Gifts for Pickleball Players Who’ve Taken Over the Local Courts

By the Gift DeskUpdated October 8, 202623 hand-picked ideas

The ideas at a glance

Pickleball Paddle Starter Set~$55
Pickleball Court Shoes with Lateral Support~$80
Pickleball Strategy and Drills Book~$25
Outdoor Pickleball Balls 12-Pack~$24
Pickleball Paddle Backpack with Shoe Compartment~$45
Pickleball Practice Rebounder Net~$80

Pickleball has a way of rearranging people’s lives. A neighbor talks someone into one game, and six months later they’re up at 7 a.m. to get a court, they own three paddles, and they can explain the kitchen rule to anyone who stands still long enough. It’s a social sport, so the person you’re shopping for probably has a whole group of friends who play, and plenty of opinions picked up from them.

This guide starts with gifts for someone who’s just been bitten, then moves to the regulars who play several times a week. After that come a few honest words about paddles, gifts for the knees, elbows and hot afternoons that come with the sport, the cheap care items that keep a paddle playing well, and some lighthearted picks to finish.

If they also play the older racquet sport, see our gifts for tennis players. For pickleballers who’ve started lifting or stretching to stay on court, gifts for fitness lovers has more.

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They’ve played twice and they’re hooked

A new player usually borrows a paddle from a friend and plays in running shoes. The kindest early gifts give them their own gear, the right shoes and a little understanding of why the experienced players keep beating them at the net.

A paddle set that holds two is a nice idea if you’d like to play with them.

1
Pickleball Paddle Starter Set
Franklin Sports 2-Player Carbon Fiber Paddle Set
Two lightweight paddles, balls and a bag. It’s ideal for a new player who’s still borrowing, and the second paddle means they can drag a spouse, friend or grandchild out to the park. These aren’t the paddles they’ll use in a year, and that’s fine; they’ll still be handy as loaners.
On Amazonabout $55
2
Pickleball Court Shoes with Lateral Support
ASICS Gel-Dedicate 9 Pickleball Shoes
Running shoes are built for moving forward, while pickleball is all side-to-side shuffles and sudden stops. Court shoes with reinforced sides grip better and help protect ankles. Shoes are only a safe gift if you know their size and the box goes in with a gift receipt.
On Amazonabout $80
3
Pickleball Strategy and Drills Book
Pickleball Fundamentals, 2nd Edition
New players tend to bash every ball and then wonder why they lose to people twice their age. A beginner-friendly book on dinking, the third-shot drop and doubles positioning explains the patience that wins points. Good for someone who likes to understand the why before they practice.
On Amazonabout $25
4
Outdoor Pickleball Balls 12-Pack
Outdoor balls are harder, with smaller holes, so they fly true in the wind and survive concrete. A new player always needs more than they think, since balls crack and disappear into the next court. Cheap, practical and a good pairing with a starter set.
On Amazonabout $24

Know exactly who it’s for?

For the four-mornings-a-week regular

Once pickleball is a routine, the gifts that land are about convenience and getting better. Regulars carry more gear, wait around for open courts and start looking for ways to practice without a full foursome.

If they talk about their rating or sign up for local tournaments, the practice tools here will be very welcome.

5
Pickleball Paddle Backpack with Shoe Compartment
Big Dill Pickleback Pickleball Backpack
A bag that holds two paddles, balls, a water bottle and court shoes in a vented compartment. Regulars tend to carry everything in a tote that’s slowly falling apart, and this keeps sweaty shoes away from their keys and phone. Pick a neutral color unless you know their taste.
On Amazonabout $45
6
Pickleball Practice Rebounder Net
A return net that sends the ball back for dinks, volleys and drives. It’s the gift for a player who wants to improve but can’t always round up a partner. It needs a flat patch of driveway or a garage, so check they have the space.
On Amazonabout $80
7
Portable Pickleball Ball Machine
Lobster Sports The Pickle Pickleball Machine
A battery-powered machine that feeds balls at set speeds, spins and intervals. It’s a serious gift for someone serious about the game, letting them drill the same shot fifty times in a row. It’s heavy and pricey, so it suits a dedicated player with a court nearby and a car to haul it.
On Amazonabout $450
8
Folding Courtside Chair with Cup Holder
At busy courts, players spend nearly as much time waiting for the next game as playing. A light chair with a cup holder makes that wait comfortable. A small kindness for the friend who’s always perched on a cooler or a curb.
On Amazonabout $45
9
Pickleball Portable Net System
A regulation-height net that sets up on any flat surface. It suits players whose local courts are always booked, or families who want to play in a cul-de-sac or empty parking lot. Pair it with line markers if they don’t have chalk.
On Amazonabout $170

Why we’d steer clear of buying their paddle

Paddles are the one thing pickleball players are truly particular about. They differ in weight, grip size, shape, core thickness and surface texture, and a player who has been at it for a while has usually tried a friend’s paddle and found the one that suits their game. A paddle that feels wrong will sit in the closet. Players who enter sanctioned tournaments also need a paddle on the official approved list.

If you’d like to give them a better paddle, a gift card to a sporting goods or pickleball shop works, especially one that runs a demo program so they can try a few first. A carbon fiber paddle is a reasonable surprise only for a newer player who’s still using a starter paddle and has mentioned upgrading. Lessons or a clinic with a local coach are also a smart way to spend the same money.

For knees, elbows and sweaty afternoons

Many players took up pickleball later in life, and long doubles sessions in the sun have a way of reminding them. These small gifts keep them comfortable and on the court.

10
Compression Knee Sleeves Pair for Court Sports
CAMBIVO Knee Compression Sleeves, 2-Pack
Snug sleeves that stay put through lunges and quick stops. Comforting for players whose knees start to grumble after the third game.
On Amazonabout $10
11
Pickleball Elbow and Forearm Strap
McDavid Elbow Support with Strap
A strap worn below the elbow to ease strain from repeated swings. A cheap, welcome gift for anyone mentioning a sore arm.
On Amazonabout $14
12
Pickleball Cooling Towel and Wristband Set
Wet the towel, snap it and drape it over the neck between games. Essential for summer play in the South.
On Amazonabout $13
13
Pickleball Electrolyte Hydration Packet Variety Pack
Ultima Replenisher Variety Pack, 20 Packets
Drink mix sticks for long, hot sessions. Water alone doesn’t always cut it after three hours of doubles.
On Amazonabout $20
14
Pickleball Sun Visor with UPF 50
Coolibar Women's Bel Aire Zip-Off UPF 50+ Visor
A visor keeps the sun out of their eyes on lobs while letting heat escape. Light and easy to toss in a bag.
On Amazonabout $22

Paddle care and fresh balls

These cost less than lunch and keep a good paddle playing like new. Any regular will use them.

15.
Pickleball Paddle Face Cleaning Eraser
Selkirk Raw Carbon Cleaning Block
Ball residue builds up on gritty paddle faces and cuts spin. A few rubs with this restores the texture.
On Amazonabout $14
16.
Pickleball Paddle Edge Guard Tape
Protective tape for the rim of the paddle, which takes a beating on low dinks scraped off the court.
On Amazonabout $12
17.
Neoprene Pickleball Paddle Cover
A padded sleeve so the paddle face doesn’t scuff in a crowded bag. Check it fits elongated paddles if they use one.
On Amazonabout $35
18.
Pickleball Paddle Overgrip Tape Pack
Tourna Pickleball Mega Tac Overgrip
Tacky overgrips that freshen a worn, slippery handle in about a minute. Sweaty-handed players go through them quickly.
On Amazonabout $15
19.
Indoor Pickleball Balls 6-Pack
Softer balls with bigger holes for gym floors. Handy for players who move indoors when the weather turns.
On Amazonabout $20
20.
Clip-On Pickleball Ball Retriever
A rubber grabber on the end of the handle that picks balls up without bending. Backs and knees will be grateful.
On Amazonabout $15

Just for fun

Some gifts are just about sharing the joke, or bringing the next generation onto the court.

21
Personalized Pickleball Paddle with Custom Name
A composite paddle printed with their name or a court nickname. It’s a fun gift for a casual player or as a spare to hand to friends, and it’s easy to spot when everyone’s paddles are stacked by the gate. Serious players will keep using their usual paddle, so think of this as a keepsake that also plays.
On Amazonabout $60
22
Junior Pickleball Paddle and Ball Set for Kids
Shorter, lighter paddles sized for small hands. Ideal for the grandparent who plays every morning and would love to bring the grandkids along. Kids pick up pickleball faster than tennis because the court is small and the ball is slow.
On Amazonabout $35
23
Funny Pickleball Ceramic Mug
A mug with a pickleball joke on it. It’s a light gift for a coworker or friend who brings up their games constantly, and it works well alongside a can of balls or a pack of overgrips.
On Amazonabout $15

Shop this guide by price

Pickleball gift tips from the sidelines

Ask whether they play indoors, outdoors or both. The balls are different, and so are some of the accessories.
Let them pick their own paddle. A shop gift card, a demo program or a few lessons is a better way to help.
Comfort gifts go a long way. Knee sleeves, a cooling towel and a courtside chair suit almost every regular.
Find out whether they have courts nearby. A portable net or rebounder matters most to players who don’t.
For pickleball players with other passions, try our gift finder for a tailored list.

Questions about pickleball gifts

What do you buy a pickleball player who has everything?

Consumables and comfort: fresh balls, overgrips, a paddle eraser, a cooling towel or a courtside chair. For a bigger gift, a rebounder net or lessons with a local coach help them improve.

Is a pickleball paddle a good gift?

For a brand-new player, a starter set is great. For anyone who has played a while, paddles are personal, so a gift card or a demo program is usually the better choice.

What’s the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleballs?

Outdoor balls are harder and have smaller holes, so they handle wind and rough courts. Indoor balls are softer and lighter, with bigger holes, and play slower on gym floors. Using the wrong one makes a noticeable difference.

What’s a good pickleball gift under $20?

An elbow strap, a pack of overgrips, a paddle cover, edge guard tape or a clip-on ball retriever. A dozen outdoor balls costs only a little more and always gets used.

Gifts for Sports Fans Gifts for Fitness Fans

They’ve played twice and they’re hooked

Know exactly who it’s for?

For the four-mornings-a-week regular

Why we’d steer clear of buying their paddle

For knees, elbows and sweaty afternoons

Paddle care and fresh balls

Just for fun

Shop this guide by price

Under $25

$25–$50

$50–$100

$100+

Pickleball gift tips from the sidelines

Questions about pickleball gifts

Related gift guides

They’ve played twice and they’re hooked

Know exactly who it’s for?

For the four-mornings-a-week regular

Why we’d steer clear of buying their paddle

For knees, elbows and sweaty afternoons

Paddle care and fresh balls

Just for fun

Shop this guide by price

Under $25

$25–$50

$50–$100

$100+