Budget-Friendly Gifts For The Paddler In Your Life

It’s usually easy to shop for someone with a hobby. So when you’re searching for a gift for someone who loves paddling, you might think you have endless options. Unfortunately, a lot of paddling gear and accessories cost a fortune. If you know what to look for, however, there all sorts of budget-friendly items you can gift to the paddler in your life.

For those looking for gifts under $50 for paddlers, consider UV-protectant clothing or a skincare regimen that addresses paddlers’ skincare needs. Neoprene gloves or booties and an electric pump are utilitarian gift ideas. For a cheaper option, consider a waterproof headlamp, a drybag, a wide-brimmed hat, or a solar-powered lantern. For those seeking stocking-stuffer ideas, consider a safety whistle, UV-protectant lip balm, or a floating keychain.

The holiday season can be expensive, especially when it comes to buying gifts. If you are on a tight budget this year and are looking for affordable gifts to buy the paddler in your life, then this article is for you. Below are gift options paddlers will love for under $50, with several costing less than $10.

Budget-Friendly Gifts The Paddler In Your Life Will Love

Paddling Gifts For $10 And Under

1. Safety Whistle

If someone you love is a passionate paddler, why not give them the gift of safety? A safety whistle is something every paddler should have, and most paddlers should have more than one.

You can find a decent safety whistle for a few dollars, which makes this a great small gift to add to your loved one’s stocking, or as part of a bigger paddling-themed gift box. Try to find a whistle that easily attaches to a PFD.

2. Sunglass Strap

Quality paddling sunglasses can cost a small fortune, and they usually don’t float. It’s easy for a paddler to lose sunglasses after a capsizing event, or even in a gust of wind. A sunglass strap is a great way to help the paddler in your life secure this expensive and vital accessory. Best of all, you can get a durable sunglass strap for as low as $5.

3. Floating Keychain

Keys are another item you don’t want to lose in the water. Every avid paddler should have at least one floating keychain. With all the innovative technology used to operate cars these days, a key replacement can cost more than $100, while a floating keychain costs between $5 and $10.

You can even have a custom floating keychain made for the paddler in your life, adding a personalized, sentimental touch.

4. UV Protectant Lip Balm

Most paddlers remember to put on sunscreen before paddling, but far fewer remember to protect their lips from harmful UV rays. If the paddler in your life is always coming home with chapped and cracked lips, then a few tubes of UV protectant lip balm can make for the perfect stocking stuffer or small gift.

5. Paddling Snacks

Delicious food is always a good gift. If the paddler in your life has a particular protein bar or paddling snack they love, consider buying this snack in abundance and wrapping it along with other paddling-themed gifts.

Healthy snacks are an essential for every paddling journey, both long and short. Therefore, there is no way a good snack will go to waste.

Paddling Gifts For $25 And Under

1. Dry Bag And Electronic Case

Paddlers can never have enough dry bags and waterproof cases. The paddler in your life can use a quality dry bag for everything from a change of clothes to first-aid essentials.

While most paddlers venture into open water to get away from technology and the worries of the world, they usually still bring a phone or some other type of expensive electronics. This is why a waterproof electronics case is always a good gift. You can often find a dry bag and cell phone case combo for under $25.

2. Solar Powered Lantern

If you're shopping for a paddler who often comes home when it's dark and enjoys multi-day paddling journeys, then a solar-powered lantern is a great gift idea. While some solar-powered lights can cost more than $100, there are many budget-friendly options available. Solar lights are a great gift not only for paddlers, but for any outdoor lover.

3. Bilge sponges

If the paddler you're shopping for is using an old plastic cup or junky sponge to get water out of their paddling vessel, then consider buying some quality bilge sponges. Unlike a standard kitchen sponge, bilge sponges are specifically designed to absorb a ton of water quickly.

They are great for kayakers, as you can easily use a bilge sponge with one hand, while holding a paddle with the other. This is the perfect gift for a utilitarian person who loves receiving practical, yet thoughtful, gifts.

4. Wide-Brimmed Hat

A paddler can never have enough sun protection, and a wide-brimmed hat is an excellent way to block UV light. Whether for fashion or purely for function, a wide-brimmed hat is a gift every paddler will appreciate.

Buy a hat with a strap that can go around their neck, as this will keep it secured when inevitable gusts of wind sneak up out of nowhere.

5. Head Lamp

Headlamps aren’t only for caves. They are also an excellent tool for paddlers. They are a great light source for paddling at sunrise or at night. They also serve as a visual beacon in fog and other low-visibility conditions.
A waterproof headlamp is an excellent gift because it’s something every paddler can use, but there is a good chance the paddler in your life doesn’t have one yet.

Paddling Gifts For $50 And Under

1. Seat Couchion

You can never go wrong with the gift of comfort. Paddling, especially canoeing and kayaking, can be a pain in the butt, literally. It can be particularly uncomfortable when paddling for many hours. If the paddler in your life has been complaining about a sore bum, then a seat cushion is the perfect budget-friendly gift.

A paddling seat cushion can make every paddling journey significantly more comfortable. There are endless seat cushion options, and many of these accessories double as flotation devices.

2. Electric Pump

If you are shopping for a paddler who uses an inflatable SUP or kayak, then an electric pump can be the perfect gift. If you have ever manually blown up a SUP board or even an inner tube, then you know how taxing it is.

An electric paddle board pump can be a game-changer for anyone who regularly uses an iSUP or inflatable kayak. If the paddler in your life doesn’t have an electric pump yet, start searching for one on sale now. You can usually find these pumps for just under $50, especially during holiday sales.

3. UV Protectant Shirt

Paddlers usually spend more than a few hours in the sun, but not every paddler is diligent about re-applying sunscreen. UV-protectant shirts are functional fashion, as they protect your skin from the sun even if you forget to reapply sunscreen.

A paddler can never have enough UV-protectant clothing. While clothing made of this material doesn’t come cheap, you can usually find quality garments for under $40.

4. Neoprene Gloves Or Booties

If the paddler you’re shopping for enjoys autumn paddling, and even an occasional winter paddler, then consider buying them a gift that protects vulnerable extremities. Paddling gloves and booties are both essential when paddling in cold weather.

Even if the person you’re shopping for already has a set of gloves and booties, they'll wear out over time. Therefore, a fresh set will likely be appreciated.

5. Skincare Regimen for Paddlers

If you’re shopping for a paddler who has everything, then it’s time to think outside the box. One thing every paddler constantly needs more of is sun protection for the skin, whether it's more sunblock or a nightly skincare regimen that protects against sun damage.

Consider pampering the paddler in your life with a morning and nighttime skin routine that will keep their skin looking youthful and healthy, even after spending hours on the open water.