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 makes a huge difference. The Paddles for Beginners Collection features lightweight designs, larger sweet spots, and extra forgiveness—ideal for players learning proper mechanics.

Here are three paddles we recommend for new players because of their forgiving feel, manageable weight, and balanced performance:

ONIX Z5 Graphite Widebody Pickleball Paddle

A long-time favorite for new and intermediate players. Wide-body design and graphite face create a big sweet spot and a balanced mix of control and pop.

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Rally Flare Pickleball Paddle

A solid entry-level paddle that’s approachable and easy to swing. Lighter weight and balanced handling help new players learn proper form and consistency.

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VERSIX Vector XL Pickleball Paddle

Elongated raw-carbon design with extra reach, spin, and touch. Great for beginners who might grow into a more aggressive or all-court style.

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These paddles are forgiving, comfortable, and focused on control and consistency rather than overwhelming power. They’re high enough quality to carry a new player into the intermediate stage—and every one is covered by our 30-Day Paddle Test Drive. Add a few pickleballs and they’re game-ready by New Year’s.

Best Pickleball Gifts for Advanced Players

High-performance paddles & serious gear upgrades

Shopping for a competitive or high-level pickleball player? The Gifts for the Advanced Player Collection includes pro-caliber paddles with raw carbon faces, elite cores, and advanced construction for maximum spin, control, and power.

JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm

A tour-caliber paddle built for aggressive, all-court play. Textured carbon face, 16mm core, and elite spin for players who love attacking.

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CRBN 1 TruFoam Genesis

A foam-core, raw-carbon paddle with plush feel and outstanding control. Perfect for advanced players who win with dinks, resets, and smart shot placement.

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Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated

Known for explosive power and huge spin. Ideal for big-hitting players who love crushing drives and finishing points aggressively.

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Each of these paddles offers a distinct advanced-level feel—from maximum power and pop to elite control and spin. If you’re not sure which they’ll prefer, the 30-Day Paddle Test Drive makes even a premium paddle a low-risk gift.

Best Pickleball Gifts for Women

Style, performance, and thoughtful court essentials

For a mix of style and performance, explore the Women’s Pickleball Gift Guide. You’ll find lightweight paddles, stylish bags, and apparel designed specifically for women.

Franklin C45 Parris Todd 13.25mm

Designed with pro Parris Todd, this paddle combines quick handling, spin, and style—perfect for women who play often.

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Selkirk SLK ERA Power Elongated

Sleek, easy-to-swing paddle that offers controlled power—great for both social and competitive women players.

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Women’s Pickleball Bags & Backpacks

From slim court bags to full-sized backpacks, a dedicated pickleball bag keeps paddles, balls, shoes, and accessories organized.

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These gifts meet many women where they are: looking for comfortable, easy-to-use gear that still performs and looks great on the court.

Best Pickleball Gifts for Men

Power paddles, rugged bags & smart accessories

The Men’s Pickleball Gift Guide features top-selling paddles, apparel, bags, and accessories tailored for male players of all skill levels.

Six Zero Black Opal

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.

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VERSIX × FORWRD Court Ranger Bag

A premium, upright-standing court bag with room for paddles, balls, shoes, and more. Great for regular players and league nights.

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JOOLA RJX Lite Eyewear

Lightweight protective eyewear that helps with glare and eye safety—especially important for outdoor play and fast hands battles.

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A high-performance paddle is the hero gift, while bags, eyewear, and accessories add everyday convenience and safety he’ll appreciate all year.

Stocking Stuffers & Fun Gifts

Ornaments, décor, and small gifts for pickleball lovers

For festive, budget-friendly options, explore the Pickleball Ornaments Collection. These are perfect for stockings, Secret Santa, office exchanges, or club gifts.

• Mini paddles, pickleball-themed characters, and holiday court scenes.
• Desk and locker décor that keeps pickleball front and center all year long.
• Accessory bundles—balls, overgrips, towels, hats, and more—from our Accessories category.
• Gift Cards & Certificates from our Gift Certificates & Cards page when you’re unsure of paddle, grip, or shoe sizes.

These gifts are low risk and highly appreciated—they let the player customize their setup without you having to guess specs.

Best Gift When You’re Not Sure — 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—ideal for last-minute gifting.
• Lets the player choose exactly what they want: paddles, shoes, bags, apparel, 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.
• ✅ Largest Selection of Pickleball Gear Anywhere — From beginner paddles to pro-level weapons, you’ll find something for every player.
• ✅ Expert Support & Real Player Reviews — Trusted by pros, coaches, clubs, and more than a million customers.

Holiday Pickleball Gift FAQ

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 proper 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 the Gifts for the Advanced Player collection. Look for paddles with raw carbon faces, thermoformed or foam cores, and a strong balance between power and control.

Are pickleball ornaments and small accessories good holiday gifts?

Yes. Pickleball ornaments, décor, balls, overgrips, towels, hats, and other small accessories make excellent stocking stuffers, Secret Santa gifts, and add-ons to larger pickleball presents. They work for players at any skill level.

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

If you’re not sure which paddle 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.