In 2025, pickleball isn’t just a sport, it’s a massive cultural phenomenon. It has moved from the backyard court to celebrity social media feeds, making “pickleball addict” a badge of honor. As the holidays approach, enthusiasts are looking for unique ways to celebrate their passion, and the Pickleball Ornament has become the must-have item of the season.
These small, meaningful decorations are perfect for commemorating a season of wins, celebrating a dedicated doubles partner, or simply adding a touch of court humor to the holiday tree. This guide dives into the latest trends, the best personalized options, and even a sustainable DIY project, ensuring you find the ideal gift for every pickleball lover in your life.
Why Pickleball Ornaments Are the Hottest Trend
The surge in popularity of pickleball decor mirrors the growth of the sport itself. As local communities and clubs become tighter, the culture of exchanging small, meaningful gifts has exploded.
A Pickleball Ornament serves several purposes:
- Celebrating Milestones: Did you win your first tournament this year? Did you move up a skill rating? An ornament serves as a miniature trophy to mark the year.
- The “Dink” Humor: Pickleball is full of unique lingo like “the kitchen,” “dink responsibly,” and “stay out of the soup.” Ornaments capture these inside jokes perfectly.
- Affordable Gifting: Unlike high-performance paddles or court shoes, ornaments are budget-friendly (usually $10–$20), making them perfect for league Secret Santas or club exchanges.
The Top Styles of Pickleball Ornaments
Not all ornaments are created equal. Depending on who you are buying for, you have several distinct styles to choose from.
1. Classic Blown Glass
For the traditionalist, blown glass ornaments are the gold standard. Brands like Old World Christmas have created stunning replicas of paddles and balls.
- Look and Feel: These are shiny, often glittered, and look beautiful reflecting holiday lights.
- Best For: Someone who takes great pride in a coordinated, elegant Christmas tree.
2. Personalized Laser-Cut Wood
This is currently the most popular category on handmade marketplaces like Etsy. These are flat ornaments cut from birch wood or printed on acrylic.
- Customization: You can engrave specific names, years, or team names (e.g., “Cindy & Mark, 2024 Mixed Doubles Champs”).
- Durability: They are shatterproof, making them excellent for households with pets or kids.
3. The DIY Recycled Ball
A true pickleball player goes through dozens of balls a year. Instead of throwing them away, many crafters turn cracked or retired plastic balls (like the Franklin X-40) into ornaments. They can be filled with fairy lights, painted as snowmen, or covered in glitter.
Comparison: Which Material Should You Choose?
To help you decide which ornament is best for your needs, here is a quick comparison of the most common materials found online.
| Material | Durability | Best Feature | Average Price |
| Blown Glass | Low (Fragile) | elegant, traditional look | $15 – $25 |
| Laser-Cut Wood | High | Highly customizable with names | $8 – $15 |
| Resin/Plastic | High | Fun characters (e.g., Santa playing) | $10 – $18 |
| Recycled Ball | Medium | Eco-friendly & Authentic | DIY (Free/Low cost) |
How to Make Your Own DIY Pickleball Ornament
If you have a cracked ball in your bag, don’t trash it, turn it into a “Pickleball Snowman.” This is a fun activity for kids or a club crafting night.
What you need:
- 1 Yellow Pickleball (cracked or new)
- Ribbon (Red or Green)
- Black Sharpie Marker
- A small piece of orange felt or paint
Instructions:
- Clean the Ball: Wipe down the plastic ball to remove court dust.
- Create the Face: Use the black Sharpie to draw two eyes and a “coal” smile connecting the holes of the ball.
- The Nose: Glue a small triangle of orange felt in the center for the carrot nose.
- Hang It: Thread a festive ribbon through two of the top holes and tie a loop.
- Optional: You can spray paint the ball white for a snowball look, or keep it neon yellow for that authentic pickleball vibe.
Creative Ways to Display Your Ornament
Don’t let the word “ornament” limit you to just the Christmas tree. Pickleball players are finding creative ways to display these items year-round:
- Gear Bag Tags: A durable wood or metal ornament makes an excellent luggage tag for your paddle bag. It helps you identify your gear at crowded courts.
- Car Mirror Charms: Hang a pickleball ornament from your rearview mirror to show your love for the sport while driving to the courts.
- Wine Bottle Tags: Loop a themed ornament around the neck of a wine bottle to elevate a hostess gift for a party.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where is the best place to buy personalized pickleball ornaments?
Etsy is generally the best place for personalization. You can find thousands of sellers who will engrave names, dates, and even specific paddle brands onto the ornament. Amazon is better for bulk packs of generic ornaments.
Is a pickleball ornament a good gift for a coach?
Yes! A “Best Coach” ornament is a thoughtful, low-pressure gift. Look for one shaped like a clipboard or a paddle that says “Thanks for the Lessons.”
Can I use a real pickleball on a Christmas tree?
Absolutely. Real pickleballs are very lightweight (about 0.9 ounces), so they won’t weigh down the branches. The holes make them incredibly easy to hang with standard ornament hooks or ribbon.
How do I clean a glass pickleball ornament?
Glass ornaments are delicate. Dust them lightly with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid water or cleaning sprays, as these can remove the glitter or the paint finish.
Are there ornaments for specific pickleball brands?
While some major brands sell branded merchandise, most ornaments are artistic interpretations. However, many custom creators can replicate the color scheme of popular paddles (like Joola or Selkirk) if you request it.
Conclusion
A Pickleball Ornament is more than just a decoration; it is a celebration of the community, health, and joy that the sport brings to our lives. Whether you choose a sparkling glass keepsake or a handmade, recycled creation, it is a perfect way to keep the spirit of the game alive during the holiday season. So, grab an ornament, hang it high, and have a happy “Dink-mas”!
