Pickleball Gifts for Dad: Gear He’ll Love & Use on Court
The Best Pickleball Gifts for Father’s Day
I’m Sid, a lifelong athlete, coach, and now a devoted pickleball player. While my dad never played pickleball, he was a volunteer coach for baseball, basketball, and football, his passion for sports and helping others still shapes how I approach the game. These days, my son AJ and I both coach and play. I know firsthand what works and what wears out, and I’ve written this Pickleball Gifts guide to help you skip the gimmicks and find gifts that actually support the dads in your life.
This article focuses on performance gear, comfort essentials, and smart upgrades that your dad will not only enjoy receiving, but will reach for again and again. Whether he’s a seasoned rec player or just getting started, we’ve got you covered.
- What Makes a Great Gift
- Pickleball Shirts
- Pickleball Shorts
- Compression Gear
- Socks
- Sun Hats
- Layering
- Gear Upgrades
- Gift Set Idea
- FAQs
What Makes a Great Pickleball Gift for Dads?
The best Father’s Day gifts for a pickleball-loving dad aren’t about flash, they’re about function. Great pickleball gifts make his game more comfortable, more confident, and more fun. Here’s my short list of what makes gear truly gift-worthy:
- Useful & Practical: If it doesn’t get used weekly, it’s not worth it.
- Comfort Above All: Breathable fabric, great fit, no chafing or restrictions.
- Thoughtful Details: Like a zippered pocket, UPF protection, or compression for recovery.
- Performance-Oriented: Built for movement and sweat, because dad deserves gear that works as hard as he does.
Pickleball Shirts That Let Him Move and Breathe
Playing outdoors in heat and humidity? The shirt you wear makes a huge difference. I’ve coached players who brought three cotton shirts to a session, and left with all three soaked. Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric is the answer.
- Polyester/spandex blends with 4-way stretch are ideal.
- Ventilation panels or mesh zones improve airflow in key areas.
- Bonus points for styles that look good on and off the court.
Recommended Shirts
My go-to? The PB5star Core Performance Tee and the Vented Tee. These are court-tested for comfort, stretch, and sweat control. They’re soft, durable, and actually make a difference in how you feel after a long match.
Budget-wise? Check out 32 Degrees for excellent entry-level performance shirts. Their Active Performance Tee and Ultra-Sonic lines are breathable, affordable, and surprisingly durable.
PickleTip Pro Insight: If a shirt drapes right and disappears mid-play, that’s the one. Gear that vanishes is what lets him stay focused.
Pickleball Shorts That Work as Hard as He Does
Great shorts are underrated until bad ones ruin your game. I’ve seen it happen, players lunging and losing balls mid-rally because of shallow pockets or clunky fits. My favorite solution: the PB5star Signature Court Shorts. They’re built with comfort and functionality in mind.
- Compression liner or loose fit? He’ll prefer one, both have benefits. PB5star has options for each.
- Zippered pocket: A must-have for keys or ID during drop-in games.
- Quick-dry fabric: No one wants soggy shorts. PB5star’s poly-spandex blend does the job.
Compression Gear: Quietly Game-Changing
If your dad’s feeling post-match soreness or stiffness, compression gear could be a major upgrade. It supports circulation, reduces vibration, and helps him recover quicker, especially useful for multi-match days or early morning play.
My pick? Compression Shorts. They’re supportive without feeling restrictive and pair well under loose shorts for year-round comfort.
Socks That Keep His Feet Happy on the Court
Yes, socks. Good ones. Because blisters can ruin even the best paddle. A smart sock-shoe combo keeps feet dry, cushioned, and blister-free.
- Moisture-wicking, with reinforced heel/toe areas.
- Should pair with real court shoes, not sneakers or running shoes.
- Style counts toom a clean stripe or subtle logo looks sharp.
The Bombas Socks check all the boxes, especially when paired with the right shoes (more on that below).
A Hat That Actually Shields Him from the Sun
The right hat keeps him cool, focused, and safe under summer sun. In Louisiana heat, this isn’t optional, it’s necessary.
- Choose UPF 50+ fabric.
- Wide brim or performance cap depending on preference.
- Breathable, adjustable, and won’t fly off in wind.
Ankor Water Resistant Hats are simple but solid option, especially for outdoor play.
Dressing for All Seasons: Why Layering Works
Pickleball isn’t seasonal, your gear shouldn’t be either. From dewy morning courts to cool fall evenings, layering helps him stay warm when he starts and cool once he gets moving.
- Base: Compression shorts to reduce stiffness.
- Mid: Lightweight performance tee for flexibility and airflow.
- Outer: Pullover or windbreaker for those chilly warmups.
Pickleball Gifts: Essential Upgrades Beyond Clothing
Paddle Grip
If his paddle doesn’t feel secure, it’s time for a grip upgrade. Hesacore grips offer excellent support and control while reducing elbow strain, especially helpful if he’s nursing sore joints.
Pickleball Bag
A durable, functional bag is underrated. Crush Pickleball’s Pro Bag has zippered compartments, room for gear, and sturdy construction. Use code PICKLETIP for a discount.
Pickleball Paddle
Looking to make a bigger splash? Holbrook’s Power Series paddles offer high performance at a fair price. I recently reviewed the Holbrook Arma collection, and it’s legit.
Pickleball Shoes
Footwork is everything. The right shoes help him move confidently and stay injury-free.
- Support: Wide base and lateral stability.
- Cushioning: Absorbs shock and reduces knee stress.
- Grip: Non-marking soles designed for court traction.
- Breathable: Mesh or ventilated uppers are a must.
Quick Tip: If he’s wearing runners or sneakers, switching to court shoes could save his knees and boost his game.
Check out the new PB5 Court2 Shoes, built specifically for explosive movement, with serious support and comfort.
Father’s Day Pickleball Gift Set (Winning Combo)
- Performance Tee
- Signature Court Shorts
- Bombas Socks
- Ankor Water Resistant Hat
This covers comfort, protection, and thoughtful extras. Shop PB5star for Dad, you’ll both be glad you did.
FAQ About Pickleball Gifts
If he’s between sizes or prefers a looser fit, size up. Check return policies just in case!
For players over 40 or those who play multiple times a week, absolutely. It helps with recovery and prevents soreness.
Yes. Regular shoes don’t provide the side-to-side stability needed for pickleball. Court shoes reduce injury risk and help him move confidently.
At the end of the day, the best pickleball gifts for dads are the ones that help him enjoy every match with more comfort, confidence, and support. When he’s moving freely and smiling between points, you’ll know you nailed it.
