The 11 Best Pickleball Gifts, According to Experts

Pickleball continues its reign as the fastest-growing sport in America. With so many people picking up the paddle — the Sports & Fitness Industry Association reports participation surged an impressive 158.6 percent over three years — chances are you have a pickleball lover (or two) on your holiday shopping list.

But if you haven't tried the sport, you may be at a loss for what to give a pickleball player. That's why we pulled together this guide. Read on to find the best pickleball gifts for your friends and family, plus expert shopping tips to help you pick a winning present this holiday season.

A handful of pickleball coaches and players ID'd the items that pickleballers long for. They also shared recommendations to help you select the perfect gift. Every pick on our list meets the following criteria. You can learn more about how we cover products here.

• Materials
• Price
• Fit

A true pickleball lover deserves a professional-grade paddle. According to Kris Miner, pickleball leader at Life Time Target Center in Minneapolis, this is it. Developed in collaboration with top pickleball player Ben Johns, this JOOLA paddle pulls out all the stops.

"The carbon friction surface [technology] is outstanding for imparting spin, and the vibration-reducing technology helps protect elbows from extra wear and tear," Miner tells LIVESTRONG.com.

Your elbows will especially thank the paddle's slip-proof handle, designed for optimum hold and shock absorption.

With the MYPadL pickleball paddle bands, pickleball diehards can make their beloved paddle more distinctive.

"[MYPadL] creates customized paddle bands to help identify paddles — a must-have on courts with overflowing paddle racks," Miner says.

To build your band, first pick one of 14 colors. Options include basics like black, white and graphite and eye-catchers like aqua blue, neon green and orange. Then, add the recipient's name or initials, or a motivating word to the band and specify the font. And ‌voilà‌! The perfect stocking stuffer.

Give your loved one the gift of relief. With the Hyperice Hypervolt Go2 massage gun, they can loosen tight muscles, restore range of motion and release tension.

The massage gun is lightweight (only 1.5 pounds) and portable, making it easy to stow in their pickleball bag to use before and after play. And noise-reducing technology means whisper-quiet massage sessions.

"I bought this massage gun shortly after I became a pickleball pro," Miner says. "The extra hours of coaching on top of playing were taking a toll on my body, and this massage tool was a lifesaver."

Here's another stocking stuffer idea. After all, what pickleball player couldn't use a fresh set of pickleballs?

Dura Fast offers some of the highest-quality pickleballs on the market; they're even used in many USA Pickleball-sanctioned pro tournaments, says Jake Martinez, pickleball coach, player and founder of pickleball site Dink and Dominate.

"They come in three highly visible colors and have a nice consistent bounce to them," he says. Choose between bright green, orange and yellow pickleballs

This Triumph 4-Square Pickleball Set is a fun twist on the traditional game, and includes everything you need to play in a yard or driveway.

It's perfect for larger parties or groups because you can play with up to 12 people, according to Riley Chervinski, a pickleball player and co-founder of pickleball resource site Racket Royalty.

"It's easy to set up and the rules aren't hard to learn," Chervinski says. "Essentially, when a player misses the ball or hits it out of bounds, they are eliminated and must either return to square one or go to the back of the line if playing with more than four people. The remaining players rotate in the squares clockwise."

The set comes with a net and interlocking metal frame, four wooden paddles, two pickleballs, chalk and a convenient carrying bag.

A great bag is a must for any serious pickleball player, and this A11N option checks all the boxes.

"This well-priced and right-sized bag has enough room for multiple paddles and other accessories without being bulky or taking up the entire front seat of your car," Miner says.

It has a roomy main compartment, a mesh water bottle sleeve, a secondary pocket that fits a towel or lightweight jacket, a felt-lined pocket for a phone and another pocket for your wallet and keys.

This pack is also incredibly versatile: It can be worn as a sling bag (it works for both lefties and righties!) and transformed into a backpack by unzipping the straps.

Choose from six bag colors: black, charcoal, navy, lavender, fuchsia and burgundy.

This paddle-shaped rhinestone necklace is the perfect accessory for any avid player.

"[I] give Born to Rally's bejeweled pickleball paddle necklaces and bracelets as gifts to friends and family, and they always love them," Chervinski says.

The necklace is made of high-quality materials that won't fade, rust or tarnish, so your loved one can rock it on and off the court worry-free. Plus, the subtly elegant design pairs great with workout tops and button-up shirts alike.

We're not mad about the price tag, either.

Like any sport, pickleball carries its share of risks, including injury when a surprise shot lands to the eye.

"These lightweight goggles provide protection from unexpected balls and look great on and off the court," Miner says.

They even offer 99.9 percent UV protection and anti-fog technology, so your pickleball lover can wear them outdoors.

Each pair comes with a microfiber storage pouch and an adjustable elastic strap to keep the glasses from falling off during play. They also feature soft, non-slip nose pieces and ear pads for a comfortable, secure fit.

This modern twist on the classic white tennis skirt is perfect for players who demand fashion ‌and‌ function from their pickleball gear.

"This pleated skirt by Lucky in Love is fresh and eye-catching," Miner says. "The detailing is incredibly flattering, and I receive compliments every time I wear it."

The skirt features a 3.5-inch inseam and built-in shorts for comfort and coverage. It's also made of lightweight jersey fabric, so it won't feel stifling when things heat up.

This stainless steel tumbler from Super Fly Goods is as practical as it is adorable. It's BPA-free and has double wall construction to insulate hot or cold drinks.

It's perfect for keeping coffee warm on the way to work, water cool during pickleball sessions and wine chilled at an outdoor picnic. And, of course, pickleball enthusiasts will appreciate the tumbler's reference to a type of shot known as a "dink."

Thanks to this card-packed trivia game, pickleballers can learn about the sport or impress others with their knowledge. It can be played with two people or in teams — the perfect party entertainment!

The trivia questions fall under five categories: history, tournaments, rules, players and wildcard. There are 500 trivia questions altogether, so you can be sure you won't run out of cards early.

Chervinski suggests considering the two Ps when shopping: practical and personal. "The best gifts for pickleball lovers help improve their game, make their lives a little easier or are meaningful," she explains.

A gift that improves their game could be an upgraded paddle or a package of pickleball lessons. A gift that makes their lives easier could be a high-quality pickleball bag to replace the one falling apart at the seams, thus helping them keep their gear better organized. And a meaningful gift could be a customized bracelet or sweatshirt.

If you decide on a meaningful gift, look for something that reflects your loved one's personal style and preferences, "making the gift a reflection of their personality," Martinez says.

"When looking for a gift, it's important to consider the player's experience level," Martinez says.

For example, a beginner may appreciate getting basic items like a pickleball bag, high-quality paddle or water bottle. Meanwhile, someone who's been playing for a few years or interested in competition may want performance-driven gear like eyewear or a massage gun.