Pickleball gifts and accessories
Pickleball is a bit like tennis, badminton and table tennis had a baby, and it’s growing fast across the UK. It’s the “new” sport that keeps coming up at my sports centre, and chances are someone you know has already gone full pickle-obsessed. Which means you’re probably here hunting for pickleball gifts.
Good news: I’ve rounded up 30 pickleball gift ideas that are easy to buy in the UK, from silly stocking fillers to proper paddles. There’s something here for the first-week beginner and the dink-and-dash devotee alike.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you buy something through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
In a hurry? My quick picks
- Best stocking filler: the “Dink, Drop, Dominate” pin badge
- Best for a giggle: the pickleball hedgehog card
- Best for a beginner: Pickleball: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
- Best treat: a personalised pickleball paddle
- Best for the office desk: the desktop pickleball set
Small pickleball gifts and stocking fillers
Little things that are easy to post, easy to wrap and perfect for Secret Santa.
1. “Dink, Drop, Dominate” pickleball pin badge
Pickleball lingo on a pin badge, ideal for a kit bag, jacket or lanyard. This one is from my Etsy shop.
2. Pickleball mugs
Mugs are always a great gift, and of course here are the Pickleball themed ones.
4. Overgrips
A fresh grip makes a paddle feel brand new, and they’re small enough to pop in a card-sized parcel.
5. Sweatbands and headbands
For the player who’s pink-faced after two rallies. Matching sets make a nice little gift.
Fun and funny pickleball gifts
7. Desktop pickleball set
Bring the fun of pickleball to the office with a miniature set. Great for anyone who’d rather be on court.
8. Personalised pickleball keyring
Add their name and clip it to the kit bag so it never gets mixed up at the club.
9. Pickleball paddle plates
Something for them to eat their snack off inbetween Pickleball games.
10. Pickle-themed treats
Pickleball and pickles: it was always going to happen. A jar of something gherkin-y makes a cheeky extra. My guide to gifts for gherkin and pickle lovers has plenty of ideas. Gifts for gherkin and pickle lovers
11. Pickleball print or sign
Funny quotes or score-keeping prints for the garage, home office or hallway.
Pickleball paddles and kit
I keep calling the pickleball paddles, ‘bats’, but they are paddles and this is why apparently :
Pickleball “bats” are called paddles because they are flat, solid, and resemble the paddles used in sports like table tennis, rather than the rounded, stringed design of a traditional tennis racket.
Quick tip: paddles are quite personal (weight, grip size and shape all matter), so unless you know exactly what they use, a personalised or novelty paddle is a safer bet than a performance one. Or sneakily ask a friend from their club.
13. Personalised pickleball paddle
Zazzle lets you upload your own design onto a paddle. This one is mine
14. Pickleball paddle
I’ve included this shop because they always seem to have an offer on.
Pickleball clothing and accessories
20. Pickleball hoodie or jumper
For chilly outdoor courts and the walk back to the car. If it’s a festive one you’re after, my Christmas jumper round-up might help too. Top 16 Christmas jumpers
Pickleball books
23. Pickleball Is Life: The Complete Guide to Feeding Your Obsession
For the player who’s already hooked
25. Prickleball hedgehog card
Two hedgehogs playing pickleball. I love this card, it’s so cute
27. Printable pickleball card
An instant download you can print at home, ideal for last-minute gifting
Pickleball experience gifts
28. Taster or coaching session
Many clubs and leisure centres run taster sessions for beginners, and coaching is a lovely gift for someone who wants to improve. Pickleball England’s website is a good starting point for finding local clubs
29. Court hire or session voucher
Check your local leisure centre or club. A booked court is a gift you can enjoy together.
30. Tickets to watch a tournament
A day out watching players at the top of their game. Keep an eye on Pickleball England’s event listings for something near you.
Pickleball jargon for gift buyers
Want to sound like you know what you’re buying? Here’s the cheat sheet:
- Paddle: what you hit the ball with. Not a bat, not a racket.
- Dink: a soft shot that just clears the net and lands in the kitchen.
- The kitchen: the non-volley zone next to the net.
- Volley: hitting the ball before it bounces.
- Drop shot: a gentle shot that drops softly into the kitchen.
What do you buy someone who plays pickleball?
Practical bits like overgrips, balls and a water bottle always get used. For something more personal, try a personalised paddle, mug or keyring. If you’re stuck, a funny card or a pickleball book is a safe bet.
What’s a good gift for a pickleball beginner?
A beginner’s guide, a few spare balls, overgrips and a taster or coaching session. I’d avoid buying a performance paddle unless you know what they prefer.
Is pickleball played with a bat or a paddle?
A paddle. It’s a solid paddle (not strung like a tennis racket) and is used with a perforated plastic ball.
Is pickleball popular in the UK?
Very. Pickleball England reports rapid growth, and the 2026 English Open at the NEC in Birmingham was billed as the world’s largest-ever indoor pickleball event. [Check the latest figures and cite your source before publishing.]
Do pickleball players need special shoes?
Most players recommend court shoes with good side-to-side support rather than running shoes. Shoes are a personal choice (and a sizing gamble), so ask before buying.
Where can I play pickleball in the UK?
Local leisure centres, tennis clubs and community courts increasingly offer sessions. Pickleball England’s website is a good place to start.
