If you are anything like me, you struggle with buying the right gifts at the holidays. I have every intention of giving thoughtful and exciting gifts but somehow always feel like I fall short. This year, I have compiled a list of 10 gifts that are sure to bring a smile to the face of any beach lover on your list. While not every gift may fit every person, there is sure to be something on here that will fit the bill!

LARGE BEACH BLANKET

We’ve all been there. You take an impromptu trip to the beach and find yourself without anything to sit on. Enter this extra large beach blanket. It’s light weight, big enough to fit you and a few friends, and doesn’t end up with caked-on sand like traditional towels.

BACKPACK COOLER

Is it just me or does it seem like going to the beach always requires more hands than are available? With so many things to carry, let this backpack cooler make the excursion a bit easier! It can hold a couple dozen drinks and snacks while you hold everything else.

FLOATING SPEAKER

No day by the water feels complete without a good soundtrack. And if your family is like mine, you want that soundtrack to be as waterproof as possible. Extra credit if it can float like this waterproof floating bluetooth speaker. While there is one on its way to my house, I honestly can’t wait for one of my best friends (an avid kayaker) to try hers and give it the ultimate test.

FLOATING COOZIES

Something about the heat and a frosty beverage just go hand in hand. Help your friends stay hydrated and cool on a day on the water with these floating coozies. They keep your drink low enough to not topple over but high enough to not get filled with sea water.

SOLAR FLOATING LIGHTS

I have these solar floating lights and love them. They are great for camping and other situations where you might want a lantern but honestly, one of my favorite uses is turning them on and letting them float around the pool. There’s something about having lights floating around in the pool that instantly creates a magical vibe. Simply place them in the sun for a couple hours and enjoy for hours that evening!

BOCCE SET

Can I confess something? I’m not very good at sitting still. If you know me, you are not surprised. While my friends were often content to lay out and read at the beach, I was always in the water or looking for some sort of activity to do. This bocce set is perfect for the busybody on your list. We leave one on the boat for impromptu tournaments at Masonboro and it’s always a hit.

INFLATABLE LIFE VEST

Like most adults, I don’t love wearing a life jacket on the boat. However, after working as an Occupational Therapist for 14 years, I saw so many freak accidents throughout my career that I am always thinking of the worst case scenario. This type of inflatable life vest is often recommended because it is not clumsy and cumbersome but also automatically inflates once submerged in water, removing the need for a person to be conscious in order to manually inflate it. There is also a backup manual pull method if necessary. A great gift for the boater on your list!

SUN HAT

To call me “fair skinned” is a bit of an understatement. For years I considered SPF 15 to be “good enough”. A few skin cancer scares later and I have changed my opinion. These days I am rarely seen outside without a hat on my head. Treat the pale (or not-so-pale) friend on your list with this sun hat. It is broad enough to cover not only your head but to help protect your face, neck, shoulders, chest, and back. Not to mention it’s super cute!

NESO TENT

There are a few sun shades that have become really popular over the past few years but my favorite is probably the Neso Grande Beach Tent. It is really easy to put up, is less wind-dependent than other tents, and provides great shade. Plus it comes in several different colors and sizes, making it easier to spot on the beach than some other brands. And the price makes it far more palatable for gifting!

LIGHTWEIGHT BEACH CHAIR

I once saw a meme that went something along the lines of “there is no one more blissfully ignorant than the parent of a toddler who brings a chair to the beach.” My daughter is 5 and I can say that it has only very recently become an option for us to bring chairs to the beach. And remember that whole thing about carrying so much stuff to the beach? Might as well find the lightest options available. This lightweight beach chair comes in various colors and is super lightweight, making it easier to carry the 10,000 things your child HAS to bring to the beach.