If you’re in a pickle wondering what on Earth to buy a sailor for Christmas then you’ve come to the right place! As full-time sailors living on board our sailboat for 7 years now we have a really good idea of what a sailing fanatic dreams of opening on Christmas day. It’s not socks.
Sailors are a funny bunch. We don’t want anything that’s going to take up too much space, half the stuff we need is way out of most people’s gift budget, and we get excited looking around chandleries (which are basically DIY shops for sailors). It’s not normal, and it makes buying for us really problematic.
Luckily you’ve stumbled across this gift guide, and I really hope we can help. Christmas is stressful enough as it is without having to panic about finding the perfect sailing Christmas present!
We’ve tried to keep this list a bit shorter than usual as we don’t want to overwhelm you with too many silly options. We’ve only included things we would genuinely love to receive, either because we have them and couldn’t be without them, or we lust after them because we’ve seen how great they are on the boats of our friends.
We’ve also split this guide into several categories so it’s easier for you to find the right Christmas present for the person you’re buying for. And of course, we’ve included budget and luxury options too (but don’t be fooled into thinking luxury is necessarily better, sailors love a bargain too!)
Happy Christmas present hunting. We hope we’ve made this year an easy one for you.
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Table of Contents
- Practical Christmas Presents
- Tech-Based Sailing Christmas Gifts
- Budget Christmas Presents For Sailors
- Luxury Sailing Christmas Gifts
- Books
- What Not To Buy A Sailor For Christmas
Practical Christmas Presents
These are probably the ones you want to look through first. Sailors love a useful present, and these are all things that someone passionate about sailing would use every time they were onboard. At least, they’re things we use every time we’re onboard!
#1 The Ultimate Guide To Living Aboard
Ok busted. I’m starting this list off with a little self-advertising. But I wouldn’t be promoting it if I didn’t genuinely believe it’s the best guide out there (it is!)
Before we moved aboard I had absolutely no idea how we were going to make this lifestyle work. I didn’t know where to buy a boat, how to buy a boat, how to sail a boat…..you get the idea. We went into this adventure clueless and 7 years later (and three boats down) I think we have a pretty good idea of what’s what.
We’ve jam-packed this guide full of invaluable information, tips, tricks, and how-tos through the whole process of moving aboard a sailboat full-time. Basically, every single we’ve learned from this whole lifestyle and a whole lot more from the sailing community!
If the sailor in your life is keen to find out more about leaving behind their 9-5 and moving aboard then buy them this e-guide.
#2 Helly Hansen Sailing Jacket
We’ve been so lucky that this website has given us the opportunity to try a whole bunch of different sailing jackets. And our favourites are always the Helly Hansen ones.
They have a wide range of different sailing jackets, from offshore suitable ones to coastal sailing and everything in between, so you’ll easily find something perfect for the person you’re buying for. No matter which one you go for you can be sure these jackets will be amazing quality and last a lifetime if they’re looked after.
Our favourite for coastal sailing or sailing in warm climates is the Newport Regatta by Helly Hansen. It’s also a more affordable gift compared with some of the heavy-duty offshore jackets.
These jackets have all the useful features of an offshore jacket, with reflective strips, high collars, and double cuff sleeves. But we find them more comfortable than the bulky, heavier jackets and will happily wear them out sailing all day and to the pub after!
✔ Buy the men’s Newport Regatta jacket here
✔ Buy the women’s Newport Regatta jacket here
#3 Black Diamond Sailing Headlamp
Adam is a little obsessed with torches. You can see why I was initially attracted to him. It doesn’t mean that he knows just about every torch and headlamp out there and we only have the best of the best onboard.
He’s obsessed with the Black Diamond range of headlamps. For anyone sailing at night or staying onboard overnight a decent headlamp is an essential, and these make great gifts because I bet the person you know has either
a) opted for the cheapest headlamp that barely works
b) not been upgraded for years so it’s lying rusted in a drawer somewhere
c) got a battery-operated one that always runs out of batteries
Save the day and buy them a decent headlamp that will actually last, and that they will actually want to use.
✔ Buy a Black Diamond sailing headlamp now
#4 Gill Personal Rescue Knife
Gill makes excellent sailing gear and their knives are no exception. This rescue folding knife is probably one of the best general sailing knives on the market.
For those of you who don’t sail, knives are an essential bit of safety equipment on board and having a decent one that won’t rust or blunt when you need it in an emergency is pretty damn important.
The handle has great grip, even with wet hands, which is something that can’t be said for all sailing knives. The blade can be locked which is also handy, and the titanium-coated 420 stainless steel has extra corrosion resistance.
The knife will cut through rope quickly and easily, which is reassuring to know, especially if you have to use in anger.
It passes Adam’s knife test, which is saying something!
Get the Gill folding knife here
#5 Helly Hansen Sailing Gloves
Yes, I quite clearly have a Helly Hansen obsession. And the worst part is that I spent years claiming all the fuss was about nothing, and you were paying for the brand and not the product. Well I take it back, they make the best sailing gear, and these gloves for sailing are no different.
Sailing gloves are one of those things that you don’t ever seem to get around to replacing, but a decent pair can make all the difference out on the water.
Grab a pair of these as a Christmas present for your sailor and they will never need another pair of gloves again.
#6 A Dry Bag Rucksack
A quality waterproof bag can make the difference between a good day and a bad day. Trust me. If you’ve ever had to walk round town in soaking wet clothes then you’ll know.
Get your loved one a dry bag they can actually trust. They’ll be able to use it for trips to shore in the dinghy, for storing valuables on board (all our hard drives live in dry bags) or for storing things in the cockpit while sailing.
We have the Helly Hansen drybag and it has lasted nearly 6 years now, so I think it’s well worth the slightly higher price than some you can find on Amazon (that leak and soak your clothes through by the time you reach shore)
#7 Skagen Offshore Sailing Jacket
We’ve offered the best in coastal sailing jackets, but if your loved one is more of an offshore sailor then you’re going to want to consider the Skagen offshore sailing jacket by Helly Hansen.
This offshore sailing jacket is one of the best out there, and any sailor will love its practical yet stylish design. This jacket is waterproof and breathable, using the most modern high-tech materials to protect you from the changing elements out at sea.
It also has some super useful features, like the hi-vis hood, reflective strips, double cuff seals, and a high fleece collar.
✔ Buy the men’s jacket now
✔ Buy the women’s jacket now
#8 The Scrubba Wash Bag
Now here’s something I can get excited about!
I cannot tell you how hard it is to do your laundry while you’re cruising. Whether you’re on the water for a week or a month (or 6), having fresh clothes and laundry is such a luxury, but traipsing to the laundrette with a bag full of dirty underwear is not what sailing life is all about.
These washing machine bags might not be as good as an actual washing machine but they do make you feel as though your clothes are clean at least!
Simply fill the bag with water, clothes, and soap, roll and clip the bag, let out any air, rub to wash, rinse and dry.
The Scrubba Wash Bag folds down to pocket size and is small enough to take anywhere. Grip circles on the outside prevent it from sliding on surfaces when washing, and the transparent window lets you see washing and filling levels.
You might get a laugh when it’s opened, but I guarantee it will get used!
✔ Buy the Scrubba Wash Bag now
#9 A Cooler Bag
I really love this cooler bag. It’s pretty, and big, and perfect for beach BBQs. It can hold up to 12 cans of drink and will keep them cool for 32 hours.
We’ve never tested the duration, because who leaves cans of cold drink in a cooler that long, but they do stay cold for hours even in the Greek midday heat.
It’s easy to clean and easy to carry, and if the sailor in your life enjoys socialising on the beach then this bag will be used. A lot.
✔ Buy the Pack Away 12 cooler bag now
#10 Poncho Beach Towel
Perfect for beach or boat, these poncho towels are so handy. Shove it on as soon as you come out the sea and you’ll not only be warm and dry, but also have instant sun protection.
I love these for keeping the sand sticking everywhere while you’re wet. You can pull on your poncho and sit where you like, when you like, without fears of a sandy bottom!
✅ Grab a towel poncho gift here
#11 Hydro Flask Food Jar
The Hydro Flask Food Jar is the perfect Christmas present for sailors. When you’re sailing in rough conditions it’s so handy to have your food in a container that will keep it warm and dry, and in the container!
This jar is a great size for a pasta dish, or a warming stew. You can fill it up when the weather is calm and then tuck in even if conditions get rough. I love that you can prepare hot food when it’s convenient and still have it hot when the weather turns (and you actually need some serious comfort food).
✔ Buy the Hydro Flask Food Jar now
Tech-Based Sailing Christmas Gifts
I love listening to crusty old sailors who insist you don’t need modern technology. Of course you don’t. But why wouldn’t you use it when it makes you so much safer (and makes sailing so much more enjoyable!!) It seems crazy to me that people would make their lives harder on purpose.
These technology-based Christmas presents will be very gratefully received by (almost) every sailor.
#12 A Waterproof Kindle
I’m a Kindle convert and you should buy one now. No seriously!
I never thought I would say that, I love the feel of a proper book, but sailing life has changed me. Kindles are so useful to have onboard for anyone who loves to read. You can store so many books on them and they take up the space of less than one (and the weight).
I was bought a Kindle before moving aboard and it’s one of the best sailing presents I’ve received (thanks girls!).
If the person you’re buying for ever does longer passages on board then they won’t have to ration pages, because they can simply start another book once they finish. Endless books, no space guilt. It’s a win win.
✅ Buy a waterproof Kindle here
#13 Go Pro Hero 13
Looking for the best action camera out there? This is it.
It’s certainly not a cheap Christmas present but it is an awesome one! It’s not just the physical gift of the camera, but the possibility to store memories it provides.
Being able to capture your most daring sails or most beautiful anchorages is such an amazing present as it honestly is these experiences that make sailing so addictive.
✔ Buy the Go Pro 13 from Amazon
#14 A Suunto Core Sailing Watch
If you’re interested in the best watches for sailing then you can’t go far wrong with the Suunto Core.
It has all the gadgets you could want onboard (accessible from your wrist!) Things like a compass, barometric altimeter, storm alarm feature and accurate depth readings to 10m make this the ultimate sailing watch and an incredible Christmas present.
✔ Buy the Suunto Core watch now
#15 OpenSwim Headphones
The OpenSwim is a state-of-the-art swimming headphone that can be submerged in up to 2 metres of water. Not only are these great for swimming, which is one of the best ways to keep fit when you spend a lot of time on a sailboat, but they’re also perfect for rough passages where you’re constantly bombarded with spray and waves.
✔ Buy the OpenSwim headphones now
Budget Christmas Gifts
Sailing is an expensive hobby and a lot of the things we sailors lust after are all the expensive gadgets that go along with sailing. But there are some great cheap items you can gift a sailor for Christmas.
#16 A Floating Keychain
These floating key chains are a great little stocking filler. We lose just about everything overboard, and if it’s your keys then you’re in trouble. Good luck finding them on the sea floor of a slimy marina!
These floating keychains ensure that even if your keys slip out of your hands while you’re walking down the dock, they aren’t going to be lost forever.
✔ Buy your floating keychain gift now
#17 Ukes Floating Sunglasses Strap
I guess this is a similar idea to the floating keychain. These floating sunglasses straps will make sure you don’t lose your sunglasses overboard when dolphin spotting. Yes, this has happened to us more than once.
There’s a reason you always see professional skippers with sunglasses straps. They have a bad habit of slipping off your head when you’re sailing, and sunglasses can be really expensive to replace.
This little present can save a whole lot of money!
✔ Buy a floating sunglasses strap
#18 Sailing Buff
I have a little growing collection of these sailing buffs and I think they make the perfect Christmas sailing present – especially for something like a stocking filler or work secret Santa.
You can use them for so many things. Keeping hair out of your face, sun protection for your neck and face, wrist warmers, hats, sweat catchers, salt water wipes. Honestly, they’re like little helpers around the boat! I keep one wrapped around my wrist at all times.
For cold-weather sailing opt for a balaclava that has more warmth. These would make the perfect sailing gift for anyone who loves going out in all weather.
✅ Buy our favourite sailing buff now
#19 Cockpit Companion For Sailors
This would be a great Christmas present for a new or newish sailor, or for someone who doesn’t manage to get out on the water much.
I have been amazed by how quickly I forget sailing skills. Things like ‘right of way’, different knots, which lights to show when, there’s a lot to remember.
This mini guide has it all detailed in a really basic way. I guess it’s a like a little revision card you can keep on you at all times and dip in to when you need it, or when you’re bored on passage to brush up your knowledge.
It makes the perfect little stocking filler for any sailor (just maybe not sailing instructors or sailors who really do know it all!)
✔ Buy the cockpit companion now
#20 Hot Water Bottle
I will always keep a hot water bottle on board now, ever since I learn to sail on the coldest day of the year (it snowed).
Living on a boat means you don’t have access to the luxuries you have on land like central heating and reliably hot showers. If the cold gets inside you then hot water bottles under a blanket or duvet are amazing.
I also see them as a safety item now. If you were to fall overboard they would be a quick and effective way of warming you up and they don’t take very long to prepare on board. As long as you have a kettle then you’re good to go.
✔ Buy a hot water bottle sailing gift now
#21 Deck Of Stars
If I’m honest, most of what sailing (well, cruising) entails is sitting in the cockpit trying to find ways to entertain yourself. There’s only so many hours you can read your Kindle for before you start looking for other activities.
That’s where things like this Deck of Stars make such great Christmas gifts for sailing fanatics. It’s something you can do while you’re sailing that is actually related to the sport without requiring too much brain power if you’re reaching the end of your night shift!
It’s a fun little gift, perfect for a stocking or Secret Santa.
Luxury Christmas Sailing Presents
These gifts have quite the price tag but they are pretty sought after so if you want to make that sailor in your life really happy, opt for one of these!
These are all items we’ve either been gifted ourselves or saved up for and are so pleased we did. They’re the kind of non-essential things you don’t want to spend your own money on, but are desperate to have! So if it’s a special Christmas then make sure you take a good look at this list.
#22 Audible Membership
There are times when you’re sailing that you simply can’t look down. Seasickness is a killer and looking down or concentrating is bound to bring it on! There are also times when you just can’t do anything other than hold on!
Audiobooks are the best boredom killer in this situation. They’re also amazing at keeping anxiety at bay on slightly iffy passages (I wish I didn’t know this!) They take your mind off the height of the waves and give you something to properly let your mind drift to.
I also love to listen to audiobooks when doing mindless boat jobs. Doing the washing up is actually kind of fun when you can listen toa great story or true crime podcast while doing it!
Sign up for a free trial using this link and you’ll get a free audiobook of your choice. Sign up someone special for only £.7.99 a month and they’ll get a book of their choice every month, plus access to numerous podcasts.
#23 Peak Design Duffel Bag
These travel bags aren’t cheap but they’re some of the best quality bags out there. We have a whole set of Peak Design travel bags and other equipment, but our favourite is probably the duffel bag.
It comes in a range of different sizes (we have the 50l which is perfect for a week away). They squash down flat for storage while sailing, and their rugged design means they’re practical to have onboard. The waterproof bottom liner does the job in soggy dinghies too – tried and tested!
✔ Buy the Peak Design Duffel now
#24 Paddle Board
We couldn’t decide between a paddleboard and a kayak, so we opted for a hybrid that can do both and we love it.
We primarily use it as a paddleboard for exercise in anchorages, but we quite often convert it into a kayak so we can go explore further away. It’s more stable that way so copes with more waves and wake.
They are more expensive than normal inflatable paddleboards or kayaks, so if you know the person you’re buying for loves one over the other then I’d just opt for that, but they’re a really great invention if you want the best of both worlds.
✔ Buy a hybrid paddleboard now
#25 Inflatable kayak
We cruised with friends who had an inflatable kayak and borrowed it every day. They’re so much fun to explore little coves and caves in, and our friends even use them as their tender to do water runs to shore. So they get a lot of use, either for business or pleasure!
The great thing about inflatable sea toys like an inflatable kayak is you can simply deflate it to store it and it really doesn’t take up much space. We were worried they wouldn’t last long but if you go for a decent brand like this then it should last for a really long time (our friends is going strong 6 years later).
#26 Hammock
I use our hammock almost every day while we’re onboard. One of the first things I do when we reach a new anchorage is string it up on the foredeck between the stay and main sail, and I read a book there with a cold drink. It’s bliss.
Most sailors have a cheap, plastic hammock, but a cosy expensive one is a real luxury and investing in one was one of the best ideas I’ve ever had. These Eno hammocks come in some really lovely designs too, so your boat won’t look shabby when you set it up.
✔ These hammocks from REI are the best
Books
Books make great sailing gifts because they can be useful and exactly the sort of thing you’d never buy for yourself. Books have always been one of my favourite gifts to receive – there’s just something special and beautiful about them.
Plus you can make them extra meaningful by writing little messages in them for the person you’re gifting them to!
We’ve listed some great options below, and if the person you’re buying a gift for is new to sailing then check out our favourite sailing books for beginners.
#27 The Adventures Of Tiny Cat
I can hardly start this list without a little self-promotion! The Adventures Of Tiny Cat is the true story of how our tiny cat went from life in a bin, to a life of adventure on a sailboat.
It’s beautifully illustrated and makes a lovely gift for any sailor or cat lover. Technically it’s a kids book, but adults love it too! It sold over 200 copies in pre-order alone so make sure you grab yours now!
#28 The Boat Cookbook: A Favourite Sailing Gift Of Ours
We use this cookbook so much that it looks like we bought it second-hand from a fishmonger! We love that it’s not only full of delicious recipes but it also has little tips and tricks about storing and sourcing food aboard.
There’s even a section on drinks which is really fun when you’re having friends over for sundowners.
I bought it for Adam before we moved aboard as it actually looks like a gift. It’s got high-quality pictures, it’s beautifully laid out, and it’s just a lovely book to own. It’s made the cut for the new catamaran so it must be good!
#29 A Voyage For Madmen
A gripping read about the first-ever round-the-world race, where only one out of nine contestants actually made it.
#30 Sailing For Dummies
The favourite sailing guide. It’s super simple and easy to understand but includes everything you need to know about sailing. This is the perfect book for someone just getting into the sport.
#31 Fifty Places To Sail Before You Die
I love dreaming about new places to sail, and this is a super love book to gift someone. You would never buy it for yourself, but it’s fun to have and the sort of thing you can leave out on a coffee table too for guests to paw over.
What Not To Buy A Sailor For Christmas
I’m sure your loved ones aren’t going to throw a special gift you’ve given them back in your face, but it’s worth making note of a few things that probably aren’t all that useful for someone who loves to sail.
- Anything heavy. Sailboats have a weight limit, and anything non-essential and heavy is a definite no. There are exceptions. For example, a friend of ours is a total gym fanatic (think professional body builder) and she does carry some weights on board. But on the whole, heavy won’t make the cut.
- Anything water sensitive. If it’s going to rust, then it’s not going to last. Even things like bags or jackets with regular zips struggle in a marine environment. I chucked out about three bags in the first season when the zips corroded shut.
- White clothes. If you’re buying clothes as a sailing Christmas present then I wouldn’t opt for white. They will very likely get covered in engine oil, or suncream, or bilge slime. Don’t ask how I know this.
- Plants. This one kind of depends on how much time your sailor spends on their boat and where they plan on sailing it. But anything that might die when left unattended, or won’t make it through foreign customs, isn’t a good idea.
Conclusion: What To Buy A Sailor For Christmas
In conclusion, finding the perfect Christmas gift for a sailor is about blending practicality, adventure, and a touch of personal flair. Sailors rely on durable, high-quality gear and appreciate gifts that enhance their time on the water, making items like navigation tools, weather-resistant gear, and marine gadgets valuable choices.
Whether it’s a tech gadget to make their journey easier, a special logbook for recording adventures, or even a cosy blanket for chilly nights on deck, the right gift can make a world of difference to someone who spends their time exploring the seas.
Hopefully we’ve done the hard work for you, and you’ve found the perfect gift. If not, take a look at our sailing gear reviews where something is bound to stand out.
Last but not least: MERRY CHRISTMAS!
The post What To Buy A Sailor For Christmas 2024 (And What Not To!) appeared first on Two Get Lost.