-shaped cardboard and insert the other end through the hole and around the outside over and over until the entire piece of cardboard is covered. Trim the yarn at the outer edge of the cardboard. Wrap a piece of yarn between the two pieces of cardboard and pull it tight. Cut the cardboard donuts. Fluff out the edges and trim the edges into a spherical shape to form a pompom.

    Hair Ribbons

    • Hair ribbons are a staple of cheerleader fashion. You can make them by first cutting two pieces of ribbon into four-inch strips. Trim the ends diagonally. Cut out two more pieces of ribbon in a contrasting color into five-inch strips. Trim these sends diagonally, as well. Place the five-inch ribbons on a flat work surface. Place a bead of glue along the center of the ribbon, lengthwise. Lay the four-inch ribbon, centered, on top of the five-inch ribbon. If the ribbon is wide enough, write the name of the cheerleader or her school on the ribbon using a fabric pen.

    Bracelets

    • Bracelets personalized in the school colors with the school’s name written on them make wonderful gifts. Silicone bracelets, including those that are said to help to improve athletic performance, are popular among youths and can be purchased online in bulk in a variety of different colors with different phrases written on them. Go to balancepowerbands.com or band-together.com for information on how to purchase these personalized bracelets.

    Key Chains or Lanyards

    • Key chains and lanyards make excellent gifts that can be displayed at any time off and on the field. You can purchase key chains and lanyards online at lanyardsupply.com or namifiers.com, among other websites. Alternatively, you can purchase them from retail sporting good stores in bulk. Key chains and lanyards come in different colors with different words or phrases written on them.

    Personalized T-Shirts

    • A personalized T-shirt that reflects school spirit is an inexpensive gift to give youngsters who tryout for the cheer squad. To make a personalized T-short, purchase transfer paper. Go to 123certificates.com or aacca.org to find cheerleader-related phrases such as: “Cheer” and “Go Team” and certificate templates. Navigate to the cheer squad or school team's official website to find pictures of the school's mascot. Print the pictures and phrases onto transfer paper. Iron the transfers onto a light colored, plain T-shirt.