Boaters can be notoriously hard to shop for, especially if they already seem to have all the gear they need. This year’s BoatUS Magazine holiday gift guide includes more than 20 practical, clever, and just-for-fun ideas for boaters, from useful onboard gadgets and safety gear to personalized picks and stocking stuffers.
Your Boat, Illustrated By Hand
$69 for illustration; product/apparel prices vary
We’re all proud of our boats, so why not put them on a shirt? Or a hat, or a coffee mug, or a … you get the point. Custom Captain artists can create an original, hand-drawn digital illustration of your boat in either full color or a black-and-white line style, then print that illustration on almost anything you’d like. Art is proofed and revised until you’re satisfied, and there’s no minimum quantity for orders.
Perfect For Tight Spaces
$69.99
Sockets are great, unless the space is too small or you’re threading a nut onto a long bolt — situations all too common on boats! Set aside the crescent wrench and try a KNECT socket set from Klein Tools. The pass-through design allows it to fit into tighter spaces and thread down the whole bolt. The MODbox case stacks and clips into other Klein Tools MODboxes.
A Portable Washdown Solution
$239.99
There are lots of uses for Taylor Made’s Power Pro Max Portable Pressure Washer, powered by a 40V rechargeable battery. No raw-water washdown at the bow? Use this to get the muck off the anchor. Guest spilled red wine on the cockpit cushion? No need to let it soak in while you get back to the dock. And if you’re on a mooring, far from easy washdown access? Use this to spray down the whole deck! Pressure is weaker than a true gas-powered version (which is often a good thing on boats) but stronger than a regular hose. Plus, it deconstructs for compact storage. One rechargeable battery lasts 26 minutes on max power.
Add More Vertical Storage
$99
Towels, swimsuits, foul weather gear and nowhere to hang them? If your boat could benefit from a bit more vertical storage, check out SeaSucker’s Hook Rack. The manufacturer claims that its 6-inch vacuum mount adheres to any smooth, rigid surface, and is rated to support up to 210 pounds. No need to drill any holes — simply move it somewhere else if you change your mind.
Rechargeable, Waterproof Headlamp
$64.95
Headlamps are invaluable aboard, but most run on disposable batteries that die when you need them most and don’t have replacements. Petzl is a well-respected manufacturer of headlamps for all sorts of adventures, and its Aria 1R RGB stands out because it runs off either a rechargeable battery or disposables. It’s also IP67 waterproof and can shine white, red, green, or blue.
Much More Than Just A Cooler
$99.99
The Igloo Marine 20-quart Cooler Bucket is more than just a cooler or a bucket; it’s also a beach seat and storage caddy for tackle or other bits and bobs. Holds up to 24 cans and includes a removable tray to keep food out of the ice, as well as two rod holders with four position slots and a variety of pockets and webbing.
Über-Absorbent Microfiber Beach Towel
2 for $39
You can never have enough towels aboard, and these Tuko microfiber towels from Mission Outdoor are specially designed for boats and beaches. They’re extra absorbent, pack small, and have dedicated straps sewn in for storage and hanging.
Multipurpose Seafood Bowl Supports Oyster Restoration
$65
Whether it’s chilled oysters on the half shell or freshly steamed crab legs, this stylish stainless steel serving bowl from Toadfish can do it all. The two-layer design with vents allows melted ice to drain away into the lower bowl — or flip it into a cover to keep hot meals warm while allowing condensation to escape. A portion of all Toadfish sales support oyster restoration efforts.
Back-To-Basics Float
$99
The size, variety, and price of inflatable toys have exploded in recent years. If the giant floating bars and 20-person lounges are a bit much for you, try this simple floating SunChair from Sunchill instead. Made from durable PVC with a pleasing “carbon wave” texture, they inflate quickly, store small, and add little fuss to your pre-swim routine.
Stretchable, Flexible Sun Protection
7 ft by 7 ft Neso Shade: $120; Boat Conversion Kit: $85
Temporary shades are notoriously obnoxious to set up and store, but the Neso is surprisingly simple due to its extremely stretchy, UPF 50+ nylon Lycra material. Although originally conceived as a beach shade, the Boat Conversion Kit provides some extra poles, straps, and suction cups that can be creatively arranged to set up the Neso shade aboard most boats in lieu of the traditional stakes and sandbags for the beach. It all stores down into two compact bags.
Rugged Totes & Coolers
30L Tote: $180, Cooler Cube: $80
For toting gear aboard, to the beach, or along on any adventure, check out Rux’s collection of rugged waterproof bags. The tote is particularly clever because the waterproof roll-top folds cleanly inside the tote when not needed, without occupying storage space in the bag itself or getting in the way. The insulated soft Cooler Cube is the perfect size for six canned beverages or a few sandwiches and snacks.
A Hoodie Made For The Water
$99
On an early morning run to fishing grounds or a chilly evening at anchor, it’s only natural to reach for a cozy hoodie. But cotton hoodies are underwhelming: They absorb water, sweat, and smells. The Headmaster III Performance Pullover from Dark Seas, however, is made for the water. Its synthetic material blend is quick-drying, moisture-wicking, antimicrobial, and stretchy, while still being cozy.
UPF 50+ Sun-Protective Bottoms
$99
Most boaters have a vast collection of sun-protective tops and hats, but what about bottoms? The Petra Women’s Wide Leg Pant is not only UPF 50+ but also incredibly lightweight for those hot, still days. They come in a variety of attractive colors and patterns. Coolibar also makes a variety of other sun-protective clothing for men, women, and children.
Eco-Conscious Eyewear Repurposes Old Fishing Nets
$248
Commercial fishing nets are one of the most abundant and problematic forms of plastic debris littering our oceans. But Costa has found a creative way to repurpose some of that waste — by repurposing it into the frames for its new Untangled sunglasses collection. Purchases support the collection and recycling of discarded fishing nets. Variety of colors and styles available for both men and women.
Coast Guard-Approved PFDs Kids Will Want To Wear
$88
Who says you can’t be safe and stylish on the water? These Coast Guard-approved children’s life jackets from Line & Cleat come in a variety of beautiful color palettes, with sizes ranging from infant to children under 90 pounds (plus a few options for furry first mates). The best life jacket is the one your kids actually want to wear!
Smart Tags Offer Peace Of Mind
$499.99
What’s a better gift than peace of mind? Garmin’s OnBoard wireless MOB and engine cutoff system replaces cumbersome physical ECOS lanyards but also triggers an alarm and tracks crew overboard on an MFD. The “black box” component is installed as part of a NMEA2000 network. The tags can be worn as a bracelet or attached to a life jacket or person and can be designated as either “captain” (which activates the engine cutoff feature) or “passenger,” which doesn’t activate engine cutoff but does trigger an alarm and MOB tracking. Kit includes black box and one tag.
Visibility – And Safety –Restored
$109.99
Do you know a vertically challenged boater? Or perhaps it’s not even the skipper’s height that’s the issue; some boats just have poor sight lines or less-than-comfortable helm seats. Don’t think of the Bolster Buddy as a booster seat, but as a versatile cushion that can improve visibility (and therefore safety), as well as serve as back support or a headrest while lounging. Comes in multiple sizes and colors.
The Marriage Savers!
$385/pair
I’ll admit I thought these Bluetooth communication headsets were silly at first (and I certainly felt silly wearing one). But the first time my husband and I used these while docking, my mind was immediately changed. Although they don’t replace good communication or foolproof hand signals, they are especially useful when bringing guests aboard who may not quite understand the importance of pausing conversation during critical maneuvers.
A Save-The-Day Backup
$15.49
Know a boater who always forgets the drain plug at home? This clever key chain makes an excellent stocking stuffer that serves as both a reminder and a backup. Maybe go ahead and get two.
Show Your Spirit
$10–$25
Is your gift recipient already a BoatU.S. member? Help them show off their spirit with branded caps and visors, cushions, flags, totes, tumblers, and even a pet leash.
The Perfect Gift For EVERY Boater
Basic membership: $25; Towing Membership: $130–$215
Ran out of time to go to the store? Gift a BoatU.S. Membership! Members save at more than 1,200 local and national businesses, receive a full year of expert advice, news, and entertainment from BoatUS Magazine; free MMSI registration; and more. Upgrade to a Towing Membership for 24/7 on-water assistance from TowBoatU.S., the largest and best Shop BoatUS Membership Options
Products were independently selected by BoatUS Magazine editors. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Published: October 2026
BoatU.S. Magazine Associate Editor
Following a childhood filled with varnish and Chesapeake Bay brine, at 20 Kelsey refit her own sailboat top to bottom, then skippered the 30-footer down the ICW. She’s been an instructor on boats up to 100 feet, has won several awards from Boating Writers International, judged the NMMA Innovation Awards, and holds her 25-ton Master’s license. Kelsey brings her on-water and environmental experience to the magazine’s news, personality, lifestyle, and product coverage. She and her husband sail a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45.2 in New England.