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Updated on Mar 29, 2022, 6:56 AM PST.
When it comes to holiday gift shopping, we’ve got some refreshing news for you: That special standup paddle boarder in your life might just be the easiest person to shop for on your Christmas list!
If you’re looking for some inspiration to help you find the perfect gift for your loved one, friend, or relative, our ultimate SUP holiday gift guide is packed with 30 of the best gift ideas for Christmas 2021.
You’ll be sure to knock their aqua socks off when you treat them to one of these thoughtful gifts this holiday season. All these hand-picked, paddler-approved gift ideas in our SUP gift guide will be sure to make their paddle boarding adventures more seamless, and their days out on the waves extra enjoyable.
Whether your favorite SUP fanatic is a beginner and needs to get kitted out with their first pieces of essential gear - or you’re shopping for an experienced paddler who seems to have everything - this SUP holiday gift guide has all the things on their wishlist you could ever need to surprise and delight them.
So, let’s paddle out, get that holiday spirit going, and bag your favorite paddler the perfect gift this Christmas.
Here’s our holiday gift guide with the Top 30 SUP Gifts to get this year:
Give the gift of seamless setup, and help your iSUP paddler get out there faster with an electric paddle board pump. They’ll be able to save their energy for the good stuff — the actual paddling!- and leave the inflating & deflating to the pump.
The GILI Electric Paddle Board Pump fits all paddle boards with a Halkey-Roberts valve, inflates to the perfect PSI in minutes, and even deflates their board post-paddle. It’s the must-have accessory if you or a loved one owns an iSUP.
Even though they’re a paddling necessity, not all ankle leashes are created equal. Upgrade old, uncomfortable tethers that drag in the water and get tangled up and treat paddlers to the cleverly-designed and ultra-comfy GILI 8’ Paddle Board Coiled Ankle Leash.
This coiled leash keeps itself out of the water for minimal drag, and the accompanied double swivel keeps paddling tangle-free. Even the most seasoned paddler will be over the moon when they pull this gem out of their stocking.
Paddling can be thirsty work, and finding the right cooler bag to keep drinks chilled and securely on the board is a must. This GILI Paddle Board Deck Cooler Bag is a super-thoughtful gift for every paddleboarder.
Bringing gear along for a paddling adventure can be a cluttered headache or force you to leave items behind that you otherwise would have brought along. The GILI SUP Deck Bag is not only a compact, convenient option, but it's also designed specifically for paddleboards.
Keeping your loved ones safe and comfy on their paddling adventures needn’t be a trade-off when they’re wearing a life jacket that’s specially designed with paddlers in mind. The Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest gets our seal of approval, checking all the boxes for low-profile, sculpted comfort and maximum flotation.
Safety is paramount when paddling, and although they may not look cool, they’re a crucial gift for any paddler on your list. If they already have a life jacket, give them they upgrade they deserve.
Let your family member or friend keep an eye on the time, stay in touch, chart their fitness stats and keep the tunes playing every single paddle, with a clever waterproof smartwatch. We love the YAMAY SmartWatch, as it’s compatible with all our favorite fitness apps and provides hassle-free access to most of the functions on our smart phone.
Paddle boarding is extremely enthralling, so if somewhere along the way the watch manages to slip off, the price point won’t make it sting too bad. It’s also a great alternative to your loved one risking bringing their phone on their adventures.
If your significant paddler loves paddle board fishing, SUP yoga, or just wants to hit the pause button to lay back and watch the world go by, this GILI Kayak and Paddle Board Anchor Kit will help them to stay in one place.
It’s easy to forget that paddle boarding provides no shade from the sun for the most part, so taking frequent breaks to cool off is crucial. Getting the Gili Anchor Kit will be a much-used and appreciated gift for every open water paddler.
Every epic SUP adventure deserves to be captured and shared! Even if you can’t join them on every paddle this holiday season, you can relive the action in eye-popping 5K clarity on the GoPro HERO9 Black Waterproof Action Camera. It’s tough as nails and completely waterproof down to 33ft.
GoPros have become a thing of legend when it comes to capturing incredible moments that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible. Give the gift of permanent memories that don’t look like a messy blur.
Don’t forget to grab the necessary attachments to turn any SUP into a floating film set. GILI’s GoPro Paddle Board Mount is specially designed to get wet and still stay put, attaching itself as a sturdy platform for video capture success.
Once the mount is firmly secured, the rust-proof threaded GILI Action Camera GoPro Adaptor attaches any GoPro in seconds.
Moisture-wicking, UV-protective, flexible activewear is a must for every standup paddleboarder. Dive right in with careless abandon when wearing the following gear, they’re all comfortable and functional both in and out of the waves.
A loose-fitting, comfortable shirt made using reprieve recycled materials.
Comfortable and stylish shorts made from plastic bottles.
A sweat-wicking tank with a built-in bra.
High-waisted super-elastic leggings perfect for the SUP yogi.
Don’t forget to top off your SUP gear with a visor to keep the sun away — the black undervisor layer on the Headsweats Supervisor reduces glare off the water’s surface and makes for smooth sailing.
For more of our tried-and-tested paddle board clothing recommendations, check out our SUP Clothing: What to Wear guide to discover more paddle boarding clothing and accessories.
Keeping your smart phone both dry and functional is entirely possible with the GILI Waterproof Phone Case. With clear, touch-screen compatible panels (front and back,) your favorite paddler will be able to take plenty of photos and use their phone even with wet fingers.
The beloved paddler in your life will appreciate a gift that allows them to capture their best memories on their phone without having to worry about watching it accidentally sink into a dark abyss, never to be seen again.
Water sports require a special breed of speakers, mainly because it’s not a question of “if” your speaker will take a dip in the water, but rather “when”! Finding a genuine waterproof speaker that sounds good and that will stand up to a trip on a paddle board (rather than just drips of sweat at the gym) was a challenge, so we created the GILI Waterproof Bluetooth Paddle Board Speaker.
These reasonably priced, IPX7-rated headphones withstand mostly anything you throw at it and hook securely onto your ears to stay put on even the most athletic paddle.
While we’re on the topic of accidentally dropping things in the water, we’d be remiss not to mention this little-thought-of, yet stylish holiday gift. Floaties for your tech, like these high-visibility Ringke Floating Straps, provides an overall insurance policy against watching your phone, camera, GoPro, or keys descending into the depths.
Adding this to lighter yet important SUP gear could be the difference between a memorable adventure and a disappointing day. Add this to your favorite paddler’s gift basket for a little extra security.
A carbon paddle will revolutionize even the most expert paddler’s experience. The ergonomic, adjustable GILI Carbon Fiber SUP Paddle is sure to be a favorite holiday gift this season.
It reduces fatigue thanks to its light 29oz weight, breaks down for easy travel and storage, and features advanced design details to maximize efficiency with each stroke.
Or, just let them choose — you won’t have to worry about getting it wrong this way!
Any discerning paddle boarder will think all their Christmases have come at once when you grab them a GILI Sports Gift Card.
Peace of mind is the perfect gift, and a quality dry bag keeps all your favorite paddler’s essentials dry. The GILI Waterproof Dry Bag has all the bells and whistles you would expect from a high-quality dry bag.
This SUP dry bag features an ideal 15L capacity, a removable shoulder strap, small zippered pocket, and many anchor points to attach it to the board. Plus, it’s available in multiple colors.
The days of sun protection whilst still looking stylish are officially upon us. Rash guard designs have come a long way in the last few years and are actually quite trendy. Gift the SUP lover in your life one of these rashies to keep harmful UV rays at bay.
Check out the Aqua Design Rash Guard for the lady paddlers in your life.
These stylish women’s rashies come with upgraded design details like thumb holes, zippered collars, and colorful prints.
The TSLA Long Sleeve Rash Guard fits like a glove for all the fellas on your list.
This breathable, moisture-shedding rash guard comes in 45 different colors & designs to suit any paddle boarder’s style.
Adventurous paddle boarders can hop straight from paddling to exploring ocean caves and rock pools in these nifty and versatile VIFUUR Quick-Dry Water Shoes.
The range of colors and crazy designs of these aquatic slippers needs to be seen to be believed. And at this excellent price point, the lucky paddler on your gift shopping list might want one in every color! To learn more on what to look for in the ideal pair of aquatic shoes and to discover our staff picks for the hottest contenders, check out our article: Top 22 Water Shoes.
For an automatic inflatable life jacket designed with paddle boarders in mind, choose the Onyx A/M 24 Automatic Vest for the best safety device this year.
This personal flotation device is compact and discreet. It contains CO2 cartridges that inflate either manually on a pull tab or automatically when submerged. Because of the lightweight design, no movement restriction is encountered, and the user has full mobility while on their board.
This low-profile USCG-approved PFD is excellent for more advanced paddlers. Only weighing 15oz, they'll barely notice this must-have SUP flotation device around their waist.
This is our favorite for SUP yoga and relaxed recreational paddle boarding. The Onyx Unisex Belt Pack won’t get in the way when you’re paddling.
For the intrepid paddler on your list, give the gift of a hassle-free travel to take their board off the beaten path. The GILI iSUP Backpack fits their entire inflatable SUP, carbon paddle, plus all their gear in one compact backpack.
Carrying all your gear to the water’s edge can be a hassle, but not with this all-in-one solution. It’s even airline-approved, conveniently making it a great accessory for traveling.
For longer paddling adventures, a larger capacity backpack might be in order. The 45L IDRY Roll Top Waterproof Backpack has comfy cushioned shoulder straps to lighten the load, plus it’ll keep laptops safe from damage if the beach is going to be the office for the day!
Perfect for adventurous folk who love being at the beach but still need to stay connected to technology, this waterproof backpack keeps larger electronic devices, clothes and towels dry.
Another essential item for full-day paddle boarding expeditions is a conversion seat kit. The GILI Detachable Paddle Board & Kayak Seat will provide you with sit-down kayak capabilities.
This clever conversion device is the most comfortable way to take a seat on a paddle board thanks to its thick cushioning, sturdy bolt snap hooks, and adjustable straps.
For the frequent paddle boarder who keeps their SUP inflated between adventures. Cushioned pads allow them to throw the board on the top of the car and head off to find a new adventure in minutes.
If your favorite paddler already has a roof rack installed on their whip, these Kanulock Lockable Tie Down Straps allow them to lock up their pride and joy while they grab lunch at the beach.
These handy Neolife Soft Roof Rack Pads negate the necessity for permanent roof racks with padded mounts that strap right onto the roof of your car.
A welcome addition to any paddler’s gear list, these easy-to-use and install roof racks make transporting inflated iSUPs to the water’s edge a breeze.
For the paddler who loves to stay organized. Streamline SUP storage with the StoreYourBoard 2 SUP Wall Storage Rack.
Its rubber-lined racks store and protect two full-size SUPs by getting them off the ground, and it even has spots to hang wet gear to drip dry.
SUP fishing requires compact kits, so be sure to get a handy case to combine a rod, reel, and tackle. The take-anywhere PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Kit can make any body of water a SUP angler’s paradise.
This kit will enable your beloved boarder to bring everything they need on their paddle board expeditions and dangle a line practically anywhere.
Paddlers have one thing in common, and that’s a passion for protecting the environment. While many sunscreens contain ingredients that harm delicate aquatic ecosystems, the All Good Sport Mineral Sunscreen Lotion contains no nasties and is a coral-reef safe sunscreen.
Keep skin safe and protect the aquatic ecosystems your paddler loves with this all-natural, non-greasy formula they’ll actually look forward to slathering on.
It’s bright out there on the water! These functional gift ideas will keep the harsh sun’s rays away and cut down on glare.
Paddlers focused on looking sharp will dig these fashion-forward Retro Shades by MEETSUN. Not only will the polarized lenses help to avoid squinting and straining eyes, but they also provide a glimpse beyond the surface so they can check out some lively sea creature action below.
If they’re still a bit wobbly on their board and would feel more comfortable with sunglasses that won’t sink, grab a pair of these Eagle Peak Floating Polarized Sunglasses to make sure they’ll bob right back up if they happen to take a tumble.
A stylish, well-designed pair of sunglasses will improve every day out paddling.
Let your paddling devotees rep their true passion every moment they spend on dry land with a sentimental charm around their neck. We love this customizable Dolphin Moon Sterling Silver SUP Charm Necklace, which comes with their initials hand-stamped on the medallion, and decorated with their favorite color jewels.
Jewelry is always the perfect gift, and combining her two loves with this SUP-inspired necklace is a unique and sentimental way to show you care.
Give the gift of an easy post-paddle cleanup with a pressurized rechargeable portable shower. With the RinseKit POD, paddlers will be able to rinse off their sandy feet, hose down the board, and get the grime off their gear before loading up in the car.
This space-saving wash device will make your paddler wonder why they never thought of getting one of these game-changers before!
Keep your favorite paddle boarder’s hydration at grabbing distance with the Greens Steel Stainless Steel Water Bottle. This environmentally friendly, double-wall insulated bottle is designed for the outdoors and truly excels in water sports. It’ll keep drinks cool and fresh with its vacuum-sealed lid, plus its non-slip features like a grippy powder-coated exterior and carabiner for easy attachment makes it super paddle board friendly.
This go-anywhere bottle pulls double-duty as a winter paddler’s dream accessory too, letting them take a toasty coffee or hot chocolate on board. It sounds like the perfect paddler’s present if you ask us.
You can’t go wrong with a colorful, versatile outdoor blanket as a failsafe paddler present. These beach blankets get a special mention on our holiday gift guide because they double as towels.
These gorgeous Round Blanket Towels from Dawhud sport striking ocean-themed designs like baby turtles on the beach, tribal dolphins, mermaids, and mandala sea turtles — plus, they all come with a bohemian fringe edge for luxurious beach lounging.
For the more traditional paddle boarder, choose from the muted classic designs of the Sand Cloud range. They’re hand-loomed in Turkey from 100% Peshtemal Cotton, which gets softer with every wash: Perfect for the dedicated paddler who’s out on their board every other day.
Bring a smile to the face of your favorite paddler every time they towel off or snuggle up. These practical, premium blankets are the ideal treat to elevate every aquatic adventure.
And finally, we come to the number one spot on our holiday gift guide for the special paddle boarder in your life. A brand new iSUP from GILI Sports! The GILI Air Stand Up Paddle Board Package is the ideal gift for beginners, and comes with everything they need to start their paddle boarding adventures.
GILI Sports has the perfect board to make every paddler feel like all their Christmases have come at once. Check out our collection of premium quality GILI Sports Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards, and you’ll make their holiday wish come true.
Shopping for the perfect SUP for a beginner might seem like a daunting task. At first glance, you’ll discover the multitude of different options and customizations to choose from, and also notice that there’s a few things worth considering to ensure a seamless introduction to the world of paddle boarding.
But don’t worry, we’ve done all the homework and created a nifty guide that takes the guesswork out of choosing your ideal board. Check out our guide on What Size Paddle Board Do I Need? As well as other advice from our SUP Experts that cover everything from How to Paddle Board to a quick-reference SUP Size & Weight Chart.
Whether you’re in the market for a shiny brand new paddle board, or you’ve got your eye on a second-hand one that’s up for sale, there are a few key elements to consider when you’re selecting the perfect SUP that’s right for you (or that lucky person you’re gifting it to)
Check out our guide on How to Choose a Stand Up Paddle Board
If you’re gift shopping with a tighter budget this year, it doesn’t mean you need to compromise on quality to bag an affordable board. When you’re shopping for bargain paddleboards, entrust your necessary purchase to the experts to make sure you’re getting a top-notch used board.
Here at GILI, we add Closeout and Used Paddle Boards to our inventory from time to time. Each one has been rigorously inspected for durability and quality, getting our seal of approval that it’s ready for adventures.
You’ll save a few bucks by grabbing a board with an open box or a few cosmetic blemishes and can shop with confidence as all our preowned boards come with a One Year Warranty.
While we can’t guarantee you’ll be successful in keeping your gift wrap contents secret up till Christmas morning (especially if you’ve got a fully-inflated SUP wrapped up under the tree!)... We do, however, know one thing for sure:
Grab that special paddle boarder in your life a treat from this Ultimate SUP Holiday Gift Guide, and you’ll be rivaling Santa Claus himself for “best gift ever” bragging rights.
Happy holidays everyone — See you out there on the water!
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