1JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 paddle
A good paddle is the upgrade every keen pickleball player wants. The Hyperion CFS 16 is Ben Johns' signature paddle, with a textured carbon face that adds spin and a 16mm honeycomb core for control and a consistent bounce. It's approved for tournament play.
Pros
- Textured carbon face for spin.
- 16mm core for control.
- Approved for tournaments.
Cons
- Players are picky about paddles, so check what they use now.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
JOOLA product page ↗
2Franklin X-40 outdoor pickleballs
Outdoor balls crack and wear out, so regular players always need more. The Franklin X-40 is the official ball of the US Open Pickleball Championships, with 40 drilled holes for a true, steady flight. It's approved for outdoor tournament play.
Pros
- Official US Open ball.
- True, steady flight.
- Always needed.
Cons
- Made for outdoor courts, so indoor players need a different ball.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Franklin product page ↗
3Selkirk Core Line Day Backpack
Pickleball players turn up with paddles, balls, water and their keys. Selkirk's Day Backpack is a compact bag made for that, smaller than a big kit bag, with padded adjustable straps and a top handle for grabbing on the way to the court.
Pros
- Compact and light.
- Comfortable adjustable straps.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Selkirk product details on Amazon UK ↗
4Selkirk tacky overgrip 3-pack
A fresh overgrip makes an old paddle feel new. Selkirk's tacky overgrip soaks up sweat and gives a sure grip on hot days. The 3-pack keeps them going for a while.
Pros
- Tacky, sure grip.
- Soaks up sweat.
- Cheap upgrade.
Cons
- A small gift, so pair it with balls.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Selkirk product page ↗
5Franklin portable pickleball net
A portable net turns any driveway, car park or tennis court into a pickleball court. Franklin's net is the official 22-foot length and three feet high, with steel posts, and it packs into a travel bag so they can play wherever their friends are.
Pros
- Official size.
- Sets up anywhere.
- Travel bag included.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Franklin Sports product details on Amazon UK ↗
What to buy someone who loves pickleball
Pickleball players get through balls and grips quickly, so those are always useful. The best gifts for pickleball players are kit they use every session and upgrades to their paddle or bag. Check whether they play indoors or outdoors before buying balls. A new paddle makes a big gift for a keen beginner.
How we picked these gifts for pickleball players
We picked each product for what pickleball players enjoy and because it makes sense as a present. The order is our own choice. The pros and cons come from published product details, not customer reviews.
Amazon shows the current price and delivery. Where we've checked that the US listing is the same product, the US link goes there. Otherwise you'll get the UK listing, labelled as such. More about our research.