35+ Gifts for Sailors: Practical & Useful Sailing Gift Ideas
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Are you on the lookout for the perfect gift for the sailor in your life? Our life aboard has given us many great ideas for practical sailing gifts.
Sailboats present a unique challenge, being compact vessels with limited storage space, and they contend with the harsh elements of the sea – salt, sun, wind, and humidity. Therefore, the ideal sailor’s gift must be not only functional but also durable.
Sailors prefer gifts that are:
- Versatile and multi-functional
- Easy to manage without requiring extra resources like water, power, or storage space
- Crafted from top-quality materials, engineered to withstand the demands of a marine environment
With the above in consideration, the perfect gift for sailors is one that brings an element of convenience or luxury to their lifestyle, perhaps something they wouldn’t ordinarily purchase for themselves.
Whether you’re seeking Christmas gift ideas around the holiday season, something for a special occasion, or just a gift that says ‘thank you’ – below are 35+ of the best gifts for sailors.
Gifts for Sailors Under $50
Dive into a treasure trove of sailing gift ideas under $50. From handy gadgets to sustainable swaps, these affordable presents make perfect additions to any sailor’s lifestyle without straining your wallet.
1. Solar Luci Light (Multi-Color)
Many sailors invest in the white solar-powered Luci Light. But what they typically don’t spring for is the multi-color version.
These lights offer a rainbow of color settings to set an ambiance for happy hour or dinner in the cockpit. They also feature an easy snap-on handle to attach to the sailboat bimini in the cockpit or to a lifeline.
The multi-color solar lights are inflatable and waterproof. Pick one of the eight color settings or set to rotate colors. They are easily recharged by the sun for 8-hours of use.
- Lights up in 8 different colors
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts up to 6 hours
- Durable, lightweight, and even waterproof
The Luci Light checks all the boxes for being easy to store, easy to use, and durable in a boat environment. It’s one of our favorite sailing accessories (we have two)!
As a bonus, you can set these to the red light setting, which is ideal for nighttime sailing.
You might also want to check out the Luci String Solar Lights that are ideal for decorating the cockpit.
2. Lightweight and Quick-Dry Towels
Quick-dry towels are ideal for living on the water, making them the perfect present for sailors and boat owners alike. They’re great for drying off after a dip or for lounging at the beach.
The towels fold down to a small size for easy storage or packing for a shore excursion. They also come with a nice storage bag. The sand shakes right off of these towels, so you can avoid bringing a mess back to the boat.
- Absorbent, quick-dry, and sand resistant
- Compact and lightweight
- Great for travel, swimming, camping, and more
These towels are sailing essentials that we always pack when we head out in the dinghy! Any sailor would be happy to unwrap them as a gift.
3. Tervis Tumbler
For sailors who need a good quality insulated cup, these Tervis tumblers are right at home on a boat.
Tervis is known for its glassware made from BPA-free plastic. If these topple on the boat, you won’t have to worry about breakage. They even have a lifetime guarantee that covers everything but normal wear and tear.
For sailors who prefer a straw, the lid opening is the perfect size for most reusable ones. (We use these glass straws and highly recommend them.)
Tervis features customizable options on its website. For a unique gift, add a boat name or logo to a glass!
4. Dry Bag
With the amount of time spent on the water, dry bags are great additions to a sailboat. From rides on the dinghy to kayaking and standup paddleboarding – these waterproof bags can even double as a beach bag.
We like to have various sizes of dry bags on the boat, and a large backpack or cross-body style bag is a good idea to have for shore excursions.
We always have enough space in our dry bag, and it’s easy to transport. The front pocket makes it easy to store your phone or wallet. Larger items can be secured in the main compartment.
- Featuring a large main compartment with roll-top closure
- Front zippered pocket keeps gear dry during kayaking, boating, and more
- Includes waterproof phone case
- Available in four sizes (10L, 20L, 30L, 40L)
Our Quiksilver dry bag is no longer available. However, the Earth Pak version is similar. You can find more options at REI.
5. Lantern
Lighting on board is crucial for living, moving, and working on the boat. We use this rechargeable lantern in the cockpit, the bilge, or to signal other boaters.
At 1000 lumens, the Blazin Fireball lantern will illuminate a large space. It has three brightness settings plus an SOS setting.
- Rechargeable USB lantern
- 1000 lumen light
- Can also use as a power bank for phones and other devices
As a bonus, you can charge your phone or tablet off the power bank if you’re in a pinch.
6. Audible Subscription
Long days underway on a sailboat go a little faster with the right entertainment. One of the best sailing gifts you can give is an audiobook subscription.
Listening to your book of choice is a great way to pass the time at the helm, in the galley, or while working on a tedious task.
Premium Plus gift membership includes:
- The Plus Catalog: the all-you-can-listen catalog including thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and originals
- One credit a month, good for any title to keep forever
- Available for 'gift' purchase for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months
We go through lots of Audible books onboard Sunnyside, but it’s never a problem since we don’t need to store them physically.
7. Sun Bum Clear Zinc Sunscreen
On a sailboat, you’re always in the sun, making skin protection a big part of a sailor’s everyday life.
We love the consistency of Sun Bum’s clear zinc sunscreen. It goes on light and smooth. SPF 50 provides ample protection on the most intense days in the sun when you’re on the open water.
- Clear zinc sunscreen
- Vegan and reef friendly, Octinoxate and Oxybenzone free
- Broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with vitamin E
- 1 oz containers, pack of 2
This product is ideal for the face and ears. It’s also the perfect travel size for boat life!
8. Stainless Steel Clothespins
There are always wet items for sailors to deal with on a boat. From kitchen and bath towels to bathing suits, laundry, and even foul-weather gear, items are constantly being hung out to dry.
We depend on clothespins to keep our favorite towels and clothing from flying away, preferably without damaging them. That’s why these clothespins are an ideal gift for yacht owners.
These are the Ferrari of clothespins. (And they’re Italian as well.) Made from top-grade stainless steel and hand-painted – they are guaranteed against rust, stain, rot, and breakage.
- Highest quality stainless steel clothespins (made in Italy)
- Rustproof, fade proof, will not get hot in the sun
- Special design allows these clothespins to not lose grip, even in strong winds
- Available in various color options
Any sailor will appreciate a set of these clothespins that will last a lifetime. Style bonus – these come in 15 different colors. We love these so much that they also made our list of sailboat essentials.
9. E-Cloths
Sailors are always looking for ways to limit single-use products that take up space. Paper towels require storage and create unnecessary trash.
These microfiber towels are a sustainable addition to this gift guide and allow sailors to skip the paper towels and clean twice as fast with just water.
- Microfiber cloths that are perfect for cleaning bathrooms, kitchens, and more
- Cleans with water only
- 300 wash guarantee
- 5-pack also includes a window polishing/cleaning cloth
The E-Cloth brand is known for its high-quality and long-lasting products. We’ve had our E-Cloth set since we moved onboard and continue to use them daily.
If you like these, check out our full list of zero-waste swaps.
10. Sailing Log Book
A must-have for every sailor, this logbook helps document your nautical adventures.
It provides space to record vital information, like weather conditions, course details, and notes about each voyage, making it an excellent tool for both beginners and seasoned sailors.
- Plastic protective cover and 100 durable pages
- Fillable pages for logging routes and routine checks
- Size 11 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
- Wire-O binding
It also serves as a delightful memento of your sailing journeys and adds a touch of enjoyment to documenting your route information compared to using a plain old notebook.
We received our logbook as a gift. It’s not something we’d typically purchase, yet we really enjoy recording in it every day.
11. Eco-Friendly Solid Dish Soap
Stay environmentally conscious while sailing with this eco-friendly dish soap.
This soap is solid, compact, and biodegradable, making it an eco-conscious choice for keeping your dishes clean on board.
- Plastic-free solid dish soap is equal to four liquid plastic dish soap bottles
- Heavily concentrated formula (5 oz. container)
- Made with organic essential oils for an eco-friendly scent
I love that this soap is low-sudsing, so it also saves water when rinsing dishes. The Claryti solid soap above is also made by sailors!
12. Sailing Adventure Tee
A classic and versatile addition to any sailor’s wardrobe, our “Get Lost” Tee is more than just apparel – it’s a statement of passion for adventure!
Our adventure-inspired logo tees don’t just look good – they’re 100% ring-spun cotton, making them super comfy!
Shop all our logo design t-shirts and sweatshirts that inspire a love for wanderlust and nomadic lifestyle.
Luxury Gifts for Sailors
With this curated collection of luxury sailing gifts, we set a new benchmark for the standard of living aboard. From premium outdoor accessories to high-end sailing gear, these items elevate the sailing experience to a new level of comfort, convenience, and exploring on a sailboat.
13. Inflatable Kayak
An inflatable kayak is an excellent addition to a cruising boat. It is ideal for sailors who want to easily explore nearby beaches or get out for a little exercise.
The Intex kayak is a two-person inflatable kayak that can hold up to 400 pounds. It’s a good option for sailors who don’t have room for a traditional kayak on deck.
- 2-person inflatable kayak with aluminum oars
- Includes high-output air pump
- Maximum weight capacity 400 pounds
We like that this kayak allows us to take a solo morning paddle or an evening joint adventure. And that we can pack it away when it’s not in use. It also works as a backup for short trips to the dock if the dinghy has issues.
14. Power Banks
Sailors often have a lot of electronics but not always the power to charge them.
The Anker power bank is by far our favorite option for charging portable electronics. We’ve had our Anker pack for almost six years, and it’s the go-to choice to keep tablets, mobile phones, headphones, and more charged on the boat.
This model has three ports for charging multiple devices at once. It also has a dual input port to recharge the pack twice as fast.
- External battery pack with 3 USB ports (charge 3 devices at once)
- 26,800mAh of power charges most phones over 6 times (tablets at least 2 times)
- Dual input port that supports recharging twice as fast
These Miady battery packs are our second choice. They aren’t as beefy and long-lasting as the Anker, but they are a great buy for the price.
15. Hammock
As something many sailors might not splurge on, a hammock is the perfect sailing gift.
We actually received our hammock as a Christmas gift! It was exciting to get something to enhance our downtime on the boat. Especially an item that wasn’t a priority for us to buy ourselves.
The ENO hammock folds up into a very compact and lightweight ball, making it easy to store on the boat or take ashore for the day.
- 1 to 2 person camping hammock
- Compact and lightweight, 19 ounces, fits into an attached storage bag with packed dimensions of 5 x 5 inches
- Unfolded dimensions, 9' 6" x 6' 4"
The hardest decision you’ll make with this hammock is picking the perfect color for your favorite sailor.
Check out more options for the ENO DoubleNest hammocks.
16. Inflatable Paddleboard
An inflatable paddleboard offers the perfect blend of adventure and convenience for sailors.
Designed for versatility, inflatable SUPs are highly portable and store more easily than the hardboard version.
This makes them an excellent choice for boat owners with minimal space who still want to explore serene coves, enjoy a little exercise, and take their on-water adventures to the next level.
- All-around paddleboard (extra wide for balance and beginner-friendly design)
- The Pioneer model is 10'6" and weights 24 pounds (for riders up to 285 lbs)
- Includes paddle, leash, hand pump, and travel bag
I really like the stability and durability of my ISLE paddleboard which is rare feature in an inflatable. It’s been a great board for exploring!
17. Soft-Sided Cooler
Sailors will love this hands-free cooler for keeping drinks ice cold for up to 24 hours.
The ICEMULE’s portable design, insulation, and waterproof construction make it ideal for picnics on distant shores or day trips.
- Soft-sided cooler, 24+ hours of cooling
- Hands-free, two padded and ventilated straps
- 100% waterproof and buoyant
- Available in 9 and 15 liter (holds 6-15 cans + ice)
This cooler is available in various sizes – the 9L is ideal for a couple (it’s what we have), while the 15L is better suited for families.
18. Waterproof Duffle Bag
Sailors can protect their gear from the elements with this waterproof duffle bag.
Its durable construction and waterproof seal make it an excellent choice for storing clothes, electronics, or any items that need to stay dry during maritime adventures. Of course, it also packs down easily for storage on a boat.
- Features backpack straps
- Duffle bag is waterproof (note: seams aren't sealed)
- Available in 45, 65, and 95 liter
- Available in three colors
I love the versatility of this bag! This would be a great gift for a sailing trip or charter.
19. Lightweight Beach Chair
This portable chair from Helinox is a sailor’s best companion for relaxing at the beach.
The splayed legs keep it from sinking into the sand, and its collapsible design makes it easy to stow away on a boat. If you’re not familiar with Helinox, these chairs are extremely compact!
The chair’s lightweight and compact construction ensures it can be easily carried in the dinghy or paddleboard for shore excursions.
- Helinox low-profile, compact, and collapsible beach chair
- Features integrated pockets
- Compact and lightweight (18.5 inches when packed and 3lb 7oz)
- 320-pound capacity
With sturdy materials that hold up to 320 pounds and comfort in mind, this chair is perfect for enjoying a day at the beach or sunset by the water.
20. Gourmet Nesting Pot Set
Sailors can save precious space in the boat galley without sacrificing quality with these nesting pots from Magma.
Their compact design and stainless steel construction make them ideal for sailors who prioritize cooking delicious meals onboard.
- Works with gas or induction, plus oven-safe
- 18-10 Marine Grade Stainless Steel with encapsulated Tri-clad bases
- Set stores in less than 1/2 cubic foot of space
- Also available in non-stick and a 10-piece set
My Magma cookware is by far my favorite thing in the galley. They are a pleasure to use and are incredibly easy to store.
21. Outdoor Blanket
Sailors will stay warm and cozy on chilly nights at sea with the Rumpl puffy blanket.
This versatile, packable blanket is perfect for cuddling up on deck, in the cabin, on the beach, or even for stargazing on a calm evening. When it’s not in use, it packs down incredibly small, so you don’t waste space.
- NanoLoft® recycled synthetic fibers
- Ideal for traveling, camping, picnics, beach trips, and concerts
- 75 x 52 inches, packed size is 6 x 14 inches
- 1lb. 12.8oz.
We now have two of these, an Original Puffy and a Nanoloft Puffy. The Nanoloft packs down even smaller, but both are equally warm on a cold night!
22. Stainless Steel Wine Glasses
One of the challenges on a sailboat is the constant movement, making things more likely to fall and break.
These glasses were gifted to us when we first moved onto the boat, and they’ve become indispensable in our sailboat galley.
Stainless steel makes these glasses very durable for sailboat life. They are unbreakable and sturdy while still comfortable to use.
- Stainless steel tumblers, set of four
- Unbreakable and shatterproof, 18 oz.
- Great for camping, boating, and other outdoor activities
These glasses are our go-to choice for serving a chilled glass of wine or refreshing cocktail when it’s time for sundowners!
Sailing Gifts for Him
Whether he’s an intrepid captain steering through life’s challenges or a first mate on a never-ending quest for adventure, this section offers a range of rugged gear, personalized tools, and functional accessories for life on the open water.
23. Borescope Camera
This is one of our favorite tools on the boat. Perfect for self-reliant sailors who do their own boat maintenance, and it makes for a creative gift.
The WiFi-enabled borescope lets you see inside all the small nooks you can’t get into on a boat. You can retrieve cables and other objects with the hook and magnetic attachments.
The waterproof camera with LED light connects to your tablet or phone. It provides a live view of the area you are investigating.
- IP67 waterproof
- WiFi accessible via Android and iOS Smartphone, iPhone, iPad, Samsung
- 11.5 foot snake camera cord
You can also get the borescope with a built-in screen, but we typically connect it to our iPad.
24. Tilley Sun Hat
Sailors practically live outside. A reliable, comfortable sun hat protects your skin on every sailing adventure.
Many sun hats are available, but after trying a few different brands, Tilley is our favorite high-quality sun protection for your head. Ross absolutely loves the breathability and UPF protection of this hat.
Tilley hats have the maximum UPF 50+ protection, are water-resistant, and will even stay afloat on the water.
- Great for hiking, camping, sailing, and other outdoor adventures
- Dual drawstring closure
This is a great choice if you want to gift a long-lasting hat with sun protection and adequate ventilation.
25. Bamboo Performance Shirt
Elevating function and fashion on a sailboat, the Free Fly bamboo hoodie combines style and sustainability in one comfortable and eco-friendly garment.
The Free Fly bamboo hoodie is UPF 50+, breathable, quick-dry, and lightweight – making it ideal for the sailing lifestyle.
- Quick dry, breathable performance outdoor shirt
- Sun protection of UPF 50+
- 68% Viscose from Bamboo, 29% Polyester, 3% Spandex
Ross loves the relaxed fit and breathability of this shirt, which make it an excellent addition to any sailor’s wardrobe.
26. Marine Binoculars
Marine binoculars are an essential tool for travel on the open seas. The ability to spot hazards, landmarks, and other vessels at a distance is critical for safe navigation.
Marine binoculars are specially designed to withstand the harsh marine environment and include a compass for accurate charting. These also work great in night conditions.
- 100% waterproof binoculars
- Built-in compass
- Includes floatation neck strap
A high-quality pair of binoculars can also enhance the overall sailing experience, allowing sailors to view marine wildlife and enjoy the scenery from a distance.
27. Headlamp
Lighting is so important on a sailboat, so this is the second illumination device on this list.
A quality headlamp is key to everyday living on a boat. Sailors will find it useful for everything from working in low-light areas to investigating lines in the dark.
The Fenix headlamp below has a respectable output of 1600 lumens. It has five brightness levels and a red light mode to preserve night vision.
- Rechargeable USB-C LED headlamp, 100 hours of runtime
- Neutral white light with five brightness settings and auxiliary red light
- IP68 waterproof and dustproof
Sailors will love the rechargeable battery – with up to 100 hours per charge. This headlamp is also waterproof to six feet. It’s helpful for investigating boat props, thru-hulls, and other underwater boat areas that might cause issues.
NOTE: The Fenix headlamp above is an updated version with an increased 1600 lumens and a better waterproof and dustproof rating than the previous model.
28. Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Sailors can bring their favorite tunes on board with this waterproof Bluetooth speaker from JBL.
With excellent sound quality and a rugged, waterproof design, it’s perfect for sailors who want to add a soundtrack to their sailing adventures.
- JBL FLIP 5 Bluetooth speaker
- IPX7 waterproof rating (up to three feet)
- 12-hours of play time
- Available in 14 colors
The compact nature of this speaker also makes it ideal for days spent on the beach or on a kayak. We take this thing everywhere!
29. How to Sail Around the World Book
For the aspiring circumnavigator, this comprehensive guide from Hal Roth is a treasure trove of knowledge.
It offers valuable insights and tips on planning, navigation, and managing long-distance sailing, making it an indispensable resource for future bluewater sailors with dreams of exploring the world’s oceans.
- Hardcover, 480 pages
- Information on blue water sailboats, passage planning, single-handing a small boat, and more.
MORE GIFT IDEAS: Check out our complete list of the best sailing books for gift inspiration suitable for sailors of all levels, from novices to liveaboards.
Sailing Gifts for Her
This selection features gifts for women sailors that merge fashion and function. These stylish yet practical clothing and accessories are tailored for a life on the water.
30. Waterproof Bag / Purse
When you’re constantly in or around water, protecting your personal items, such as your money, cards, and phone, is essential.
Whether you’re paddling to an island or going for a dip from the beach, sailors don’t want to leave their valuables unprotected or unattended.
These 100% waterproof belt bags allow you to store items safely while still allowing easy access to your essentials. They are fully submersible and can be worn around the waist or as a crossbody bag.
- 100% waterproof, one meter underwater for 30 minutes
- Dedicated interior phone pocked with clear window
- 7.5" width x 4.7" height x 1.5" diameter
Booe is one of the only brands that makes waterproof, airtight bags with a zipper. I also recommend checking out their other waterproof bag options, including totes, backpacks, and duffel bags.
31. Hair Wrap
For the lady sailors, these comfy hair wraps provide the perfect way to keep wet locks out of the way on a sailboat.
The wraps are quick-dry and straightforward to use. Just twist your hair up in the wrap and secure the elastic over the button in the back.
- Great for home, travel, or the beach
- Absorbent and quick dry head towel
- Available in various colors
It makes the perfect sailor gift since the hair wraps are both functional and stylish!
32. Coolibar Cardigans
Sun-protective sailing clothing is a must on the water. It helps sailors minimize sunscreen usage and provides top-notch sun protection.
This Coolibar sun wrap is UPF 50+. It’s comfortable and lightweight, and after countless washes, it feels and looks like the day I bought it.
The materials are meticulously selected to make this superior wrap that is soft, breathable, and long-lasting.
- Coolibar's ZnO fabric is soft, lightweight, and cool, thanks to a blend of cotton and bamboo.
- UPF 50+ will block 98% of UVA/UVB rays
- Material: 52% Cotton, 43% Viscose from Bamboo, 5% Elastane
Lady sailors will love this wrap. I may or may not have four different colors onboard!
Unusual Gifts for Sailors
This section is full of unexpected and unusual gifts for sailors. From unconventional sailing gadgets to eco-friendly and boat galley essentials, these presents will leave even the most seasoned sailors pleasantly surprised.
33. Scrubba Wash Bag
This innovative wash bag makes doing small loads of laundry on board a breeze.
Its compact and efficient design is perfect for smaller boats without space for a washing machine. The built-in washboard gets clothes clean using minimal water.
- Foldable hand washing bag with built-in washboard
- Light and compact eco-friendly laundry bag for washing clothes
- Fully extended size 12"D x 12"W x 21"H and 6-liter capacity
My favorite thing about this wash bag is how compact it is. This feature really makes the Scrubba great for all forms of travel!
34. DJI Osmo Mobile
One of the best gift ideas for sailing vloggers and Instagrammers is the DjI Osmo Mobile. They will be swooning over this luxury tech gift that will allow them to capture all their memorable moments at sea.
The Osmo mobile stabilizes smartphones with a handheld gimbal for shooting high-quality video. Use it with iPhone and Android devices for capturing video, especially on rocky seas.
- Portable and foldable design to take the Osmo anywhere
- Smooth and seamless Object Tracking follows subjects
- Snap a selfie or begin recording by signaling (front and rear cameras recognize Gesture Control)
- Built-in extension rod for high and low angles
From panoramas to time-lapses, the DJI Osmo Mobile provides a step up to a sailor’s videography.
Check out the DJI OSMO Mobile 6. (We have a previous generation Osmo. The mobile 6 has many new features and a folding design for compact storage, which is great for smaller boats.)
35. Stick Blender
A stick blender is a practical addition to the boat galley. It takes up little space compared to similar tools like a blender or food processor, making it ideal for small boats. It also requires a much smaller amount of wattage to operate.
The KitchenAid models are high-quality blenders built to last. They come with multiple settings.
Use to blend soup or sauce in a pot or make hummus or salsa in a jar.
Immersion Blender Options
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$95.87
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$124.95
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Our stick blender has been so versatile onboard that we also included it on our list of sailboat galley essentials.
36. Baggu Reusable Bags
Not having access to a car makes provisioning a challenge for cruising sailors. These reusable bags from Baggu are handy on a grocery haul or when you’re on a shore excursion and stumble upon a store.
The bags come stored in a 5×5 inch pouch that easily fits in a purse or small bag, so it’s always with you.
The Ripstop nylon fabric can hold up to 50 pounds. You’ll never feel like you’re overloading them.
- Ripstop nylon grocery tote or lunch bag
- Folds up into a 5" x 5" pouch, totes up to 50 pounds
- Machine washable and line dry
These are also machine washable and a green way to shop. I love the compact nature of these bags that makes them so accessible. I now have four of them!
These bags are becoming harder to find on Amazon, but you can check out many of the available patterns on baggu.com.
Finding a Gift For Sailors
Hopefully, you have found some helpful gift ideas for the sailor friends in your life (or maybe even for yourself).
At the end of the day, you know the sailor you are shopping for the best, so use your intuition when picking the perfect gift for them, and you can’t go wrong. Happy shopping!
Want more lists of boat gear for a liveaboard life?
View our guide for essential sailboat gear, galley must-haves, what to wear sailing, and more.
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