Ship-lovers are a difficult crowd to please – believe me, I am one. No matter how much thought, effort, and research you put in your Christmas gift ideas, all you get from your beloved ship-fanatic is an awkward smile of suppressed disappointment. Well, suffer no more because this year I am your Secret Captain Santa with 7 insider-tips for the coolest maritime-themed gifts. Ho-ho-ho…and a bottle of rum.
1. LEGO Ship Models
On a deep subconscious level, the right model tickles that unfulfilled dream to become a shipbuilder. You always imagined it as a teenager before falling asleep, yet you followed your uncle’s advice and became the king of insurance sales. And true, now you can afford the most exclusive Caribbean cruises, but your inner Thomas Andrews still craves to create. The good news is that LEGO offers an impressive variety of ship models, from the premium-priced (and highly collectible) Titanic to the very affordable City and Creator series.
2. Board Games
A good board game has the added benefit of enhancing a ship-lover’s social life, without pulling them away from their favorite pastime. And to be honest, many of the best games can be surprisingly entertaining for everyone in the family – there is a ton of curious trivia surrounding the Titanic, while Hasbro’s Battleship is so addictive it will take many Christmases before everyone gets bored of it. A modest investment here brings lots of enjoyment, so make sure you check out my board game recommendations.
3. Jigsaw Puzzles
Sophisticated jigsaw puzzles are contemplative, relaxing, and exciting at the same time. Plus, ship-lovers love to share their achievements on forums and social media, and some even display the finished product on their walls. Don’t be afraid to get something large and complicated – this only adds to the thrill and suspense. As for the specific themes, vintage ocean liners, naval battles, and famous warships are always a safe bet. History never gets old.
4. Books
Books can be tough – many enthusiasts are voracious readers, and perhaps your ship-loving friend already boasts an impressive library on 1930s ocean liners, WWII destroyers, or modern superyachts. But don’t let this discourage you, since many of the best titles in the maritime segment are surprisingly under-the-radar! So, have a look at these awesome, less-known titles, and you may find a rare gem.
5. DVDs
James Cameron’s Titanic is an obvious choice in this category, but you are not here for the obvious, are you? A competent and infinitely more entertaining Christmas gift would be a rare documentary on famous shipwrecks, or a little-known period drama series about the construction of the Titanic. Let me tell you how I felt when I found these in my Christmas stocking last year. Two words: out-of-body experience.
6. Apparel
Trust me, ship-lovers can never have enough t-shirts. In fact, many of us don’t. Besides, no one around us wants to hear another word about rusty hulls and forged-iron rivets, so we keep our mouths zipped and seek other means to convey our message to the world. Whether we dream of retiring on a cruise ship, or fervently support an apocryphal Titanic conspiracy theory, we love to use clothes and accessories as communication channels to the general public.
7. Calendars
The one thing we cannot escape from is time, so the right calendar can replace the daily monotony with joy and pleasure. Calendars are also relatively inexpensive to ship, making them a suitable choice for the long-distance friendships of today. Sleek cruise ships, rugged merchant vessels, scenic port views, faded images of steamers – the options are so many you can choose a different one every year, without being a bore.
I hope that these Christmas gift ideas make you and your beloved ship-enthusiast happy this festive season. But if you saw this article too late, don’t despair. Stay tuned for some smashing last-minute stocking fillers for ship-lovers!
The Shipyard
P.S. Looking for a digital gift? Check out these Titanic digital products!
P.P.S. Check out my complete gift list here!
*All products recommended here are things I have used myself. I have selected my favorites and those I would purchase again. Some of the links may be affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.