Published
22 October 2026
Pickleball players are easy to buy for. Beginners need almost everything, regulars burn through balls, and nearly everyone appreciates being dragged onto a court. Here's our guide by budget, with our own range where it fits and other ideas where it doesn't.
The dates that matter this Christmas
- –Fri 20 to Mon 30 Nov: Black Friday. 30% off everything on the site, applied automatically at checkout, until 11:59pm AEDT Mon 30 Nov. Email subscribers get early access on the evening of Thu 19 Nov.
- –Tue 1 to Fri 18 Dec: a free 3-pack of S40 Pro balls with every paddle or set. No code; it goes in the box.
- –Fri 18 Dec: the last day to order with standard delivery for Christmas.
- –12pm AEDT Tue 22 Dec: the last chance with express delivery.
Australia Post is flat out in December, and regional and remote addresses can take longer, so earlier is better. Sending to WA or the NT? Give it a few extra days. Standard delivery is $10, express is $17, and standard delivery is free on orders over $110. The details are on our shipping page.
Under $25: stocking fillers
- –S40 Pro balls, $19.99 for three. Firmer outdoor balls that hold their shape in the heat. Every regular player loses balls, and nobody complains about getting more.
- –S40 Play balls, $14.99 for three. Softer rec balls, bright yellow and easy to track. Good for beginners and backyard hits.
- –Not from us: a pack of overgrips, a cap or visor, a decent water bottle, or a court booking for the two of you.
Under $60
- –S40 Pro balls, 9 balls, $54.99. Three sets of three for the friend who hosts the weekly game.
- –Not from us: a term of social sessions at their local club, a beginner clinic, or a lesson with a coach. Ask the club or coach about a voucher.
Under $110: a first paddle
- –S1 Play, $99.99. The starter that doesn't feel cheap: grit-coated fibreglass face, 12mm core, blue or green. Order it between 1 and 18 Dec and a free 3-pack of S40 Pro balls goes in the box.
Delivery tip: a Play on its own sits just under the $110 free-delivery line. Add a pack of S40 Play balls ($114.98 all up) and standard delivery is free.
Under $200: couples, families and keen players
- –S1 Play Set, $169.99. Two Plays and two S40 Play balls in one box. The gift for a couple, a family, or two housemates who keep saying they'll start. One set earns one free 3-pack of balls from 1 to 18 Dec.
- –S1 Strike, $159.99. For the player who's a few months in and outgrowing their first paddle. Fusion Tech face (fibreglass and carbon fibre), 14mm for pace or 16mm for touch.
- –S1 Pro Carbon, $189.99. For the serious one. Raw 3K carbon face, thermoformed unibody, built to USAPA spec.
The Play Set, Strike and Pro all clear the free-delivery line on their own.
Which one for who?
- –Never played: the S1 Play, or the Play Set if someone else in the house will play too.
- –Plays socially most weeks: the S1 Strike, or a big pack of balls.
- –Plays a lot and wants to improve: the S1 Pro Carbon.
- –No idea: balls. Nobody has ever had too many.
Not sure about the paddle? Compare all three, or read our beginner's guide and our fibreglass vs carbon explainer.
Gifts that cost nothing
- –A standing game. Book the same court at the same time every week through January. The best gift is a reason to show up.
- –A come-and-try. Take a friend who's never played to a beginners' session. Your state association can point you to one.
- –The Boxing Day hit. Paddles, balls, a court, the whole family. The court beats the couch, especially on 26 December.
- –Your spare paddle. Lend it. Then they'll want their own.
If it's not quite right
Unused items can come back within 30 days. Our returns policy has the details, including how sale items are treated. If something's faulty, we'll make it right, sale or not.
Merry Christmas. See you on the court.
