The best wild swimming gifts: including a pair of water shoes our Editor swears by

Wild swimming can have a whole host of benefits for our physical and mental health, which is why you might want to encourage your loved ones with the best wild swimming gifts this Christmas. From boosting our immune system to preventing anxiety and depression - wild swimming has a host of incredible benefits towards improving your health.

As more and more of us brave the cold water, these wild swimming gifts are the perfect presents for anyone who enjoys a spot of al fresco bathing. Not only are they practical and durable; they’ll also add a touch of luxury to any swim session. See our guide to wild swimming in Britain for more information, including tips on water safety.

For example, our Group Editor Paul McGuinness recommends the Helly Hansen Supalight Moc One Watersport Shoes as the ideal wild swimming gift. In his in-depth review, Paul notes that "despite the design giving the impression of a sturdy trainer, they squidge down to next-to-nothing, meaning they are easy to squeeze into bags that were already fit to burst." It's the perfect present for those ready to jump into the waters of the UK, whilst crucially protecting their feet.

The best wild swimming gifts for Christmas 2024

Helly Hansen Supalight Moc One Watersport Shoes

Editor's Choice for best wild swimming gift

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Our Editor's choice for the best wild swimming gift is an item any wild swimmer can't live without - a good, reliable pair of water shoes. Whether they're a seasoned pro or someone looking to get started, a sturdy pair is your first priority - and Paul McGuinness says the Helly Hansen Supalight Shoes have an "excellent design" and are a "strong all-rounder at the top end of the market."

He noted that the higher price point is justified in its "quality, both in terms of design and build", but that "you might be best off using these on sandy beaches or for firmer freshwater pursuits", and not shingled beaches. See our pick of the best water shoes for more options.

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Ocean Bottle 500ml Water Bottle

Best wild swimming gift for the pro

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For the expert in your life that seems to have everything, buying something useful for them can be tricky. However, several clever features make the Ocean Bottle one of the best drinks canisters around, so it’s great for gifting a wild swimmer, even if the recipient already has a flask.

Either drink directly from the small opening at the top of the bottle or use the upper section as a cup - perfect for sipping a warm beverage after a cold swim. The flask can keep drinks cold for 18 hours and hot for nine. Other handy features include the carrying loop, anti-leak seals and dishwasher safe construction.

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Dryrobe Advance Adult Short Sleeve Changing Robe

Best wild swimming gift for the beginner

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A dry robe is so useful for outdoor water sports it’s almost an essential in our eyes, and makes a wonderful wild swimming gift. This is an essential piece of kit for any beginner.

We love this particular changing robe as it’s made from 49% recycled polyester and has huge A4-sized internal pockets, plus fleece-lined external pockets to keep your hands warm. In our review of the best changing robes, we gave it an impressive 4.5 stars, so it's definitely one to consider.

CKB LTD Traditional Nautical Tide Clock

Best wild swimming gift for sea-swimmers

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A tide clock makes a practical gift for anyone who likes to swim in the sea. Not only will it help you plan and get excited about your next dip, it also makes a quirky décor piece for your home or beach hut.

Just set the hand to ‘high tide’ at the right time for your chosen beach, and the clock will continue to keep track of the tides by itself. Thanks to its powder-coated steel construction, this accessory is weatherproof, so you can install it inside or out.

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Arteesol Dry Bag Waterproof Backpack, 5 - 30L

Best practical wild swimming gift

A waterproof backpack is a no-brainer for wild swimming trips - and, let’s face it, any activity in the great outdoors. This one might just be the best on the market, as it floats when dropped in water. It also has the added benefit of a high-vis finish and reflective strips for low light sessions. The ventilated back panel, padded shoulder straps and top handle make it comfortable to carry for long periods of time.

Nabaiji Open Water Swimming Neoprene Swimming Cap

The best wild swimming cap for gifting

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The Nabaiji Open Water Swimming Neoprene Swimming Cap is made from 3mm 100% Neoprene to enhance warmth, comfort, and durability. Ideal for colder waters, this thermal swim cap can be worn with your wetsuit, ensuring extended water time. Its adjustable chin strap guarantees a snug fit, and the added warmth keeps you comfortable in the water. Plus, it's highly visible, making it a sensible choice for wild swimmers.

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Dippy Tow Floats For Open Water Swimming

Best wild swimming gift for children

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Make a splash with this great gift for wild swimmers of all ages. Its fun design helps swimmers stand out, the built-in whistle enhances safety, and the dual-purpose swim float and dry bag is a must-have for cold water swimming.

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The C Skins Storm Chaser 2mm Wetsuit Beanie

Best wild swimming gift for colder weather

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The C Skins Storm Chaser 2mm wetsuit beanie is an essential cold-weather companion for water sports. Made with 100% Free Flex neoprene for flexibility and durability, it features ThermoTech Poly Pro lining, keeping your head warm and preventing heat loss.

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Osprey Neoprene Gloves and Boots

Best wild swimming gifts for professionals

Stay warm and protected in the water with Osprey's 3mm Neoprene Protective Gloves and Boots - perfect for wild swimming professionals or those who take part in competitions. Ultra-strong flatlock stitching, akin to active outdoor wear, provides increased support and durability, and a comfortable nylon inner fabric feels great on your skin.

How to Wild Swim by Ella Foote

Best wild swimming book for beginners

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An essential manual for amateur wild swimmers, offering guidance for exploring remote waters, boosting confidence, refining technique, and preparing for challenges. Expert Ella Foote provides the ultimate guide, answering common questions and ensuring you can swim safely, have fun, and re-energize.

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Wild Swimming Walks Lake District by Pete Kelly

Best wild swimming book for pros

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Embark on 28 remarkable adventures in the Lake District with this guide. Revealing hidden waterfalls, pristine mountain tarns, and glistening rivers, enriched with local history and legend, you'll be captivated by this book. The guide includes practical information, detailed directions, maps, and downloadable route information for your convenience.

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Pecihiko Wetsuit Change Mat and Bag

Best wild swimming gift for families

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The Pecihiko heavy-duty wetsuit changing mat, made of high-quality oxford cloth, measures a generous 86cm in diameter and can accommodate you and your children. The 10cm high polyester fiber sidewalls, along with a drawstring, keep sand and stones out, ensuring your wet wetsuit stays secure. This versatile mat is easy to carry with drawstring closure, wrap handles, and a removable shoulder strap - a great gift for friends and family.

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Lifesystems Rechargeable Hand Warmer

Best wild swimming stocking-filler

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Any wild swimmer would be glad of a pair of hand warmers after an icy dip in cold waters. These ones from Lifesystems are a convenient option, as you can easily recharge them in four hours with the included USB cable - and they provide up to six hours of warmth. They also double as a power bank, allowing you to top up your phone battery when out and about.

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Wild Swimming Enamel Mug

Cutest wild swimming gift

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Every chilly swim session should end with a warming drink - preferably from a mug as charming as this one. The maker, Carrie, is a wild swimmer herself, and took inspiration from fellow enthusiasts at her local Devon beach to create the colourful sketch on the side. Thanks to its enamel construction, this mug is hard-wearing yet light enough to throw in your swim bag.

Check out Carrie’s Etsy store to find a treasure trove of wild swimming gifts.

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Lindt Hot Chocolate Powder 300g

Best unexpected wild swimming gift

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A fancy hot chocolate is always a winner when it comes to gifts for wild swimmers, and we love this Lindt hot chocolate, which is smooth and thick in consistency. Also, Lindt has said that 100% of its cocoa beans are now sustainably sourced and traceable - a big plus. See our review of the best hot chocolates to buy online for delicious alternatives.

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From wetsuits and neoprene gloves to swim floats, changing mats, and guidebooks, this kit ensures you're well-prepared for any open water environment. Safety, comfort, and exploration are key, and with the right gear in your bag, you'll be ready to dive into the wonders of wild swimming.

So, pack your essentials, venture into the great outdoors, and embark on unforgettable journeys in the world of wild swimming.

And if you're looking for inspiration about places to swim in the great outdoors, check out our guides to the best swimming spots in Britain, as well as the best places to swim outside London.