For years, we’ve been dedicated to delivering the world’s best surf gift guides, product roundups, and gear reviews — and in 2025, we’re keeping the tradition alive with our latest, most dialed-in Christmas guide yet.
Now, as a lifelong surfer, I’ve been given plenty of gifts I’d never actually use. I’ve smiled, said thank you, and tucked them politely into the cupboard… where they’ve remained untouched ever since. And honestly? It’s not the giver’s fault. If you’re not a surfer, buying for a surfer is daunting. Walking into a surf shop feels like stepping into another universe — a sensory overload of waxes, fins, leashes, and logos that may as well be runes.
It’s the same feeling I get when I walk into a tennis store or a dive shop. It is sensory overload.
“Shoes… rackets… fins… wetsuits… what the heck is all of this other stuff?”
In each sporting niche, there’s a whole ecosystem of products, needs, and unspoken rules.
So yes — buying a gift for a surfer can feel like navigating alien terrain. Which brands are cool right now? Which ones are “boomer gear”? What’s safe, what’s stylish, and what’s guaranteed to get an eye-roll? You wouldn’t buy an Outerknown Blanket Shirt for a teenage girl — they’d think you’ve dressed them like a retiree. And you probably wouldn’t buy a giant-logo Rip Curl T-shirt for most fifty-year-olds… at least, not unless they insist on it.
Is the surfer you’re shopping for eco-minded? Then Patagonia might be your hero.
Are they high-performance obsessed? Maybe think tech gear instead.
Or do you just want something safe, useful, and universally loved — no matter their age?
Don’t worry. We’ve done the hard work for you.
Whether you’re shopping from the frozen peaks of the Northern Hemisphere (where icy water means brain freeze and numb toes), the sun-baked beaches of Australia and New Zealand (where Christmas means barbecues, bluebottles, and 8pm sunsets), or the dreamy tropics (where it’s always summer even if the wind doesn’t always cooperate)…
There’s a perfect surf gift waiting in this guide.
Let’s go.
Table of Contents
Surf Gear & Essentials
Outerknown Blanket Shirt
The Outerknown Blanket Shirt is just a classic — every surfer should have one in their wardrobe. And if you don’t, well, here’s your hint: it makes an excellent Christmas present. Every season they drop fresh new colors, and somehow, they all look like they were made for golden hour beach hangs.
This year, Outerknown also released a new favorite — the Utilitarian Shirt — and we love it in Denim. Perfect for layering, it features a midweight denim wash and is crafted from 100% organic cotton indigo denim. Built to last and designed to age beautifully, it’s the kind of shirt that only gets better with time. Inspired by a vintage workwear silhouette, this modern take balances style and function effortlessly — a true surf-town essential.
Free Fly Sun Shirt
Lightweight, breathable, and built for performance. Ideal for long sessions in the sun or a post-surf coffee run, this shirt has you covered for every beach adventure. Whether you’re heading out on a surf boat trip, walking to your secret spot, chilling on the sand, or catching up with friends, it keeps you protected and comfortable all day long.
Florence Performance Quick Dry Towel
The Florence Performance Quick Dry Towel is one of those pieces of kit you end up using for everything—surf trips, gym sessions, camping missions, boat days, you name it. Made in collaboration with the crew at SLOWTIDE, it’s a member-exclusive towel built for real-world adventure.
It absorbs four times its weight in water, dries twice as fast as a standard cotton towel, and somehow still packs down surprisingly small. The texture has that soft, terry-like feel, but without the sand-collecting downside of regular beach towels. It’s practical, durable, and actually pleasant to use.
Best of all, it’s made from 100% post-consumer waste—mainly recycled plastic bottles—so you’re reducing impact while staying dry.
Benefits
- Highly absorbent — soaks up 4× its weight in water
- Fast drying — dries 2× faster than cotton; includes a drawcord loop
- Functional — sand-free and packs small
- Versatile — perfect for the beach, gym, travel, camping, or the trail
- Responsibly made — crafted entirely from post-consumer waste
A genuinely useful, travel-ready towel that fits neatly into any surf kit or adventure bag.
Surf Watches
Tide-tracking watches are an essential tool for any surfer, helping you time your sessions perfectly while blending practicality with style. Our favorite brands, Nixon and Garmin, offer everything from precise tide charts and wave tracking to durable, water-ready designs built to withstand the surf.
Nixon Heat
Garmin fēnix® 7 Pro – Sapphire Solar Edition
Jungmaven Coyote Denim Cap
The Jungmaven Coyote Denim Cap is a limited-edition classic with a bit of magic woven into it. The embroidered coyote silhouette nods to old North American mythology—where the coyote shows up as the creative trickster, the teacher, the one who shakes things up so we see the world a little differently. It’s a subtle symbol with a lot of story behind it.
The cap itself is unstructured and easy-wearing, with a six-panel design, a pre-curved brim, and a simple snapback closure. Vent holes keep things cool, and the 10 oz hemp-denim blend gives it that lived-in feel Jungmaven is known for.
Each cap is embroidered in small batches on a premium Tajima machine up in Washington State, and the whole thing is made with care in Los Angeles.
A thoughtful, lightweight staple with a bit of soul stitched into it.
Patagonia Lightweight Towel
This lightweight towel is a must-have for every surf trip. Compact, fast-drying, and planet-conscious, Patagonia’s towel is the kind of essential that ends up living permanently in your car or van — ready for spontaneous dips, post-surf rinse-offs, and salty adventures anywhere.
For the Sunshine Seekers
Vallon Daytrippers Sunglasses – For Style in the Sun
Can you have too many sunglasses? We think not, especially when they’re as timeless as Vallon’s models. We’ve always loved this brand for blending classic surf style with serious performance. Think retro ’60s flair meets modern-day adventure.
Their frames are fitted with V52® sports optics, a detachable headstrap, and an elegant acetate frame — so you can go from surf check to city stroll without missing a beat.
And can we talk about the colour? Vallon’s Sage shade has become one of our absolute favourites — it’s subtle, unique, and somehow works with everything. Several models now come in this tone, and trust us, their latest drop might just become your new go-to pair.
The latest model, Daytrippers, is already proving itself. Brad’s loving them — the perfect mix of function, style, and that unmistakable Vallon attitude.
Ombraz Armless Sunglasses – For Adventure Without the Slip
If you didn’t know armless sunglasses existed, let us introduce you to Ombraz — a brand that immediately caught our attention with its clever, armless design. Seriously, these shades can go everywhere: the beach, a coastal hike, or even straight into the water.
The Teton model features a square frame and keyhole nose bridge inspired by classic Wayfarer and Clubmaster styles. Handmade in Italy with world-class Zeiss lenses, the quality speaks for itself.
And here’s the best part: with the floatie strap, you don’t have to worry about losing them in the water.
Capture the Action
Insta360 X5 Action Camera
For those who live to relive their rides. The new Insta360 X5 captures every drop, every turn, and every “did you see that?!” moment — in stunning 360º detail. If you decide to snorkel around a reef then the dive case will enable you to go deep, really deep!
This is quite simply , quite simply, the best 360 °the best 360 action camera out there.
Sun & Skin
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Face Stick
The MTN.BUM Mineral SPF 50 Face Stick is Sun Bum’s trusted mineral formula, reimagined for higher elevations and wrapped in a limited-edition design by artist Geoff McFetridge. It’s the same zinc-based protection surfers swear by — just built for mountains, snow glare, and big days outdoors.
It’s TSA-approved, pocket-friendly, fragrance-free, and made for anyone whose skin rebels at anything too fancy. Swipe it on before you paddle out, hit the slopes, or head into the wind — it sticks where you put it and doesn’t run when things get sweaty.
Surfwear & Apparel
XCEL Boardshorts
Performance-driven, flexible, and built for movement, these are hands-down the most comfortable boardshorts we’ve ever tried. Perfect for endless surf sessions or tropical trips, they move with you, dry quickly, and feel like they were made for the lineup.
Kaiona Swimwear Bikini
There can never be too many bikinis! We’re always on the lookout for new brands and styles, and we’d like to introduce you to a swimwear brand we recently discovered from Hawaii: Kaiona Swimwear. They make sustainable swimwear, which is very important. We love that the surf bras and bottoms are both secure and flattering — cute and practical at the same time. Check out their new surf collection for maximum performance.
Home & Decor
surfEXPLORE book
A coffee-table surf book is always an awesome gift — something you can flip through with a coffee in hand and a dream in mind about visiting some of the most interesting surf spots in the world. Syrf Explore takes that feeling to another level. It’s a beautifully compiled guide to dream destinations and hidden, uncrowded gems, offering a glimpse into places most surfers will only ever fantasize about.
Filled with over 500 stunning images and stories from surf-travel legend John Seaton Callahan and the surfEXPLORE® Group, this book captures the spirit of true exploration. From remote African coastlines to untouched corners of Asia and the Americas, every page pulls you into a new adventure. It’s inspiring, visually striking, and the kind of book that makes you want to pack your board, book a ticket, and go find your own uncharted wave.
Howler Signature Candle
The Howler Brothers Essence of Howler Candle is basically a mood in wax form. Light it, and suddenly you’re drifting through a sun-soaked rainforest, the air thick with tropical coconut cocktails and that hazy golden glow you only get at the end of a perfect day. It smells the way good music feels and the way a great sunset sounds — familiar, warm, and a little bit wild.
Be warned: once this thing’s burning, you may never want to leave the house.
Features
- Non-toxic and clean burning
- 8 oz premium soy wax blend
- 30+ hour burn time
- Double lead-free wick
- Reusable amber glass vessel
- Packed in a sleek black nesting box
- Hand-poured and hand-packed in Nashville, TN
Wall Art
Bring the spirit of surf culture into your space with striking wall art that celebrates the beauty and energy of the ocean. The Mavericks wall art print adds bold, captivating style to any room.
This piece perfectly captures the power and intensity of the legendary big wave surfing spot — an awe-inspiring reminder of nature’s raw beauty.
Planeteco Ocean Master Tide Clock
Crafted with a natural wood stain and minimalist design, The Planeteco Ocean Master Tide Clock looks right at home in any surf shack, coastal apartment, or van setup. Simple, sustainable, and stylish, it’s a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves to keep an eye on the ocean even when they’re inland.
For the Groms
Monopoly: Surfing Waves of The World Board Game
Ride the waves of fun and friendly rivalry with MONOPOLY: Surfing — the classic game, reimagined for wave-chasers. Instead of streets and stations, you’re buying, trading, and battling it out for iconic surf spots like Cocoa Beach, Pipeline, and the Superbank. The tokens are spot-on too: a surfboard fin, a pair of boardshorts, a dolphin, and a few other ocean-inspired favourites.
Community Chest and Chance get a salty upgrade, with cards that throw you into classic surf scenarios — from nailing the perfect wave to getting humbled by a heavy wipeout. It’s the kind of game you’ll want to crack open after a surf, when everyone’s sun-kissed, hungry, and ready for a laugh.
Vibrant artwork, beachy details, and a whole lot of ocean stoke make this edition feel like a session with friends — playful, unpredictable, and full of stories.
May the best surfer win.
Surfer Dudes Classics Wave Powered Mini-Surfer and Surfboard Toy
Surfer Dudes are the world’s first self-righting, self-surfing beach toys — and honestly, they’re way more fun than they have any right to be.
Just toss one into the waves and watch it go. The little legend will catch a line, carve its way back to shore, and somehow stay upright thanks to a clever ballast system and “hydro-boomerang” tech (yes, that’s a real thing). The boards are made from unsinkable foam with bright, beachy graphics, so they’re easy to spot even on bigger days.
They’re perfect entertainment for groms — or for adults who secretly love a bit of surfside silliness. Collect the different characters (Bondi Beau, Manly Mia, Noosa Noah, and Surfers Paradise Sadie), set up races, or let them roam free in the shorebreak while you chill on the sand.
Each pack comes with one Surfer Dude. Suitable for ages 6 and up — and for anyone who still believes toys should enable outdoor fun.
Sunward Bound Kids Sun Hat
Adorable and protective — a must for little beach adventurers. Sunward Bound makes sun protection fun, with bright colors and cool prints that kids actually love to wear. The XS size fits perfectly for groms, keeping their faces shaded while they play, splash, and chase waves all day long. Perfect for practical parents who want to keep their kids safe from the sun without sacrificing style or fun.
Experience Gifts for the Soul
Sometimes the best gifts aren’t things — they’re memories.
Surf Massage Session
Help your favorite surfer recover from those paddle-heavy sessions with a deep tissue or sports massage.
Surf Movie Night
Gift a streaming pass or a cozy surf film marathon setup — popcorn and salty nostalgia included.
Wave Pool Session
For landlocked surfers or those craving guaranteed waves — this is pure joy, bottled.
Surf Fitness Subscription
Support the off-season grind with online programs like Surf Strength Coach or Surf Flow Training. Because a stronger body means longer rides.
Travel Voucher
Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a bucket-list surf trip, this one’s a guaranteed winner.
From adventure-ready shades to sun-safe essentials, from classic surf gear to soulful experiences — this Christmas, give gifts that keep the ocean close and the stoke alive all year round.
After all, the best presents aren’t just opened… they’re lived.