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How do you choose meaningful holiday gifts for people who are actively trying to get rid of just about everything they own?
What do you gift cruisers who reside primarily on small boats and have pared their belongings down to the bare minimum?
And for those of you who are preparing to set off cruising, what will you tell your Mom when she calls to ask what’s on your Christmas list?
Gifts are a sticky subject for cruisers and liveaboard sailors when every item brought on board must be carefully evaluated for form, function, and care. Those who are still shopping for their cruising boat may have ideas about what they need or want, but until they’ve purchased their boat it will be tough to know for sure. There are space limitations, personal preferences, and maintenance to consider.
We’ve compiled a short list of gift ideas that alleviate these unknowns, to take the guess work out for you. Each of the items below has passed our stringent test of functionality and hardiness, and we feel confident recommending them for just about every cruiser out there. Some are “things”, some are experiences or education, and we’ve also included a couple of BONUS stocking stuffer ideas to keep it fun.
None of these are affiliate links and we don't earn commissions on any of these products. We just love them a lot, and encourage you to purchase from wherever you choose. Prices are current as of 11/20/23.
"Things"
MPOWERD Luci Inflatable Solar Lantern: Outdoor 2.0
MPOWERD Luci Inflatable Solar Lantern: Outdoor 2.0
Once a staple of our camping gear pile, our trusty little Luci is one of the few land-based recreation gear pieces we welcome onboard. Luci can serve as a secondary anchor light, a redundant light system, or be brought to shore for beachside gatherings. We even used Luci as a backup steaming light when we had our mast electrical torn apart but had to motor back to our slip from the boatyard after dark! They come in all sorts of fun colors and styles to choose from now, but the basic light is still perfectly adequate. $29.95 at REI
Once a staple of our camping gear pile, our trusty little Luci is one of the few land-based recreation gear pieces we welcome onboard. Luci can serve as a secondary anchor light, a redundant light system, or be brought to shore for beachside gatherings. We even used Luci as a backup steaming light when we had our mast electrical torn apart but had to motor back to our slip from the boatyard after dark! They come in all sorts of fun colors and styles to choose from now, but the basic light is still perfectly adequate. $29.95 at REI
Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
This headlamp was required kit for our offshore sail training expedition with John Neal. At the time we thought it was a bit pricey but we’ve since learned our lesson. Cheap headlamps fail rapidly when exposed to ocean conditions and often don’t come with a red-light option which is what we use the most. The Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp is still what we use and recommend without exception. And because redundancy is important, we’d purchase two per sailor. $49.95 at REI
This headlamp was required kit for our offshore sail training expedition with John Neal. At the time we thought it was a bit pricey but we’ve since learned our lesson. Cheap headlamps fail rapidly when exposed to ocean conditions and often don’t come with a red-light option which is what we use the most. The Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp is still what we use and recommend without exception. And because redundancy is important, we’d purchase two per sailor. $49.95 at REI
Marine Logbook
Marine Logbook
Every boat needs a good logbook, and we are quite partial to this all-in-one publication. Designed with quality and ease of use in mind, this book is the only one we’ve found that is made to stand up to the elements. The dry-erase pre-departure and pre-arrival checklists are a brilliant innovation that saves paper and keeps things simple (which we love). $59.95-$69.95 at Backstay.ink
Every boat needs a good logbook, and we are quite partial to this all-in-one publication. Designed with quality and ease of use in mind, this book is the only one we’ve found that is made to stand up to the elements. The dry-erase pre-departure and pre-arrival checklists are a brilliant innovation that saves paper and keeps things simple (which we love). $59.95-$69.95 at Backstay.ink
Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Wool Baselayers
Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Wool Baselayers
No matter where you cruise, at some point you’re going to get cold. A rock-solid base layer is the key to staying warm, saving space, and minimizing the need to do laundry. Choose a top and bottom from Smartwool’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer collection and you’ll check all those boxes. These 100% merino wool pieces can be worn for days or weeks (yes, we’ve tested that…) without getting stinky. When you do get around to laundering them, they dry in a snap. Their cozy women's hoodie version is one of Julie's favorites! $115+ per piece at Smartwool but watch for sales
No matter where you cruise, at some point you’re going to get cold. A rock-solid base layer is the key to staying warm, saving space, and minimizing the need to do laundry. Choose a top and bottom from Smartwool’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer collection and you’ll check all those boxes. These 100% merino wool pieces can be worn for days or weeks (yes, we’ve tested that…) without getting stinky. When you do get around to laundering them, they dry in a snap. Their cozy women's hoodie version is one of Julie's favorites! $115+ per piece at Smartwool but watch for sales
Packtowl Personal Towels
Packtowl Personal Towels
Ditching regular towels is a must onboard as they are bulky, not practical for handwashing, and take far too long to dry. Fortunately, there are plenty of colors, shapes, sizes, and designs of quick-dry towels to choose from now. Packtowl brand towels have a hanging clip loop in one corner which makes them a snap (literally) to hang to dry down below or on the lifelines above without needing clothespins. Darker colors and patterns that will hide inevitable stains are preferred. Each sailor should have at least one small and one large towel, plus a couple hand towels for the galley. You can often find these at REI too. Price varies with size at Packtowl.com
Ditching regular towels is a must onboard as they are bulky, not practical for handwashing, and take far too long to dry. Fortunately, there are plenty of colors, shapes, sizes, and designs of quick-dry towels to choose from now. Packtowl brand towels have a hanging clip loop in one corner which makes them a snap (literally) to hang to dry down below or on the lifelines above without needing clothespins. Darker colors and patterns that will hide inevitable stains are preferred. Each sailor should have at least one small and one large towel, plus a couple hand towels for the galley. You can often find these at REI too. Price varies with size at Packtowl.com
Ryobi Quickturn Lithium Ion Cordless ¼” Hex Screwdriver Kit
Ryobi Quickturn Lithium Ion Cordless ¼” Hex Screwdriver Kit
This is hands down one of our favorite tools onboard. We tried every brand's equivalent out there and none compare to the surprisingly robust Ryobi. The quickturn feature turns it into a light duty driver that is incredibly useful. It will help save your wrists and your sanity when you are working in tight spaces and around corners. $24.97 at Ryobi
This is hands down one of our favorite tools onboard. We tried every brand's equivalent out there and none compare to the surprisingly robust Ryobi. The quickturn feature turns it into a light duty driver that is incredibly useful. It will help save your wrists and your sanity when you are working in tight spaces and around corners. $24.97 at Ryobi
Standard Horizon HX890 Floating 6 Watt Class H DSC Handheld VHF/GPS Radio
Standard Horizon HX890 Floating 6 Watt Class H DSC Handheld VHF/GPS Radio
In our opinion, this is the best handheld VHF radio on the market in terms of features, construction, and versatility. It comes with everything you need to charge on AC or DC power plus a battery tray in case you want or need to use standard alkaline batteries. It’s waterproof, has built in GPS, and you can use it to make a distress call or play FM radio. It’s tough, functional, and reasonably priced, making it a great choice for ditch bags and dinghy rides alike. $199 at West Marine
In our opinion, this is the best handheld VHF radio on the market in terms of features, construction, and versatility. It comes with everything you need to charge on AC or DC power plus a battery tray in case you want or need to use standard alkaline batteries. It’s waterproof, has built in GPS, and you can use it to make a distress call or play FM radio. It’s tough, functional, and reasonably priced, making it a great choice for ditch bags and dinghy rides alike. $199 at West Marine
Ocean Fishing Gear
Ocean Fishing Gear
Ocean fishing lures are expensive but essential. Consider contributing to a cruisers’ quiver of lures and you could feed them for years! For pelagic fishes we like big, bright, and colorful. Think pink, purple, blue, and green. If you’re totally unsure or lost, make a trip to any fishing store and ask for local advice. We’ve found that just about everyone is happy to share their “secrets” for catching big fish, especially when you tell them you’re shopping for a gift.
Ocean fishing lures are expensive but essential. Consider contributing to a cruisers’ quiver of lures and you could feed them for years! For pelagic fishes we like big, bright, and colorful. Think pink, purple, blue, and green. If you’re totally unsure or lost, make a trip to any fishing store and ask for local advice. We’ve found that just about everyone is happy to share their “secrets” for catching big fish, especially when you tell them you’re shopping for a gift.
Experiences & Education
Experiences & Education
Pelagic Blue Offshore Sail Training Expedition
Pelagic Blue Offshore Sail Training Expedition
Contributing toward an offshore sail training expedition with us could be the most impactful gift one could give an aspiring cruiser! Our expeditions feature itineraries packed with learning and preparation that provides almost limitless value. While paying for a full expedition might be too much for a gift, a cash contribution earmarked for enrolling would be a truly thoughtful gift that will encourage learning and keep giving for years to come. See sailing schedule
Contributing toward an offshore sail training expedition with us could be the most impactful gift one could give an aspiring cruiser! Our expeditions feature itineraries packed with learning and preparation that provides almost limitless value. While paying for a full expedition might be too much for a gift, a cash contribution earmarked for enrolling would be a truly thoughtful gift that will encourage learning and keep giving for years to come. See sailing schedule
BONUS: Stocking Stuffers
BONUS: Stocking Stuffers
Backpacking Meals
Backpacking Meals
Not just for backpacking! A stash of freeze-dried meals and low-sugar bars constitute our emergency provisions, and in rough conditions, an easy meal with minimal effort. It’s true that everything tastes better at sea and you are less likely to be picky, but trying some of the abundant options out while you’re on land and can identify your favorites is a good idea. Most have lengthy shelf lives so there is no harm in stocking up. Variety is the spice of life so if you are giving these as gifts, a mixture will most certainly be appreciated. Various prices at REI
Not just for backpacking! A stash of freeze-dried meals and low-sugar bars constitute our emergency provisions, and in rough conditions, an easy meal with minimal effort. It’s true that everything tastes better at sea and you are less likely to be picky, but trying some of the abundant options out while you’re on land and can identify your favorites is a good idea. Most have lengthy shelf lives so there is no harm in stocking up. Variety is the spice of life so if you are giving these as gifts, a mixture will most certainly be appreciated. Various prices at REI
Butane Micro Torch
Butane Micro Torch
Another essential tool for cruisers, especially those who plan to do most of their own electrical work…which is pretty much all of us! To sweeten this gift, include a butane refill canister. $45.27 at Amazon
Another essential tool for cruisers, especially those who plan to do most of their own electrical work…which is pretty much all of us! To sweeten this gift, include a butane refill canister. $45.27 at Amazon
If you have questions about any of our suggestions or need help selecting specific gifts, send us an email. We’d love to help you pick great gifts that the cruisers in your life will appreciate and use!
If you have questions about any of our suggestions or need help selecting specific gifts, send us an email. We’d love to help you pick great gifts that the cruisers in your life will appreciate and use!
Please note we are trained, certified professionals. We do not accept commissions of any type from anyone. We only recommend products and services we trust ourselves.
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