By Lydia Hirt

@lydia.pickleball / Love at First Dink

This holiday season has FLOWN by! Was it because Thanksgiving was so late? Is it due to my pickleball obsession, and anytime I’m not behind the computer I’m trying to be on court (my forehand somehow is still weak). Or can I blame the fact that I’m trying to plan a (very intimate) wedding in very short order?!

Regardless - it is GIFTING SEASON, and if you’ve been a procrastinator like me, it is TOTALLY OKAY to wrap up a picture of cute ChatGPT-generated poem of the gift and let your lucky recipient know a thoughtful package is coming their way soon. Trust me, it’s totally okay and socially acceptable… right?! Please say yes.

For the fellow court obsessed:

I love supporting women-owned small businesses, and it’s easy to do when there are so many great options.

For any fellow millennials that remember the iconic “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” book + movie (starring Blake Lively and America Ferrerra circa 2005), the pickleball version is the instant-classic “Rome Bubble Dress” from 11-Nil. 

This bubble dress looks good on everyone, from Jorga Johnson + Tyra Black on the PPA tour to me hosting a pickleball event in Mexico, or partnering with Kaitlyn (aka @pickleball.chick), playing in a semi-serious battle of the sexes Sunday morning battle (Danny and Brian both play senior Pro, though Kaitlyn and I won in style). 

For a more streamlined silhouette, try the Tokyo Tank dress or Vienna Corset Dress—seen here in the pickleball-version of the Spice Girls, captured before a competitive girls’ game with Tara, Nicole, and Andj.  Use code LYDIA15 for 15% off your favorite fits - you won’t regret it!

The entire Erne + Ace collection is stylish, colorful and fun - A fashion-forward pickleball line born in NYC, blending street style with court-ready flair for the modern player.

Also worth mentioning:

• • You’ve seen me in my Le Pickle gear. It’s classic and quality, from a small biz in SoCal. 

• • Pickleball is fun. Eye injuries are not. Wear protective eyewear—I play in Kitchen Blockers.

• • Let’s not forget about the paddle. I play with the JOOLA Hyperion Pro IV for both power and control. 

• • Runner-up socks (less flair, just as high-quality) are the Rhone crew.

• • Can’t exactly wear you pickleball fit to the office but want something comfortable? The Rag & Bone Miramar “sweatpant jean” (or “swean” as we lovingly call them) are all the rage. Looks like denim, feels like sweats. 

 

Red Light Therapy: I am obsessed with Get Chroma’s devices. I use the Iron Forge for all my joint pain from playing - it’s made a huge difference on my knee. Use LYDIAHIRT for 10% off.

  For those looking for a delicious gift for the senses:  

I’m obsessed with Brodo’s bone broth. It’s so warm, cozy, delicious, and packed with protein and other good things like collagen. I’ve tried to start drinking a cup first thing in the morning, before I get to my favorite part of the morning: Coffee. 

  My Nespresso Vertuo coffee machine is my favorite and most used accessory in my kitchen. I love the seasonal coffee flavors (the Gingerbread pod with a dash of eggnog is perfection) and with the dark mornings, I enjoy a minimum of two cups a day.

  My favorite snack - on crackers or an apple - is delicious, healthy, and blue: If you have yet to try Elavi’s Blue Vanilla Frosting Cashew Butter, you are missing out. This would make the perfect stocking stuffer (comes in chocolate and strawberry as well) and is Vegan, gluten free, keto-friendly and also female-founded! Use code “PICKLEBALL” for 15% off your first order.  

Bio: Lydia Hirt is a pickleball player, community builder, and sports marketing executive who believes the best part of the game happens between points. Known for connecting people, growing the sport at every level, and creating experiences that turn players into communities - connect with Lydia on Instagram @lydia.pickleball and follow her pickleball lifestyle newsletter, Love at First Dink.