INEXPENSIVE IDEAS FOR HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR YOUR BOATER
Well, its November 13, 2014 and time is flying by. I get asked about ideas for useful, low cost gifts for stocking stuffers or holiday gifts for the boaters.
Luckily, there is a huge selection available.
Here are some of my favorites from the past and they continue to prove their worth.
Brass Bulkhead Bottle Opener
A polished brass bottle opener is handy for use on the boat (if you have a good place to mount it) or at home for use at a nautical themed bar.
Seateak Quick Grip Handle
This suction handle is definitely “handy” on a boat with many uses… its great for steadying yourself to clean a boat hull while anchored out, and it also works great for an extra boarding handle that you can easily attach anywhere on a fiberglass boat for extra support boarding. For only $15 at West Marine it is a very useful gift for any boater!
LifeProof Case for iPhone
If you have an iPhone 4, 4s and use it on a boat, then its a smart thing to have a waterproof case for your smart phone. The LifeProof Case is available on Amazon and protects your phone against shock, dust and water – you can even go swimming with it! (I’ve seen several boaters accidentially jump in the water with their iPhone still in their pocket!) It also comes in 8 cool colors. If you upgraded to an iPhone 5, they also make a Lifeproof Case for iPhone 5 for $80 in a variety of colors too.
Speedtech Instruments Skymate Wind Meter
A great little gadget for boaters, paddlers, hang gliders or other outdoor sport enthusiasts, you can get wind speed and temperature readings on the LED display of this wind meter that includes a lanyard and lithium battery.
Lewmar's Delta Anchor
A mini version of the popular Lewmar’s Delta Anchor in a stainless steel bottle opener. An inexpensive and fun gift for a boater available at West Marine
Davis Instruments Key Buoy
This key buoy is WAY cooler than the ugly foam floaties they give away at the local beer store. If your keys fall in the water it inflates a 14″ bright orange marker tube that extends out of the water for easy pick-up. You may want to pick up a few if you have 2 engine keys on-board. .
Hides H2O Floating Eyewear Retainer and Case
H2O eyewear retainers are more than just sunglass straps… they are made of high buoyancy neoprene tubing and fit securely in place on your sunglass frame. Best of all if you drop them in the water they float! Available in several different colors