Pickleball Gifts for Christmas 2023
5 min read
Pat Tammaro
Dec 15, 2023
Everyone obsessed with pickleball deserves a little something in their stocking.
So your friend or family member is obsessed with pickleball, and you've decided to stay on theme for the holidays.
As a pickleball fanatic, I'd love a pickleball related gift. When in doubt, get them some Dura Fast pickleball balls. You always run out/break them.
Here's the short list on what you should consider buying. We've kept it short on purpose. Play the hits. There's 3 priced categories and 1 setup for those who have never played and are interetsed in pickleball.
We'll share some tidbits on why you should consider each of the items below.
Cheap Gifts (Under $30)
- Dura Fast 40 Pickleballs
- Best in the game
- Cheap gift
- Every player needs more balls
- Pickleball Paddle Eraser
- If not balls, if they don't have an eraser and play a lot, this is handy
- Makes my over-used paddles not look and play so old
- Cooling towels
- I sweat a lot. These come in handy
- They're cheap
- Wouldn't prioritize over balls
Mid-Priced Gifts ($30-$100)
If you're willing to spend a medium amount, this is a perfect place to upgrade their paddle. I've only provided 1 option on purpose.
- XS XSPACK Paddle
- Read the Amazon comment. You're essentially getting a premium paddle made by a knock-off manufacturer
- An absolute steal for this price
- Great for a beginner who wants a better paddle
Expensive Gifts (+$100)
If you don't mind spending some money, get the best paddle in the game, played by the best player in the world Ben Johns.
- Joola Ben Johns Perseus
- Used by #1 player in the world
- One of, if not, the best paddle in the game
New to Pickleball
Are you buying a gift for someone you think might love pickleball but they've never played? Here's what I would consider: balls & paddle. Optionally, if you don't have a place to play, you can snag a net.
Balls
- Dura Fast 40 Pickleballs
- Best in the game
- Cheap gift
- Every player needs more balls
Paddles
- XS XSPACK Paddle
- Buy if you know this person wouldn't want to absolute worst paddle, even if it's their first time playing.
- An absolute steal for this price
- Great for a beginner who wants a better paddle
- Gonex 2 Paddle Set
- Best paddle set
- Comes with 2 carbon fiber paddles, a few balls, and a case
We've got everything from cheaper items like balls and towels all the way up to some premium paddles, some of which are quite discounted.
Cheap Gifts (Under $30)
Dura Fast 40 Pickleballs
These are the most common and I think best outdoor balls in the game. These are what you see everywhere. It almost has gotten to the point it feels odd picking up a non Dura Fast 40.
You can snag a 6 pack for about $20 or a 12 pack for $32.
If you need some more information on balls, like the best indoor or cold weather, I've got some information about the best pickleball balls.
Pickleball Paddle Eraser
If you play a lot, your paddle will get dirty. These are good to have in the bag to remove ball residue, dirt, and repair minor scrapes/scratches.
Sukeen Cooling Towels (4 pack)
Stocking stuffer alert!
Never a bad idea to have some fresh cooling towels around. It may be winter now but summer will soon come. These are great to have.
Mid-Priced Gifts ($30-$100)
XS XSPACK Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
If you're looking to upgrade paddles without breaking the bank, This XSPAK paddle continues to be it. It was the first paddle I bought that wasn't a cheap $20 one. It's a freaking steal.
It's essentially a CRBN1 knock-off and you would hardly know the difference.
Expensive Pickleball Gifts (+$100)
Joola Ben Johns Perseus
If you think they're ready to step it up this Christmas, this is the paddle. It's the paddle of the #1 pickleball player in the world, Ben Johns.
Previously, we were huge fans (and still are) of the Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS paddle, which is actually discounted at 15% at the moment.
The perseus however, just trumps the hyperion by a knotch. It's got incredible control and spin. The pop and power you get with this paddle is noticiable and it actually comes in 0.5oz lighter than the hyperion (great for net play).
You can read up more on some more paddles on our pickleball paddle buying guide.
The gist - it's a premium paddle, incredible weight, good control, and used by the #1 player in the world - Ben Johns.
Let us help
Stuck deciding between a couple paddles? Use our tool to easily compare them side by side.
Select 2 paddles to get started