Nautical Christmas Gifting - Last Minute Ideas
Finding the Perfect Christmas Gift for Cruise-Lovers
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I hope this article will give you some inspiration for some relevant gifts for seafarers and land-lubbers alike. If I have captured your imagination, you can find more ideas from my curated selection of ideas in my Pick of Cruise & Nautical Gifts and for smaller items check out my Nautical-but-nice Stocking Fillers.
As a cruise lover my most favourite gift has been a beautiful limited edition Butler & Wilson Bon Voyage brooch (no-longer available so I can’t provide you with a link for this one - although occasionally one turns up on ebay).
It got me thinking about gifts that I, and other like-minded friends, would really like to receive from Santa. So I’ve done the legwork for you and have compiled an “Advent” list of 24 Nautical themed gifts to inspire you.
In the spirit of transparency, you should know that if you decide to click on a link and end up purchasing an item, I will get a tiny commission (at no cost to you). This is new for me, but I’ve decided to do this in order to save up to give my huge brood of grandchildren on a treat. So think of it as a Christmas gift to me (and them). Thank you x
Adult Nautical Gifts
Here’s a nautical-themed advent gift list with 24 creative ideas, perfect for ocean enthusiasts (contains affiliate links):
Functional and Decorative
1🧑🎄 Sailor Knot Bracelet – Handmade rope bracelets in maritime colours. This one looks quite cute and very nautical.
Example of a Ship in a Bottle. Image: Unsplash
2🧑🎄 Ship in a Bottle – A classic decorative piece which can now also be found in more contemporary versions.
3🧑🎄 Ocean Scented Candle or Diffuser – Bring the sea breeze indoors - I like the Yankee Candle Ocean Air but most brands will have a sea-inspired option - check out John Lewis, Marks & Spencer or The White Company for more luxurious alternatives.
4 🧑🎄 Nautical-Themed Tote Bag – A stylish bag is always a welcome gift. Lots of options from traditional nautical designs to more fun, novelty versions.
Clothing and Accessories
5🧑🎄 Striped Breton Top or Jumper –Timeless sailor-style apparel - check out stores like Seasalt or Crew Clothing for seasonal options.
6🧑🎄 Anchor Socks – Fun socks adorned with anchors or ship patterns - see my favourite picks here
7🧑🎄Mariner Hat – A lightweight sailor’s cap, beanie. Or baseball cap.
You can never go wrong with jewellery - selection of nautical-inspired
8🧑🎄 Ocean-Themed Jewellery – A subtle accessory with ocean vibes is always popular. Whether it’s earrings, a bracelet or a beautiful necklace like this compass point pendant I’ve just added to my own Christmas list. Another option, especially if the recipient has a Pandora or similar bracelet is a beautiful charm. I love this cute cruise ship charm from Pandora.
9🧑🎄 Beach Sarong or Scarf – Ideal for a day by the sea.
For the Home
10🧑🎄Wooden Anchor Wall Art – Rustic or painted designs for home décor.
11🧑🎄 Coffee Table Book - Everyone loves a big, glossy book to make an statement and impress their guests and this one is perfect for sea lovers - “The Ocean - The Ultimate Handbook of Nautical Knowledge”. It contains over 200 beautiful illustration and has great reviews. Other suggestions can be found on
12🧑🎄 Marine-Themed Mug – Featuring whales, ships, or sea quotes. This one made me laugh!
13🧑🎄 Beach or nautical themed cushions - This set of four, reversible cushions would look great in a coastal themed room. Although my decor scheme is neutral, I’m planning on decorating my study to remind me of the ocean and these will have a place I think.
14🧑🎄 Photo Frame – A frame decorated with real or faux shells or nautical emblems.
Adventure and Fun
15🧑🎄 Binoculars – Compact binoculars for birdwatching or ship spotting. This pair is compact, yet waterproof and powerful.
16🧑🎄 Nautical Puzzle – A jigsaw puzzle featuring lighthouses, sailboats or best of all a cruise ship. This is a very popular 3D Titanic puzzle with great reviews
17🧑🎄 Logbook or Travel Journal – For recording maritime adventures.
18🧑🎄 Maritime/Travel themed Board Game – Such as Catan: Seafarers or The World Game (Geography Card game).
19🧑🎄 A Set of Nautical Wine Glass Charms - my daughter bought me these for my birthday and we use them all the time. This set includes a Boat, Lighthouse, Dolphins, Compass, Anchor and a Ship's Wheel (The Helm) charms in a gift box.
20🧑🎄 Sailing Experience Voucher – For the sailor who has everything how about the Ultimate Experience Voucher which is valid for two years and can be redeemed for a range of exciting adventures including sailing.
Children’s Gifts
21🧑🎄Peppa Pig Cruise Ship - I have bought this for three of my grandchildren so far and they love it. My 13 year old grandaughter declined it however - she’d rather have the real thing apparently.
22🧑🎄 Top Trumps - Ships - Kids love top Trump card, and this version teaches facts about world famous ships.
23🧑🎄 Barbie Dream Boat - This was Barbie’s year, and this building toy includes includes 317 blocks, 3 dolls and accessories to make Barbie & Ken’s very own private cruise island.
24🧑🎄 Lights & Music Transparent Ship - Younger children will love this engaging, interactive toy. It changes direction, lights up, plays music and helps develop motor-skills.
