Ultimate List of Gifts for Sailors

Posted by Jonathan on August 09, 2025 · 6 mins read

Intro

Finding the perfect gift for a sailor can be challenging. Whether they're weekend cruisers, competitive racers, or offshore adventurers, this comprehensive list should have you covered. Bringing together gifts from various categories including sailing clothing, equipment, luxury accessories, safety, electronics and gadgets and some books too.

Jump straight to the categories


Clothing

Gill Mens OS2 Offshore Sailing Jacket - Not cheap but one of the best sailing jackets in the business. Waterproof, windproof, breathable and capable of handling the harshest of weather.

Helly Hansen Men's Pier 3.0 Jacket - Another top jacket and a versatile gift for sailors who want technical performance with everyday style, offering reliable waterproof protection both on deck and ashore.


Tools & Equipment

Gill Marine Multi-purpose Sailing Tool - An essential gift for sailors combining multiple tools in one compact design. Inlcudes screwdriver, Webbing cutter, Shackle Key, spanner. Perfect for quick rigging adjustments and emergency repairs on deck. Also has a bottle opener too!

Victorinox Skipper Knife - The ultimate sailing knife gift featuring specialised tools including a marlin spike, shackle key, and corrosion-resistant blade designed specifically for sailors.


Safety Equipment

Garmin inReach Mini 2 - Compact satellite communicator providing two-way messaging and SOS emergency response anywhere in the world, essential for offshore adventures and peace of mind.

Gul Unisex 50N Buoyancy Aid - A vital safety gift that provides buoyancy support while allowing full freedom of movement, featuring adjustable straps and reflective patches for enhanced visibility on the water.


Accessories

YETI Hopper Flip 8 Cool Bag - The perfect gift for sailors who love keeping their refreshments ice-cold during long days on the water. There's a few sizes to choose from but the YETI flip 8 will keep around 11 cans chilled for the day .

Gill Pursuit Floatable Sunglasses - Smart gift for sailors combining essential eye protection with floating frame technology, so they won't sink to the bottom if dropped overboard.

Helly Hansen Duffel Bag 30L - Practical gift for sailors who need reliable waterproof storage for their gear, perfect for weekend trips or storing sailing equipment.

Gill Voyager 5 Litre Roll Top Dry Bag - Compact waterproof storage that keeps essentials completely dry, featuring a simple roll-top closure and bright visibility for easy spotting on deck or if it does end up overboard!

Gill Deckhand Sailing Gloves - Essential hand protection with enhanced grip and dexterity for rope work, featuring reinforced palms and fingers plus quick-dry materials for all-day comfort on deck.

Gill Voyager 30 Litre Duffel Bag - A thoughtful present for anyone who needs reliable waterproof storage, with welded seams and tough fabric that handles everything from weekend sailing trips to extended voyages.


Electronics & Navigation

Steiner Navigator Pro 7x50 Marine Binoculars - Professional-grade gift for serious sailors featuring waterproof construction, built-in compass, and superior optics designed specifically for marine navigation and observation.

Garmin GPS 73 - Essential navigation gift providing reliable GPS positioning and waypoint marking in a compact, waterproof handheld unit that's perfect for backup navigation.

NEBO Slyde King 2K Flashlight - Powerful 2000-lumen flashlight with magnetic base and work light feature, perfect for engine compartment inspections, nighttime deck work, or emergency situations.


Luxury Items

Marine Superstore Gift Voucher - When you're not sure exactly what they need, let them choose from one of the UK's largest marine equipment retailers with vouchers available from £5 to £100.

DJI Mini 3 Drone - Capture stunning aerial footage of sailing adventures with this compact drone featuring 4K video, extended flight time, and intelligent tracking modes perfect for documenting life on the water.


Books & Learning

The Wide Wide Sea - A captivating maritime adventure that chronicles Captain Cook's final voyage, perfect for those who love tales of exploration, navigation, and the sea's enduring mysteries.

How To Read Water: Clues & Patterns from Puddles to the Sea - A fascinating guide that teaches you to interpret water's hidden signals, from understanding wave patterns to reading currents and weather signs on the water.

Sailing Alone Around the World - Joshua Slocum's classic first-person account of the first solo circumnavigation, a timeless gift that captures the spirit of adventure and seamanship that inspires sailors everywhere.


Budget-Friendly Options

Key Liferaft - A clever floating keyring designed like a miniature life raft that keeps up to 6 keys afloat if dropped in water, combining novelty with genuine practicality for boating.

Gul Hooded Changing Robe - Essential for changing in and out of wetsuits or wet sailing gear, offering privacy and warmth with a soft towelling interior and water-resistant outer shell.

SwimCell Floating Keyring - Simple but brilliant floating keyring that keeps your keys on the surface if dropped overboard, available in bright colors for easy spotting on the water.