Choosing a great pickleball gift for that special picklehead in your life can be hard, especially if you don’t play the sport yourself. Well never fear—we’ve got you covered.
After a ton of research and plenty of lively debate, we narrowed the list down to the top 20 gifts for pickleball players that we could find on the market in 2024. We’ve chosen gifts for a wide range of budgets and target audiences to help you find the ideal gift.
Check out our top picks:
Shortlist
Best paddle to gift
1. Bread & Butter Filth
The Filth is a deadly weapon on the courts—I gave it 10/10 for power and spin. This is a great gift for any aggressive player and is super fun to play with.
Great all-rounder
2. Pickleball Central gift card
Give the special pickleballer in your life exactly what they want—by letting them choose it themselves.
Great for beginners
3. SLK NEO 2.0 paddles
The SLK NEO 2.0 pickleball paddle set has everything you need to get playing: two paddles, four quality pickleball balls, and a sturdy backpack to carry them all around.
Best for pet owners
4. CRBN K9 Squeak Dog Toy
The ideal gift for pickleball-loving pet owners, this will keep their dog entertained while they work on their dinks.
Great stocking filler
5. Pop Nordic pickleball-themed can cooler
Excellent as a budget gift choice, stocking filler, or group gift, these koozies are fun and won’t break the bank.
Best bling to gift
6. Gold bracelet from Born to Rally
This tasteful, gold-plated bracelet features a pickleball paddle and ball clasp for an elegant nod to our favorite sport.
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. Bread & Butter Filth
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My favorite power paddle for 2023, with a friendly price tag
The Bread & Butter Filth is so good that I chose it as my top paddle for power in 2023, despite a ton of competition from the bigger names like CRBN and JOOLA.
This paddle costs 30% less than the competition but it hits harder and offers crazier levels of spin. As a banger, this is the most fun paddle I've ever played with. If you're buying for a high-energy, aggressive game, this is a great one to consider.
Bread & Butter are relatively new to the paddle scene, but they've nailed it with the Filth. Despite only weighing 8 oz (which makes it super quick and responsive in the hands), it packs a punch that will leave your opponents wondering what hit them.
This paddle has all the cutting-edge paddle tech, including a thermoformed construction, a unibody design, and a raw carbon fiber face. Bread & Butter are one of the coolest brands to emerge in pickleball—their funky psychedelic paddle designs stand out on the courts.
To learn more, check out my full Bread & Butter Filth pickleball paddle review.
If you're looking for a paddle to gift, the Filth won't fail to impress. It looks great, plays even better, and even comes in a cool, giftable box with a few neat extras. For beginners or players who prioritize a soft control game, look elsewhere, but this paddle will leave a big smile on the face of any power player.
Today’s best deal
Great all-rounderMy verdict
2. Pickleball Central gift card
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A personalized gift card from pickleball’s largest online marketplace
Our top gift for the picklehead in your life is super simple: a gift card from online pickleball emporium, Pickleball Central. A gift card not only saves you time, but it also means the recipient gets exactly what they want because they pick it out for themselves.
Another great perk is that you can choose exactly 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.
Pickleball Central stocks just about everything a pickleball player could ever want, from paddles and balls to shoes and clothes. They even sell larger items like pickleball machines and portable nets, as you’ll see later on this list.
A no-hassle, instant solution when buying a pickleball gift for just about anyone, a Pickleball Central gift card will always go down well.
Today’s best deal
Great for beginnersMy verdict
3. SLK NEO 2.0 paddles
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The ultimate starter pack for anyone getting into pickleball
This high-quality set from pickleball pioneers Selkirk is an ideal gift to inspire a friend to get started with pickleball, or set up a young person with a complete introductory pack. The two SLK paddles are lightweight yet thick, giving them a large ‘sweet spot’ and making them perfect for beginners.
Read our full SLK NEO 2.0 review.
These paddles aren’t just for novices, though. They offer plenty of performance to help new players hone their skills and develop their game. Selkirk are paddle technology innovators, and they've added some of their premium features to these paddles, like a sweat-absorbent grip.
A perfect gift for a young or beginner picklehead, this set has all they need to get their pickleball career started.
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Best for pet ownersMy verdict
4. 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.
Today’s best deal
Great stocking fillerMy verdict
5. 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 bling to giftMy verdict
6. 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 my favorite pieces of pickleball jewelry in 2023.
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
7. ’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
8. 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.
Today’s best deal
Great for momMy verdict
9. 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.
Today’s best deal
Great for gearheadsMy verdict
10. 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
11. 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.
Today’s best deal
Great gag giftMy verdict
12. 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.
Today’s best deal
Great for pickleheadsMy verdict
13. 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
14. 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 for dadMy verdict
15. ’I can’t, I have pickleball’ t-shirt
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Premium quality t-shirt with a funny pickleball quote
Ever feel like your pickleball friends spend their lives on the courts, and have little time for anything else? Gift them this tee so everyone knows exactly where they’re spending all that time.
These tees can be ordered in a variety of men’s, women’s and kids’ sizes. Plus, with ten color options to choose from, you’ll be able to find one to suit anyone.
This lightweight, classic-fit, funny tee is an affordable gift that comes in a range of shapes, colors, and sizes to suit any pickleball player.
Today’s best deal
Great novelty giftMy verdict
16. 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.
Today’s best deal
Also greatMy verdict
17. 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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Best machine to giftMy verdict
18. The Erne
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Spoil the special player in your life with an unforgettable gift
The Erne is the best pickleball machine on the market in my opinion. This high-tech pickleball cannon can do everything a pickleball player could ever need for a full practice session.
It holds up to 150 pickleballs which it can throw with any combination of direction, elevation, speed, frequency, and spin you can dream up.
Its best feature is the dedicated smartphone app, which lets you design and program complete drill sessions to fine-tune any aspect of your game. Without the need for a coach or partner, your beloved picklehead can spend hours creating drill sessions that mimic real play and boost their skills quickly.
The Erne also looks gorgeous as a gift with its sleek and elegant styling. It folds away into a neat unit for storage, with wheels and a telescopic handle for moving it around.
Sleek and technologically advanced, the Erne is designed for one purpose: improving your pickleball game, fast. Sure, it's a big-ticket item, but it will make any player's year.
Today’s best deal
Great for organizersMy verdict
19. Rally Deluxe Portable Net System
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A complete pop-up net system for a full-sized court
The Rally Deluxe Portable Net System is a favorite among pickleheads across the US, and I chose it as my favorite pickleball net in 2023. 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
20. '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
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Bottom line
So, there you have it—our top pickleball gifts for this year. Just to recap, here’s our top 5 again:
- Bread & Butter Filth paddle
- Pickleball Central gift card
- SLK NEO 2.0 pickleball paddles
- CRBN K9 Squeak Dog Toy
- Pop Nordic pickleball-themed can cooler
What are you waiting for? Surprise that special someone now with an awesome pickleball gift!
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Recent updates
December 2023
With new pickleball products coming out all the time, I wanted to revisit this list and add everything else I've come across in recent months.
I've added several new products, including the Bread & Butter Filth. It's one of my favorite paddles, and I think it makes an ideal gift with all the extra gadgets that come along with the paddle. I've also included the Erne (my favorite pickleball machine), and a handful of other great items.
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