Best Gifts for Sailors Under £50
Does your loved one love nothing more than being out on the water? With our gift guide for boaters, you can win the holidays with presents they truly want!
December 28, 2024
Does your loved one talk of nothing but sailing? Do they always only ever have one eye on you and the other on the water? Does their entire monthly budget go towards boat maintenance and sailing trips?
If, like me, you have someone in your life who just can’t get enough of that #boatlife, you know that when the holidays come around, you won’t get away with the same generic gifts you give to your land-lubbers. You need to think outside the box… and off the shore.
But not to panic! I’ve compiled a list of the best Christmas gifts for sailors that your boat-obsessed recipient will genuinely love (and use every day).
If all else fails, a good bottle of rum is a great gift for sailors at Christmas or any time!
Not only that, but I’ve also included some handy links to Amazon to help streamline your search and get those gifts faster.
Of course, any links should not be considered a recommendation to buy. There are thousands of items on Amazon, and we haven’t tested them all, so offer no promises that we’ve found the best versions. That said, where possible, I’ve used listings that I’ve genuinely purchased myself. Where that’s not been possible, I’ve endeavoured to complete the same research I would do if I were buying the item myself. These are not affiliate links and we won't receive any payment for purchases.
I’d also like to remind readers that prices on Amazon do vary. I’ve tried to include the highest price for each item, but you may be able to get even better deals in the holiday sales, so keep an eye out!
So, without further ado, here’s my list of the absolute best gifts for sailors in 2024… All conveniently priced at under £50, making them the perfect stocking fillers for every budget.
Table of Contents:
- Books
- Beauty
- Boating Accessories
- Clothing
- Electronics
- Exercise
- Home
- Tools
- Lifesaving Gifts
- Really, really good gifts
Books
Let’s start with books. Even if your sailing friend never reads for pleasure, they’re sure to get a kick out of these books (spoken from personal experience).
Don’t forget to also check out our lists of the best books for sailors, powerboats, and children for more gift-giving inspiration.
1. Splicing Modern Ropes by Jan-Willem Polman - £20.68
Did you know that tying a knot can reduce a rope’s strength by up to 50%? But a spliced rope only loses around 5-10%! With this definitive guide to strong, reliable splices, you’ll be able to enjoy safer seafaring and a new, fun hobby in no time! Packed with clear instructions, step-by-step photographs, and detailed tips and tricks, this book will quickly become a bible on any sailboat.
Splicing Modern Ropes by Jan-Willem Polman
2. RSPB Pocket Guide to British Birds - £8.20
Yes, I know, sailors tend to look at the water, not the sky. But with this pocket guide to British birds, your crewmate will love looking out for the various bird species both ashore and at sea. With clear images and fun facts, bird spotting has never felt less lame, and your ocean adventures will benefit from a little extra colour as you learn more about the world around you. And if this book unlocks a whole new passion for birds, you might also want to check out the RSPB’s shop for some more (surprisingly gorgeous and useful) gift ideas for bird lovers.
RSPB Pocket Guide to British Birds
3. RYA Pocket Guide to Boating Knots - £6.99
We’ve looked at splicing already, but any good sailor really does need to know their knots! And we all know there’s no better resource than the RYA for sailing knowledge. What’s really cool about this book is that it’s 100% waterproof, so you can grab your pocket guide and get practising on those long passages.
4. How To Read Water by Tristan Gooley - £6.36
Honestly, I was surprised at how cheap this book is, as it’s probably one of my partner’s favourite gifts (and I’ve got him some crackers over the years, even if I do say so myself!). This book is absolutely packed with useful knowledge for sailors and fascinating trivia for land-lubbers who just want to know more.
From learning what the ripples on the water mean to checking wind strength and reading the colour of the river, there seems to be no limit to the information available in How to Read Water. And rather than being written too factually, the engaging writing style almost feels novel-like, making the knowledge even easier to digest and more interesting to remember. You may want to buy more than one!
How To Read Water by Tristan Gooley
5. The Great British Adventure Map - £3.29
At this price, The Great British Adventure Map almost sounds like a joke present, but it’s a fantastic gift for anyone planning a UK circumnavigation by road or sea. With loads of awesome days out, landmarks clearly categorised, and plenty of cheeky captions that’ll keep you giggling, this map is great fun for the whole family and is sure to make your next UK trip a success!
The Great British Adventure Map
Skincare, haircare, beard-care, & beauty
Not to be underestimated, even the saltiest sea dog can benefit from some skincare from time to time. And don’t you worry, I’ve included some beautifying gifts for both men and women sailors here, so everyone can feel pretty while surfing the waves.
6. Beauty Burt's Bees Essential Gift Set, Lip Balm, Hand Salve, Body Lotion, Foot Cream & Face Cleanser - £15.49
Staying hydrated in salty weather is a challenge every sailor knows all too well. So, show your sailing friends some love with this gorgeous hydrating gift set from Burt’s Bees with everything they need for a bit of TLC.
7. Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Brightening Fluid Sheer Glow, SPF50+ - £12.99
We all know we should be wearing more sun cream. But did you know that when you’re on a boat, the harmful UV rays are 2x stronger than on land because they reflect off the water? When you hear that, you can surely see why I’m recommending a great SPF-infused moisturiser to keep your face protected from the elements at sea and ashore. This one incorporates vitamin C as well for a brightening effect.
Weather damage? What weather damage?
8. Baylis & Harding Anti-bacterial Unfragranced Hand Gel, Pack of 6 - £9.99
When on passage, water becomes a luxury. But keeping your hands and surfaces clean isn’t something you can neglect. With this multi-set of anti-bacterial hand gel, your beloved sailors can enjoy being out to sea without worrying about ruining it with germs and sickness!
I actually wish these were fragranced, as Baylis & Harding have some lovely fragrances, but the unfragranced set will likely suit a wider range of seafarers and is great for sensitive skin, too.
This set of Baylis & Harding Anti-bacterial Unfragranced Hand Gel will easily last a year even if used every day.
9. L'Oreal Paris No Haircut Cream - £7.50
I’ve bought a lot of these bottles over the years, and I should let you know that the price can vary pretty dramatically! But no matter what happens to the price, this small bottle of leave-in conditioner is a godsend for hairy boaters!
With so much extra exposure to dry and salty air, sailors often suffer from dry hair and a lot of breakage. This incredibly moisturising hair cream can be applied to wet or dry hair and left in for a hydration boost.
For nomads who don’t have a shower aboard, this is the best option as it never needs to be rinsed out, so you don’t need to spend ages in the marina showers waiting for it to sink in. Just shower, apply, and get on with your day.
The price may fluctuate for this L'Oreal Paris No Haircut Cream, but I’ve found nothing better to keep my hair soft and moisturised after long, dry, salty sailing passages. Every sailor should have a bottle.
10. Clovelly Soap Co Natural Handmade Beard Shampoo Soap Bar - £6.99
If you have a bearded sailor in your life, you can’t go far wrong with a beard shampoo. This gorgeous bar from Clovelly is 100% natural and handmade. And yes, I can vouch for that, as I visited the Clovelly Soap Co. earlier in my sailing UK circumnavigation. This means it’s perfect for boaters, as the suds can simply be washed away with no harm to the aquatic life below.
If this isn’t the one, my bearded sailor also loves the Vikings' range of beard care products. And don’t forget to finish it off with some Vikings beard oil to replenish the hydration lost from the dry salty sea air.
These Vikings products are from different sets, and my other half simply can’t get enough of them! Allowing him to find the perfect balance between that seadog hippy he is at heart, without compromising on health or hydration. Trust me, any bearded sailor needs some good beard care products!
11. Spiral Hair Ties - £3.99
A true stocking stuffer! Any sailor will know the pain of getting hair in their face while trying to trim the sails, drop anchor, or bring in/out the fenders. With these hair bobbles, you can easily keep your hair out of your face without worrying about weird kinks or knots forming. My partner loves these so much, I might have to buy myself my own set!
Since another sailor gifted us a spiral hair tie each when crewing on her yacht, we’ve not been able to get enough of these. You may be surprised how the smallest stuffing filler can quickly become the most used and favourite gift in a sailor’s sack.
12. Rechargeable Light-Up Travel Mirror - £25.99
I have no idea what I was doing before I got my first light-up travel mirror. When boats can be a little dark or suffer from weird shadows as the vessel moves through the water, having a mirror with its own light source makes everything easier. One that doesn’t need to be plugged in is perfect for boat life, as it can be used off-grid, in the cockpit, or anywhere.
(This one is actually more expensive than the one I got myself, but as the stand broke on mine, I don’t feel right recommending it – even though I do still use it daily!)
Although the stand broke on my rechargeable light-up mirror, I still use it every day and keep hoping to find a new(better) one under the tree.
13. Wireless Automatic Hair Curler - £21.99
Probably more one for the female sailors, but I’m not judging here! This wireless hair curler is a great way to get that salon-quality curl without the effort. This device does take a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy to create perfect curls even aboard your boat. And because it’s rechargeable, you don’t need to be plugged in to get that little boost of pretty wherever and whenever you want.
Boating Accessories
Next up, some general boating gifts that I’ve seen on dozens of these types of wishlists… but always for unnecessarily high prices! From binoculars that you can actually afford to put in a Christmas stocking to rope gloves that don’t break the skin or the bank, here are some of the best boating accessories that sailors actually want (and you can actually afford).
14. Aurosports 12x25 Compact Binoculars - £29.98
You’re not going to win awards with these binoculars, but nor are you forking out hundreds of pounds for them! Despite the low price tag, these binoculars are perfect for sailors, offering plenty of zooming power to check out that oncoming vessel or the beautiful lighthouse on the horizon. Pair it with the RSPB Bird Guide I recommended earlier, and you’re sure to be onto a winning combination!
Honestly, you can go so much more expensive with binoculars, but these really do achieve everything you need. Plus, their compact size is perfect for a small sailing yacht, and they even come with a little bag and strap to keep them safe on any passage.
But don’t just take my word for it, make sure to check out our earlier guide to the best marine binoculars for more inspiration.
These binoculars will become any sailor’s favourite gift, allowing them to see far into the horizon without breaking the bank!
15. 2-Pack Rechargeable Hand Warmers - £14.99
Unless they’ve got a super-fancy sailboat kitted out with the latest electrics (and, let's be honest, doesn’t that just feel like cheating?), your sailing recipient will know that sailboats require the constant use of your hands. And as soon as the summer season ends (heck, we’re in the UK, even during the summer season), sailors immediately start suffering from cold and useless hands! With these rechargeable hand warmers, your friend will be able to stay toasty and warm (not to mention safe). And they’ll think of you every time they use them… Which, because they’re rechargeable, could be longer than you’d expect!
16. Hanyousheng 7 Piece Glasses Strap - £3.99
I actually brought these as a joke for my brother-in-law when he came sailing with us last, as he’d dropped his prescription glasses in the water on day one of his last visit! But while there was humour in this stocking filler gift, there’s functionality in it, too! So, whether the sailor in your life wears glasses daily or just loves a pair of sunnies at sea, grab them a set of glasses straps to keep everything inside the boat where it belongs.
This set of 7 glasses staps will help ensure any short/long-sighted sailors are able to enjoy a day on the boat without worrying about losing their vision!
17. 2 Pairs Car Motion Sickness Wristbands - £3.99
If you’re at sea long enough, even the most seasoned seafarer will have felt those pangs of seasickness. After all, the ocean isn’t something to be taken lightly, and the sea gods can be temperamental at best! If you’re shopping for a sailor (or wannabe sailor) who suffers from seasickness, be sure to grab these motion sickness wristbands for them. You could even take it one further and make them a full care package complete with ginger biscuits, ginger tea, ginger ale, and seasickness tablets to help make their time offshore more enjoyable.
Another off-the-beat gift idea for a sailor who suffers from seasickness is these anti-seasickness goggles. Yes, they look weird, but with a 95% effectiveness rate, who can argue with a product that actually works?
Anti-seasickness goggles might look weird, but they would certainly make a fun gift to find under the tree, and they do seem to actually work!
18. 3 Pieces Bottle Opener Keychain - £3.39
These are actually a great gift for anyone. Simply stick one onto your keys, and you’ll have a handy bottle opener with you wherever you go! Perfect stocking filler.
For a more nautical theme, this one is styled like an anchor. Or, skip the keyring part with this gorgeous magnetic anchor bottle opener with a little net ready to catch the bottle caps to be recycled later. A cute addition to any boat.
Don’t let your loved one sail dry! A nautical-themed bottle opener is the perfect addition to any floating home. Take it a step further with a bottle-opener keychain or a fun magnetic option with a net to catch those pesky bottle tops.
Clothing
Clothing might seem like a boring gift option, but sailors could always benefit from an extra set of layers, especially during the holiday season.
For more inspiration to keep your loved ones warm this winter season, check out our earlier guide to clothing for winter boating.
19. CityComfort Mens Fleece Pyjamas - £26.49
These gorgeous pyjamas are perfect for curling up after a long sail or could even be worn under waterproofs for an extra layer of comfortable warmth. The fleece bottoms are super soft, and the fluffy jacket is perfect for hug-giving. So, if you give this as a gift, prepare yourself for some quality soft hugs.
20. Camille Women's 2 Piece Super Soft Pyjama Set - £26.99
Although I don’t personally own this pyjama set, super soft clothing is always a great choice for sailors. Not only does it feel amazing, but it’s also fantastic for trapping extra heat – perfect for wearing on cold evenings or under waterproofs while sailing.
21. Azure Sailing Gloves - £15.50
Sailing gloves are a fantastic gift for any boater. Whatever the weather, all that line work can be really taxing on your hands, so a good pair of gloves is a great way to protect the skin whilst also offering superior grip. These ones are fingerless, so the wearer can still enjoy plenty of dexterity whilst keeping their hands protected from the cold and friction of sailing.
A good pair of sailing gloves are a great way to show a sailor you care about them.
22. Head Torch Beanie Hat - £12.99
Fed up of never being able to find your head torch when you need it? Or do you find it frustrating to try and get a strap around your head whenever it’s too cold to go without a hat? Either way, this beanie hat with a head torch built-in is the best of both worlds. Keep your loved one safe and warm this winter with some functional fashion.
A beanie headtorch is a great way to stay safe, warm, and visible this winter, whether on the sea or ashore.
23. Mulor Fluffy Slipper Socks for Men & Women - £11.99
Nobody likes cold feet. But normal fluffy socks can be a pain when you live on a boat, which is why I’ve picked these unisex fluffy slipper socks as one of the best gifts for sailors this year. Not only are these socks super plush and comfortable, but they have grips on the sole so your sailor can walk around the deck without worrying about slips or falls. Plus, because they’re more flexible than slipper boots with full soles, the wearer can feel more nimble without being cold.
24. Sailing Heartbeat T-Shirt - £13.09
Is sailing in the heart of your loved one this holiday season? Help them show the world how much they love their boat (and how much you love them) with this stylish t-shirt.
When looking for gift inspiration for a sailor, you can’t go wrong with this sailing heartbeat t-shirt.
25. Sailor: The Man, The Myth, The Legend T-Shirt - £11.72
Another great sailing t-shirt (yes, I did have to control myself to only include two in this list) they’ll love. This one runs a little large but looks stylish and eye-catching and is surprisingly soft. My partner wears this all the time, so it comes highly recommended.
Electronics
Yes! I have managed to get some electronics in our list of the best sailing gifts under £50. If you want to go a little more expensive, a good tablet, case, and stand are also fantastic gift ideas for sailors – try to find something robust and bright that can be used outside for navigation if you want to be everyone’s favourite Santa.
26. Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker - £39.99
There’s nothing more peaceful and relaxing than when the sails go up, the engine goes off, and you’re left with the calming sounds of the wind and sea when underway. But when the peace gets boring, sailors will love having a portable speaker to accompany the sounds of nature with some tunes. The only question left: will it be soothing sounds or a party playlist?
27. NOCO GENIUS2DUK, 2A Direct-Mount Onboard Car Battery Charger - £44.95
Every sailor will know the pain and frustration of being stuck in a port waiting for the perfect weather window… only to try and start the engine to find the batteries are dead! With this trickle charger, you can easily maintain a healthy, full battery that can be relied upon when you fancy a little jaunt on the water.
Don’t forget to also share our article on safe boat battery installation with the recipient as well to ensure they’re safe and sound aboad.
A Noco battery charger is a great gift for sailors to ensure they’re still able to run their marine engine on cold or cloudy days.
28. AsperX 2-Pack Power Bank Fast Charging Portable Charger - £24.99
When going off-grid, one of the most annoying things that can happen is a dead phone. Make sure your loved one can always get in touch by picking up a handy portable phone charger. If you’ve got the budget, you can get some impressive battery banks that even take a 3-pin plug, but this standard charger is perfect for phone and tablet top-ups on the go.
A battery pack is a great gift to ensure your loved ones can stay in touch while off-grid. Look for ones with a battery display for convenience. This one even features a built-in torch! Perfect for when the boat batteries are running low.
29. Wireless Headphones - £19.99
These days, a good pair of wireless headphones don’t need to break the bank. I personally have these ones in rose gold and love them. With a really long battery life and recharging case, I use these for everything from going out for runs to listening to podcasts at night. They’re also handy when the engine is on and you need a break, as their noise-cancelling capabilities mean you can enjoy your favourite shows and songs without distraction.
Whether on land or at sea, everyone can benefit from a good pair of long-lasting wireless headphones. Mine are a little girly in rose gold, but there are dozens of other colours to choose from to show your loved one how well you know them!
30. Mini Bluetooth Speaker with Travel Case - £17.99
I know this is the second travel speaker I’ve included, but I have my reasons! While a large speaker is great for passages, this one can easily be popped into a pocket or backpack for on-the-go tunes, whether you’re on the mothership, the tender, a paddleboard, or off for a picnic. The carry case is perfect for sailors as the speaker is protected from bumps or falls, and it even comes with a carabiner clip to attach to the guard rails or a backpack strap.
We brought our EWA mini speaker back in 2020, and although it’s been a little beaten up over the last four years, it’s still going strong! Perfect for sailing trips of all lengths and sure to keep spirits high.
31. Motorbike Phone Holder - £16.99
Obviously, there are countless phone holders available today, but this is one I personally bought a few years ago, and it’s still going strong. By looking for a phone holder that works with motorbikes, you can feel confident that no amount of vibrations, heeling, or weather will cause damage to your smartphone or navigation device. You also want to ensure it can rotate for difficult attachment spots so the user can easily switch between landscape (for navigation) or portrait.
If the vessel doesn’t have any attachment points, this phone holder uses suction and could make a good alternative.
This motorbike-friendly phone holder is a great addition to any sailing yacht to make using a smartphone for navigation easier and safer.
Exercise
Now, I’m far from a fitness fanatic, but one thing I really noticed when I moved aboard my 28-foot sailing yacht was how difficult it was to exercise. And it’s a sentiment echoed by almost every sailor I’ve met on my travels. So, make someone’s life a little easier with these exercise gifts for small spaces.
You could also help out your favourite sailor by forwarding our article on boat organisation and storage to ensure they can make the most of their space.
32. Thick Yoga Exercise Mat - £13.99
An exercise mat is a great addition to any sailor’s cabin. Even if they don’t have the space to roll it out aboard their own vessel, it opens up a whole world of potential workouts from the beach to the park… I’ve even been known to use mine in the marina showers when I’m desperate! For on-the-go workouts, I recommend a thick yoga mat that can be used on a range of surfaces. And don’t forget to consider the grip: you don’t want to be slipping in your downward dog!
A good yoga mat makes a great gift for sailors, opening up a world of possibilities from downward dog at the beach to sit-ups on the pontoon.
33. Waist Slimming Balance Rotating Disc - £10.79
In my life, I’m always looking for exercise equipment that I can use in the one square foot of proper standing space I have at home. And while this rotating disk looked too good to be true (especially for the price), I actually love it. You’ll be surprised how quickly this device tires you out and how thoroughly it works a range of muscles. So, if you know someone who wants to exercise more but is restricted by a small space, this could be the thing they never knew they needed!
This waist trainer sounds a bit too good to be true, especially for the price. But you’d be surprised how thorough a workout you get with it, making it an excellent gift for someone looking to exercise in a small space.
34. Resistance Bands - £9.99
All the benefits of weight without the, well, weight, resistance bands are hugely popular in the world of potable exercise. This set includes a range of strengths to challenge the various muscle groups and comes in a convenient carry bag. No more bicep curls with tin cans, these resistance bands will allow the user to enjoy a full-body workout without taking up space or adding weight to your vessel (after all, we all know that less weight = more speed!).
Resistance bands are a fantastic gift for sailors who want to benefit from weight training but don’t have the space for bulky/heavy equipment on board.
Home
Shopping for a water-based home can feel a little different from shopping for your land friends. But it doesn’t need to be difficult as long as you consider the extra needs. My tips? You want to avoid anything easily breakable or high-energy. You also want to consider the waterproofness of the item – even if it’s staying below deck, boats are still damper than houses, so anything that will disintegrate or rust is a no-go! For some specific gift ideas to help make a boat feel like home, read on:
35. Bialetti Moka Express Cafetière - £25.44 for 2 cups
For the coffee-loving boat dweller, this cafetière is the perfect addition to their galley set-up. I love that this can be used directly on a gas hob, so you can benefit from delicious fresh coffee without needing an electric hook-up. The price obviously varies depending on how large you want to go / how many cups of coffee you want to be able to make at once.
Don’t forget to supplement the cafetière with some delicious coffee (Marley’s Soul Rebel is really tasty and makes a great gift as Bob Marley’s family makes it, and Soul Rebel feels appropriate for a sailing lifestyle). They'll also need a grinder and measuring cup to round off the gift.
A good-quality moka pot is a fantastic gift for coffee lovers and sailors alike! Combine this present with some delicious coffee beans and a grinder and know your loved one can enjoy unlimited perfect coffee wherever the wind takes them.
36. Etching Stainless Steel Champagne Flutes Glass Set of 2 - £43.33
These champagne flutes are a little expensive, but they’re the perfect gift for a yachty who loves their bubbles! I was gifted a set of these for Christmas 2023, and they’re fantastic: they even make a lovely clinking noise when you “cheers!”.
Personally, I don’t think fizz tastes right in any other style of glass, so it’s worth going a bit more expensive here. Plus, whether celebrating an anniversary or the end of a long passage, the recipient will think of you every time they celebrate, and doesn’t that sound nice?
Stainless steel and copper glassware make a sophisticated and stylish alternative to the standard plastic glasses you more commonly find on boats. Perfect for raising a glass for any occasion.
37. SKY FISH Stainless Steel Wine Glasses Set of 2 - £33.99
If you’re going to treat your sailor friends to a set of gorgeous stainless steel champagne flutes, you should probably compliment them with these matching wine glasses. But even if you don’t want to spend this much money, any plastic or stainless steel wine glasses are a fantastic gift for boaters and something they’ll use all the time. Just don’t go too cheap: nobody wants a tiny wine glass or one that’s covered in scratches after one use!
38. Stainless Steel Double Wall Vacuum Wine Glass with Lid and Straw Set of 4 - £27.99
In addition to glassware, these stainless steel insulated cups are an essential addition to any boat galley. Use them for cold cocktails or hot teas/coffees, they’ll keep your chosen beverage at its desired temperature for hours, and the lids are great for reducing spills when heading out on passage.
You could even go a step further and pick up a set of these refrigerated cup holders from Dometic to keep drinks cool and delightful on warm days.
Insulated mugs/tumblers are a fantastic all-purpose cup for sailors, allowing them to keep their drink at the desired temperature and not worry about spills.
39. LINTRO - Waterless Portable Essential Oil Diffuser - £29.99
Although we boaties might not notice it, non-boaters will usually pick up on the slightly bilge-y scent that’s simply impossible to remove from the clothes and bodies of their sailing friends. Help them create a more pleasant environment aboard with this essential oil diffuser.
With none of the risk of open flames scented candles bring, an essential oil diffuser can be switched on and left to fill the air with lovely scents of your choosing. Although this isn’t the specific one I brought, you want to aim for one that’s rechargeable but doesn’t need to be plugged in constantly for off-grid smells. One that offers some lighting can also be pleasant when creating an ambience at anchor or while hosting boat drinks.
This isn’t the exact model I’ve linked to, but I love my essential oil diffuser. Not only does it make the boat smell wonderful and welcoming, but the soft, coloured lighting is lovely for nights at anchor. Plus, it’s rechargeable and doesn’t need to be plugged in, so I can use it anywhere!
40. MAYJAM 20 Pcs Pure Essential Oil Gift Set - £14.89
Whether it’s to go with their brand-new diffuser or not, an essential oil gift set is a great idea for boaties of all shapes and sizes. I use them in homemade cleaning products, to spruce up moisturisers, in sprays to use on my bedding and soft furnishings, in my diffuser, when making my own reed diffusers, and more. I’m especially vocal about cleaning with essential oils, as they’re completely non-toxic and safe for the aquatic environment around the boat.
41. Octopus Key Hook - £21.99
This feels like a bit of a silly purchase, but you’d be surprised how useful it is to have something like this on your sailboat! We use our octopus for everything from keys to head torches, and I must admit we’ve lost way fewer items since installing him. Plus, he looks great and is a fab conversation starter! Your sailing buddy is sure to fall in love as well.
Oli the Octopus is one of my favourite additions to my sailing yacht and is surprisingly functional as well as being adorable.
42. UNO Card Game with Collectible Storage Tin - £15.99
Long journeys at sea can be stressful or wonderful, but they can also be pretty boring. A nice game of Uno is a great way to stay entertained and can be played by crews of any size. I love that this one comes in a collection tin to help keep the cards dry when not in use, too.
For other entertainment inspiration, check out these six crazy ways to have fun on a boat.
Who doesn’t love a good game of Uno?!
43. AnySharp Knife Sharpener - £8.00
Space on a boat can often be at a premium, especially on a sailboat. And while we’d all love nice sharp knives, knife sharpeners are often large items that simply take up too much room to justify. This handy little tool uses suction to stick on any surface and can be easily popped out of the way. It works on any knife, so whether you’re baking bread, prepping dinner, or gutting your latest catch, the happy sailor in your life can enjoy sharp knives without the hassle.
An AnySharp Knife Sharpener is a great gift for sailors who cook aboard.
Tools
One thing my other half asks for more than anything else is tools for the boat. But when it comes to gift-giving, I prefer to focus on things that are a bit more fun than a sheet of sandpaper or a wax buffer.
That said, when a sailor’s life is so often stuck in boat work, there are some tools you could add to their Christmas stocking to help make it a very happy holiday.
44. Dremel 3000 Rotary Tool - £61.30
Okay, so this one is just outside our £50 budget, but there are plenty of cheaper options to choose from, too. When I asked my partner and co-captain what tools I should add to my gift guide for sailors, this was his first and most passionate answer. When I asked why, he said, “Because you sand, polish, buff, cut, clean, drill, and more”, all with one tool.
It’s perfect for hard-to-reach areas (which, let’s face it, is the whole boat!) and offers excellent precision and delicacy with the perfect amount of force to make pretty much any job a breeze. For non-boaters, this might not seem like the most exciting gift, but stick one of these under the tree and watch your beloved sailor’s face light up instantly.
A Dremel rotary tool is possibly the most useful item in a sailor’s toolkit. Although it’s a little outside our £50 gift giving budget, there are plenty of alternatives out there that will work just as well and make an excellent multi-purpose gift!
45. NewDoar UIAA & CE Certified Climbing Harness - £43.99
This is another one that might not be immediately obvious as a great sailing gift, but hear me out. Sailors often have to climb up the mast to carry out boat work, but most harnesses are incredibly uncomfortable, especially if you have anything between your legs! This rock climbing harness makes missions up the mast 1,000 times easier, safer, and more comfortable - it even has tool loops so you can bring everything you need up with you hands-free!
We bought this one in July 2023, and it’s been used a lot, both on Sudana and on loan to other friends who were still using the old-fashioned and uncomfortable bosun chair. So, not only will you make that sailor’s life better, but you’ll also give them the gift of popularity, as everyone will want to borrow this.
A good quality climbing harness makes a much more comfortable, safe, and convenient option vs the standard boson chair that sailors usually use to get up the mast.
46. SEEKONE 2000W Professional Hot Air Gun with 7 Accessories - £29.99
From peeling old varnish to cooking up the crispiest and most delicious garlic bread, you’ll be surprised how versatile and useful a good heat gun can be aboard a boat. Yes, it requires electricity, but it can be a backup for basically everything you can think of, in addition to making heat-based tasks far easier. Never bother burning your hand on a lighter to shrink heat-shrink tubing or using a hairdryer to boost the engine’s cold-start again, your new hot air gun has your back. I’ve even used one to cook a pizza before – although that was a long story and not something I’d necessarily recommend!
Truth be told, I’m a little disappointed I couldn’t find any pictures of this tool being used to cook up pizza, garlic bread, or toast, as it was definitely used for all those things! But even if you don’t need a spare grill, a heat gun offers almost limitless possibilities on a boat and would be a brilliant gift, especially for someone who loves a bit of dirty boatwork!
47. Allen Key Hex Key Set - £12.99
Allen keys seem to be everywhere until you need them. This really handy set includes pretty much any size you could want on a boat and features a sleeve to keep everything together. Save your boating friend time and energy with this cute boat gift and make their next project easier.
While mini Allen keys are staples in the classic Christmas cracker, a full-sized set makes an even better stocking filler that is sure to be used time and time again.
48. Mini Survival Tin - £11.99
Obviously, you hope your sailing family won’t ever get stranded, but if they do, you can rest assured that you’ve done your bit to keep them safe with this cute mini survival tin. Small enough to fit in a pocket or emergency grab-bag, this kit contains a surprising amount of items to help a stranded sailor start a fire, build a shelter, collect and purify water, deal with minor wounds, go fishing, and signal to rescuers or find their way to safety. So, not only is it a fun gift for the adventurer in your life, but it’s a functional one, too!
49. 3-in-1 Ratcheting Screwdriver Set - £9.99
While a screwdriver is probably not the most exciting gift in the world, this awesome 3-in-1 ratcheting screwdriver set actually might be. Including a ¼ inch nut driver and 12 commonly used screwdriver bits that all fit tidily away inside the handle itself, this handy tool will be used on almost every boat job you can think of. Plus, no more scurrying out of tiny holes because you brought the wrong screwdriver bit; everything is conveniently packed together to make every job easier.
50. Lifesaving Gifts
Finally, I can’t finish this guide without a shout-out to the RNLI. Responsible for keeping you and your loved ones safe at sea, the RNLI may be THE most important organisation to any boater.
So, take your gift-giving a step further with a gift that supports the RNLI by shopping with them directly at the RNLI shop.
Far from boring, the RNLI shop hosts a plethora of fantastic gifts for sailors and landlubbers alike! From raincoats to watering cans, plant pots to 2025 planners, and some really beautiful Christmas decorations, everyone is sure to be happy with a gift from the RNLI. Plus, you get the extra benefit of feeling good about supporting such an important charity.
A gift that supports the RNLI’s important work is a great way to show a sailor how much you care about them. Plus, the items are always really high quality with designs sailors and land-lubbers alike will love.
51. Really, really good gifts for sailors
Got a particularly big budget to splurge on your nearest and dearest this year? Why not treat them (or yourself) to a sailboat and win Christmas?
We have loads of sailboats for sale to suit any budget here at boats.com (including many boats for sale under £20,000); come and take a look.
Don’t forget to supplement the sailboat with a new dinghy or tender – it’s basically buying a car for your boating friends! They’ll definitely love you for this one.
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!
Santa wishes you luck in all your gift-giving endeavours! Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
Related Reading
Not found the right gift for your loved ones on this list? Check out some of our older gift guides for sailors for some extra inspiration…
- Best Christmas Gifts for Boaters 2017
- Best Boating Father's Day Gift Ideas 2018
- 5 of the Greatest Maritime Inventions
- 10 Top Marine Tools for Boating
- Best Powerboat Books 2016
- Best Sailing Watches 2025
And, of course…
