Best Gifts For Swimmers

For someone who has been swimming for years (or decades), the thought that more than 4 billion people can’t swim is pretty peculiar. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were more than 301 million annual swimming visits each year for people over the age of 6.

So when looking for the best gifts for swimmers, know that there is a large population of people who can indeed swim: at least 36 percent of children ages 7-17 and 15 percent of adults, and this group swims at least six times per year. It’s also the fourth most popular recreational activity in the United States.

For children between the ages of 7-17, it is the most popular recreational activity overall. And it’s not always at a neighborhood pool or day camp. About 91 million people over the age of 16 swim in oceans, lakes and rivers all across the United States. So these gift ideas for swimmers are for water lovers who are diving into water nationwide—and worldwide, too.

Best Gifts for Swimmers

1. Infinity Collection Bracelet

When trying to decide on swimmers gifts, keep in mind that swimmers get out of the water, too. Every gift they get doesn’t have to be something they can put on during the trek to the pool. Let them show off their love for swimming on dry land, too, with this bracelet.

Key Features

• Blue and silver color combination
• Rope clasp with silver tone metal charms
• “I Love Swimming” metal charm

This bracelet adjusts to fit wrists 5 to 7 inches wide, and the alloy weighs 0.35 ounces. There’s no way to miss the “love” for swimming considering the word is there twice, once above the “braided” alloy chain and another time on the dangling charm.

Pros

• Blue and silver color combination matches swimming theme
• Able to adjust for different wrists

Cons

• Blue band started to disintegrate for one user’s daughter
• Knots unraveled for another user

You may have to do a little adjusting initially to be able to put this bracelet on without assistance.

2. Sportigift 8 Piece Hair Elastic Set

No knock to pretty hair, but if you’re a swimmer, you’re spending a lot of time tying it up to get in the pool or keeping it tame once you get out of the water. And in between, you’re always ready for your next lap of swimming.

Key Features

• No-crease swimmer hair elastics
• Eight-piece set (two of each color design)
• 5 inches in circumference

Pick a hair band that fits your mood, with whatever messaging is on your mind. Maybe it’s no words at all and just an arm getting ready to swim. Then there’s “Swim Your Heart Out” (with an image of a heart where the word “heart” would be); “Swimmers Rock” and “Just Keeping Swimming.”

Pros

• Suitable for thick or thin hair
• Less crease than usual elastic hair accessories

Cons

• May have to retie ends if pulled too tight
• May not be able to see swimming message, depending on hairstyle

While they’re intended to keep your hair out of your face (or style it in an attractive way), these hair bands also double as decorative bracelets.

3. Newton Bay Store Swimmer’s Soap

This aloe bar gently washes away chlorine after you enjoy a few laps and ideally helps you skip the dry skin.

Key Features

• All-natural ingredients (coconut oil, palm oil, shea butter, calendula flowers)
• Two-pack of 4 ounce soap bars
• Made for sensitive skin

This fragrance-free soap has 100 percent all-natural ingredients, and every purchase of these soap sets will assist in planting a tree. Multipacks are also available. Handmade in North Carolina, it’s made from scratch as opposed to a melt-and-pour technique.

Pros

• No animal testing
• No parabens

Cons

• Did not help remove chlorine smell or irritable skin for one user
• Unclear whether it’s related or not, but one user broke out into hives

If this is not the right soap for you, there is a refund and/or replacement option for you.

4. TYR Big Mesh Mummy Backpack

This mesh backpack is suitable for swimming, gym workouts and outdoor sports.

Key Features

• Available in 11 colors
• Barrel lock closure
• Capacity of 40 liters

This bag has been updated with a 20 percent bigger design and has a spacious main compartment to store your belongings. Shoulder straps make it easy to get up and go, with barrel-lock closures to keep items from falling out.

Pros

• Increased drying
• Drainage nets to allow water to escape from bag

Cons

• Be careful with pointy items that may widen mesh bag holes
• One user preferred more pockets to separate dry items from wet items

Store a small water bottle, shades and other small accessories that you don’t want to get buried in the main compartment.

5. Love Swimming Tee Shirt

Less is more, and this clever “love swimming” shirt does the trick with the “o” as a swimmer silhouette taking a lap.

Key Features

• Available in eight colors
• Available in five sizes (X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large)
• 60 percent soft spun cotton, 40 percent polyester

The family-owned company that designed and printed the shirt is based in Arizona. This shirt is advertised with “superior softness” and in a “lightweight, breathable” fabric.

Pros

• Lightweight (ring-spun cotton)
• Eco-friendly material

Cons

• In a T-shirt shape, which may not adjust to one’s body the way other shirts do
• One user complained that an X-Large shirt doesn’t feel like an X-Large; second user reported the Large was a “very very small Large”

To be on the safe side, you may want to order a couple of sizes to see which one fits you best.

6.  Microfiber Travel Towel

This quick-drying towel can clearly be used for swimming. Its absorbency can also come in handy for beaches, camping, gyms, sports and travel needs.

Key Features

• Available in 10 colors
• Microfiber travel towel
• Hanging loop

Choose between three size options (20 x 40 inches, 28 x 56 inches, 32 x 72 inches) of this towel. Unlike other towels that grow limp, damp and smelly when water hits them, this towel should be able to handle five times its weight in water. It should also dry 10 times faster than terry cloth or cotton towels. It also doesn’t attract as much lint, debris or sand.

Pros

• Odor-free
• Mildew resistant

Cons

• Will smell like chemicals if not washed before first use
• Described as “rubbery” on skin by one user

Each travel towel comes with a travel carry-along bag and a quick-snap hang loop for easy hanging on a towel rack, tree branch or beach umbrella.

7. Sven ‘I Swim Like A Girl’ T-Shirt

If you’ve ever heard the saying “like a girl” to describe how someone does a sport, then you fully understand the snarkiness of this T-shirt. It’s well worth it, too.

Key Features

• Available for men, women and/or youth
• Available in five colors
• Six sizes (Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large, XXX-Large)

These swimming T-shirts are made of 100 percent cotton. The heather grey shirt is 90 percent cotton and 10 percent polyester. All other heathers are 50 percent cotton and 50 percent polyester. This classic fit shirt has double-needle sleeves and bottom hems.

Pros

• Machine washable
• Lightweight

Cons

• May shrink if machine dried more than low temperatures
• “Girl” print lettering may crack, as with all print T-shirt material in this material

This may be the perfect Father’s Day gift for “dad girls” who want to cheer their swimming daughters on, too.

8. Novelty Cup

No, your English teacher (or an editor) won’t find this cup all that funny, but the rest of us will.

Key Features

• Holds 11 ounces
• High-quality ceramic mug
• Printed on both sides

Whether it’s a Father’s Day gift or a graduation gift, this mug is perfect for the swimmer in your life. Use it for tea, coffee, cocoa or any other fun mug drink.

Pros

• Microwave safe
• Dishwasher safe

Cons

• Bow not included
• Fragile material

Obviously, a ceramic mug isn’t the best gift to use while traveling or near the pool, but as with any other mug souvenir, it’s just fine in the kitchen.

9. Auscufflinks Sports & Speciality Ties

From baseball to tennis to violins, drums and swimming, this specialty tie is professional enough that you can get away with it for office meetings but cool enough to show off your personality behind the suit jacket.

Key Features

• 1,200 needle count
• Premium-branded tie lining
• 100 percent high-grade microfiber

This skinny tie measures 2.36 inches (6 cm) in width and 56.3 inches (143 cm) in length. Because it’s a smaller tie, one may have to look closer (or be closer to the person) to notice the design though.

Pros

• Comes new in protective packaging
• Tie images described as “true to image”

Cons

• One user described the tie as “fit for a teen” and another described it as a “child’s tie”
• Will be narrower than an average tie

This tie also comes with a five-year warranty, with premium quality built to last. If it’s not for you, you are entitled to a money-back guarantee.

10. Trendy Swimmer T- Shirt

There’s a certain group of people who run and you should definitely run, too. Ask questions about why they ran later. This is the shirt that forewarns you.

Key Features

• Available for men, women and youth
• Available in four colors (black, navy, royal blue, purple)
• 100 percent cotton; heather Grey: 90 percent cotton, 10 percent polyester; all other heathers: 50 percent cotton, 50 percent polyester

Machine wash at a cold temperature with like colors and on dry, low heat. The lettering starts in white and gets bluer as you read down the shirt.

Pros

• Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
• Soft texture, according to one user

Cons

• Letters may crack, T-shirt may shrink at higher heat rate
• One user reported letters were off-center and crooked

If you’re just itching to wear this shirt during colder months, layer it with a long-sleeved tee and warn away. Enjoy the heated pool water, too.

11. Physix Gear Sport Store Muscle Roller Leg Massager

This massage roller stick for athletes is a great way to relieve cramps and calf and hamstring tightness after a long swim.

Key Features

• Moulded anti-slip nub handle
• Stainless steel core
• Myofascial release

This water-resistant massager (17.4 x 1.9 x 1.9 inches; 11.2 ounces) also comes in handy for deep tissue relaxation and to reach trigger points. It’s also fast relief from unwanted, compressed nerves, knots, achy joints and/or stiff muscles.

Additionally, this may help with sleep, lead to a better mood (due to reducing discomfort) and enhances flexibility. Crafted with a design of seven individual spindles, enabling rolling whilst hugging, soothing and relaxing leg muscles, this also boosts recovery.

Pros

• Reach places that foam rollers cannot
• Enhances flexibility

Cons

• Individual pieces did not spin independently, according to one user
• Not ideal for men with hairy legs; may snap it off

This massage roller is covered by a lifetime warranty.

12. Speedo Men’s Swim Trunk

Constructed from two-way comfort stretch fabric with a water-repellent finish, these trunks should be comfortable enough to stay on during a tough wave but fit well enough over the body to hop in the water with ease.

Key Features

• Cargo pocket
• Water drainage hole
• Mesh liner with inside key pocket

Available in seven colors, these 100 percent polyester brushed microfiber shorts have an elastic closure to slip on and off as needed. Constructed with UPF 50+ protective fabric, the over-stretched garment will not decrease the UPF rating.

Pros

• Lightweight fabric
• Two-way stretch

Cons

• Two users reported the shorts were “too baggy” (may be a matter of opinion)
• One user reported that the shorts would never dry

Pick between eight color patterns or eight solid colors, and wear them as fashionable attire or hop in the water and swim around.

13. Sports Water Bottle

You don’t have to be in the water to enjoy the water. In this case, you can show off your love for the pool, ocean and/or lake from the comfort of your hand with this water bottle.

Key Features

• Made of aluminum
• 20-ounce capacity
• Two twist-on caps

With an easy-flow drinking spout, this stainless steel water bottle has a “less is more” appeal. The custom-printed, high gloss image is printed directly on the white, glossy, exterior surface.

Pros

• Carabineer clip included
• Fits most cup holders

Cons

• Not intended for dishwasher or microwave use
• Does not maintain a specific temperature

Depending on how heavy the bottle is, you may be able to clip it to your belt and/or bookbag and drink as desired.

14. Dreamly Notebook Gift

Just because you love to swim does not mean you don’t have other hobbies, including dry ones like journaling. This is a perfect gift for the writer in your life who enjoys swimming, or the swimmer in your life who may want to keep track of speed and other swimming notes.

Key Features

• Premium matte (soft) finish cover
• 100-page notebook
• 6 x 9 inches

If you’re someone who keeps track of your speed, laps, calories or other fitness regimen notes, you could always use a sheet of paper. But why not use something that best represents your swimming passion? This journal clearly lets people know you’re serious about the craft. And if you’re really a swim coach, now your students know you have a sense of humor while you’re hassling them in the water.

Pros

• Lined for easy writing
• Easy to carry in bag

Cons

• No inspirational quotes or starter comments
• Soft cover may be at risk of involuntary dog-eared pages

Make sure to keep the paperback journal away from water and skip those gel pens. In this type of journal, they will run on the page.

15. Swimmer iPhone Case

A stranger’s casual glance at you while you’re talking on the phone will clearly allow him (or her) to know you’re a swimming lover. The swimmer is cruising right across the back of your phone.

Key Features

• Fits eight iPhone sizes
• Two-part protective case
• Shock absorbent TPU liner

If you have a “love” for swimming, this heartbeat of a swimmer makes that pretty obvious. With an easy installation option (just click in place over phone), you can show off your swimming passion in seconds.

Pros

• Premium scratch-resistant polycarbonate shell
• Liner protects against drops

Cons

• Not intended for Android users
• Not available for iPhones under model 7

Although you should generally keep your phone away from water, this is the one time when water and phones are on the same team.

16. Agoigo Kids Waterproof Camera

Intended for kids ages 3 to 12 years old, this waterproof camera gives them the opportunity to learn about photography outside of traditional selfies from their living rooms. Show off that outdoor spirit in the water.

Key Features

• Waterproof up to 98 feet
• TF card included
• 0 megapixels and 1080P HD IPS screen

The HD video digital action cameras are safe to use in water and include a 2-inch screen to creatively take whatever swimming pictures they want. The lightweight camera also comes with two fastening straps, one bike mount, one USB cable, one lanyard, one helmet mount and two additional mounts. It’s waterproof, dustproof, shockproof and

Pros

• 28 frames and 6 filters to choose from
• Case protects against cameras and hits

Cons

• Opening the waterproof case underwater will damage camera
• Can only use for two to three hours before it needs to be charged

Choose between pink and blue versions of this waterproof camera, or buy one of each for swimming siblings (or friends) who want to take photographs of each other at the beach or swimming pool. This camera is also covered by a three-month money-back guarantee and/or a one-year warranty.

17. New Wave Swim Buoy Dry-Bag

Maybe you want to swim, or maybe you want to use this ultralight swim buoy for a safe way to float and rest during your swimming laps.

Key Features

• Available in four colors
• Crafted with an attached dry bag compartment
• Blue mouthpiece cap

If you really want to stand out in the water, you could also get one of their bright swim caps to make sure people know where you are at all times. The bag will not interfere with your swimming routine either; it’s just nearby for when you want to rest.

Pros

• Adds extra visibility and floatation
• Helps coaches and lifeguards track or log your progress in the water

Cons

• Cannot store anything inside the float
• Frayed immediately for one user

Keep in mind that this buoy does not replace a personal flotation device (PFD) or a life vest.

Bottom Line

What do you get the swimmer who has everything? Chances are that they don’t have all of these things above. Some items (i.e. water bottles) aren’t something you need a whole lot of. But as often as swimmers need hydration, or a dry shirt, chances are that gifts like those will always come in handy.

Not only are the gifts above inspiration for how the swimmers in your life can better utilize things that they already need (or want), but it’s also an opportunity for swimmers to better organize their things.

Get rid of the scraps of paper and use a journal. Or, find better ways to relax (with a massage roller) and don’t forget a bag to keep everything organized. The swimming gift ideas are endless, check out our other relevant detailed reviews:

• Swimming ear plugs
• Swimmers shampoo
• Waterproof Wallets