Outdoors & Adventure
Pickleball
8 kinds worth knowing, 9 picks, and what to check before you buy.
Pickleball gifts tend to go to people who already play a few times a week, and to people who keep saying they want to start. For regular players, the gifts that get used are the ones that wear out: balls, grip tape and court shoes. For beginners, a paddle set with a few balls lets them get on a court right away. Before you buy, find out where they play. Outdoor courts, indoor gyms and a driveway with a portable net each call for different gear. Also ask whether they already have a paddle they love. Plenty of players do, and they tend to be picky about it.
Kind 1 of 8
Balls: the gift that always gets used
Balls are a safe gift for any player, since they crack, go soft and get lost over a season. The main thing to check is indoor versus outdoor. Indoor balls have larger holes and a softer feel, while outdoor balls are harder, have smaller holes and hold up better against wind and rough surfaces. Ask whether they mostly play in a gym or outside, or give a pack of each. Colour matters more than you'd think. Bright yellow or orange is easier to see against most court colours and backgrounds.
Kind 2 of 8
Paddles for new and returning players
A paddle is the one item every player needs, which makes it a natural gift for someone just starting out. A set with two paddles and balls suits couples, parents or friends who want to learn together. Experienced players usually have firm opinions about weight, grip size, surface texture and handle length, so a surprise paddle can miss for them. If you're buying for a regular player, find out what they use now before you choose. For a beginner, a mid-weight paddle with a standard grip is a sensible place to start.
Pickleball paddle and ball set
This set is perfect for new players or families looking to start enjoying the popular court sport together.
Kind 3 of 8
Gear for time on the court
Most people searching for courts want a place to play, but some gifts make court time better. Shoes made for court play have flatter, grippier soles built for quick side-to-side movement, unlike running shoes. Training cones help players practise their dinks, serves and footwork during warm-ups or drills. Before buying shoes, confirm their size and whether they play on indoor or outdoor surfaces, since the soles are made differently. Cones make a good add-on for someone who is working on their game.
Pickleball specific court shoes
Proper footwear designed for court sports provides essential support and traction, enhancing agility and reducing the risk of slips.
Pickleball training cones
These versatile cones are excellent for setting up drills, marking boundaries, and improving footwork and court positioning skills.
Kind 4 of 8
Bags and gear to carry it all
Once someone plays regularly, their paddles, balls, water bottle, towel and spare shoes need a home. A bag made for pickleball has a padded paddle sleeve, a place for balls and often a separate spot for shoes. It suits anyone who plays in more than one place or goes straight to the court from work. Check how many paddles it holds, whether it's worn as a backpack or on one shoulder, and whether it fits in their car or locker.
Dedicated pickleball equipment bag
An organized bag helps players keep all their gear, from paddles to water bottles, neatly stored and ready for transport to the court.
Kind 5 of 8
A net for driveways and backyards
A portable net system lets people play without booking a court. It can go on a driveway, a quiet cul-de-sac, a tennis court or a flat stretch of yard. It suits families, cottage owners and anyone whose nearest courts are always busy. Check that the net is regulation height and width if they want real practice, and see how long it takes to set up and take down. A carry bag and a sturdy frame matter if the net will travel often or stay out in the wind.
Portable pickleball net system
This convenient net allows players to set up a pickleball court almost anywhere, transforming any flat surface into a game zone.
Kind 6 of 8
Outdoor balls built for wind and asphalt
Outdoor balls are made for rough surfaces and breezy days. They are heavier and harder than indoor balls, with smaller holes that help them fly straight. They suit anyone who plays at parks, on outdoor community courts or on a driveway. Because they wear down faster on asphalt and crack in cold weather, a multi-pack is more useful than a few loose balls. Look for a bright colour that stands out against the court.
Outdoor pickleball balls
A fresh supply of durable balls is always appreciated by active players who frequently hit the court.
Kind 7 of 8
Grip tape: a small, practical refresh
Grip tape wraps over a paddle handle to add cushioning and tack, or to build up a handle that feels too thin. Regular players go through it steadily as it gets worn and slick, so it makes a good stocking stuffer. It suits anyone who already owns a paddle they like. Check whether they prefer a thin tacky overgrip or a thicker cushioned wrap, and pick a colour that suits their paddle. Several rolls in a pack are more useful than one.
Pickleball paddle grip tape
Fresh grip tape improves paddle handling, absorbs sweat, and provides a comfortable, secure hold during intense matches.
Kind 8 of 8
Clothing for long games
Pickleball apparel covers breathable shirts, skirts, shorts, hats and visors that stay comfortable through a morning of games. It suits players who spend hours on the court, especially outdoors. Look for moisture-wicking fabric, pockets that can hold a ball, and a relaxed fit that doesn't restrict their reach. Confirm their size, and think about the season. Long sleeves and light layers are useful for cool mornings outside, while lighter fabrics work better indoors.
Pickleball apparel
Comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing designed for athletic movement helps players stay cool and focused during active play.
How to choose pickleball as a gift
- Find out whether they mostly play indoors or outdoors, since balls and shoes are made differently for each.
- For experienced players, give things that wear out, like balls and grip tape, rather than a new paddle.
- A paddle set with balls works best for beginners, or for two people learning the game together.
- Confirm shoe and clothing sizes quietly ahead of time, or include a gift receipt.
- If their local courts are always busy, a portable net can double how often they get to play.
Usually safe to skip
- A surprise paddle for a seasoned player often goes unused, because most regulars have settled on a weight and grip.
- Novelty gear with jokes printed on it gets a laugh once, then tends to stay in a drawer.
- Indoor balls given to someone who plays outside will wear out fast and fly poorly in wind.
Questions people ask about pickleball
- What is a good pickleball gift for a beginner?
- A set with two paddles and a few balls is the easiest start, because they can play right away with a partner. Add a pack of balls suited to where they plan to play, indoors or outdoors.
- What's the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleballs?
- Outdoor balls are harder, with smaller holes that help them handle wind and rough surfaces. Indoor balls are softer and have larger holes, which suits gym floors. Using the wrong type changes how the ball bounces and how long it lasts.
- What do you buy someone who already has all the pickleball gear?
- Go for things they use up, like fresh balls, grip tape or new court shoes. A portable net or a bag made for pickleball can also help, especially for someone who plays in more than one place.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All pickleball picks
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