We’ve started thinking about Christmas gifts, and as we’re keen swimmers, surfers and sea lovers most of our friends and family are too. And we’re finding it’s a difficult challenge… In our humble opinion Christmas can be a problematic time–lots of pressure for over-consumption, and a battle to remember what really matters to us; the people and places we love, and not necessarily new ‘stuff’. So, if you’re wanting to buy some gifts, here are some things we’ve found that should make a special someone happy, have a smaller impact on the planet, and in some way, help our oceans too. Welcome to our guide to sustainable gifts for swimmers, surfers and all other sea-loving creatures!
We’ve gone ultra-local for some of these (from our Brighton, UK perspective) so use this for inspiration and see what you can get from your local owner-managed stores and creators!
Gifts for sea lovers and dog walkers
Taking a stroll along the beach with your doggo? Here’s some essential gear to stay toasty and warm
Recycled jumper, Surfers against Sewage
We love the work that Surfers Against Sewage do, we support and commit time to help their campaigns and causes.
This jumper is great–it’s made with recycled materials and helps support the SAS campaign!
Finisterre RNLI socks
Toastie warm toes in the winter months are a dead cert with these Finisterre X RNLI boot socks.
Made from a super soft and durable wool blend. Perfect inside a walking boot or a wellie… If you’re gonna give socks as a gift, these are the ones!
10% of every sale will go to support the vital work of the RNLI.
‘Salty Seabirds’ wooly hat
Salty seabirds are a local Brighton charity group of swimmers that regularly jump in the sea all-year-round. They know a thing or two about keeping warm.
So if your significant other likes walking the pooch on a wind-swept beach or even taking a dip in the winter waters, this bobble will keep the heat in!
Sustainable gifts for swimmers, surfers or paddle-boarders
Need to find a gift for the water-sport lover in your life? Here’s some ideas for eco-friendly and useful gifts.
Patagonia Yulex booties
We’re fanatical about materials and theses booties are great. Made from recycled materials and natural rubber (unlike the much more problematic Neoprene) these are 7mm thick and will keep toes toasty in 0C waters
So if 2h in the surf in February is their idea of fun (yes it is), these are going to go down well. On our Wishlist too!
Tidey Tide clock
Of course we would recommend this! Tidey tide clock makes a super gift for the sea-lover in your life. It gives a unique view of the tide at their favourite beach and is made from sustainable materials.
So if they need to know when to go, Tidey can keep them up to date with comings and goings of the sea.
Huski recycled travel cup
Wheter they are waitng on the beach for you to come out, or are shivering on the sand after a chilly dip, these recycled cups are perfect for a post-swim cuppa.
These ones are from our local refill store legends Harriets of Hove.
Eco surf wax, from Green stuff
Small batch, sustainably made from beeswax in Cornwall, this stuff grips. Their feet (ahem boots) won’t be slipping about on their surfboard when those winter swells are a pumping.
A perfect stocking filler, and not filled with petrochemical nasties either.
gifts and goodies for sea lovers
Want to get a gift that lasts and is good for the environment?
Sussex Seabed Restoration Project
Sussex Seabed Restoration Project is a Community Interest Company that wants to deliver on a long-term Kelp restoration project that will create awareness across Sussex, and restore the coastal environment to it’s former natural beauty.
We think a gift donation to their crowd funder would go down a treat!
Any artwork from Finn Hopson
Whether you swim around these buoys on a Sunday morning, or just watch them bob from afar. Finn Hobson is a photographer that truly captures the beauty of the sea.
We love Finn’s work, and think one of his beautiful artworks would make a stunning gift.
Sea swim maps
These locally-printed sea swim maps have it all. They show local swim spots as well as dangers (Riptides, Currents, Deep Water), Access Difficulty, Spot Type (Sandy Beach, Rocks, Pier, etc.), Lifeguard Presence and Blue Flag status.
If they love to get in the sea, or just visit beautiful new places, one of these maps would be a real treat.
Note: we don’t have any affiliation with any of these lovely brands, they didn’t pay us to do this and we also are not responsible for content or things on external sites.