If you’re on the hunt for the best gifts for wild swimmers, you’re in the right place. Whether they’re plunging into icy tarns, braving blustery beaches, or paddling serene lakes, wild swimmers are a unique breed – and they deserve a gift that celebrates their slightly bonkers obsession. Here are our top gift picks!
There are two kinds of people in this world: those who gasp in horror at the idea of jumping into cold water for fun, and those who do it before breakfast and call it “bliss”.
If you’re shopping for someone in the latter camp – or perhaps you are that person and fancy treating yourself – this gift guide is for you!
From toasty towel robes to waterproof gadgets, we’ve rounded up our favourite wild swimming gifts for open-water lovers who can’t resist a lake, loch, or tidal plunge.
Some are practical, some cosy and a few downright genius, but they’re all great ideas for a present for the wild swimmer in your life!
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1. A Wild Swimming Logbook
There’s something deeply satisfying about recording your swims – not just the stats, but the smells, the sensations, the shivers, and the smug post-dip glow.
Wild swimming logbooks are the perfect cost-effective gift for anyone slightly whimsical, who likes to dive headfirst into adventure and then write about it later.
With prompts to jot down everything from the water type to weather conditions, and even rate your experience out of 10 stars, it’s part journal, part memory vault.
We love these two options: a sleek wave print design for the minimalist dipper, or a scenic photographic cover for those who want their logbook to echo the landscapes they plunge into.
Whether braving glacial tarns or splashing in secret woodland ponds, this pocket-sized notebook turns every wild swim into a story worth keeping.
2. Water Shoes
As romantic as it sounds, not every wild swim starts with a barefoot stroll across soft moss and sun-warmed stones. Sometimes it’s a bramble-riddled bank, a sludge-slick riverbed, or a surprise collection of sharp pebbles. That’s why water shoes are every wild swimmer’s essential piece of kit!
A good pair of grippy, quick-drying water shoes makes a world of difference – protecting feet from cuts, cold, and whatever weird goo and unsavoury items that lurk beneath.
Look for quick-drying neoprene styles. These Oakley wetsuit boots are a steal. If you prefer to head in store to shop, both Decathlon and Go Outdoors also do great options.
3. Waterlog by Roger Deakin
They say it’s the book that started it all. Well, the wellness trend part of wild swimming that is.
Waterlog is part travelogue, part personal meditation, and a wholly enchanting, interesting and wholesome read. It’s one of our editor’s favourite books about wild swimming.
It’ll make you want to quit your job, dig out a pair of swimmers and delve into every stretch of water, from Land’s End to Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands. A must for the bookshelf of any water enthusiast.
4. Neoprene Gloves
Feet aren’t the only thing that need protecting. If you’ve ever tried wild swimming in winter without gloves (or even in a rubbish UK summer!), you’ll know the particular pain of fingers turning into uncooperative claws.
Neoprene gloves are a game-changer for cold water dips – keeping hands warmer for longer, and giving you enough dexterity to actually zip your coat up afterwards.
They’re snug, flexible, and designed to maintain warmth without feeling bulky – ideal for swimmers who venture out in all seasons or just want to extend their dip time without the post-swim hand agony.
These unisex 3mm neoprene gloves are attractive, sleek and have added grip, so they can be used for other outdoor water activities beyond wild swimming, like surfing, paddleboarding or diving.
5. A Cosy DryRobe (or Dryrobe Dupe)
The holy grail of post-swim comfort, the DryRobe Advance is the changing robe of dreams. Windproof, waterproof, fleece-lined and built like a fortress, it lets you strip off modestly, warm up rapidly, and swan around like a wild swimming Pro. You’ll likely spot them everywhere in the outdoors – and for good reason.
But let’s be honest, the downside is the price. It’s a premium bit of kit with a price tag to match, and not every budget can stretch that far.
If you’re looking for something that ticks the cosy, wind-breaking, towel-replacing boxes without the triple-digit sting, the Regatta Outdoor Active Waterproof Changing Robe is a solid alternative. It still offers warmth, coverage, and water resistance, making it a brilliant entry-level pick.
6. A Good Thermos Flask
There’s no joy quite like the first sip of hot tea after an icy cold-water swim to warm you from the inside out. Bonus points if they fill it with soup instead.
A decent flask is basically part of any basic swim kit. And by decent, we mean something sturdy and vacuum-insulated that will last for years to come.
You can’t beat the classic Thermos brand or a Stanley thermal flask, which claims to keep the liquid inside cold or hot for 24 hours.
7. A Waterproof Phone Pouch
Whether it’s for snapping a mid-swim selfie or checking tide times, a waterproof phone pouch is a total win for a wild swimmer or water adventurer.
Whilst many phones are waterproof these days, a pouch adds protection from scratches and cracks and can make the phone float in case it’s dropped.
Look for one with a good body strap, lets you tap the screen through the case, and as mentioned, floats. This UNBREAKcable brand one ticks all these boxes, and comes in multiple phone sizes for the perfect fit.
8. Tow Floats & Lights
OK, they’re not the sexiest gifts, but definitely very useful. Tow floats help swimmers store their gear, feel more secure out in open water and importantly stay visible, especially in water where there is traffic, like boats.
This bright Ultra Dry model includes a phone case and built-in whistle.
Pair this gift with a clip-on light or a sexy LED swim cap for early morning or dusk swims, for extra brownie points.
9. Natural Swim Soap or Shampoo Bars
Cold water can be punishing on the skin, especially after a salty sea dip. A natural post-swim soap or shampoo bar is a great way to wash off without slathering yourself in weird chemicals.
Many eco-friendly brands now offer biodegradable formulas that are safe to use in natural bodies of water – a brilliant little gift if your wild swimmer is also a hiker, camper, or van-lifer who sometimes has to go without a proper shower.
If it’s meant for use outdoors, check that the soap explicitly states it’s biodegradable and safe for wildlife. Plenty of brands ‘greenwash’ with words like natural or eco-friendly but still include toxic essential oils and ingredients that harm delicate ecosystems.
We rate the Lifeventure All Purpose Biodegradable Soap – it’s pH balanced, works on hair, body, and even clothes, and comes in a clever soap leaf version for when space and weight really matter.
10. An Underwater Disposable Camera or Waterproof Action Cam
Why let the magic stop at the water’s edge? An underwater disposable camera is a fun, affordable way to capture dreamy, lo-fi shots – shoals of fish, rippling light, or a blurry mid-plunge selfie capturing the joy and adrenaline of the moment.
For something sleeker (and for a bigger budget), a waterproof action cam (like a GoPro) shoots crisp HD video and stills, perfect for documenting dives, group swims, or dawn swims in cinematic detail.
Both would make brilliant, unique gifts and pretty much guarantee a smug underwater selfie in your thank-you card.
Wild swimming isn’t just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle, a community, a slightly bonkers obsession. Choosing a gift that speaks to that – whether it’s cosy, practical, or just a little bit quirky – shows you really get what makes them tick. With any of these thoughtful, tailored ideas, yes, you’re giving a gift, but also celebrating the spirit (and the shivers) of the wild swimmer in your life.