Holiday Gift Guide for every Pickleball Lover on your list!
Join the LE PICKLE Family - merch drop & more
It seems like this should be the season of pickleball, as pickleball spreads so much joy. I feel personally affronted by how it turned so cold so quickly in NYC, making outdoor play more of an ordeal. We persevere and play in the cold, which results in several cracked Franklin x-40 balls every time (they’re brittle in the cold)- which makes you feel pretty powerful.
On the happy side, the holiday season is imminent! I have received many requests for gifts to get the pickleball lover in your life, which makes me so happy. Behold, my pickleball holiday gift guide, featuring all independent brands that I personally appreciate and support.
LE PICKLE: I am le obsessed with le pickle!
This is my first official fashion collab (shown in photo above), and I’m thrilled to be bringing le pickle merch to you! It is bright, cheeky, unexpected, and best shared with friends- my ideal pickleball vibe. I’ve partnered with my buddy Raan of PingPongSurfClub to bring this French California lifestyle brand to NYC and the greater pickleball community.
It’s unisex, perfect for the pickleball player as well as anyone who loves the vibe. It’s manufactured in SoCal, and a little of that sunshine arrives in every package. FREE SHIPPING on all merch: Official order form here.
JGAME: I love the sleek athletic dress from local NYC designer Jgame. All the fashion has sun protection and is sustainably produced locally in NYC- you feel good wearing it for all the reasons. The founder Jackie is incredible - we’ve done a couple photo shoots together and always have the best time.
ACACIA PICKLEBALL SHOES: This family-owned company manufactures high quality, comfortable, and colorful pickleball shoes. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting one of the founders, who is an absolute delight. I have the pink dink shot pair and the blue, black, and white “Corrine Carr” edition and recommend them both. Code lydia10 gets you 10% off your order.
NEW: PB Gods! You know I love pickleball and supporting female founders. My friend Kristin Walla, professional golfer, skiier, and a 4.2 pickler (yes she’s good at everything) created this fun new pickleball brand full of personality. Code LydiaPB10 gets you 10% off your purchase.
ALALA LUXE ATHLEISURE: I love this high quality and flattering athletic and lounge wear brand. My partner Shawn and I both wore Alala for our Susan G Komen “Tournament for the Cure” and we felt best dressed and comfortable. Code Hirt20 gets you 20% off a full priced item.
NETTIE PADDLES: You hopefully know by now that I love Nettie and think they’re high quality paddles with fun designs, with an incredible female founder and CEO - read my interview with her here. Code Lydia15 gets you 15% off your total purchase.
LEVELUP PICKLEBALL CAMP: I attended LevelUp Pickleball Camp this past Summer in Bozeman, MT and absolutely loved it! See my first ERNE here and a useful drill here. At the end of the three-day camp, I felt I had made made significant improvement on skill and strategy, and made an entire vacation around the camp (Montana in July is fabulous - happy to share my itinerary). They offer camps for all levels: beginner, intermediate, and experienced. If possible, I recommend you attend with your pickleball partner(s), so you can learn together. Some fun locations in 2023 include Palm Desert and Key West. Lydia10 gets you 10% off the total price, including camp and gear.
PERSONALIZED BRACELETS: I met @breadmonster_inc on Instagram- she’s a local NYC bracelet designer who makes custom arm candy. I have three: just dink it, pickleball, and Confetti (for my pup) and love them! DM her directly to order.
LUXURY PICKLEBALL EXPERIENCE IN MEXICO: the gift for someone in your life who has been very, very good this year! Treat them (and maybe yourself too) to the experience of 2023- train with “pickleball coach to the stars” Matt Manasse, and enjoy the luxury Esperanza Resort in Cabo.
INPICKLEBALL Magazine: Gift a subscription to this fabulous pickleball lifestyle magazine which has stunning photography, fun stories, and features of players of all levels. I’m lucky enough to collaborate with them on some fun projects (including interviewing Tyson McGuffin!). InPickleball is engaged and supportive of the entire world of pickleball - the content is aspirational, inspirational, and fun.
Other independent brands, that happen to be founded by women, that I recommend are:
CITY PICKLE: the first indoor pickleball club coming to NYC next year. Gift a card promising membership once it opens!
CIVILE & JOJO AND LO: Pickleball apparel companies founded by women, for women - different vibes, but both awesome.
What am I forgetting that should be on my list? Leave a comment below so I can be sure to check them out!
xx
Lydia
*please note for affiliate links I may earn a very small commission if you choose to purchase using my details. Thank you!