Here’s our list of the best Christmas gifts for swimmers in 2021. It’s a mix of useful gear and fun literature that will make them smile!
Perhaps the pick of the bunch is Lido by Christopher Beanland. An enchanting book… [a] wonderful paean This irresistible book explores the lido’s history and their current flourishing culture across Britain. Guardian Bookshop have it for £20, while Amazon are doing it for a mere £10.57. This makes it an extremely budget-friendly option for those that love swimming outdoors! For those who want a more shelf-friendly collectible version, a hardback edition is on sale for £67.50 on Amazon. Colin Hill, a swimming enthusiast, expressed his admiration for the book, stating, “Every year I look forward to artist Nancy Farmer’s calendar; her amazing observation catches the beauty and sometimes absurdity of swimming outdoors.”
Besides books, useful gifts are great options. The Wild Moose hot-water bottle, retailing at £12, will keep you warm on the coldest of days. This snug accessory is an essential for aquatic athletes who have to deal with wintry weather before and after a swim.
If you have toddlers, you can’t do without the Happy Nappy Baby Reusable Swim Nappy from Splash About. It’s an indispensable resource for all things walking at only £7.99! As Alex Dearlove noted, “Swimming pools on holiday can run cold for little ones. These are great for keeping them warm without being too bulky, and they are UPF50+.”
Swim accessories make up a surprise second place, leading our list of swim-versatile gear. Swimscarf swimming cap from £16, Swimscarf This premium swim cap claims to be the only one that gets your hair truly dry – while looking pretty cool. Katrice Rodrigues praised its versatility: “It fits all heads, hair lengths and types, keeps it dry, and comes in several fabulous colours.”
If you’re passionate about training, you will experience the intense training benefits from the Swim Path Aqua Speed Training Fins. They build your kicking power and sharpen your form. The fins come in blue as well, appealing to recreational swimmers seeking to train harder and swim faster.
The Finisterre Women’s Kaia 2mm Yulex Long Sleeve Swimsuit allows female swimmers to stay warm on winter swims. Ideal for users looking to keep warm in chillier waters. A stylish and functional one-piece, this swimsuit will keep you toasty when the waters are a bit cold.
Swimmers can be happiest with smart grooming cosmetics. Shop the TRESemmé Deep Smoothing Mask Keratin Smooth at Boots for only £4.25. This mask takes the cake for reviving hair that’s suffered from chlorine exposure. Alicja Jasnikowska shared her experience, saying, “Swimming three times a week dries out your hair, so I use this Tresemmé conditioning mask in place of a regular conditioner.”
If you’re looking to add some aerodynamic summer jewelry to your swimsuits, meet the Aliita NADADORA COMPLETO BLACK NECKLACE. View it for €420 (about £370) from Aliita, or £155 from Finisterre. Beyond its practical function, this chic necklace makes a trendy statement piece that integrates perfectly into any swim collection.
For those who enjoy outdoor adventures beyond swimming, two notable books are available: Sea Pools by Chris Romer-Lee, which is priced at £25 at both the Guardian Bookshop and Waterstones. This beautiful book by photographer and writer Julie Davidson invites her readers to discover the breathtaking beauty of the UK’s natural swimming spots.
Lastly, meaningful gifts can include original pieces such as mugs to honor the culture of swimming. Colin Hill mentioned his enjoyment of giving swimming-themed mugs as gifts, stating, “I’ve given these lovely mugs to a few swim friends.”
In addition to these gift ideas, Bonnie Tsui highlighted a practical item for outdoor swimmers: “I love the RinseKit, a portable shower that you can fill with hot water and stow in the back of your car.” This simple, elegant solution provides a comfortable way for swimmers to wash off between laps in not-so-swimmable weather.
Safety remains a priority for early morning swimmers as GP Clare Taylor emphasized the importance of visibility. “Waterproof lights to attach to your goggle strap, so you’re visible in the early mornings before the sun is fully up.”
As this festive season draws near, these carefully curated gifts not only cater to swimmers’ practical needs but celebrate their passion for aquatic pursuits. Snuggle up with a new favorite read for the ideal holiday gift! If you’re interested in more active pursuits, putting your money towards Swim Basics essentials is another great choice!