Whether it's a birthday, Christmas, anniversary, or other special occasion, what better way to surprise the picklehead in your life than with a pickleball gift? Choosing a great gift can be hard, though, especially if you don't play the sport yourself. Don't worry—I've got you covered.
I've played with hundreds of pickleball products this year so I'm happy to share some gift ideas with you. Below you'll find the best pickleball gifts for any budget and any player, from beginners to pros. I've added paddles, gear, accessories, clothes, novelty gifts, and even a pickleball machine.
Best pickleball gifts at a glance
Best paddle to gift
1. Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control
The Six Zero DBD Control is this year's best pickleball paddle. It does it all across power, spin, and control, making it a great gift for any intermediate looking to advance.
Best beginner paddle
2. Friday Original
If you're shopping for someone new to pickleball, the Friday Original is the best beginner paddle I've ever tested. It's a carbon paddle at an incredible price.
Best paddle set
3. SLK NEO 2.0
This high-quality pickleball paddle set from Selkirk, the SLK NEO 2.0, has everything a new player needs to kickstart their journey in the sport.
Best machine to gift
4. The Erne
The Erne machine is a knockout gift for any player who's serious about improving their game. Super advanced and customizable, it's simply the best pickleball machine on the market.
Great all-rounder
5. Pickleball Central gift card
Let them choose for themselves with a gift card for Pickleball Central, one of the best online stores for pickleball paddles, gear, clothing, and more.
Best bag
6. CRBN Pro Team Backpack
Get the CRBN Pro Team Backpack for any player who goes on pickleball trips, plays in tournaments, or needs a lot of storage room on game days.
The best gifts for pickleball players in 2024
So that’s the list. Now let’s take a look at why we loved each one, and why they made the list.
Best paddle to gift
My verdict
1. Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control
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If you know a pickleball player who's really starting to take the sport seriously, you'll be investing in their game when you gift them the best pickleball paddle of the year, the Six Zero DBD.
Learn more in my Six Zero DBD Control review.
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Best beginner paddleMy verdict
2. Friday Original
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The Friday Original is the best pickleball paddle for beginners, introducing power and spin to their game straight away. This is a great gift for any new pickleball player who wants to hit the ground running.
Instead of wasting money on a cheap Amazon paddle, you can get a single Friday Original paddle (or make it a two-paddle deal) for a more thoughtful starter paddle gift.
Read my Friday Original review.
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Best paddle setMy verdict
3. SLK NEO 2.0
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Want to give a new player a whole kit? You'll set them up the right way with the SLK NEO 2.0. Made by top brand Selkirk, this is the best pickleball paddle set because the paddles have way more advanced tech than most paddle sets while still retailing at an affordable $79.99 (often discounted as low as $64.99).
Read my SLK NEO 2.0 review.
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Best machine to giftMy verdict
4. The Erne
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If you want to go all out, the Erne is a serious present for any player who's ready to take pickleball seriously. I love drilling with it and it's guaranteed to improve anyone's game. It's got a large ball hopper, long battery life, an app to control all the settings, and ultimate customization of drills.
Read my Erne pickleball machine review.
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Great all-rounderMy verdict
5. Pickleball Central gift card
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I personally love receiving a gift card and many pickleballers will appreciate getting to pick exactly what they want from Pickleball Central's huge inventory of paddles, accessories, balls, equipment, and apparel.
A great perk is you can choose how much you want to spend. The gift card can be sent digitally, meaning it's instant (for those last-minute panics). Pickleball Central even lets you add a unique message and theme to your gift card for a personal touch.
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Pickleball bagMy verdict
6. CRBN Pro Team Backpack
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The long-lasting CRBN Pro Team Backpack makes a lovely gift for pickleball enthusiasts.
If you think someone would like a pickleball backpack, you won't do better than the CRBN Pro Team, one of the best bags for pickleball players. This is a great gift for any player who wants a sturdy, great-looking, premium bag built specifically for pickleball players.
At $110, it's at the higher price end when it comes to pickleball bags, though you do get a 10% discount on the CRBN store with our exclusive code. Trust me: the price is worth it for someone you care about because this bag will last a long time.
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Joke paddleMy verdict
7. Donald Trump paddle
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Whatever your political beliefs, this Donald Trump pickleball paddle is a fun gift. It actually works on the courts too—it's an elongated fiberglass paddle with a 16 mm core.
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Best shoesMy verdict
8. Diadem Court Burst
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The Diadem Court Bursts are my top recommendation for footwear. They're super comfortable and have been my everyday court shoes since I tested them. They give me all the support, speed, and stability I need.
Read my list of the best pickleball shoes.
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For dadMy verdict
9. TOLOCO massage gun
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The TOLOCO massage gun is a nice birthday or Father's Day gift for dads to help them avoid pickleball elbow and other strains. It works both before and after games to warm up the muscles and provide quick pain relief. I personally struggle with pickleball injuries, so my massage gun is now part of my everyday warm-up routine.
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Great stocking fillerMy verdict
10. Pop Nordic pickleball-themed can cooler
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Pickleball-themed can koozies to keep your beverage icy cold on the sidelines
Pickleball is famous for being a ton of fun and renowned for its vibrant social scene. These koozies are the perfect gag gift for the picklehead in your life who likes to stay hydrated on the court and when celebrating their wins afterwards.
The koozies come in a twelve pack and are designed for standard 12 oz cans. Each is printed with a jokey pickleball-related pun or slogan.
These koozies make an ideal gift for pickleball parties and gatherings, and are perfect as a stocking filler with their wallet-friendly price tag.
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Best for pet ownersMy verdict
11. CRBN K9 Squeak Dog Toy
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Because our furry friends deserve the best gifts too
CRBN are one of my favorite pickleball brands on the market—their paddles use cutting-edge tech and offer pro-level performance. They've now made the first ever pickleball dog toy, designed to keep your dog from chewing up your prized paddle by giving them their very own.
This toy is made from non-toxic, super durable materials, so it can take a good chewing. It might not generate as much spin or power as the CRBN-1X Power Series, but I think any dog owner with a passion for pickleball will absolutely love this.
This soft, squeaky mini CRBN paddle may not keep their dog out of the kitchen, but it will certainly keep them entertained.
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Great for beginnersMy verdict
2. Friday Original
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The Friday Original is the best pickleball paddle for beginners, introducing power and spin to their game straight away. This is a great gift for any new pickleball player who wants to hit the ground running.
Instead of wasting money on a cheap Amazon paddle, you can get a single Friday Original paddle (or make it a two-paddle deal) for a more thoughtful starter paddle gift.
Read my Friday Original review.
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Best jewelryMy verdict
13. Gold bracelet from Born to Rally
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Because who doesn't like to look good on and off the courts?
This bracelet makes an ideal gift for the fashionable pickleball player in your life. It adds a touch of bling to their look and is one of the best pickleball jewelry I've come across.
Available in 6.25" or 7" lengths with an adjustable elasticated band, it's made of cast brass and is plated in 18k gold. This makes it durable and tarnish-free, so it'll stand the test of time, even when worn on the courts. The light and comfortable fit also means it won't get in the way during a game.
The neat paddle and ball clasp is a unique touch that will be appreciated by any fellow player who spots it.
A great gift for the jewelry-wearing picklehead in your life, this bracelet can just as easily be worn during a tough court session as at a post-pickleball party. It won't break the bank and comes pre-wrapped in a neat, velvet gift bag.
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Great for girlfriendMy verdict
14. ’Pickleball hair, don’t care’ baseball cap
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A pickleball-themed cap to keep the sun out of your eyes and on the ball
Next up is a great gift for your pickleball girlfriend or mom: the ‘Pickleball hair, don’t care’baseball cap. This 100% cotton, lightweight cap is perfect for keeping the sun out of your eyes on the court, while also being fashionable enough to be worn anywhere.
The cap is made from an unstructured, washed-denim which gives it a vintage look, and a comfortable yet durable feel. It’s got lots of ventilation holes to allow air flow and keep your head cool during tough sessions on the courts. It’s a one-size-fits-all cap, with an adjustable strap.
The perfect gift for a partner, friend or mom pickleballer, this gift is both good looking and practical.
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Great for mom & dadMy verdict
15. Pickleball socks from OS1st
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Give the gift of comfortable feet
A pair of socks is the ultimate stocking-stuffer gift, and we just love these pickleball-specific sports socks. They come in a range of colors (our favorite is the ‘orange fusion’), three size options, and a choice between crew (high socks) or no-show ankle socks.
They use a blend of materials, including bamboo, to create a lightweight, breathable fabric that’ll keep your feet cool while giving you plenty of impact protection on the courts.
The quick side-to-side movement of pickleball games puts a lot of strain on the feet. So, these socks have built-in bamboo-charcoal cushioning to reduce friction and blisters, while wicking away heat and sweat.
Online reviews agree that these are awesome socks for pickleball, and your picklehead friend is sure to love them.
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Great for momMy verdict
16. Superfly stainless steel wine tumbler
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Pickleball-themed insulated tumbler for the passionate player in your life
We’ve mentioned pickleball parties and the buzzing social life that goes along with the sport. These insulated tumblers fit that perfectly. Decorated with a ‘Dink responsibly’ message, these will hold a prized spot in the kitchen of any dedicated player.
These themed tumblers will be cherished by anyone who loves pickleball and wine.
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Great for gearheadsMy verdict
17. CRBN pickleball paddle eraser
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A soft rubber cleaner to keep your prized paddles in prime condition
This paddle cleaner from CRBN is made for pickleball players with top of the range equipment that they like to look after. A beginner picklehead might not appreciate this one, but anyone who’s been in the game a while and values their gear will love this neat invention.
So, what actually is it? Pickleball paddles get dirty and build up residue on their face over time. Paddles with carbon fiber faces (most modern, premium paddles) collect littles bits of dirt and plastic, which clog up the grooves and impact their performance.
This handy little invention from pickleball innovator’s CRBN allows you to clean your paddle regularly and keep it in the best possible condition.
This is a niche gift that will suit intermediate and advanced pickleball players especially. At only $15, it's an affordable gift that’ll be prized by anyone with a premium pickleball paddle.
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Great for partiesMy verdict
18. Pickleball trivia game
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A travel-size trivia set totally devoted to pickleball
An ideal stocking stuffer gift, this 200-card set is divided into five categories: history, tournaments, players, rules, and wildcard. It’s perfect for anyone who’s into pickleball, from beginners to advanced players.
This gift is great for the younger pickleheads in your life or anyone new to the game looking to brush up their knowledge.
A great game for those rainy or cold days when you can’t be on the courts, and perfect for pickleball parties and events.
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Great gag giftMy verdict
19. TILTECH pickleball blanket
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A 6-foot wide, circular blanket with a huge pickleball print
For those days when it's too chilly to go outside and play pickleball, gift them this big fluffy blanket with a pickleball design.
It's super soft and comfortable and can be used for camping, on a sofa or bed, or even for keeping warm while sitting on the sidelines watching a pickleball match.
An ideal novelty gift for the passionate picklehead in your life, this huge pickleball blanket will give them a great big hug.
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Great for pickleheadsMy verdict
20. Franklin Sports outdoor pickleballs
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Hard-wearing, premium quality pickleball balls
A new set of pickleballs is useful to anyone who love pickleball. Pickleballs crack surprisingly often, so every player appreciates having a few extra balls in their bag.
These X-40 outdoor balls from Franklin are a trusted favorite, and one of the most popular balls on the market today. They’re hard-wearing, fly true, and are approved by USA Pickleball.
A pack of spare pickleballs is guaranteed to go down well as a gift to any pickleball player.
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Great for stylish beginnersMy verdict
21. Nettie pickleball set
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A gift box containing two beautifully-designed paddles, with two balls and two sweatbands
With this funky paddle and ball set, you can choose between four retro-design options to create the perfect gift pack for anyone wanting to look great on the courts. These beautifully-styled paddles come with two balls and two branded sweatbands to really make sure your picklehead looks the part.
The paddles themselves are lightweight, modern, and USA Pickleball-approved. They’re everything a style-conscious new pickleball playing couple could want.
This set doesn’t come cheaply, but would work perfectly as a double gift for a pickleball couple or pair of friends who are getting into the game.
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Great novelty giftMy verdict
22. Franklin ball retriever tube
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Take the pain out of retrieving pickleball after each match
Pickleheads love their gear, and this is yet another neat invention that’s ideal as a gift for any avid player. Pickleball involves a lot of bending over to retrieve balls from the ground, which puts a lot of pressure on the back. For seniors or anyone with back pain, this can be a very uncomfortable aspect of the game.
The Franklin ball retriever lets you pick up and store up to 12 balls without having to bend over. The clever design makes it easy to use and allows you to hang the full tube from a fence, making it a super useful and convenient tool to have around.
This is a must-have accessory for the more senior pickleball player in your life, or anyone who suffers from back pain.
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Also greatMy verdict
23. Ballzie pickleball holder
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The perfect pickleball pouch, great as a lighthearted gift
The Ballzie pickleball holder is designed as a wearable pouch that hangs around your waist like a fanny pack. It holds up to eight pickleballs, so you can keep playing for longer without having to chase after missed balls or dash back and forth to the sideline.
It features a comfortable, adjustable strap (16” – 52”) and is elasticated to keep the balls from rattling around as you play. Ideal for practice sessions, coaching, and even competitive play.
Give a picklehead the gift of more time on the courts, and less time chasing balls.
Fanny packs are making a comeback, and these fun pouches are perfect for any pickleball player, coach, or referee.
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Great for organizersMy verdict
24. Rally Deluxe Portable Net System
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A complete pop-up net system for a full-sized court
The Rally Deluxe net is a favorite among pickleheads across the US, and it's easy to see why—it's one of the best pickleball nets on the market. It's super quick and easy to set up, folds away into a neat bag, and is strong and stable enough to put up with plenty of use.
With pickleball's popularity showing no sign of slowing down, and a lack of court space in many states, players are getting inventive. Having a portable net that folds away into a carry bag means you can set up a temporary court on any suitable piece of flat ground, such as a yard, driveway, or basketball and tennis courts.
The Rally Deluxe net weighs just 32 lbs when packed up and fits neatly into the trunk of a car. It unfolds into a free-standing, regulation-sized net. The components are well-built, with oval-shaped steel tubing for increased strength and durability.
An awesome gift for any pickleball lover, a portable net means hours of fun for the recipient and their fellow players. It's a tournament-quality net in a bag, and a bargain at $150.
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Great for bookwormsMy verdict
25. 'History of Pickleball' book
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Everything you could need to know about the world’s most enjoyable sport
For any pickleheads who love to learn or just enjoy a good read, this is the ideal gift. Written by a mother and daughter who are part of pickleball history themselves, this is a deep dive into the fascinating history of the sport, from its origins to its present day popularity.
It includes detailed accounts of the first days and weeks after the invention of pickleball and leads us through the years as the game was honed, developed, and adopted by players all over the country.
An engrossing biography of a sport and its meteoric rise in popularity. It even explains where the name came from!
Wonderful for those rainy days or time off between sessions on the courts, this interesting account will give players an unfair advantage at the next pickleball trivia night.
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How to choose the best pickleball gifts
Over the years, we’ve bought a ton of pickleball-related gifts for our friends and family. So, when we set out to make this list, we started there. We tried to remember which gifts had gone down well, caused a chuckle, or got a ton of use by the receiver.
With that inspiration, we took to the web, scouring Pickleball Central and Amazon to see what new cool gifts were available, and reading reviews to see what people really loved. Once we had a shortlist, we scored them based on the following criteria:
- Uniqueness: We’re never one to give a boring gift, so this was top of our criteria
- Utility: People have too much stuff these days, so we wanted to choose genuinely useful products
- Novelty/humor: Even if it doesn’t have people rolling around on the floor, a chuckle is always welcome
- Price: You got us there—one or two of our gifts are certainly not cheap. However, we aimed to include a lot of affordable gifts and one or two big ticket items that still offer value for money
Find the perfect paddle
I've personally tested over 80 paddles. Take the quiz to see which ones fit your game best.
Bottom line
That's my list! I hope you find a special present for the person you care about. My top pick is the Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control because it's simply the best paddle with the widest appeal. However, if you're not after a paddle, there are plenty of other options to choose from.
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