Gifts for Open-Water Swimmers
The nicest swimming gift may be the item that makes the changing room, shoreline or journey home less awkward. Ask where they swim, how they travel and which kit they already trust. This shortlist concentrates on personal comfort and organisation around a swim; it does not treat extra equipment as a substitute for the swimmer’s own safety decisions.
Ideas prepared by WantThis
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How we chose these gifts
These are editorial ideas, not tested products. “Plan up to” is a suggested spending allowance, not a retailer price or a promise that every version costs that amount. Check the exact fit, current price and delivery before buying.
What makes a good pick
- Ask about their usual venue and changing facilities before choosing a large robe.
- Check materials, sizing and care instructions for anything worn against skin.
- Leave goggles, wetsuits and specialist safety equipment to their stated preferences.
The ideas
- 1
An easy-to-pack changing towel
Plan up to £30A good fit for: Swimmers travelling by bus, bike or train
A towel that fits their regular bag is more useful than a luxurious one that stays at home. Compare packed size with drying feel and give them a colour they can recognise quickly among other swimmers’ belongings.
Before you buy: Very compact towels feel different from cotton; check their preference.
- 2
A wet-and-dry kit organiser
Plan up to £25A good fit for: Someone whose goggles and clothes share one bag
Separate compartments keep the post-swim packing routine simple and give small accessories an obvious home. Choose a bag that opens wide enough to rinse and dry, rather than one with many inaccessible pockets.
Before you buy: It should be unpacked after each trip; sealed wet storage is for transport.
- 3
A wide-opening insulated flask
Plan up to £35A good fit for: Swimmers who enjoy a drink after changing
A familiar drink is an uncomplicated part of the social routine after a swim. Look for a lid they can handle comfortably and an opening that is easy to clean, especially if they take milky drinks.
Before you buy: Check leak resistance and cleaning instructions; a flask is not emergency equipment.
- 4
A sit-on changing mat
Plan up to £25A good fit for: Venues without a clean bench or dry floor
A small washable mat creates a predictable place for feet or a bag during the change. It is particularly useful where sand, gravel or muddy grass make it difficult to keep the rest of the kit tidy.
Before you buy: Check whether they need insulation, padding or simply a washable surface.
- 5
A goggles case
Plan up to £15A good fit for: A swimmer who already has a favourite pair
A protective case gives the existing goggles somewhere to live between sessions and can stop them being crushed under shoes. Match the interior size to the actual goggles rather than choosing a case by appearance.
Before you buy: Do not add cleaning chemicals or coatings unless the goggles maker recommends them.
- 6
A swim journal with a weatherproof cover
Plan up to £20A good fit for: Swimmers who enjoy recording places and companions
A small journal can hold memories, route notes and the names of people they swam with. Choose a simple layout with space for their own observations rather than a training template that assumes competitive goals.
Before you buy: Keep any printed prompts optional; personal notes do not establish that conditions are safe.
Save your favourites
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Create your free listFAQs
Is a changing robe always the best gift?
Only if they have room to carry and dry it. A compact towel or changing mat can suit a public-transport swimmer better than a large coat.
Should I choose goggles for them?
Fit and lens preference are personal. Buy their exact requested pair or choose a case for the pair they already use.
Spotted a changed price or specification? Tell us which product needs a correction.