The 56 Absolute Best Sailing Gifts For Any Sailor
Finding the perfect gifts for sailing enthusiasts is a pretty hard task, especially if you’re not a sailor yourself. Having very little space and having spent a lot of time trying to sacrifice luxuries makes choosing sailing presents for a loved one pretty hard.
We’ve lived on a boat for three years now, and we have a pretty good idea of what some of the perfect gifts would be, depending on the type of sailor you’re buying for.
After receiving some awesome presents, we thought it was about time we shared our top gifts with you so that you can find the perfect present for that sailor in your life.
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We’ve put together a list of some of the most practical gifts for boaters for those people who don’t like fuss, some techy gifts for people who love a new toy to play with, and some ‘luxury item’ boating gifts that would be a real treat to receive!
We’ve also included the best book gifts, some funny gifts for things like Secret Santa, and not forgetting the best sailing presents for kids!
Hopefully, there’s an ideal nautical present on this list for everyone – happy shopping!
🏆 Our Top Choice Sailing Gift 🏆
Helly Hansen’s Skagen Offshore jacket. We love this jacket for almost all conditions (just not the calm, sunny ones)
Quick Guide To The Best Sailing Presents
Jump to the type of gift you think will best fit that sailor in your life, but don’t forget that sometimes the best are the ones they didn’t even know they wanted!
Practical Sailing Gifts (for the ones who like a useful gift!)
Techy Boating Gifts (for the gadget-lover sailors!)
Luxury Sailing Presents (for those who have everything)
Nautical Book Gifts (for something that will last)
Funny Nautical Gifts (great stocking fillers!)
Practical Gifts For Sailors
We have selected these nautical gifts for their pure usefulness. No one wants to buy someone a length of Dyneema or a shackle for their birthday, so these are things we wouldn’t have bought for ourselves but now couldn’t live without!
We’ve tried to make sure that some of them look nice too, as receiving a ‘pretty’ gift is always a bit nicer!
Trust us when we say sailors love practical sailing presents – anything to make life at sea a little easier!
#1 The Newport Regatta Sailing Jacket
One of the best gifts you can buy any sailor is a decent sailing jacket like the Newport Regatta by Helly Hansen.
Quality gear means the difference between an awesome day out on the water and a potentially life-threatening one. Wind and spray aren’t a fun combination when you’re miles from port.
Adam and I absolutely love our Newport Regatta jackets. They are lightweight enough to be comfortable protection in the summer but they’re also great for winter winds when you’re coastal sailing.
These jackets have all the useful features of an offshore jacket
- Reflective strips
- High collars
- Double cuff sleeves
- Adjustable cuffs
- Weatherproof zips
To mention but a few key features. But we find them more comfortable than the bulky, heavier jackets and will happily wear them out sailing all day and to the pub afterwards!
The jackets come in several different colour ways too, so you can find the perfect one for the person you’re buying for. We both bought a size up (so we could layer up underneath) and they fit well with a little extra room.
The ideal present for any sailor.
✔ Buy the men’s Newport Regatta jacket here
✔ Buy the women’s Newport Regatta jacket here
UPDATE!
We’ve now also had the chance to test out the Crew Hooded Sailing Jacket 2.0, one of Helly Hansen’s latest additions to their sailingwear range. This is definitely more of a fair-weather jacket than the Newport, but if the sailor in your life mostly sticks to warmer climates, then we would recommend the Crew 2.0.
This is a super comfortable jacket with so many great features. It’s the perfect item to have with you at all times when sailing, but it also looks super stylish for drinks in the bar afterwards. Here are just a few of the features you can expect:
- HELLY TECH® PROTECTION
- HELLY TECH® Protection fabric
- Waterproof, windproof and breathable
- Hip length
- Fully seam sealed
- Soft fleece in hand pockets
- Packable hood packs into collar
- Adjustable cuffs
- Adjustable drawcord on hem
We would recommend you size up a little as they can come up a little small. Especially as you’ll likely be layering them over other clothing.
✅ Buy the men’s Crew 2.0 here
✅ Buy the women’s Crew 2.0 here
#2 Tropic Suncream
Tropic suncream is the only brand we’ll carry aboard. Adam is extremely allergic to all suncreams except this one, which I think speaks volumes about its skin-safe ingredients. I’m honestly obsessed with the stuff.
It’s designed to handle long days in intense sun, wind, and salt spray. Its water- and sweat-resistant formula stays on even when you’re active on deck, while still feeling lightweight and non-greasy, so it won’t interfere with ropes or equipment.
We LOVE that Tropic focuses on skin-friendly, reef-conscious ingredients, making it a more ocean-respectful choice. This is a must-have and I’m sure you’ll spot our cupboards full of the stuff if you’ve watched any of our videos.
#3 Victorinox Skipper Knife
This knife is an incredibly useful sailing gift. Perfect for rope work and splicing, this knife is a ‘cut’ above the rest (pun totally intended)! We use the marlinspike a lot to get us out of tricky knot situations, and it’s tough and durable (no rust yet!)
Apparently, the marlin spike on this knife isn’t as sharp as normal ones, but we’ve actually found it works out knots incredibly well, and it’s probably the most used tool on this knife!
Knives are a main piece of safety equipment onboard a boat, and having one you can keep in your pocket for emergencies could genuinely be life-saving.
✔ Buy the Victorinox Skipper Knife now
#4 A Floating Keychain
If you’re looking for a stocking filler, then look no further. These floating key chains are awesome!
Part of the reason sailing is such an expensive hobby is because everything ends up in the sea. Not anymore! These floating key chains are an absolute must-have for any boat owner, and we think they’re a pretty cute gift too.
✔ Buy your floating keychain gift now
#5 A Quality Dry Bag Rucksack
Getting a decent dry bag was a game-changer for me. After several months of wrapping up my laptop and phone in plastic bags, inside another bag, inside another bag just for good measure, I found this completely waterproof dry bag that doubles up as a rucksack.
I now use it for everything – grocery shopping, taking my laptop to shore for work, I even take it into the cockpit every time we go sailing so that I can store essentials in there when it’s rough, meaning we don’t have to go below as often.
I had never seen the rucksack design in a waterproof sailing bag before, but it is SO useful. You can wear it on your back while climbing in and out of the dinghy, and it’s easy to carry around town or on hikes too.
#6 Holdpeak 866B Digital Anemometer
This might not look that exciting to the untrained eye, but this funny-looking gadget is a lifesaver at sea. If this sailing gift is for someone who goes offshore sailing a lot, then it is the perfect present!
It gives you accurate wind speed readings as well as temperature and wind chill, and it also provides fast measurement for analysis of critical environment conditions, meaning you’ll see that storm coming a mile off.
✔ Buy the Holdpeak Anemometer now
#7 Hot Water Bottle
This was an item I never even thought of having until I did a night passage on someone else’s boat and he had one! It’s such a simple thing to have on board that is a lifesaver when it’s cold.
I use it all the time, even in the summer, as the wind can get pretty chilly on a sailboat. They’re also great for soothing muscle aches, as there’s obviously no bath onboard a sailboat! The ones with pretty covers make for great nautical presents.
Top tip: Reuse the water inside it once it goes cold to save on water use!
✔ Buy a hot water bottle sailing gift now
#8 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. It is FULL of delicious recipes but more useful than these are the little tips and tricks given throughout the book, such as how to fillet a fish or how to catch a crab.
There is also advice on buying ingredients that last and an all-important drinks section (not the reason we bought this book – promise!) It’s high on our top books for liveaboards list for a reason.
Another lovely thing about this book is that it actually looks like a gift. It’s got pretty graphics and interesting pages and is just really nice to look at!
I know that’s not necessarily the makings of a good book, but it’s nice to give a sailing gift that’s actually a little bit pretty!
#9 Cockpit Companion For Sailors
We were recommended this handy little flipbook when we took our sailing exams, and we are so thankful to our instructor for showing it to us!
It might not seem like the most exciting gift for boaters, but we use our cockpit companion ALL the time (we keep it in our dry bag in the cockpit while we’re sailing).
In it, you’ll find all the important bits of sailing information that you probably don’t have to recall on a daily basis but need to know just in case.
For example, it lists all your sound signals, the meanings of different flags, and of course, the all-important collision regulations. We wouldn’t sail anywhere without it!
✔ Buy the cockpit companion now
#10 Black Diamond Sailing Headlamp
Both of the above are great practical sailing gift options. We got a little obsessed searching for a great headlamp – one of those rabbit holes you go down when you live on a sailboat!
Subsequently, we did a tonne of research and bought several different types to try, and here is our ultimate review! A decent sailing headlamp is so useful and something that most sailors would love as a gift, as they’ll use it all the time.
✔ Buy a Black Diamond sailing headlamp now
#11 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.
#12 Sailing Buff
I have a little growing collection of these sailing buffs, and I think they make the perfect sailing gift – especially for something like a stocking filler or work secret Santa. They come in all shapes and sizes for different purposes, so you can choose what you like.
Personally, I get the most use from the thinner ones as we’re usually sailing in warm weather (look for the UV-protected ones as above).
I use them for keeping the hair out of my face (and the winches!), I keep them around my neck to protect it from the sun, and I even wrap them around my wrists for a bit of extra warmth. They’re so useful.
For cold-weather sailing, opt for a balaclava. These would make the perfect sailing gift for anyone who loves going out in all weather.
✅ Buy our favourite sailing buff now
#13 The Ultimate Guide To Living Aboard
For something a little different, check out our ultimate guide to living aboard. 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!
The guide takes you from when this lifestyle is still just a dream through to buying the perfect boat for you, to how to make the dream last. It’s the perfect sailing gift for anyone dreaming about running away to sea!
#14 The Scrubba Wash Bag
Finding a laundromat or paying for an overpriced hotel laundry service can be a pain when you’re living at sea for extended periods of time. The Scrubba Wash Bag is the perfect solution for travellers who want to wash their clothes wherever and whenever.
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 features hundreds of internal Scrubba nodules that efficiently clean your clothes in minutes, providing a machine-quality wash that saves you money and time doing laundry while travelling.
The Scrubba Wash Bag folds down to pocket size and is small enough to be taken 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.
So whether you’re washing a few items or a whole load of laundry, the Scrubba Wash Bag is up for the task, we love this invention and think all sailors should have one!
✔ Buy the Scrubba Wash Bag now
#15 Ukes Floating Sunglasses Strap
Before Adam and I found these we lost so many pairs of sunglasses. It was bad for our eyes, the environment, and our bank balances! That’s why these floating sunglasses straps make the perfect sailing gift – plus they come in loads of different fun designs.
If you’re after something a little more ‘gift’ like then keep reading!
✔ Buy a floating sunglasses strap
#16 Sunglasses Chain
The days of ugly sunglasses lanyards are gone. Sun Soul Sisters have combined fashion and practicality with these sunglasses chains in unique designs. These make the perfect gifts for women sailors as they’re useful but also special. Something you wouldn’t buy for yourself but would love to receive.
My favourite is the Langkawi shell design pictured above, but they have a range of individual chains for all tastes.
#17 A Cooler Bag
Beach BBQs are the name of the game when you’re spending time on a sailboat. The Pack-Away 12 is a versatile, durable, and eco-friendly cooler bag that is perfect for a day at the beach or a picnic in the park.
It can hold up to 12 cans of your favourite beverage and keep them cold for up to 32 hours. The straight-zip design provides a wide-mouth opening for easy loading and unloading, and the fully seam-sealed, leakproof liner is easy to clean.
The bag also features padded, adjustable shoulder straps for easier carrying, as well as daisy chains and an external pocket for storing extra gear.
When not in use, the bag can be compressed down to a size of 20 x 17 x 1 inches. Made from recycled and bluesign® approved materials, the Pack-Away 12 is a cooler bag that you can feel good about using.
✔ Buy the Pack Away 12 cooler bag now
#18 Helly Hansen Sailing Gloves
Helly Hansen makes some of the best sailing gear going, 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 gift for the sailor in your life and they’ll be thankful!
#19 Hydro Flask Food Jar
The Hydro Flask Food Jar is perfect for sailors. It’s designed to keep food hot or cold for hours on end, with the TempShield® double-wall vacuum insulation.
This design is leakproof, so you don’t have to worry about spills, and the soft-grip lid is easy to open.
The wide-mouth design is convenient to eat from while on the go, even when you’re in rough seas. This is also really convenient for storing food in top-loading fridges.
✔ Buy the Hydro Flask Food Jar now
Techy Nautical Gifts For Sailors
Sailing gifts for that tech-savvy person in your life. There’s always one!
Adam is obsessed with gadgets, and I have to admit that they do make sailing easier and more fun. Most sailing gadgets aren’t the cheapest, but it is possible to find some budget options!
We’ve included some to help those who are trying to save money, but sometimes you just have to suck it up and pay for quality when it comes to techy gifts for sailboat owners!
#20 Go Pro Hero 10 – A Great Gift For Boat Owners
This is VERY high on our nautical gifts wish list (update – we have now bought one, and it’s the best thing EVER! See our review for the full low down).
A long time ago we had the newest Go Pro but it got lost. Ever the money-saving enthusiasts we bought a cheaper action cam hoping that you just buy the Go Pro name but can find just as good quality elsewhere.
Several cheaper versions down the line and we are still lusting after that old Go Pro. You can’t beat this quality product, and we have given up trying. This would be the ultimate sailing gift for anyone wanting to record their adventures.
✔ Buy the Go Pro 10 from Amazon
#21 A Suunto Core Sailing Watch
The Suunto Core watch is a versatile and essential tool for anyone who loves spending time outdoors. The compass ensures you always know your bearings, while the barometric altimeter is accurate to 29,500 feet.
The storm alarm feature is also incredibly useful; it activates when a rapid drop in air pressure is detected over a 3 hr. period, letting you know that bad weather is on the way. With the Suunto Core watch on your wrist, you’ll be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws your way.
If you want a full review you can find it here, along with some of the other best watches for sailing.
✔ Buy the Suunto Core watch now
#22 Waterproof Speakers: The Ultimate Sailing Present For Music Lovers
Waterproof and rugged, these JBL Charge 4 portable speakers are actually the perfect sailing gift for anyone who travels or likes life outdoors.
This is a speaker you can keep in the cockpit while you’re sailing or take to the beach in the dinghy, and you don’t have to worry about it getting splashed by waves or rolling off the table. You can read our full review of the JBL Charge 4 here, and find out why we absolutely love it!
This speaker is rugged enough to be taken anywhere and the sound quality is excellent. We use our waterproof speaker to listen to audiobooks while we’re on longer passages or while we’re relaxing at anchor!
#23 Kick Back And Read Your Kindle
I was really against getting a Kindle when I lived on land. I’ve always loved having books and turning pages. But when my best friends bought me a waterproof Kindle as a leaving present I knew it was going to be one of the most used items on the boat-and it is!
There is no room on a boat for libraries of books, but all the time in the world to read them. The charge on the Kindle lasts forever and they are tiny.
An added bonus is that these ones are waterproof, so you can literally take them anywhere, and you don’t have to worry about those rogue waves sneaking up on you while you’re reading in the cockpit!
✅ Buy a waterproof Kindle here
#24 Projector And Screen – A Great Tech Gift For Sailors
Our friend bought us this projector for a sailing gift this year and we LOVE it! We don’t actually have a screen, we just use a bedsheet (though a screen would obviously be better).
We use it to watch movies outdoors and we’ve had so much fun with it, it’s really added to our sailing experience. I would thoroughly recommend this as a sailing gift!
✅ Grab a decent projector here
#25 OpenSwim Headphones
The OpenSwim is a state-of-the-art swimming headphone that can be submerged in up to 2 metres of water.
Swimming is a great exercise when you live on or spend lots of time on a sailboat, but it can be difficult to listen to music while you’re doing it.
With the OpenSwim, you can enjoy your music lap after lap. The open-ear design ensures a bud-free, comfortable listening experience.
✔ Buy the OpenSwim headphones now
Luxury Gifts For Boat Owners
My favourite selection of sailing gifts! All those things you dream about having as a sailor but can’t justify buying. Owning a sailboat is expensive enough, without kitting it out with lots of fun toys.
Before we moved onto a sailboat we didn’t think we would need any luxury, but really all you want to do when you have a sailboat is play with lots of fun toys! So treat the sailor you love to one of these real luxury items!
Some of these items Adam and I have already splashed out on (or been gifted), but some of these are still high up on our wish list because we’ve been lucky enough to meet people who have them, and have been dreaming about owning them ourselves ever since.
#26 Audible Membership
Personally, this would be the ultimate sailing gift for me. Sailing isn’t all about huge waves and thunderstorms, there is a lot of downtime on a sailboat. Reading is great when your hands are free, but with constant DIY projects, audiobooks are just perfect.
Before I met Adam he had never listened to an audiobook, now he’s hooked as much as I am and we listen to them through the speakers while we’re doing anything from cooking to sanding to chilling out with a glass of wine watching the sunset.
We like fiction best (it’s like watching a movie but without needing to have your eyes glued to a screen) but there is also a huge range of non-fiction and kid’s stories.
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.
#27 Nomandia Microfibre Towel
These microfibre towels are fun AND practical. They are super lightweight and take up hardly any cupboard space. They dry really quickly and they don’t ‘soak up’ the sand like so many towels do. A sand-free sailing boat is a happy sailing boat!
We also love the fun range of designs these come in, they look great as picnic blankets, hung up to create some shade, or wrapped around you a bit like a sarong.
This is the perfect sailing gift for someone who’s practical but who deserves a little treat too!
#28 Mariner Duffel
The Mariner Duffel is a great gift for sailors who travel to their boat every weekend, or regularly take sailing holidays. Packing for sailing trips isn’t always the easiest, as you need a rugged, water-resistant bag that will pack down small when not used.
This is a weatherproof bag that is both spacious and durable. The three-way, roll-down closure system ensures that your belongings will stay dry, even in the most extreme conditions. The super tough tarpaulin material is also heat-welded and bound to prevent water intrusion.
In addition to being spacious enough for a week’s worth of clothes, the Mariner Duffel is also comfortable to carry, thanks to the two detachable, adjustable, moulded backpack straps.
#29 Bluefin Paddle Board
For anyone who loves being out on the water, a paddleboard is an awesome gift. Paddleboards are a great way to enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean, lake, or river, and they provide a great workout.
They are also very versatile and can be used for yoga, fishing, or even surfing. For sailors, a paddleboard can be a valuable addition to their arsenal, as it can be used to explore new areas or simply get from one point to another.
Paddleboards are stable and easy to manoeuvre, making them a great choice for sailors of all skill levels. So if you know someone who loves being out on the water, a paddleboard could be the perfect gift.
We love our Bluefin paddleboard that comes with a seat to convert it into a kayak.
✔ Buy a Bluefin paddleboard now
#30 Inflatable kayak
The ultimate sailing boat toys! Adam and I lust after one of these to explore in. They’re fun to use, good exercise, and a peaceful mode of transport (especially compared to a noisy outboard engine!)
These Aqua Marina inflatable kayaks pack up so small that they are easy to store on smaller boats, and they’re light enough not to have to worry about. You can get them with one or two seats depending on how many people will be on board. Perfect.
#31 Hammock
I actually just bought a hammock as a sailing gift to myself, because Adam couldn’t take the hints! I love it, and use it all the time in the summer. A hammock is just perfect for sailboat life.
If the boat’s too rolly then lying in a hammock makes it much easier to relax -I’ve even slept in it from time to time! These fabric ones are much more comfortable, and Adam and I can both fit in this one to watch the sunset.
#32 GoFit Ultimate Pro Gym
You would have thought that sailing would keep you pretty fit, but in reality a lot of the time you’re just making small sail adjustments and trying to sit as still as possible so you don’t fall overboard!
If you live on a boat for any extended period of time then this is a great present for a sailor!
The GoFit Ultimate Pro Gym comes with everything you need to get a great workout on the sailboat. The set includes three resistance tubes of different weights, so you can customize your workout to your fitness level.
The tubes can be used to target different muscle groups, including the biceps, triceps, abs, chest, and lower body.
With the included door connector, you can also use the resistance tubes to do specific exercises that target trouble spots
This is one of the best workout sets for sailboat living, as you can use it in a small space.
✔ Buy the ultimate gym pack now
#33 A Cozy Blanket Boating Gift
This one’s a perfect winter gift for any sailboat owner, and the great thing about a warm blanket is that you can never have too many on a sailboat! Adam and I started with just one, but we’ve gradually added to the collection over the years.
They’re among my favourite things on board because they’re practical (great for cold winter nights snuggled in front of a movie or summer evenings watching the stars) and they also add interest and colour to drab old boat settees.
These would make a great sailing gift.
#34 Go-Anywhere Seat
The Go-Anywhere Seat is the perfect choice for any sailor. Getting comfy onboard isn’t always easy, but this chair makes it a doddle!
This is a durable and comfortable seat that can be used in a variety of settings. The UV-resistant polyester fabric is urethane coated to prevent moisture absorption, and the inner cushioning provides plenty of support.
The powder-coated steel frame is built to last, and the five-position ratcheting hinge allows you to adjust your seating position from upright to reclined. The handy mesh pocket in the back is perfect for storing suncream and gadgets. And since it lies completely flat for easy storage onboard.
This is a chair you can relax in on the deck, or take to the beach for BBQs and summer day fun.
✔ Buy the Go-Anywhere Seat now
#35 Foldable Yoga Mat
If the person you’re buying a sailing gift for is into their fitness then you can’t go wrong with these folding yoga mats. With space at a premium on a sailboat, these folding yoga mats are so easy to store just about anywhere and easy to transport too so you can take them to the beach or hiking.
Unfortunately, I’ve found that with regular use in the sun yoga mats don’t last as long as you’d like, so having a few is actually really useful. And I’d choose these folding ones every time!
#36 Magma Nesting Saucepans
These award-winning cookware sets are something every boat chef wants in their galley!
These sets completely nest and store in less than ½ cu. ft. of cabinet space, making it perfect for small kitchens. The heavy-duty, non-toxic, PFOA- and PTFE-free, slate-black Ceramica® non-stick is remarkably easy to clean. It will not stain, peel, blister, or flake, and nothing sticks to it.
These are top-notch and renowned in the sailing world for being the best of the best!
✔ Buy the Magma nesting saucepan set now
#37 Corelle Dining Ware To Make The Boat A Home
This sailing gift is especially good for sailors who have just recently bought a boat, as they will most likely want to make it more of a home.
Corelle dining ware is not only really pretty, but it’s practically unbreakable. It feels like real china and it’s super lightweight.
It’s such a luxury not having to eat from plastic plates, it’s little things like that which make actually living on a boat more comfortable.
I had never heard of it until we moved onto our boat and the previous owners left it to us. They raved about it, having had it for years and years. It is in perfect condition, despite being made from glass.
Guests always comment on what a luxury it is to eat from plates that aren’t plastic-though I think they wonder how on Earth we haven’t smashed it all in heavy seas, yet little do they know the plates have flown across the boat several times but are still in perfect condition!
✅ Buy the Corelle dining set here
#38 Tilly Sailing Hat
Tilley hats were designed by an avid sailor and have a bit of a cult following in the sailing world (for a reason). These hats are in the luxury gifts for people who sail category because they certainly aren’t cheap, but they are quality.
The Airflo Collection is designed for long days out on the water. Every hat is designed to be breathable, packable and protective from sun, rain and wind. Perfect for every sailing condition.
These sailing hats are guaranteed for life and the manufacturers claim that this will be the last hat you ever buy! Perhaps that’s what makes it one of the best gifts for sailing, they certainly get top reviews from people on our best hats for sailing post.
#39 A Really Decent Insulating Layer
Most sailors will already have base layers ready to keep them warm, but for true luxury why not gift them a top of the range insulating layer? You can really tell the difference, and this is one of those items that’s worth the money (but not something you’d think to splash out on yourself).
There are some great brands out there that offer real quality insulating clothing, but our absolute favourites are the Helly Hansen Odin Insulating layers. They’re actually designed for hiking and skiing, but because they’re breathable and super warm they are actually perfect to wear under your sailing jacket to keep you snug on those wet and windy days.
We love the fact they’re super stretchy too so they don’t restrict movement at all. Plus they just feel really comfortable, unlike some cheaper more scratchy insulating layers.
✅ Shop the Odins women’s layer here
✅ Shop the men’s Odin layer here
#40 Cobb BBQ: A Sailing Gift For Hungry Sailors!
I’d never seen anything like this until we went to our friend’s sailboat for dinner. They had the BBQ out – ON THE TEAK! This BBQ is the perfect sailing gift for anyone who spends time on their boat in the summer.
It is small and easy to stow away, takes minimal fuel to keep it alight for hours and the best thing of all – the base stays cool to the touch so you can cook on almost any surface. It’s also small enough (just about) to fit into a bag and carry to the beach, so you can escape from the rocking and enjoy your burgers with a new view.
If I haven’t managed to convince you yet that this is the perfect sailing gift then you can check out our review on the one we bought ourselves for Christmas! We’ve used it at least once a week this season and couldn’t be without it!
#41 The Perfect Mid Layer
This Helly Hansen sweater is cozy and warm, perfect for chilly days spent on land or at sea. Made from RWS-certified lambswool, this sweater is not only environmentally friendly but also stylish and comfortable.
Small details like a neck zip and thumbholes add an extra touch of warmth, making this the perfect sweater for those cold days. So whether you’re out on the boat or just taking a stroll, this is the ideal mid-layer for sailing and a great gift to receive.
✔ Buy women’s now from Helly Hansen
✔ Buy men’s now from Helly Hansen
Books – The Perfect Boating Present
Books make great gifts for boaters 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.
#42 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 kid’s book, but adults love it too! It sold over 200 copies in pre-order alone so make sure you grab yours now!
#43 Get Real, Get Gone
Adam and I read this book cover to cover before we set sail, and it’s one of the best we’ve seen as an all-around guide to the cruising lifestyle.
#44 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.
#45 A Sail Of Two Idiots
For anyone with limited boat experience who is thinking about chucking it all in and heading out to sea, this is a great sailing gift option!
#46 Sailing For Dummies
The ultimate sailing guide. If you’re buying a present for an aspiring sailor then this is a great choice! Sailing for Dummies is the go-to guide for learning to sail, and has a load of great tips and tricks to improve your performance under sail.
#47 Fifty Places To Sail Before You Die
Great for ticking off the places you’ve been and dreaming of the places you haven’t! This is an inspirational book for sailors. You should be aware though that it does focus mostly on the US.
#48 A Notebook
Sailors need notebooks for all sorts – I like to keep a written record of everywhere we’ve been and Adam uses a nice notebook as a dedicated radio log.
#49 Where The Wind Blows
There aren’t actually many books out there about sailing the Mediterranean, but this is a great option if that’s what you’re after. After being squeezed out of his company, Heyward finds himself at a loss for what to do next.
He and his family decide to put their careers on hold, pull their children out of school, sell their house, and buy a boat to sail around the Mediterranean.
But as winter approaches and the Gulf War begins, they soon find themselves facing a whole new set of obstacles.
#50 Amazing Boat Journeys
Not all sailing boat journeys, but a great option for boat lovers. This book dives into some of the greatest boat journeys of all time, from sailing the Nile to cruising the Canadian Arctic.
Funny Nautical Presents
These are the perfect gifts for a work Secret Santa, something to sneak into your Dad’s stocking or to give to the sailor who already has it all. These funny nautical gifts are things every sailor will just get!
#51 I’m Sorry For What I Said While We Were Docking The Boat
This has become an iconic sailing caption and I can totally see why. Tensions are high while docking the boat and it’s when you can witness some of the funniest sailing interactions! Or maybe just funny in hindsight. All captains need a t-shirt like this!
#52 Sailing T-Shirts
You can never have enough t-shirts and these are perfect gifts for sailing enthusiasts! Most that you’ll find are designed for men because I guess there are more men out there who wear silly T-shirts!? But there are also some awesome designs for women that I’ve got my eye on!
#53 Sailing Mugs
Sailing mugs are actually funny and practical gifts. The best thing after a cold day on the water is a warm mug of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate (perhaps with a little kick!) Get them a mug that will make them laugh while drink!
#54 Life Is Better On The Boat Mat
This fun floor mat is the perfect way to enliven your boat and make it feel that little bit more homely.
Made with comfort and safety in mind, this non-slip PVC coil mat is resilient to the harsh marine environment. It is comfortable and durable enough to use with or without shoes so it’s perfect for boat life. It’s also super fun and a cute talking point!
#55 Sailing Tote Bags
Useful, funny, and also kind of cute. You can never have enough tote bags and I really love this one. You can use it to take sailing or just to do your grocery run, and a million and one other things in between.
✅ Grab a funny sailing tote here
#56 Sailing Gifts For Babies
Need a baby gift for an avid sailor…check out these cute little sailing gifts for babies! I think any new Mum or Dad who’s into sailing would love some of these baby nautical gifts and they’re a little different from the usual newborn presents they’ll probably receive!
If you’d rather gift something practical for sailing with a baby then these are the items we find most useful.
Cards And Wrapping For Sailing Gifts
If you’re anything like me, you’ll want the presentation to be perfect. Make your gift a delight to open with these great cards and wrapping paper ideas!
My personal favourite is this world map wrapping paper. If I received a present wrapped in this then I would be saving the paper for future craft projects for sure! Plus I think it would look super cute wrapped with some simple cord.
Hopefully, this has given you a little sailing gift inspiration. Let us know if you end up buying anything from this list, and what the receiver thought of it! If you found this post useful then please consider sharing it on social media, and follow our adventures for more sailing tips.
What a great article! Thank you- picking out something for my husband. It’s our 1 year wedding anniversary and we just bought a Seawind 1260 catamaran to travel the seas, moving on in a matter of days, with baby and dog in tow. I’m sure I’ll be referring to a few of your articles, so thank you 🙂
Thank you so much for taking the time to amass these great items!
Huh, I think i am saved