51 Classic Gifts for Boaters. 2024 Guide.

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The ultimate list of tried and tested gifts for boaters, which everyone will use aboard. Fun, reliable, personal, useful. We loved these, while we cruised.

After four years of living on two sailboats, we have a pretty good idea what cruisers and liveaboards really need and appreciate. Besides, we are on TV, so you can trust us.

Wait, can you live on a sailboat? Yep, check out our super popular post:

Can you Live on a Boat? Yes, and Now is the Right Time.

Classic Gifts for Boaters

Here are some of our favorite ideas for classic presents for cruisers. They are far from boring, and many people do not even think about them.

Best of all – they are easy to find and none require precise sizing.

1. Water Bottle

Water bottles will be used all the time. Water bottles are excellent for hiking, camping and collecting cool rocks and shells.

a girl by a jungle river holding a pink water bottle, which will make a great gift for any boater

We are still using our Nalgene water bottles. Make sure you select ones with wide opening – they must be easy to clean and dry fully, or else they can get moldy.

Avoid water bottles with attached straws and small parts. The mold will grow quickly in anything that is not fully dry.

We liked our Nalgene bottles, but most of our boating friends had Yeti water bottles. Whichever one you buy, ensure it has a large opening.

The photo above is from out sailing adventures in the jungle, in Puerto Rico.

2. Light Beach Towel

Beach towels are an evergreen gift. Thin, cotton towels dry fast.

a girls on the front of a boat, with a beach towel

I love cotton, and I only bought cotton sheets and towels.

You will also like: 9 Sailing Outfits for any Season and Reason

The best and lightest cotton towels are ones similar to these ones. They can be expensive, but many of our friends had them – I wish we did too.

I bought ours from Lidl, but it is not typical to find them there, it was just a lucky coincidence.

Don’t wait for months, for a Lidl sale,

3. Dry Bag

Dry bags go everywhere a boater goes.

dry bag hanging in the boat cockpit - a classic gifts for boaters

Good-quality dry bags are the bags to use aboard and on shore. We have swum with them, thrown them in waterfalls, used for groceries and hikes.

Everything remains dry in a good dry bag.

I have an entire post about them: 19 Best Boating Bags. Tips How to Use Them.

They are also very easy to close, because there are no zippers at all! We have even used one as a carry-on luggage while flying, because they are super light.

No real boater will ever return such a classic.

4. Hanging toiletry bag

A hanging toiletry bag is a health-saver!

LLBean hanging toiletry bag
Photo from LL Bean

When we get a chance to use showers at a marina, our toiletry bags carry everything we need.

They must be hanging, because public showers are not always the cleanest. There are far more options to hang a bag, than to put a bag down.

I purchased mine at LLBean years ago and I am still using it. The medium size works best to carry everything I might need. The zipper works fine too!

Here is a link to what I have. (I am not an affiliate for LLBean, I just love their organizer, so I cannot recommend a different one :-).

5. West Marine Gift Card

West Marine is a well-established and appreciated store. They have everything and more.

west marine gift card

We could always rely on great quality and excellent return policies there. They also match Amazon prices, I have done it.

For some items, I would really prefer to touch, feel and try before I buy, so we have purchased quite a few things from West Marine. Joe was also a member, and once we gathered enough points, we would get nice discounts.

6. Waterproof Playing Cards

They last!

kids playing cards aboard

We received a set of waterproof playing cards as a gift. It is not so much that they will fall in the water – ours never did.

But the kids hang out in the cockpit where splashing and swimming makes everything a bit wet, all the time.

Playing cards are a classic, inexpensive, fun and will make a cool stocking stuffer.

The link below is to the same set we had aboard.

7. Board Games

Board games aboard, like “Say Anything” have gifted us some of the best cruising memories.

kids playing board games on a boat

Whether on land, or out at sea, board games gather the family together (including the too-cool-for-school teens). Boatkids play them even when there is no common language.

Find other amazing activities for kids: 20 Unique Games and Activities for Sailing Kids

You do not need to look for waterproof ones. Board games are usually played in the salon, because many contain small pieces, which can be taken by the breeze outside.

I think most of ours came from Target, Amazon, or were gifts.

The link below is to “Say Anything” – our most favorite one.

8. Crafting Supplies

These are the best gift, because we use them to create gifts!

a girl with lots of yard on a boat

When a special occasion is celebrated, the kids always use crafting supplies aboard to make cards, friendship bracelets and so on. Especially since large crafting supplies stores are nowhere to be found.

You can purchase various crafting sets at any craft store, nothing boat-special about them.

The link below is to a Friendship Bracelet kit – very popular with boat-kids.

9. Custom Photo Album

A photo album to cherish their memories. All those photos they send you, of amazing places and smiling faces – keep them and turn them into a customized photo album.

Land and Sea Park, Bahamas view of blue water from a hill

If you plan on making such a present, remind them to keep sending you their best photos.

When the journey is complete, you will help them look back and remember.

Photo albums will never go out of style.

10. Tickets to a Boat Show

Boat shows make great outings for boaters. We love boat shows and have attended the ones in Annapolis and Miami, while anchored nearby.

A boat sailing with Miami in the background.

Besides boats, they display boat gear and gadgets and offer special deals. So, why not buy them tickets to the next boat show?

Speaking of boat gadgets, here is a link to my post: 16 Gadgets for Boaters.

Just make sure the boat show is for the right kind of boat. There are different dates for motor and sail boats.

Our favorite ones were the Annapolis and the Miami sailboat shows.

11. Funny Boat Mug

Mugs with fun slogans can make a great boating gift. Because boaters have a good sense of humor.

a girl holding a mug - mugs with slogans are great gifts for boaters

Some cruisers do not allow anything breakable aboard, but we owned and have seen funny mugs on many boats, so it is a safe bet for a simple, yet memorable present.

Sophie loved the “mermaid” cup, which came with our catamaran, so we kept it and even brought it back on land with us.

And while creating a beautiful gift, you will be supporting a small business (the link below)!

12. Musical Instrument

A few of our best friends picked up a guitar for the first time, while sailing. Music and sailing go quite well together.

a boy playing a guitar in the cockpit of a boat

With simple care, any musical instrument can be kept dry and in great shape. Silica bags worked like a charm for us, both for our guitar, and ukulele.

I bought the ukulele in Lidl, on sale. The guitar was a great Yamaha, which I received from my parents-in-law years ago and it had to come sailing with us.

13. Lovely Book

A book can make a great gift any time, and for any occasion.

Bobby reading a book during an ocean passage

On the water, reading is especially therapeutic and enjoyable. I am biased for paper over screen versions. There is always space for a fun read aboard (we had three homeschooled kids on a 39ft monohull, for two years).

So, trust me on that one.

Since books make such an amazing gift, I have an entire post dedicated to them – fiction, helpful, adventurous, classic – you pick!

25 Useful and Adventurous Books for Boaters.

14. Boating Gadget

Who doesn’t like gadgets! As much as we try to have a simple life on the water, the company of a device is requested for safety, fun and a break for the boat mama.

Garmin inreach mini satellite communicator

We “deprived” our kids from many of the traditional land activities, but they are no different from any other kid around – they love their gadgets.

Same goes for the husband.

What to choose?

I have an entire post with lots of great ideas:

16 Gadgets for Boaters. Ultimate Guide

15. Waterproof Cell Phone Case

We have done it all – from leaving the phone out in the rain, through occasional wave crash over, to a complete under-water experience.

cell phone waterproof case

A cell phone aboard must have a case. Ideally a waterproof case, but in the very least a small dry bag, where you it can be dropped during the wet dinghy rides.

Waterproof cell phone cover might mean not loosing ALL of those memories, if, like me, the cell phone is the designated camera aboard.

Thoughtful and Personal gifts for boaters

Don’t be afraid of buying personal gifts for cruising loved ones. They show you care and took the time to research, we do appreciate it.

When we lived on a sailboat, we had to downsize rather drastically. But we still needed personal items aboard. Clothes and shoes do suffer from the constant salt baths, so they are always appreciated.

16. Loose Sun Shirt

Loose sun shirts make excellent gifts.

a woman on a boat wearing a pink Columbia sun shirt

Buy a bit bigger – ventilation is key. I love mine. The looser, the better. I found mine in a Columbia outlet. They no longer have my exact model, but here is one, which also allows for a looser fit:

Summer Dry Tunic

Loose sun-shirts are very light, take up no space, dry very quickly and are more comfortable than rash guards (we used rash guards against stings while diving).

Joe has three that are very similar to these.

Click HERE to view for women.

Click HERE to view for men.

17. Wide-Brim Sunhat

You can safely buy a sunhat. Sunhats are very useful and we have given them to guests too, not everyone arrives prepared.

three kids facing the ocean wearing sunhats

The extra ones are great used upside down, as bowls for random items.

Check out our sunny Bahamas posts – find a photo without someone wearing a hat, I dare you!

If you decide to give a sunhat:

  • It must have straps, or else it will be lost at sea.
  • It must be made out of thin fabric for fast drying.
  • Wide brim is a must in the strong sun.
  • You should be able to fold it and put in a bag.

We bought ours on sale, I believe they came from Costco, but Costco has gotten a bit too fancy in the last couple of years. It is not my favorite store any longer (but I like their chicken bake).

Here is a hat, which is very similar to what we all had.

Check price on Amazon.

18. All-Terrain Sandals

Sturdy Sandals must be fit for any terrain:

a woman wearing Teva sandals - personal gifts for boaters
  • Jungle trails
  • Spikey choral beaches
  • Sandy sea bottom
  • Public showers
  • Hot pavement
  • Busy airports (yes, I have socks and sandals, my teens question my style as well).

We all lived in out sandals, while living on a boat. Pick ones that have lots of straps, for better support.

Wait a second!

I have an entire post, all about shoes: Comfortable Sailing Shoes for All Your Boating Needs

Click HERE to view for women.

Click HERE to view for men.

19. White-Sole Boat Shoes

Classic canvas sailing shoes

SPERRY Men’s Bahama II Boat Shoes

I have yet to see a boat broker show up in anything different than a pair of Sperry Boat Shoes. If you ever attend a boat show, look down and you will see what I mean.

What is most important about boat shoes, are the soles. Non-marking soles are the only soles allowed aboard. The brand comes second.

When we hike on land, our street sandals are put on and taken off away from the white decks.

To be honest, most of the time we are all barefoot aboard. I wear a pair of flip flops inside, but that’s a personal thing.

Joe had a pair of Sperry’s for a while, a gift from Grandma and wore them until they fell apart. They are quite comfortable too.

Click HERE to view.

20. Foul Weather Gear

Our helms were all exposed, so when it rained, rain gear was a must.

a boy wearing foul weather jacket and pants on a sailboat

You’d think in tropical waters – just go in your bathing suit, right? But when it rains, combined with strong wind, you get cold very quickly!

Our foul weather gear came to us from Joe’s grandparents – very experienced sailors, so it was a bit old.

Select options good ventilation and bright colors, easier to spot in the water, God forbid.

Click HERE to view.

21. Polarized Sunglasses

Quality sunglasses do not take up space and essentially become part of our faces, while cruising.

a man on a sailboat, at the helm, wearing Oakley sunglasses

Sunglasses are used so much that they inevitably become scratched by sand, faded by the sun, or often blown out to sea. Our kids constantly lose theirs.

Any brand will do, but they must be polarized. Mine are prescription, so a bit expensive and very, very close to my heart.

The kids get cheaper pairs from biking and sports shops.

Joe has always had Oakley’s and wears them all the time:

Click HERE to view.

22. Funny Boating T-Shirt

Sophie loves her funny T-shirt, a birthday gift from her uncle. She wears it everywhere, especially off the boat.

A T-shirt saying - Education is important, but sailing is importanter.

You cannot go wrong with being funny, boaters all have a good sense of humor. I think you can find them on Etsy, and many other sites.

Picking out a size is also a lot easier, because they are better a bit larger, yep, for ventilation.

Click HERE to view.

23. Bathing Suit

Bathing suits are uniforms aboard.

a man and a boy on a beach

This one is a bit more personal, especially for girls. You can turn gift-giving into a fun outing, so that the girls can pick their own.

Shopping for swim trunks for guys is a lot easier.

Bathing suits were the garment of choice for various occasions, we wore them all the time. So fear not about adding yet another one to the collection.

Tip: Buy something different than blue or green, it is easier to spot in the water.

Click HERE to view.

24. Rash-Guards and Leggings

Rash-guards are perfect for exploring choral reefs. They protect our skin from sharp choral and stinging tentacles.

three kids in a dinghy, on a beach, all wearing rash-guards

Rash guards are actually a bit uncomfortable to wear outside of the water, because they are too tight and keep us too hot.

While spear-fishing, the crew is out for a long time and the water does feel cold after a while. I always wear a rash-guard and leggings.

I use light yoga leggings, but the ones made for swimming are lighter and more stretchy, I had a pair that I bought in St. Thomas, USVI. I loved it.

The kids sometimes complain, and one of them did get stung by a jellyfish, in a remote island, and it was a nasty burn. Here is a whole episode about it.

So, do rash-guards make good gifts or boaters? Yep, totally mom-approved.

Click HERE to view for women.

Click HERE to view for men.

25. Waterproof Watch

Our kids enjoy them a lot and have lost a few already.

In order for this to be a useful personal gift, it truly must be waterproof. Which means many of the cheaper versions are out. They must be good enough to dive down with.

In addition, if your loved ones go scuba-diving, then they really need a high-quality waterproof diver’s watch.

The less expensive ones still make excellent personal gifts for kids. Make sure they say “waterproof” and have the meters for diving. Water-resistant won’t work.

Click HERE to view a simple one.

Click HERE to view a more advanced one.

26. Loose Sun Dress

Again, a bit more personal, but if you select a loose-fitting dress/coverup/tunic – it is a good gift.

a girl in a striped tunic dress

Just like other clothing – if possible, stay away from cotton, linen and other fabrics that are difficult to wash and dry.

We love thrifting for dresses and skirts, but if you prefer to buy new, or a gift, I am big fan of Columbia. Their clothes are well-made and last in the sun.

Click HERE to view options.

27. Loose Sun Pants

The sun pants that work great are either super loose, long pants, or the kinds, which can turn into shorts.

a man at the helm of a sailboat, with blue green water and a city behind him

Longer, loose pants are great sun protection. There is only so much sunscreen we can cover ourselves with.

We purchased a huge tub of sunscreen, I think I spend over $200 on it, but nothing works better than covering up. And loose clothes are great for ventilation.

Longer pants and dresses are also great against those tiny stinging bugs and mosquitoes ashore. Pick a pair with an elastic waistband, for easier sizing.

Click HERE to view.

28. Flippers

Flippers are used all the time, for two reasons:

kids snorkeling
  1. It is a lot easier to swim and dive to see cool fish and choral.
  2. Also, good flippers like these, will help you outswim all the sharks (no, not really).

Having four competitive swimmers aboard, we love the flippers with heels, not straps. Like the ones that are used to train in.

I am not a competitive swimmer, I wear them, so that I can keep up with the gang.

We have used these kinds of flippers for years.

Click HERE to view.

29. Flippers Inserts

Flipper inserts/socks are basically mandatory. They save feet from blisters!

If you snorkel like me – lying down on the paddle board and looking through a mask, then you are OK without flippers, or inserts.

We used socks for a while, but they are not comfortable, soak up water and are hard to dry.

When the crew is out trying to spear dinner, or explore yet another anchorage, flipper inserts really make a difference.

These are a personal gift, which will keep on giving, healthy feet!

Here is a link to order.

Click HERE to view.

30. Mermaid Tail

A mermaid tail takes “boring” out of flippers.

A girl with mermaid tail in crystal clear water

Everyone wants to have mermaid powers, and a mermaid tail.

Girls just don’t mind sharing that.

A mermaid tail is also great exercise, and paired with tropical waters comes about as close as one can get to that secret dream of many.

I ordered ours on Amazon and I think they are quite forgiving when it comes to sizing, they stretch a lot. We all tried it (except for the captain).

Click HERE to view and purchase.

Outdoor fun gifts for boaters. Toys we love!

These excellent gifts will grant tons of fun in the sun and water. They are perfect for boaters and cruisers. We know, because we have tried them all.

31. Inflatable Paddleboard

We used our inflatable paddleboard all the time. And we have teens, who jumped, flipped, paddled and dove off of it.

a boy on a paddleboard in the ocean. paddleboards are fun gifts for boaters

We towed it behind the dinghy and behind the boat, used it as a table on the beach. Used it to lounge on during passages, to nap on in the cockpit when seasick.

You cannot go wrong with a paddleboard; they are tons of fun.

Buy an inflatable paddleboard, it is very sturdy, yet folds and pack well in the bag that comes with it. We just tied ours to the lifelines, because we were too lazy.

Click HERE to view and purchase.

32. Wakeboard

Wakeboards are super outdoor-fun gifts for boaters. They are actually not easy and provide tons of exercise too!

a boy with a wakeboard

Our kids loved wakeboarding.

As long as the dinghy engine is 15 HP or higher, it can be used for wakeboarding.

I tried it a few times and failed miserably. So, a gym membership might have been a better gift for me (then, again, there are no gyms in the ocean).

We bought ours used on Facebook Marketplace, pink and 10 times cheaper than a new one! But if buying for a gift, it is best to go with a new one:

The shoes are open in the front, which allows for some feet growing.

Click HERE to view.

33. Kayak

Kayaks are great for meandering mangrove rivers.

a kayak through the mangrove

Ours came with the boat. To be honest, we used the paddleboard more than the kayak, it was a lot easier to handle.

We took the kayak for longer water walks. Fishing kayaks come with all sorts of small compartments, which are super convenient even if you leave the fishing poles behind.

Fishing kayaks are stable and comfortable. They have inflatable ones too, which is great for easy storage and transportation, but they are not as sturdy.

We kept ours tied to the lifelines and have been in some pretty rocky passages, the kayak was just fine. We used a metal stand for it.

Click HERE to view on Amazon.

Click HERE to view at West Marine

34. Large Hammock

A nap in the shade, gentle breeze, the enchanting melody of the ocean…

kid in a hammock, on the catamaran

Every boater needs a hammock. Naturally, it must be a fabric one, light and portable.

Carrying chairs to the beach is simply not what boaters do.

A hammock turns an empty space aboard into a bedroom. If gifting for catamaran owners, make sure it is large enough to attach between the pontoons, like the one in our photo above.

The one I am linking to is very similar to ours.

Click HERE to view and purchase.

35. Soft Swing

If there are kids aboard, buy a soft swing. You cannot go wrong with this fun boating gift.

kids at the bow funny faces

Our kids did everything – from spinning, through exercise, to school, on that swing. I can probably write an entire post singing praises to our soft swing.

We attached ours to the spinnaker halyard, and the kids had a wide swinging range on the monohull. We brought the swing to the catamaran as well, and friends designed all kinds of “drop in the water” games with it.

Any soft swing will make a fun gift for boaters. Ours came from IKEA, but they no longer make it.

Click HERE to view and purchase.

36. Silks

Silks are fun for all ages – Silks are great for all kinds of exercises aboard.

a girl on aerial silks on a sailboat
Photo courtesy of SV Colibri, thank you.

We were thinking of buying a couple, but never got around to it. Silks are one of the most popular items for boating fun, quoted in sailing groups.

A few of our boating friends had silks aboard, and some moms used them for yoga (I suck at yoga, read and laugh here).

They can also be used as a beach cover-up – my kind of exercise.

Click HERE to view and purchase.

37. Folding Bikes

Folding bikes turn grocery runs into an exciting adventure. Or so we told our kids.

gifts for boaters - folding bikes by a sailboat at a marina
Photo by our dear friends from SV Lihona

They are excellent for exploring small towns – think New England’s magical cottages and coffee shops.

These make a very fun and useful gift for boaters, who like to explore coastal town, especially in the US, Europe, or any country where the roads are good enough for biking.

Folding bikes take up lots of space, though. We used bikes that someone gave us, while we lived in a boat yard, in St. Augustine, and sold the car.

Our boating friends next hull had four folding bikes aboard and we tried them – so comfortable! And they were on a monohull, so when there is a will…

The link below is to Schwinn, our most favorite bike brand ever. We have had their regular road bikes.

Click HERE to view and purchase.

38. Foldable Scooters

Kick scooters make great gifts for boaters and are more durable than the standard folding ones.

a boy on a scooter

Our scooters must have logged in hundreds of miles of walks, grocery trips and town explorations.

The kids loved their scooters, they were very easy to take in and out of the boat. We never folded them, they lived in the kids’ cabins.

Many US coastal towns have excellent skate parks, we have visited quite a few. Titusville, Florida has to be our favorite, because you can walk to it, from the marina.

Click HERE to view and purchase.

39. Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Of course, you need music, for the beach party.

Waterproof bluetooth speakers are always a hit. A beach-fire gathering goes hand-in-hand with good music.

We have enjoyed ours for outdoor movies, hanging out with friends and land trips. There is really no wrong place, or time for music.

Gift the boaters a waterproof speaker, and let it do its job.

Click HERE to view and purchase.

40. Swim Platform

Swim platforms are favorite for kids and adults to play and lounge.

a swim platform next to a catamaran in a tropical water sea
Photo courtesy of SV AquaFox, thank you.

With a catamaran, they can also be a bit underneath, for added shade.

They do take up space, but fold up nicely. And when unfolded, a swim platform actually adds an extra room aboard – send all the kids there!

Click HERE to view and purchase.

41. Solar Lights

Solar lights make a fun boating gift to hang in the cockpit or take to shore for the beach fire.

They also save electricity, because boaters are generally careful to conserve resources.

Solar lights add a little bit of a magic touch under the stars, aboard.

We love strings of light so much, that we never took our Christmas ones down, inside one of our large living rooms, while living on land. They were just so festive, I loved it.

Click HERE to view and purchase.

42. Shade Panels

Shade is always sought and needed in tropical, hot climates. A shade panel is a very useful outdoor gift for cruisers. We used all kinds of things for shade – from sheets to panels.

a girl on a boat, reading and a sheet behind her hung for shade

Ultimately, what worked best for us, and was super versatile to use at other places too, was a large rectangular shade canvas with grommets. With some bungee cords, the shade can be wherever it is most needed.

Yes, it must be dark for better shade. It will still let in plenty of light.

Depending on the boat size, you might want to buy two.

Click HERE to view and purchase.

43. Outdoor Shower

Nothing feels better than a fresh-water shower aboard. To wash off all the salt, and save resources, a camping shower bag works wonders.

There is plenty of sun to quickly warm up the water, at the tropical islands we cruise.

Sure, we jump in the ocean to cool off, but that salty hair does need a fresh-water break.

I am telling you, a shower aboard is like a spa on land.

You can buy a simple one, no need for too much water, sailors know how to take sailor-showers.

Click HERE to view and purchase.

44. Marine Bean Bag

Friends of ours had a couple of marine bean bags and they were so comfortable. 

a marine bean bag next to a small dog, on a sailboat
Photo courtesy of SV Varekai, thank you!

They must be outdoor bean bags, regular ones will be ruined very quickly.

Our friends kept theirs mostly around the trampolines.

We never bought any, mostly because they took up a lot of space. So, you might want to mention this gift idea before purchasing, just in case.

Click HERE to view and purchase.

45. Inflatable Sailing Dinghy

Those pack into bags and can be stored aboard. They provide a great sailing lesson on a manageable vessel.

inflatable sailing dinghy in the water
Photo courtesy of SV Colibri, thank you!

It is hard to teach the kids the true physics of sailing, as they are mostly helping hands during passages. With a sailing dinghy, they can feel the wind, learn the true meaning of tacking fast, and even have races with friends.

Most of all, inflatable sailing dinghies are so much fun out, on the water.

Our friends had one, which we took turns sailing, while at the beautiful Conception Island, Bahamas.

I am not an affiliate for this company, but I am happy to recommend their products, because it is what we tried and enjoyed.

Click HERE to view and purchase.

Gifts for Fishing Boaters

We did our fair share of catching fish, lobster, conch, coconuts and seaweed. If you expect cool photos of large fish, then you need the right fishing tools.

Two of our fishing poles came from a dumpster, and we loved them, but the one we cared for the most, was a fishing pole Joe had bought years ago and we took good care of that one!

46. Fishing Rod Combo

For beginner fishermen, such a combo would be a great start.

fishing gifts for boaters - a fish on a fishing rod, on a sailboat

There are plenty of smaller fish, which make a perfect catch – grouper, Spanish mackerel, jack and so on.

We did lots of fishing aboard and had a few very, very tasty dinners, and lunches, and breakfasts (you cannot be too picky on a boat).

Both Amazon and West marine have a few very highly rated rods and poles, so I am linking ot both. The prices are comparable.

Click HERE to view on Amazon.

Click HERE to view at West Marine.

47. Fishing Reel

Now, you won’t be catching mahi-mahi with a small rod. You will need a fishing reel, which will allow a line to drag as you cruise.

a girl holding a large mahi-mahi

To be honest, we used just line, and tied it to one of the cleats, and still caught mahi-mahi – three times! I think that having the right bait and selecting the best location is more important than the right reel.

Here is an interesting article about catching mahi-mahi.

But, come on, you cannot give a piece of string as a gift now, can you?

Click HERE to view at West Marine.

Click HERE to view on Amazon.

48. Spearfishing Gear

Spearfishing is a lot more exciting, than fishing with a pole.

a boy holding a spear with a lion fish on it

We do have a few skilled spearfishing crew. Actually, everyone but me (yes, it’s a theme in the family, someone has to be the Fun Police).

While everyone was out for hours, diving and chasing fish, I was preparing everything for a potential seafood dinner.

Sometimes it worked great, other times the canned tuna and chicken came in handy. You never know.

Sophie received her spearfishing kit as a gift, and it worked great. It takes practice; try releasing the sling on dry land first, in the sand.

Our uncle Gene, actually put the blunt tip on and called it “walking stick”, so he could bring it as a personal item aboard a plane. We have never tried it, but it worked for him.

Remember! Always get your catch out of the water asap, sharks are usually nearby.

Click HERE to view on Amazon.

Click HERE to view at West Marine.

49. Diving Knife

If you are spearfishing, or even just plain diving, or exploring a bit far from the boat, a diving knife should be with you.

It is one of those things we always had and never needed, but it brought some peace of mind. And is a good and, hopefully, never-used gift.

A good diving knife must be stainless steel, and easy to take in and out, without the risk of accidentally slipping out.

Click HERE to view on Amazon.

Click HERE to view at West Marine.

50. Lobster Catching Kit

A lobster catching kit will come very handy, if the boaters find themselves in the tropical waters of Florida, Bahamas, the Caribbean and a myriad of other locations.

a kid catching a lobster with a lobster kit and a net

This lobster kit if not for catching clawed lobsters, it is for the species, which inhabit the warm seas, south – where we love to cruise.

It takes a bit of practice, maybe some diving, but our 11 year-old was able to catch a couple, so it really is not rocket science:

  • Look for rocky and grassy spots
  • Avoid popular sites, full of tourists
  • Tickle the lobster, while holding the net behind it.
  • Lobsters are super fast, keep trying.
  • If tired of trying, join the Fun Police club, I’ll get you in.
  • If it is a female with eggs, let her go.
  • Always measure to ensure you can keep the lobster.
  • Keep your lobster-catching license up-to-date.

Click HERE to view at West Marine.

Click HERE to view on Amazon.

51. Fish Cleaning Station

fish cleaning station

48″ Tournament Series™ Fish Cleaning Station

If you fish, you must clean the fish. It is much, much easier to clean at a sturdy cleaning station, hanging right over the edge of the boat.

I have cleaned fish both ways – on the floor of the cockpit, as well as at a cleaning station, at a friend’s boat, and it is like trying to cut a tomato with a dull knife versus a sharpened one.

It makes a difference where you clean the fish. With a fish cleaning station you have a much better grip on the fish, and the angle of fileting is better when you are standing.

Fish cleaning stations can be attached to almost any boat, just see which one might work for you.

Click HERE to view options.

Tips for Buying Outdoor Gifts

Here are some tips when selecting presents for fun in the sun:

  • Inflatable and foldable is always a good idea, to save space.
  • If the item comes in a marine/outdoor version – buy that.
  • Scooters should always be kept inside, they rust quickly.
  • If the gift must be attached to the boat, such as a kayak, make sure there is a rack.
  • If they already have outdoor toys, think about accessories/parts.
  • Many of these will make excellent beach and toys and gifts, by the way.

Tips for Buying Classic Gifts

Here are a few tips for the best present:

  • Make sure you purchase the foldable/inflatable version of an item.
  • If the item comes with a storage bag, great. If not, get one.
  • Gift a bag of silica bags with any musical instrument. We have one of those.
  • If buying a large item, do check with the cruisers first.
  • With boat show tickets, make sure a trip is also planned, or help facilitate it.
  • You can never go wrong with gift cards.

Tips for Buying Personal Gifts

Just a few reminders:

  • Do ask about brand preference and size.
  • Stay away from cotton and linen.
  • Try not to buy items with metal zippers (pants are fine), or they will rust and fail.
  • If it is used for swimming, try not to pick blue, or green.
  • Jewelry is great, but more expensive jewelry might have to be left on land.
  • Pick a loose-fitting garment over a tight one.
  • Deciding on a funny gift is generally a good idea, for boaters.

More Gear and Guides for Cruisers

12 Safety Gear Essentials for the High Seas.

Comfortable Sailing Shoes for All Your Boating Needs

9 Most Reliable Sailing Life Jackets for Adults and Kids

12 Best-Selling Sea and Sailing Costumes

25 Books for Boaters Gift Guide. Books we do Read

11 Valuable Boating Subscriptions and Courses

16 Gadgets for Boaters

27 Important Tools for Boaters

We did not Need BoatU.S. Until we did.