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As the holidays roll around each year, our non-boating friends and family always complain that they don’t know what gifts to give us for Christmas. We’ve continuously drilled it in their heads that space is precious on our boat, so frivolous toys are out of the question.
Every year, I tell people if they absolutely insist on giving us something, then a West Marine gift card is always appreciated, but our friends roll their eyes and say, “that’s not a fun gift!” Huh. Obviously they’ve never been given a chance to shop at West Marine on someone else’s dime. 😉
Practical gifts are great, but indeed, sometimes they aren’t as fun as something we’d never buy for ourselves. But lucky for you, we’ve put together a list of practical (and fun) gifts that you can give a boater — or if you are a boater, that you can put on your Christmas wish list!
Christmas Gifts for Boaters
3-in-1 Breakfast Station
This is a super hot ticket item this season, for boaters and non-boaters alike. Save time and power by multi-tasking your breakfast-making! Bake muffins, fry up some eggs and bacon, and have a cup of coffee while you wait.
Cleanup is a cinch (seriously, just remove the griddle and oven tray to wash). It’s not too big – in fact, it’s probably about the same size as most boat microwaves, but it can do even more. Not to mention how great it looks. Like we talked about in our last post, it’s fun to add elements of style that aren’t necessarily “nautical” to your boat decor. It’s unexpected, and adds some flair.
At just $70 plus free shipping, this breakfast station is one of our top wish list items. Get it here.
Quilted Wall Pocket Organizer
This quilted wall organizer is great for tucking things away so they are out of place, but still within easy reach.
I’ve got one hanging on the wall inside my closet, and I store my jewelry in the pockets. You can also hang it in the saloon, or in your v-berth, where you can tuck your glasses away at night, or keep a small reading light there, so it’s always within reach for those nights you’re reading in bed.
And the environmentalist in me loves that these are made from recycled materials left over from our quilts.
Dish Drying Mat (or what I use it for)
I can’t tell you how much I love these mats. They are soft and squishy (foam interior, with microfiber exterior), which keeps your wine glasses safe (because, priorities), and they absorb 4 times their weight in water.
I have two – one which I use for dishes, and the other, I use on the side deck of our boat, at our gate. It actually makes the perfect mat for our dog. The bottom kind of “grips” the deck, and it helps keep his feet from sliding out from under him when he jumps on or off the boat. Not to mention that it catches some of the mud and dirt from his paws, keeping most of it off the decks. When it gets dirty, I just rinse it, ring it out, and let it dry in the sun.
And these are CHEAP – at only $4.99, you can put them on your wish list and not feel guilty about it. They come in plain colors, too. Check ’em out!
Magma 7-Piece Nesting Pots
If you cook on your boat, these Magma nesting pots are a must-have. First, they take up just 1/2 foot of cubic space. Made from stainless steel, with triple clad bottoms, they can be used on the stove top or in the oven, all interchangeably. If you’re using as a saucepan, just clip on the handle.
You get all the quality of a Magma product, and it’s the perfect addition to any galley.
What’s on your wish list?
These are just a few ideas. We’ve got tons more great gift ideas – check out some other cool ideas we have in our store.
What’s on your wish list this year? What’s the best gift you’ve been given as a boater? Let us know in the comments.
