Best Pickleball Gifts for the Holidays (An Expert’s Guide)

If you’re searching for the best pickleball gifts for the holidays, you’re in the right place. The Pickleball Experts at PickleballCentral have helped tens of thousands of players choose their first paddle, upgrade their setup, and find accessories that make playing more fun and more rewarding.

This expert-reviewed holiday pickleball gift guide highlights top recommendations for beginners, advanced players, men, women, and pickleball lovers who simply enjoy the lifestyle. Everything here comes from Pickleball Central—the world’s oldest and largest pickleball retailer, trusted by coaches, pros, and players worldwide.

Before we dive in, here’s what every gift giver should know:

• A good beginner paddle can make or break someone’s first experiences. Too heavy or too stiff and a new player may feel discouraged before they’ve even learned to dink.
• Advanced players care deeply about paddle feel—balance, pop, control, sweet spot, and spin matter more than brand names.
• Lifestyle and social players value comfort, versatility, and ease of use rather than pure power.
• Ornaments, accessories, and gift cards make excellent lower-cost gifts that don’t require guessing grip size or paddle specs.

Why Pickleball Central Is the Best Place to Shop

When you shop at Pickleball Central, you enjoy:

• ✅ 30-Day Paddle Test Drive—Give a paddle with zero stress. If they don’t love it, they can exchange it. Learn more here: 30-Day Paddle Test Drive.
• ✅ Loyalty Points on Every Purchase—Earn reward points that convert into store credit for future gear.
• ✅ Expert Support—Our in-house pickleball pros love the game and are ready to help you choose the perfect gift.

Let’s break down the best holiday pickleball gifts of the season, organized by the type of player on your list.

Best Pickleball Gifts for Beginners

Starter-Friendly Paddles & Kits for New Players

If someone on your list is new to pickleball, choosing the right beginner paddle is one of the most important gifts you can give. Our Paddles for Beginners Collection includes lightweight paddles with larger sweet spots, softer feels, and plenty of forgiveness—perfect for learning proper mechanics.

Here are three top beginner-friendly paddles we recommend:

▶ ONIX Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle

A longtime favorite that’s incredibly easy to learn with.

• Wide-body shape provides a large, confidence-boosting sweet spot.
• Graphite face + Nomex core create a balanced mix of control and pop.
• Ideal for players who want their first “real” paddle that can grow with them.

▶ Rally Flare Pickleball Paddle

A fantastic entry-level paddle that plays well above its price.

• Lighter weight and easy to swing, which helps beginners build good form.
• Balanced handling that supports consistent shots and control.
• Eye-catching graphics and super affordable—a crowd-pleasing holiday gift.

▶ VERSIX Vector XL Pickleball Paddle

A modern, raw-carbon paddle that beginners can comfortably grow into.

• Elongated shape adds reach, which helps at the kitchen and on serves.
• T700 raw carbon surface provides excellent touch, control, and spin.
• Balances affordability with a premium feel—a true “starter to keep” paddle.

Why These Make Great Beginner Gifts

• Forgiving, comfortable, and focused on control and consistency rather than overwhelming power.
• Durable enough to carry a new player from total beginner into the intermediate stage.
• Covered by our 30-Day Paddle Test Drive, so the recipient can test and swap if needed.

Pair one of these paddles with a few pickleballs or a starter set, and they’ll be game-ready by New Year’s.

Best Pickleball Gifts for Advanced Players

High-Performance Paddles & Gear Upgrades

Shopping for a competitive or high-level pickleball player? The Gifts for the Advanced Player Collection is packed with pro-caliber paddles built for spin, precision, and power.

Many of these high-performance paddles feature:

• Raw carbon or textured surfaces for maximum spin.
• Optimized power-to-control balance.
• High-end cores for stability and touch.
• Premium edge technology and advanced durability.

Here are some expert-recommended advanced paddles:

▶ JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm Paddle

A top-tier option for aggressive, all-court players.

• Textured carbon surface generates elite spin.
• 16mm core combines power with stability and soft touch.
• Ideal for players who love ripping drives and finishing points at the net.

▶ CRBN 1 TruFoam Genesis

An outstanding choice for control-focused advanced players.

• Plush, consistent feel across the face.
• Excellent for resets, dinks, and precise shot placement.
• Perfect for tactical players who rely on touch more than raw power.

▶ Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated Paddle

A power-lover’s dream paddle designed for big swings.

• Explosive power with plenty of spin potential.
• Elongated shape adds leverage for serves and drives.
• Great for players who like to attack from the baseline and finish with authority.

▶ Proton Series Three Project Peacock 13mm Paddle

A responsive, fast-handling paddle perfect for quick exchanges.

• Lighter build with a fast swing speed.
• Carbon fiber face offers control and reliable spin.
• Ideal for advanced players who rely on quick hands and finesse.

Why These Work for Advanced Players

• Each paddle has a distinct performance profile—from maximum power to extreme control.
• Serious players notice improvements in spin, touch, and consistency immediately.
• Still covered by the 30-Day Paddle Test Drive, making even high-end gifts feel low-risk.

Best Pickleball Gifts for Women

Style, Performance & Thoughtful Court Essentials

Find the full lineup in our Women’s Pickleball Gift Guide .

Popular holiday gift ideas for women include:

• Lightweight, maneuverable performance paddles.
• Stylish court bags that look great on and off the court.
• Apparel and accessories designed specifically for women.
• Matching paddle-and-bag sets for a coordinated look.

▶ Franklin C45 Parris Todd 13.25mm Pickleball Paddle

A paddle designed with pro player Parris Todd for high-level performance and style.

• Offers a great blend of power and quick maneuverability.
• Eye-catching design that stands out on the court.
• Perfect for women who play competitively or often.

▶ Selkirk SLK ERA Power Elongated Pickleball Paddle

A sleek, modern paddle built for players who want controlled power.

• Elongated design provides reach and leverage.
• Easy to swing and easy to like right out of the box.
• Fits a wide range of playing styles, from social to competitive.

▶ Court Bags, Apparel, Shoes & Accessories

• Explore paddle bags & backpacks with paddle sleeves, shoe compartments, and smart storage.
• Browse pickleball apparel and court-ready shoes that combine comfort and style.
• Visors, caps, and performance accessories make thoughtful and practical add-ons.

These gifts are perfect for women who love blending function, fashion, and fun on the court.

Best Pickleball Gifts for Men

The Men’s Pickleball Gift Guide features top-selling paddles, apparel, bags, and accessories tailored for male players of all skill levels. It’s the easiest way to upgrade his gear—especially if he’s been using the same paddle for years.

Great men’s holiday gifts include:

• High-performance carbon paddles.
• Heavy-duty backpacks and duffels.
• Protective eyewear.
• Pickleball training tools and thoughtful accessories.

Here are a few great ideas for the guy on your list:

▶ Six Zero Black Opal Pickleball Paddle

The Black Opal is built for players who want a true modern power paddle. The G4 foam and Power Gel combo give it serious pop, while the Diamond Tough raw carbon face makes it easy to shape the ball with topspin or slice.

• Designed for players who want more power and spin.
• Cutting-edge technology for a true competitive advantage on the court.  
• Ideal for competitive or highly engaged players.

▶ VERSIX x FORWRD Court Ranger Pickleball Bag

A premium, high-quality pickleball bag with clean lines and smart storage.

• Holds multiple paddles and plenty of balls.
• Easy front-zip access and upright-standing design.
• Perfect for regular court-goers and league players.

▶ JOOLA RJX Lite Eyewear

Lightweight, protective eyewear that’s designed for performance.

• Helps protect eyes from fast balls and outdoor glare.
• Comfortable fit for extended play.
• A thoughtful addition to any serious player’s gear bag.

▶ Pickle Putty 6-Pack Sticky Pickleball Retrieval Tool

A small but clever accessory that attaches to the paddle edge to help retrieve balls.

• Fun, inexpensive, and surprisingly useful.
• Makes a great stocking stuffer or add-on to a paddle gift.

Why These Work for Men

• The paddle is the “hero gift”—something he’ll immediately feel on the court.
• The bag keeps all his gear organized and ready to go.
• The eyewear adds safety and comfort, especially outdoors.
• The accessory offers a fun, practical little bonus that shows thoughtfulness.

Best Stocking Stuffers: Fun Gifts & Flexible Gifting

For fun, festive, and budget-friendly options, explore our Pickleball Ornaments & Décor Collection .

Great options include:

• Mini paddles and pickleball-themed characters.
• Personalized ornaments and holiday court scenes.
• Desk, locker, and home décor to show off pickleball pride.

You can also build small accessory bundles using items from our Accessories category:

• Extra balls, overgrips, and lead/tungsten tape.
• Towels, hats, visors, and water bottles.
• Fun keychains, magnets, and other small items.

These gifts are perfect for stockings, office exchanges, Secret Santa, and as add-ons to paddle or bag gifts. They offer flexibility, show thoughtfulness, and require zero guesswork.

The Best Gift When You’re Not Sure? Pickleball Gift Certificates!

If you're unsure of someone’s paddle specs, grip size, or preferred style, a PickleballCentral Gift Certificate is the perfect solution.

• Fast and flexible—especially great for last-minute gifting.
• Let the player choose exactly what they want: paddles, shoes, bags, balls, accessories, and more.
• You still earn Loyalty Points when you purchase gift cards.

Why PickleballCentral Is the Best Place to Shop Pickleball Gifts

• ✅ 30-Day Paddle Test Drive—They can try a paddle for a month. If they don’t love it, they can exchange it. Holiday gifting = no stress.
• ✅ Loyalty Points on every purchase—Every order earns reward points that convert into store credit. It’s like giving a gift and getting one back.
• ✅ Largest selection of pickleball gear anywhere—From beginner paddles to pro-level setups, you’ll find the right gear for every player on your list.
• ✅ Expert support & real player reviews—Pickleball Central is trusted by pros, coaches, and more than a million customers worldwide.

FAQ: Holiday Pickleball Gifts

What is the best pickleball gift for a beginner?

A lightweight, forgiving paddle from our Paddles for Beginners Collection is usually the best gift. Models like the ONIX Z5, Rally Flare, and VERSIX Vector XL make it easier for new players to learn good mechanics and enjoy the game from day one.

What should I get for an advanced pickleball player?

Advanced players often appreciate a high-performance carbon paddle from our Gifts for the Advanced Player collection. Look for paddles with raw carbon faces, thermoformed construction, and great balance between power and control.

Are pickleball ornaments and small accessories good gifts?

Yes—pickleball ornaments, décor, balls, overgrips, and other small accessories are perfect stocking stuffers and Secret Santa ideas. They’re fun, functional, and work for players of any level.

What if I don’t know what paddle they want?

If you’re not sure what they’ll like, a PickleballCentral Gift Certificate or our 30-Day Paddle Test Drive makes gifting risk-free. They can choose exactly what they want or exchange their paddle if they’d prefer a different model.

Final Thoughts From Your Pickleball Experts

The best pickleball gifts are the ones that help people play more, improve faster, and enjoy the sport they love. Whether you're shopping for a new player, a seasoned competitor, or a pickleball fanatic, PickleballCentral has the perfect holiday gift waiting.

So grab a paddle, score some Loyalty Points, and give the gift of pickleball joy this holiday season.