25 Pickleball Gifts For Newbies and Seasoned Pros Alike

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Pickleball started out as a whimsical afternoon game invented by Congressman Joel Pritchard and his friend Bill Bell at Pritchard’s home near Seattle, WA. That was 1965. Fast-forward to today, and it is America’s fastest-growing sport. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s Topline Participation Report, more than 36.5 million people played the sport at least once in the past year, which translates to about 14 percent of the adult population in the U.S..

It’s easy to see why: Pickleball is easy to pick up by people with a wide range of athletic abilities. And while it can get extremely competitive, it is a fun, social sport, and a great way to meet new people. It seems that many people who try it get the pickleball bug, joining leagues and making it a regular part of their lives.

Buying a gift for a new or experienced pickleball player can be challenging, especially if you don’t know the game. It may be a straight-forward sport, but there is a surprising amount of specialized pickleball gear out there for players to get into, from basics like paddles and shoes, to training gear and stylish athletic clothes. We have expert-recommended gift ideas for every kind of pickleball person, from casual folks with a passing interest to the competitive player who has everything.

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The Best Pickleball Gifts

• Best for Beginners: Joola Essentials Pickleball Paddle Set

• Best Portable Set: Anything Sports 3-in-1 Pickleball Traveling Set

• A Stylish Pickleball Bag: Fresh Pickle The Lola Pickleball Tote

• Great for Playing at Night: PickleStar LED Pickleballs

• The Perfect Skort With a Phone Pocket: Blevonh Women Tennis Skort

What to Consider in a Pickleball Gift

Here’s What You Need to Play Pickleball

If the person you have in mind is fairly new to the game and upgrading from an all-in-one pickleball set or renting a paddle, you should start by giving them the essential gear they need to go out and play at a public court.

Paddle: A pickleball paddle is the most essential piece of gear for every pickleball player. Beginners should zero in on lighter-weight options, which will not only prevent fatigue and injury, but allow them to maneuver the ball with ease.

Shoes: Dedicated pickleball shoes are lighter, more flexible, and better primed for quick back and forth movements than other athletic shoes.

Bag: Pickleball bags have special sections for paddles and balls, and enough room for clothes and any other gear you need to store while you play.

Balls: The hollow, plastic pickleball is unique. It has a lower bounce than a tennis ball, and reacts more to weather conditions. They soften in the summer and harden in the winter, which changes how they bounce. Snag more than you think you’ll need and thank us later.

Keep Their Experience Level in Mind

If the pickleball player in your life is a beginner, give them the basic gear they need to get out and play. If they’re already passionate, they may already have a paddle and shoes that they love. In that case, focus more on court-friendly fashion accessories, and luxurious gadgets that will make the game more fun, even if they aren’t essential.

When in doubt, pick a practical crowd-pleaser. After all, everyone loves a fabulous pickleball bag.

Help Them Get in The Game

If you’re hesitating on giving a specific piece of gear, simply give them the chance to play more. A portable pickleball set will give them the chance to introduce more friends and family to the game. If you’re worried about getting corralled in, try a membership to USA Pickleball, which will give them access to a national community of pickleball enthusiasts, competitive tournaments, and a range of discounts.

The Gift of Glam

Every player wants to win, but the pickleball court has also become a scene where regulars meet. It’s a place to see and be seen, and many players love to strut their stuff. If your pickleball player goes to the courts often, give them a piece of luxury clothing or gear that will make them stand out, and you’ll definitely score a win.

Gifts to Avoid

Certified personal trainer and competitive pickleball player Andrew White warns against buying cheap paddles from brands that don’t specialize in pickleball gear, which tend to be substantially heavier and less accurate than slightly pricier options from trusted brands like Joola and Paddletek.

How We Selected The Best Pickleball Gifts

I picked the gear in this guide based on my years of pickleball experience, expert product testing and reviews from publications like New York Magazine, Pickleball Central, and user reviews on retailers like Amazon.

In addition, I interviewed a small panel of pickleball experts who have been competing and advocating for the sport for many years.

Adam Billy is a professional pickleball player and trainer. He also runs Today Pickleball, a blog about the sport that explains the rules, gives expert tips, and reviews gear.

Andrew White is a certified personal trainer with a strong personal interest in casual and competitive pickleball. He co-founded Garage Gym Pro, where he shares advice on training and fitness at home.

Neal Feinberg is president of the Florida Indoor Racquet Club and a certified pickleball coach.

Essentials Pickleball Paddle Set

Joola’s Essentials line is ideal for beginners who are ready to get started or improve their game. This set includes two paddles and two balls. Joola’s USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) approved racquet offers a generous sweet spot, and helps players who want to have fun, but also possibly get serious, the leverage to do effortlessly lean in.

“As a seasoned pickleball player, I can vouch for the Joola paddle,” says Adam Billy, a professional pickleball player and trainer. “It’s a trusty sidekick with its lighter weight, and perfect blend of control and power.”

3-in-1 Pickleball Travel Set

This portable, all-in-one pickleball set has everything you need to play in the backyard or bring your A-game on the road. It comes with a net, four USAPA-approved carbon fiber paddles, and four balls, which all pack into a sturdy carrying case.

Setting up the net is easy and takes just five minutes, making it a perfect choice for families who are always on the go, even at home.

The Lola Pickleball Tote

This practical nylon tote is made specifically for the pickleball court. It has built-in fence hooks, durable fabrics, a mesh holder that’s roomy enough for a thermos, and enough storage for everything from paddles, to towels, shoes, phones, and more.

“A stylish and functional bag is a necessity,” Billy says. “It keeps all of your pickleball gear organized, with room for everything else you may need.”

Among pickleball bags, the Lola is exceptionally stylish. In pink and white stripes, it’s cute enough to carry from court to the bar for celebratory drinks. If pink and white isn’t your thing, the bag comes in an array of colors to fit any style.

LED Pickleballs

If you’re shopping for a pickleball fan who seems to have all the best gear, this may be the very thing they didn’t know they needed. These light-up pickleballs have vibrant LED lights inside that make them easy to see on the court at night.

They’re built to last, so players don’t need to worry about holding back to avoid breaking them during an intense rally. The screw-in batteries last about 12 hours and are easy to replace, so you don’t need to stress if one dies in the middle of a midnight match.

Women Tennis Skort

Made from a stretchy blend of polyester and spandex, this casual tennis skirt-over-shorts is sporty and fun, with a useful secret–a slim pocket on one leg for your phone. The breathable, moisture-wicking fabric is soft, and most importantly, machine-washable.

The high-waisted design stays up and keeps your waist cinched in. In 16 colors, your pickleball player could wear a different style every day of the week.

Pickleball Earrings

This cute, wallet-friendly set of earrings is a great insider gift. These little pink danglers are comfortable, lightweight, nickel-free. They’re light enough to wear during a game, but you can wear them anytime.

The pickleball shape is also subtle: Like an obscure concert t-shirt, most people won’t notice it, but other players will get the message: “I play. Do you?”

Pickleballer Socks

These adorable novelty socks may not up anyone’s game, but they’ll definitely make them smile. These comfortable cotton socks are great on and off the court, and will last many a season. They’ll let your pickleball player show off their love for the game every time they kick back and put their feet up.

Court Express Pickleball Shoe

These lightweight kicks may look like they’re made for lounging, but they are built specifically to keep a spring in your step on the pickleball court. The sole is specially formulated to provide maximum cushioning and enhance durability so you can bob and dink for seasons to come.

The high-density non-marking outsole provides traction, stability, and durability from heel-to-toe as you dash and dance around the court. The ortholite sock liner helps keep your tootsies cool in the heat of play.

Shop Women’s Shop Men’s

Varsity Pickleball Sweatshirt

If you’re in a pickle over what to buy your player, this sweatshirt will deliver the win you need. This cotton-polyester blend sweatshirt is feather-soft, but also wicks away sweat if you decide to wear it on the court.

The stripes along the neck, sleeves, and hem give varsity vibes, and the retro lettering reads vintage. Take note: the sweatshirt runs a wee bit big, so size down.

Membership Card

For the enthusiastic player, a membership to USA Pickleball is like a passport to the greater pickleball community. Members get access to sanctioned tournaments and events, exclusive content, and rotating discounts from partners on merchandise.

The membership also supports USA Pickleball’s mission to develop and grow the support, through both youth and adult programs. Your pickleball player will get opportunities to meet other players and nourish their love for the game.

Gel-Renma Pickleball Shoes

These game-changing Asics Pickleball shoes have synthetic leather overlays that provide incredible durability and stability. Their wrap-up outsole and wide gauge give players the ability to move quickly and smoothly around the court. Flexible grooves in the outsole also make it easy to pivot quickly.

In addition, eco-conscious players will appreciate that these shoes were engineered to reduce water usage and carbon emissions during production by 33 percent and 45 percent respectively.

Shop Men’s Shop Women’s

Men’s Performance Tech T-Shirt

Don’t let the casual vibe fool you: This t-shirt will keep you cool, even in the heat of competition. The ultra-soft polyester and spandex blend feels great on the skin and moves with you, while wicking moisture and offering SPF 50 protection for hot afternoons on the court. The shirt has an athletic cut, so it fits a bit tight.

Pickleball Koozies

This six-pack of pickleball-themed can koozies is the perfect thing to pass around to all your besties at the pickleball court. These machine-washable neoprene drink holders are durable and perfectly capable of keeping your post-game cans and bottles cold. They also make great stocking stuffers.

Target Net Training Aid

If you know a pickleball player who wants to put in a little extra time between matches to improve their precision, practice gear like this training net will help them step up their game. Simply set up the net horizontally to practice dinks, or vertically to practice drives.

After they put in the work, it’s easy to pack up and store in its slim carrying case. Or, if they’re practicing with a group, it doubles as a base for cornhole, too.

Ball Retriever

The worst part of any pickleball match (or worse, practice) is the time at the end when you have to pick up all the balls. This pickleball picker-upper—or “PickleUpper,” if you will–makes collecting errant balls quicker and easier on the back. Just stick it on the end of a paddle and your pickleball fan will never have to reach down for a ball again.

X-40 Outdoor Pickleballs (100 Pack)

If there’s one thing that every pickleball player always needs, it’s more balls. Give the one on your list a giant 100-pack and they’ll never need to worry about running out again… Or at least until next year.

Franklin’s USAPA-approved X-40 pickleballs are the official ball of the US Open Pickleball Championships and USA Pickleball, so they are literally professional-grade. If 100 feels excessive, you can also buy a 12-pack or a 36-ball bucket.

Performance Shorts

Anyone who’s spent time on any court knows that having the right pair of shorts can make all the difference. Ibkul’s performance shorts are made with a moisture-wicking four-way stretch fabric that allows you to lunge and pivot freely. Crucially, they have pockets, including a zippered pocket for keys or a phone.

Swiftly Tech Short-Sleeve Shirt

This slim-fit high-performance shirt moves with, not against you on the court. The shirt is a nylon, polyester, Lurex metallic, Elastane, and X-static blend that is feather-soft on the skin, with moisture-wicking and odor-busting tech that'll ensure you’ll smell fresh even after an intense session.

With minimal seams to reduce chafing and a lightweight feel, you’ll barely feel it on your skin. The true-to-size shirt comes in a variety of colors, including blazer blue, black, dark lavender, and highlight yellow.

Pickleball Head and Wristband Sweatbands

These pickleball-themed wrist- and headbands bring a retro tennis flair to any player who steps on the court. Made from a lightweight blend of cotton, spandex, and nylon, they’re breathable and soft, so it feels good to wipe the sweat from your brow just before that final serve.

Huggable Plush Pickleball

This soft and cuddly pickleball plush will charm players of all ages. The eye-catching, huggable 15-inch pillow will bring a bright pop of color and Pickleball fandom to your player’s bedroom, den or living room. It’s machine-washable too, so they can even bring it to the court.

Tennis Ball Holder and Waist Pouch

Who has time to run around and pick up balls all the time? Bring along a sport pouch like this, and you can carry around a few spares so you don't need to chase the ball after every point.

Topjum’s stretchy zip nylon mesh pocket can hold up to eight pickleballs at a time. It also has a small zippered compartment for your phone and keys, if you need them close.

“The Pickle” Training Machine

If you have a pickleball player who wants to go pro (or just play like a pro), this splurge is worth it. “The Pickle” is the Pickleball-equivalent of a Tennis Ball Machine, spitting out balls with variable spins—from heavy topspin, to flat, to heavy backspin—so players can master returning slices. It also moves back and forth horizontally, so you can practice forehands, backhands, and centering on your own.

“The Lobster can be a game-changer,” says White. “It helps in practicing different shots and is perfect for those who are serious about improving their game.”

Pickleball Towels

These adorable microfiber sports towels come in a range of prints, but the pickleball prints are instant classics. Soft and absorbent, they’re great for soaking up sweat and dry in a flash. They’re machine-washable, too, so you can throw them in the laundry with your pickleball clothes.

Each towel also comes with a carabiner clip, which means you can secure it to a pickleball bag for a little flair, or hang it up to dry between rallies.

Tempest Wave V3 with Polymer Honeycomb Core

If your giftee is ready to upgrade their gear, this splurge-y paddle is well worth the investment. An updated version of our favorite pickleball paddle, the Paddletek Tempest Wave V3 features an advanced high-grade carbon fiber polymer honeycomb for more consistent, quiet, and precise play. Plus, the ⅛-inch edged shock guard absorbs the shock of the ball, improving accuracy and aim.

Baseball Hat

This classic cap is perfect for keeping the sun out of a pickleball player’s eyes. The casual cotton canvas looks good on and off the court.

Q+A With Pickleball Expert Neal Feinberg

What about court passes or club memberships?

If the pickleball player on your list doesn't already have a pickleball court where they prefer to play, a court pass to a nearby club or membership to a tennis club with pickleball, like my own Florida Indoor Racquet Club, would be an amazing gift.

Are Pickleball Lessons Worth It?

Consider private lessons from a club because they can teach you key fundamental lessons of the game. I’m a casual pickleball player, but I received a private lesson as a gift last year, and found that it really improved my game.

My giftee loves the game but has mobility issues. What can I get them to make their lives easier?

A ball cart on wheels would allow them to cart around up to 100 balls, minimizing the need to bend over and pick up balls between rallies. Also, using a beach ball instead of a pickleball is a great way to make the game easier. You don’t get the same zippy rallies, but the ball is easier to hit and pick up.

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