The best pickleball gifts for all the players on your 2024 holiday list

There are tons of funny pickleball-themed T-shirts out there; this is just one example. It’s a favorite because “pickleball amnesia” is a real thing; it’s amazing how four people can suddenly forget who served the last ball. This shirt is available in lots of different colors and both men’s and women’s styles.

A throw blanket covered in pickleball jokes and slogans? Uh, yes, please! Made of 100% polyester, it’s available in two sizes — though if you look at “similar items” on the product page, you’ll find other colors, styles and sizes from other sellers. (Pro tip: Always get the largest size available.)

It’s an unwritten rule that whatever your hobby, you must own a funny coffee mug that celebrates it. I can think of nothing better than this one. It’s an 11-ounce ceramic mug, dishwasher-safe, and very reasonably priced.  

Hydration is important for any sport, duh. But whether you’re on the court or off, show your love for the game with this pickleball-themed bottle. It’s triple-insulated to keep water icy-cold even on hot days, and it comes with a screw-top spout that promises to prevent leakage.

Every pickleball player needs to mop up sweat (if they’re doing it right, that is). These microfiber towels are available in three different color sets, each with different funny pickleball sayings. And each one has a grommet and clip so you can hang it from your bag, the fence, etc.

What’s better than a pickleball-themed deck of playing cards? A pickleball-themed deck of playing cards with fun facts. (The “Erne” shot was named for an actual guy named Erne? Who knew!) And they come in a metal tin for easy storage and transport.

Dink up, everyone! Er, I mean, drink up — and be sure to set your beverages on one of these six absorbent coasters, each with an amusing pickleball saying. They have cork bottoms to prevent slippage and come with a metal holder. Even the box is gift-friendly, and suitable for craft purposes after the coasters are out.

For those who want to keep playing after the sun goes down (or before it comes up), these light-up balls are just the thing. Unlike glow-in-the-dark balls, which need exposure to bright light first and even then don’t glow very much, these employ an actual battery-powered LED — one that’s good for up to 20 hours of illumination. 

I certainly don’t condone drinking and dinking, but I can’t deny the appeal of this gag gift: A pickleball paddle with a flask in the handle! It can hold up to 20 ounces of the booze of your choice, and it comes with a funnel and pouring spout to minimize splashes. As for whether the paddle itself is any good, well, after a shot or two, does it really matter?

Practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to dinking. That’s why something like this portable, folding net system is perfect for players seeking anywhere, anytime practice. Available in 4- and 6-foot sizes, it’s made of durable aluminum and durable mesh. I’ve actually tried this myself; it’s ideal for parks, driveways, pretty much anyplace there’s an available flat surface.

Pickleball is a noisy game. Diadem’s new Hush paddle has a special cushioned surface to help dampen that telltale thwock! — by as much as 40%, according to the company. I had the chance to try this out myself; it’s not only a comfortable, lightweight, well-balanced paddle, it also works as advertised. My shots were still awesome, just quieter than before. 

OK, one last bit of shameless self-promotion. My book — part memoir, part ode to the sport and its teachings — makes a great gift; I know because I’ve given it to people and they always seem very happy to receive it. (What? No, they’re not just trying to be nice! Hmm, wait a second…)