For a pickleball player who already has the paddle, the bag and the shoes, the best gifts fall into four groups: things that wear out and always need replacing (balls, grips, shoes), upgrades they would never buy for themselves (a ball machine session, a better bag), experiences (lessons, a clinic, court time, a trip to a tournament), and something personal that teases their own game, like a shirt that says Officially a 3.0, Emotionally a 5.0. Here are 18 ideas in those four groups, with prices, and a list of what to skip.
Things that wear out (they always need more)
A player who has everything still goes through these. Ask a playing partner which brands they use, or look in their bag.
1. A box of their usual balls
Outdoor balls crack and go soft with use. A dozen in the brand their group plays (about $22 to $40 a dozen) gets used up, which is exactly what you want from a gift.
2. A big pack of overgrips
The thin wrap on the handle wears out with use. A 10 or 12 pack in their color saves them a trip to the store for months.
3. Court shoes, as a gift card
Players who play several times a week wear through soles. A gift card toward their next pair lets them pick the fit.
4. Edge guard tape and a paddle cover
Small, cheap and useful for protecting the paddle they already love.
Upgrades they would not buy for themselves
5. A better court bag
Many players carry a bag they got years ago. A backpack or sling with a paddle sleeve, a vented shoe pocket and a fence hook is a real upgrade. Expect about $40 to $150.
6. A ball pickup tool
A tube or basket that picks up balls without bending over. Most players never buy one for themselves, and it saves a lot of bending during drills.
7. A portable net
For practice in the driveway, or a park without lines. Expect about $65 to $200 for a portable net.
8. A ball machine rental or session
Ball machines cost about $1,100 to $2,000 to buy. Many clubs rent machine time by the hour, which is a good way to give one without the price.
9. Recovery gear
A massage gun, foam roller or cold-therapy wrap. Players who are on the court four days a week feel it.
Experiences
10. A private lesson or a clinic
Even good players take lessons to fix one shot. Private lessons are often $50 to $100 an hour, and group lessons are often $10 to $30 per person, depending on the area. Many clubs sell gift certificates.
11. A video review of their game
Some coaches review recorded games and send notes. For a competitive player who wants to move up a level, it is a gift they cannot get from more gear.
12. Court time or an indoor membership
In cold places, indoor court time in winter is in demand. Indoor courts often rent for $15 to $40 per court per hour, and many places sell punch cards or memberships.
13. Tickets to a pro event
Pro tours hold events across the country. A day watching top players is a gift a player remembers.
14. A pickleball trip or camp
For a big gift, a weekend camp or a trip to a resort with courts. Pair it with a Paddle Packed, Plans Cancelled Tote ($28) to pack for it.
Something personal about their game
The player who has all the gear probably does not have a shirt that teases them about their own habits. That is the gap we make things for. Each design below is printed to order in the US, and shipping is free in the US.
15. A shirt about their rating
Every player who has been rated has an opinion about it. Officially a 3.0, Emotionally a 5.0 T-Shirt ($27) or Self-Rated 4.0 T-Shirt ($27). Also as a sweatshirt ($42) and an embroidered hat ($32).
16. A line call joke
For the player who calls lines fairly, or the one everyone teases about it: It Was Out Respectfully T-Shirt ($27), hat ($32) or towel ($28).
17. A design only players get
Clean designs with numbers that only players will understand: 44 x 20 Court Hat ($32), the court size in feet, and 40 Holes of Happiness T-Shirt ($27), the number of holes in a standard outdoor ball.
18. A gift about who they are off the court
Tennis Was a Phase Sweatshirt ($42) for the convert, Retired From Work, Not From the Kitchen Sweatshirt ($42) for the retiree, Mom Needs Court Time Mug ($19) for mom, and Papa Calls the Score Mug ($19) for grandpa.
What not to buy a player who has everything
- Another paddle. They have one they like, and probably a backup. A paddle they did not pick will not get used.
- A generic "pickleball" gift with a cartoon paddle and no joke. They have been given that one already.
- A gadget with no clear use, like a paddle-shaped bottle opener, unless it is a gag gift on purpose.
- Training aids for a skill they have already learned. A beginner drill kit is not a gift for a 4.0.
- Clothing in a guessed size. If in doubt, choose a hat, towel, mug or tote.
How to choose
- If they play competitively: lessons, a video review, a ball machine session.
- If they play socially: a funny shirt, mug or towel, plus balls for the group.
- If they play every day: things that wear out, and recovery gear.
- If you want them to smile: something that teases their own game.
More ideas: our full best pickleball gifts guide and the Pickleball Gifts collection.
Frequently asked questions
What do you get a pickleball player who has everything?
Something that wears out (balls, grips), an experience (a lesson, a clinic, court time), or a personal gift that teases their game, like a shirt or mug about their skill rating.
Is a lesson a good gift for an experienced player?
Yes. Good players often take a lesson to fix one shot or to get ready for a tournament. Buy a gift certificate from a club or coach they already know, if possible.
What is a good small gift for a serious player?
A dozen of their usual balls, a big pack of overgrips, or a towel for their bag. All are under $40 and all get used.
Should I buy a paddle for someone who has everything?
No, unless they told you the exact model. Weight, grip size and shape matter a lot to regular players.
How long does it take to get a shirt from your shop?
Each item is printed after you order. Production takes 2 to 5 business days, then US shipping takes 3 to 4 business days. Shipping is free in the US.