Ace Your Gifting Game: Why Personalized Pickleball Sets Are the Smash Hit of 2024!

Posted by Catherine Weis on April 11, 2024

For Americans coast-to-coast, Pickleball — yes, you read that correctly — is taking the sporting world by storm. With its skyrocketing popularity, blending the excitement of tennis, badminton, and ping pong into one dynamic package, it's no wonder everyone from weekend warriors to tennis legends like Andre Agassi is getting hooked. Whether you’ve never heard of Pickleball before or you’re a seasoned Pickleball pro, we’re going to talk about all things related to this up-and-coming sport and how it’s also the next big win in corporate gifting you won’t want to miss out on,

Today, we’re diving into what Pickleball is, why it’s so popular, and how unique pickleball gifts can serve your brand well as a fun, wellness-inspired, and thoughtful corporate gift this spring and summer.

From Pastime to Prime Time: The History of Pickleball

Pickleball's origin story is as quirky as the game itself. It started on a sunny afternoon in 1965 in Bainbridge Island, Washington, where a group of friends, fresh from the golf course, were looking for a fun, lively activity. They didn’t have badminton equipment but made do with what they did have: ping-pong paddles and a wiffle ball. The game was originally played with the same rules as tennis, but over time changes were made — like lowering the net and adjusting the scoring system — to accommodate a slower pace of play and a more relaxing atmosphere.

The first pickleball rulebook was published officially in 1984. Its popularity then took off during the COVID-19 pandemic era of 2022 when people were simply desperate to get outdoors and be active in a safe way. Since then, the game has swept the nation as an easy sport to spend time with loved ones, stay active, and build community all over the USA.

Where Did Pickleball Get its Name?

Pickleball’s fun name has been rumored to come from the creators’ family dog, Pickles, but this (adorable) story has since been disproven. Actually, the game’s name was inspired by a rowing term — pickle boats. A pickle boat is a rowing crew that is thrown together with random participants and is a nod to the fact that pickleball was first created using the rules, court, and equipment from several other sports.

America’s Newest Sporting Obsession

Pickleball was designed from the very beginning to be easy to play, simple to score, and accessible for just about anyone. Even Andre Agassi, a tennis legend, said this year that he prefers the game to tennis! For these reasons, in addition to an amusing name, pickleball is America’s fastest-growing sport and a fantastic way to stay active, healthy, and engaged with your community.

10 Benefits of Playing Pickleball

No matter your age, fitness level, or coordination, pickleball is a fun activity for just about anyone! Pickleball offers numerous unique benefits because of its ease of play, simple rules, and uncomplicated equipment.

Improved Cardiovascular Health: Pickleball involves constant movement, which helps elevate your heart rate and improve cardiovascular health.
Enhanced Agility and Coordination: The fast-paced nature of pickleball requires quick movements and precise coordination, helping to improve agility and hand-eye coordination.
Low-Impact Exercise: Unlike some other sports, pickleball is gentle on the joints, making it suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels.
Burns Calories: Pickleball can be a great way to burn calories in a fun and social way, helping with weight management and overall fitness goals.
Social Interaction: Pickleball is often played in doubles or groups, providing opportunities for social interaction, community building, and making new friends. In fact, many community groups offer pickleball as a way to engage in a neighborhood, social club, or local organization.
Mental Stimulation: The strategic aspect of pickleball, such as anticipating your opponent's moves and making split-second decisions, keeps the mind sharp and engaged.
Stress Relief: Engaging in physical activity like pickleball can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation, thanks to the release of endorphins, the body's natural mood lifters.
Improved Balance: Pickleball requires constant shifting of weight and balance adjustments, which can help improve overall balance and stability as you play over time.
Accessible for All Fitness Levels: Whether you're a beginner or an experienced athlete, pickleball can be tailored to suit your fitness level, providing a welcoming environment for all participants. It also helps to choose an opponent who is a similar fitness level to you in order to best suit your skill and athleticism.
Fun and Enjoyment: Last but not least, pickleball is simply a lot of fun! Whether you're playing competitively or casually, the enjoyment of the game itself can be a significant motivator to stay active and engaged in physical activity.

Leveraging the Pickleball Craze in Your Corporate Gifting Strategy

Pickleball isn't just the fastest-growing sport in America; it's also a fantastic way to connect and show your appreciation for clients, employees, and colleagues through your corporate gifting strategy in 2024. A custom luxury pickleball gift set is, yes, on-trend and relevant, but it is also a fun and interactive gift for the people who help your business thrive all year long. No matter who you may be gifting to, an artisan pickleball gift set makes for the perfect corporate gift.

Pickleball Gifts for Employee Appreciation

Elevating team spirit is essential, and what better way to acknowledge your team's hard work and dedication than with premium pickleball gift sets? These gifts not only boost company morale but also promote a healthier work-life balance by encouraging employees to engage in fun, recreational activities. Sending personalized pickleball gifts fosters stronger relationships and teamwork, supporting both the physical and mental well-being of your staff by motivating them to stay active.

Pickleball Gifts for Team Building Events

Pickleball offers a unique avenue to encourage teamwork and collaboration, which are pivotal for a thriving corporate culture. The game's fast-paced nature necessitates clear communication and quick decision-making, mirroring the dynamic choices required in the business world. Assigning leadership roles and tackling game challenges can spotlight potential skills and enhance problem-solving capabilities among team members. Shared experiences on the court not only build trust but also provide a relaxed and enjoyable environment for team-building activities, facilitating networking and celebrating team successes.

Pickleball Gifts for Employee Gifting Platforms

Incorporating pickleball sets into employee rewards programs introduces a unique and appealing incentive that distinguishes your offerings. Extending these gifts to remote employees ensures they feel included and appreciated, reinforcing your commitment to their well-being. Personalized equipment through employee gifting platforms allows for a customized gift experience that aligns with health and wellness initiatives and reflects a company culture that values fun, health, and community.

Pickleball Gifts for Client Gifting

Providing pickleball gift sets as client gifts strengthens relationships and fosters loyalty, offering a unique and memorable option that stands out from traditional gifts. By promoting an active lifestyle, you enhance your brand's appeal to health-conscious clients and create shared experiences that strengthen connections beyond business transactions. Personalized pickleball gift sets show your thoughtfulness and attention to clients' interests, increasing your brand’s visibility during games and events.

Meet the Pickleball Gift Sets from Bestowe Gifting

Are you ready to share the game of pickleball with your employees or clients? Our curated artisan pickleball gift sets make celebrating this sporting phenomenon easier than ever.

Pre-Curated Artisan Pickleball Gift Sets

Don’t have the time or budget for custom-designed gifts, but still want the impact of a fun pickleball gift set? Our pre-curated pickleball gift boxes are just what you need. From a vibrant paddle to a quick-dry towel, non-alcoholic drink mix, and DIY ice cream ball kit, this gift box helps you to give the gift of sporty fun without the hassle. From durable gear to high-quality pickleball snacks, this gift box has you covered. And, your unique gourmet pickleball presents are wrapped up beautifully in an eco-friendly and reusable gift box they’ll love.

Customized Luxury Pickleball Gift Sets

Looking for a more custom gift idea to blow your recipients away? Personalized pickleball gear sets are just the thing. While the custom gifting option includes generally the same items as the pre-curated box, you’re able to add your brand's unique twist to the design, colors, snacks, and more to give customized pickleball gifts they’ll never forget.

Here are a few ways to make your custom pickleball gift set pop:

Paddles with Personality: Gift personalized pickleball paddles so your recipient can take the court by storm! Decorate your gifted pickleball pattern with a custom design or logo to add your brand’s flair to every serve.
Branded Balls: Elevate the game by customizing the balls with your logo, turning every volley into a brand-building opportunity.
Paddle Covers & Towels: Extend your brand presence off the court with elegantly branded paddle covers and towels.
Artisan Munchies: What's a game without some gourmet fuel? Include artisan snacks in your gift sets, offering a taste of luxury with every bite.

For the ultimate corporate gifting, customize every element of your pickleball gift set. From the moment it's received, every part of the gift set tells a part of your brand’s story and showcases your unique style.

Start Giving the Gift of Pickleball Today

The spring and summer months are fast approaching, and sports like pickleball will soon be hitting their prime. Take advantage of customized pickleball gift sets today to get ahead of the season and send out a fun and thoughtful gift set to everyone on your corporate gifting list this season.

Get started to explore the customization options for your luxury pickleball gift sets and give the gift of fitness, fun, and community today!