Let’s just lead with an unpleasant fact. Some cool airsoft gear is basically useless. Just like lures that catch more fishermen than fish, some airsoft tactical gear is designed to hook players because it looks cool - despite the fact that it might not be particularly practical.

That said, we’re rounding up some of the more useful airsoft gear on our website. This stuff makes great gifts for airsoft players, so whether you’re shopping for yourself or a friend or loved one that’s an airsoft die-hard, stock up before the holidays roll around.

1. WMLs

There’s a (slightly altered) saying, “what you can’t see can hit you,” and it’s true. Dark CQB encounters, indoors in airsoft are common. The player with the brightest WML is the one that will take the advantage.

Besides, WMLs can be detached from the airsoft gun and used for general utility in the field. Lights have a million and one uses.

2. Tracer Units and BBs

Tracer units seem like cool toys, and they are, but they’re about much more than “cool factor.”

These muzzle-mounted airsoft attachments blast special BBs with UV light which makes them glow as they leave the barrel.

This makes it much easier to see where your shots are landing, whether or not you have an optic. It also makes it easier to shoot in the dark and to lay down suppressive fire.

They’re a bit expensive, though, so if you’re buying for someone else, tracer BBs make a good gift, too (the units only work with special airsoft ammo).

3. Slings

Giving an airsoft player a sling is like giving him a second hand or a second pair of hands. Among airsoft gear, slings might be relatively boring, but they serve an important purpose on the airsoft field.

These are essential airsoft accessories for anyone that plays with a heavy AEG or airsoft sniper rifle, as they can shift the load from the arms and chest to the back and shoulders.

4. Bipods (for Airsoft Snipers)

Bipods are a bit of a niche airsoft accessory, but for anyone that fires from a prone position and needs to exhibit extraordinary accuracy, a bipod can be a crucial accessory.

Think about airsoft snipers and crews that use LMGs. Bipods are effectively essential for firing effectively and accurately, especially at range.

Consider getting an airsoft bipod that easily attaches and detaches from the airsoft gun, that way you can accessorize as the airsoft event requires.

5. Holsters

A quality tactical holster aids in airsoft gun retention and keeps the airsoft pistol where you need it until you need to draw it - then keeps it easily accessible when you do.

A good holster should ride comfortably on the body and should facilitate easy, instinctual drawing and re-holstering - enabling you to draw and shoot within a second.

6. Tactical Vests

Tactical vests are definitely on the more exciting side of airsoft gear. First off, there are many different styles and types, and they can be customized in a variety of ways - such as with tactical patches, which also make great airsoft gifts.

But, most importantly, tactical vests give players an attachment point for all of their most important airsoft gear, keeping it well organized and retained.

7. BB Containers

These are definitely on the least exciting side of all airsoft gear, but highly useful nonetheless. If there’s one thing any airsoft player could use more of during a MilSim match or airsoft event, it’s more ammo.

We carry BB canisters that can carry more than 1000 rounds, are easy to attach to a tactical vest, and which collapse when empty, saving weight and space.

(By the way, if you’re going to give one of these, consider giving some spare mags and a speedloader, too.)

8. Sight Protectors

Sight protectors serve one purpose and one purpose only - to protect your expensive, delicate optics from enemy fire.

And they do a good job of it. Basically, they are clear plastic shields that install in front of your scope or red dot and take the proverbial “bullet” if an enemy shot is perfectly aligned with your optics.

Sight protectors only cost a couple of dollars. Scopes and red dot sights can be several hundred. (Another tip, though - airsoft scopes and red dot sights also make great gifts.)

9. Grips

Grips, both over-molded grips and ergonomic vert grips that attach to AEG friends, are highly practical if not particularly exciting airsoft attachments.

These can vastly improve the balance, ergonomics, and overall handling of an airsoft gun. For a few dollars, you can mount another grip to an airsoft rifle and revolutionize the way it handles.

10. Heavy-Duty Tactical Gloves

Last but not least, heavy-duty tactical gloves make excellent gifts for airsoft players, and they have multiple uses.

Not only can quality gloves protect a player’s hands from enemy fire and freezing temperatures - they can also be used while working in the yard or under the hood.

Stock Up: Get Your Airsoft Gear Here Before the Holidays

Check out some of these highlights from our selection of tactical airsoft gear, or better yet, come visit us in our airsoft store in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, a stone’s throw from Chicago.

There’s still time to get some great gifts before Christmas for the airsoft players in your life - so stock up (and don’t forget, orders over $99 get free shipping)!