The 17 Best Pickleball Gifts, According to My 65-Year-Old Mother-in-Law

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Considering pickleball continues to be the fastest-growing sport in the United States, it’s possible that a loved one on your list would appreciate opening up some gear this holiday season. Personally, my knowledge of the best pickleball gifts feels somewhat limited (err…I know you use rackets!), but my mother-in-law is practically a pickleball pro. It’s a regular and much-loved activity in her 55+ community, and she’s even traveling to Turks and Caicos for a dedicated pickleball trip (yes, they actually do those now). If anyone has good suggestions for pickleball presents, it’s her, which is why I tapped her for a few ideas.

Of course, I made sure to add some pickleball gifts for beginners and fashion-friendly ideas of my own (TBH, I’m now contemplating giving the sport a shot — pun intended), but for the most part, this list is for someone who really loves the game. My mother-in-law made sure to mention the essentials during a brief phone call (while she was playing golf, something else she also enjoys!), ranging from expensive gear to must-have accessories.

Paddles

“There are different levels of paddles, depending on your ability,” my mother-in-law tells me. This Selkirk paddle, for instance, is highly rated among intermediate to advanced pickleball players. It’s thinner than many models out there and made from a blend of fiberglass and carbon fiber, which allows for some serious spin and power.

Although my mother-in-law enjoys dressing up, she’s not super tempted by paddles with prints and patterns. When I asked if she wished for a cuter option, she told me “not really,” noting that it’s more about performance than anything else. However, this collaboration between Rykä and popular pickleball brand Recess is essentially the best of both worlds, combining cute graphics with a quality design that includes a fiberglass surface, honeycomb core, and a sweatproof foam grip. A great gift for someone who is just getting started.

If the pickleball lover in your life is getting better at their game, they might be in search of a lighter paddle. This graphite carbon fiber option has nearly five stars on Amazon, with reviewers saying it’s easy to swing and control while also being durable enough for regular play. The brand also states it’s a good pick for beginners, too, but at $89.99, you might want to make sure they’re really committed before adding to cart.

True pickleball beginners don’t need all the bells and whistles. In my opinion, this paddle and ball set is a sweet gift for couples or someone who has been meaning to give pickleball a try.

Clothing

“They’re just starting to come out with pickleball clothing,” my mother-in-law tells me. It’s actually a trend that I, a non-player, have been noticing, too. While dedicated pieces (including athletic dresses) do exist, she prefers to wear skorts on the court, similar to this one from Athleta. It features a pocket for your phone and a pocket for a ball, and also ranges in size from XXS – 3X.

Of course, fitness shorts are another game essential. Your favorite pickleball player will likely appreciate this high-waisted, layered pair from Nike, which will allow them to jump around and lunge for the ball without worrying about whether they’re flashing someone.

I actually feel like breaking a sweat just thinking about playing pickleball, so naturally, stretchy, breathable, moisture-wicking clothing is a must on my gift-giving list. If I were to pick a practical pickleball present, it would probably be this performance T-shirt from On, which a player could easily wear both on the court and off.

Shoes

Although so many sneakers are now labeled specifically for pickleball, my mother-in-law swears they’re “similar to tennis shoes.” Personally, I’m into this pair from ASICS, since they’re simple, sleek, and well-reviewed, with customers highlighting the great grip. Also, if you’re gifting someone who is into fashion, it’s worth noting that Kaia Gerber has been rocking this brand for months.

Like with most pickleball gear, some sneakers are better suited for indoor courts rather than outdoor ones. A person who still has the motivation to play in the middle of winter will love unwrapping these super durable, foam-cushioned sneakers from New Balance , which are also available in women’s sizes .

Accessories

Another pickleball gift idea my mother-in-law had? Gloves. “There are different kinds of gloves that people use in the hot weather and the cold weather,” she says. On days when sweat makes that paddle feel slippery, players will be able to slip on this breathable glove from HEAD (which is sold as a single rather than a pair) to help with their grip.

Sure, they could throw their gear into a regular old gym bag, but this colorful set has tons of pockets to hold all the essentials and includes a special sleeve for a pickleball paddle.

Cute and practical when it comes to blocking the sun, plus it features pickleball terminology. “Dinking is when you’re close to the net and you’re doing just drops over the net, as opposed to hard shots.”

Not really a necessity for playing pickleball, but I can’t leave stocking stuffers off this list. Pickleball paddle earrings?! For less than $10?! It’s a small yet thoughtful gift idea that your friend or family member will love wearing regularly.

Eyewear

Even after we hung up the phone, the ideas were still flowing and I received an important text. “I forgot to tell you eyewear is a must for pickleball,” wrote my mother-in-law. Despite costing just $25, these vented glasses are like buying multiple gifts in one, especially since they can be worn for golf, tennis, and other sports, too, preventing fog and offering protection.

Gear

Technically, a ball machine was the first gift idea to come to mind, although it’s an expensive one. If you have a few hundred dollars to spare, this impressive gift with allow your loved one to play and practice solo, spitting out balls as the player hits them. It can also be controlled with your phone.

“There are all different levels of balls. Some are for beginners and they’re softer. And then as you get better, they’re more dense,” my mother-in-law explains, adding there are also indoor balls and outdoor balls. If you want to cover all the bases with your gift, Selkirk makes a hybrid indoor-outdoor ball that’s tournament-approved.

Many people play pickleball with friends and family, so this portable net will surely come in handy. They can carry it with them from location to location and set it up in someone’s driveway or backyard for a casual game.