For a player who has outgrown a starter paddle, the Franklin Signature Series Pro is the upgrade gift that makes sense: a gritty textured face and a 16mm core on a USA Pickleball approved paddle, at a price that is easy to justify. If you are not sure enough about their paddle preferences to pick one, a proper bag or a pair of court shoes is the safer present.
How to tell if they are an “intermediate” player
You do not need to know their rating. The signs are easy to spot: they play every week, often more; they have a regular group or league night; they can keep a rally going; and they have started talking about spin, “dinks” and the kitchen. In rating terms this is roughly the 3.0 to 4.0 range — our ratings explainer decodes the numbers if they mention one.
This is the stage where gear starts to matter. A beginner paddle that was perfect in month one begins to feel limiting once someone is shaping shots, and a player who is on court three times a week wears through balls, grips and shoes faster than they notice.
The short version, by what they already have
- Still using their first paddle: the Franklin Signature Series Pro, or the Onix Graphite MOD Z5 if they would enjoy a big, forgiving sweet spot.
- Carrying gear in a tote or a backpack meant for school: the Selkirk Sport Day Backpack, which holds two paddles.
- Still in running shoes: the ASICS Gel-RENMA 2, a pickleball-specific court shoe with GEL cushioning.
- Plays outdoors in the sun: TOREGE polarized sports sunglasses.
- Has everything: a five-pack of Senston perforated overgrips, or a pack of A11N outdoor balls. Consumables never go unused.
The gifter's notes, pick by pick
1. Franklin Signature Series Pro Paddle
Why it lands:it is the step up from a starter paddle — a MaxGrit textured surface for spin and a 16mm polypropylene core tuned for control, approved for tournament play. Who it suits: a regular player still using a fiberglass starter paddle. Check before you buy: whether they already own a carbon or textured paddle. If they do, this is a sideways move, and an accessory is the better gift.
2. Onix Graphite MOD Z5 Paddle
Why it lands: the wide-body Z5 shape with a carbon face gives a very large sweet spot, which flatters a player whose contact is still settling. Who it suits: a doubles player who wants consistency over flash. Check before you buy: if they play a fast hands battle at the net, a wide body moves slower than a standard shape.
3. Selkirk Sport Day Backpack
Why it lands: a clean, right-sized backpack from a premium paddle brand, holding two paddles and a day of gear. Who it suits: anyone who plays often enough to keep a bag packed by the door. Check before you buy:if they haul four paddles for a group, they need a larger tour bag — compare in the best pickleball bags.
4. ASICS Gel-RENMA 2 Pickleball Shoe
Why it lands:a court-specific shoe with ASICS' GEL cushioning, for a player who is now on court long enough to feel it the next morning. Who it suits: a regular player who has been making do with running or gym shoes. Check before you buy: their size, and whether they want the men's or women's version — the women's Gel-RENMA 2 is ranked in the best pickleball shoes for women. Pick the size from the listing's menu before checkout.
5. TOREGE Polarized Sports Sunglasses
Why it lands: polarized lenses cut the glare off an outdoor court, and the pair comes with interchangeable lenses. Who it suits: the outdoor player who squints through every lob. Check before you buy: these are sunglasses, not certified impact protection; for indoor play or a fast net game, see the best pickleball glasses.
6. Senston Perforated Overgrip (5-pack)
Why it lands: a fresh overgrip fixes a slick handle, and a player who is on court several times a week re-wraps often. Five perforated, absorbent wraps last a while. Who it suits: players whose hands sweat. Check before you buy: nothing much — an overgrip wraps over the handle they already have. Our overgrip guide covers the alternatives.
7. A11N S40 Outdoor Pickleballs
Why it lands: a small pack of a USA Pickleball approved outdoor ball, the kind of thing a regular player is always running low on. Who it suits: outdoor players. Check before you buy:indoor or outdoor — these are outdoor balls. If their league uses a specific ball, buy that one instead.
The one question to ask before you buy a paddle
Paddles are personal. A regular player has opinions about weight, shape and feel, and the wrong paddle is a gift they politely never use. If you can, find out what they play with now — a photo of their paddle is enough — and check our intermediate paddle rankings or when to upgrade a paddle. If you cannot find out, choose from the bag, shoes and accessories on this page. And if they plan to enter sanctioned tournaments, check that any paddle you choose is on USA Pickleball's approved list.
Other budgets and the holiday sales
For a smaller present, see the best pickleball gifts under $50; for a bigger one, the gifts under $150. If you want to know whether to wait for November, read our Black Friday pickleball deals guide.
