Find out where they play
Indoor and outdoor balls are made differently, so ask which courts they use before picking a pack.
Gifts for pickleball players of every level
Pickleball is easy to pick up and hard to put down, so players love gear that keeps them on court. Here are our favourite gift ideas, from paddles to the small things they'll use every game.
Pickleball gifts worth giving
From paddles to quick, easy extras.
THE BIG GIFT
Paddles and sets for beginners through to keen players.
What to prioritise
Paddle upgrade
Pickleball Paddles
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ALWAYS NEEDED
Indoor and outdoor balls, plus a few nets and sets.
What to prioritise
Fresh bounce
Pickleball Balls
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COURT READY
Multi-court shoes for adults and kids.
What to prioritise
Check their size
Pickleball Shoes
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GAME DAY
Racket sport bags with space for paddles and balls.
What to prioritise
Carry it all
Racquet Sports Bags
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EASY WIN
Caps, visors and sweatbands for sunny court sessions.
What to prioritise
Small and handy
Pickleball Accessories
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SMALL EXTRA
Overgrips that freshen up a worn paddle handle.
What to prioritise
Fresh grip
Grips & Overgrips
Shop the RangeWhat makes a good pickleball gift
It matches their enthusiasm
Plenty of pickleball players have only recently taken up the game and are keen to improve. Gear that helps them play more often, or a little better, tends to be the most appreciated.
It covers what they wear out
Balls crack and lose their bounce over time, especially on outdoor courts. A fresh pack is a gift they'll open and use straight away.
It's made for court movement
Pickleball is full of quick side-to-side steps. Court shoes give better grip and support for that than running shoes, which are built for moving forward.
It keeps them comfortable outdoors
Many games happen outside in the Aussie sun. A cap, visor or sweatband makes longer sessions more comfortable.
Gift-giving tips
Ask before upgrading a paddle
Paddles vary in weight, grip size and feel. For someone already hooked, ask about their current paddle or choose a set they can share.
Bundle it for beginners
A starter paddle set and a pack of balls give a newcomer everything they need to play with friends.
Gift ideas at a glance
| Gift | Why they'll love it | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Pickleball Paddles | A paddle that suits them feels great | Sets are ideal for newer players |
| Pickleball Balls | Fresh balls bounce more consistently | Match indoor or outdoor to their courts |
| Pickleball Shoes | Grip for quick side-to-side moves | Check the size on their sports shoes |
| Racquet Sports Bags | Paddles, balls and a bottle in one bag | Check the paddle fits the main pocket |
| Pickleball Accessories | Shade and sweat control for outdoor games | Caps and sweatbands need no sizing |
| Grips & Overgrips | Makes a tired handle feel fresh | Ask if they like a tacky or dry feel |
Help it last
- Wipe the paddle face with a damp cloth after play and let it dry before storing.
- Keep paddles out of hot cars, as strong heat may affect the core and edge guard.
- Store balls indoors at room temperature to help them keep their shape.
- Swap overgrips once they start to feel slippery or worn.
Explore more for the court
Frequently asked questions
What's the best gift for a pickleball beginner?
A starter paddle set is the most useful first gift, because it lets them bring a friend along for a game. Add a pack of balls suited to the courts they use and they're ready to play. Court shoes make a good next step once they're playing regularly.
Are pickleball balls different for indoor and outdoor play?
Yes. Outdoor balls are usually harder with smaller holes so they cope with wind and rougher surfaces, while indoor balls are softer with larger holes. Check where they play most and choose to match, or pick one of each if they play both.
Can tennis shoes be used for pickleball?
Tennis and multi-court shoes generally work well, because both sports need grip and support for side-to-side movement. Many of our court shoes are made for both tennis and pickleball. Running shoes are less suited, as they're built mainly for moving forward.
Do I need to know their size for a pickleball gift?
Only for shoes and clothing. Paddles, balls, bags, overgrips and caps need no sizing, which makes them easier choices if you're unsure. For shoes, check the size on a pair they already wear for sport.
What are good small gifts for pickleball players?
A pack of balls, fresh overgrips, a sweatband or a cap all make easy small gifts. They're the things players use up or misplace, so they're always welcome. Put a few together for a gift that feels considered.
Explore our Top Sports
See them back on court soon
Pick one idea from the list or pair a paddle with a few handy extras. Either way, it's a gift that gets played with.
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