
10 perfect gift ideas for the ocean-loving mom in your life
Disclosure: I sometimes share products with you that I love or think you will appreciate as an ocean adventurer. If you buy an item through one of my affiliate links, I receive a small compensation – at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own. This compensation is used to keep this blog up and running!
Are you struggling to find the perfect gift for the ocean-minded mom in your life? Sure chocolates, flowers, socks or a clean kitchen are great, but probably not what she really wants. Don’t worry! Whether she surfs, SUP paddles, kayaks or boogie boards, I’ve found a gift she will love.
Here are 10 gifts for the surf, paddle and kayak mom in your life.
1. Surfwear
Who doesn’t want a new rash guard, coverup, boardshorts or surf leggings for the season? These are some of my favorite places to find quality, fun, cool mom-appropriate surf gear:
Patagonia
Athleta
Title Nine
Seea
Pro tip: If you are not sure what size or style she wants, try a gift card to one of the stores mentioned above.
2. Flip flops & sandals:
It is almost summer, so a new pair of flip flops for the season is appreciated. Why not buy her a cute pair that also supports a good cause?
Indosoles
This B-corp makes cute eco-friendly shoes and sandals out of recycled tires.
Feelgoodz
These sandals, flip flops, slippers and flats use natural materials and are designed by artisans around the world.
Her Best Foot Forward
These brightly colored and beaded sandals are handcrafted by women in East Africa and proceeds support non-profits empowering women in the region.
Olukai
Olukai carries a range of sandals and beach shoes. Their drop-in heel shoe design slip on easily and are perfect post paddle or surf. Olukai also supports environmental conservation and preservation of traditional Pacific cultures.
3. Gear bag
Every ocean athlete has to get her stuff to the beach and back. A great gear bag that can accommodate wetsuits, water bottles, sunscreen, a towel and more is a necessity. Bonus if the bag is waterproof too.
Here are a few options:
Watershed Ocoee Kayak Drybag is a waterproof bag that can fit plenty of stuff, looks cute, and can be strapped down to your kayak or paddleboard if needed.
Nixon’s Waterlock III Surf backpack lets you get your wetsuit and other gear to and from your surf session easily. It even comes with a wetsuit changing mat.
The Stormfront Rolle Top from Patagonia offers another waterproof option but is more lightweight.
Aloha offers super cute tropical and ocean themed splash-proof pouches of all sizes, totes, and duffels. These bags are great for travel, beach days, or everyday activities.
4. Beach towel
How about a beautiful and eco-friendly beach towel?
Nomadix
Nomadix makes gorgeous quick-dry towels in tribal and geometric prints from recycled plastic bottles. They are perfect for travel, yoga, the beach, camping and more. Now carried by REI stores too.
Sand cloud
Sand cloud also offers beautiful beach towels and they donate 10% of your purchase to ocean conservation groups.
5. Water bottles & coffee mugs:
Every active mom needs hydration and caffeination. Why not help her do it in style? Plus, these water bottles and coffee mugs means one less plastic bottle in our ocean. Win-Win.
Mizu
Mizu specializes in tough, insulated water bottles, coffee cups and barware that keep cool things cold, and hot things hot. They are perfect for an early morning coffee while checking the surf, or a post-paddle hydration session.
Kor
Does she like to filter her water or add fruit infusions all while looking super hip? Kor has her covered with a range of modern looking water bottles and filtration systems
S’well
S’well offers a huge variety of modern looking bottles in fun colors and patterns, including these teak-inspired ones.
Klean Kanteen
Klean Kanteen offers a selection of reliable and simple coffee mugs, water bottles, and tumblers for the whole family.
6. Rinse kit:
This Rinsekit is great for rinsing your gear, yourself, or your pets after a paddle or day at the beach. Just fill the container with water and stick it in your car. Simply use the attached sprayer and hose when you need to rinse off. There is no floppy bag to hang, and it now comes with warm water options.
This is such a great gift idea that my husband and I both bought one of these for the other last Christmas. Great minds think alike!
7. Lifeproof phone case
Every mom and adventurer surely needs a “Waterproof-drop proof-dirtproof-snowproof” phone case. This case makes a great gift that will save her phone from a dunk in the toilet thanks to her toddler, or a dunk in the ocean while out adventuring.
8. Ocean themed jewelry
Most outdoorsy, active moms don’t wear lots of big jewelry, but they do love simple pieces that integrate into their lifestyle. Try these ocean-inspired simple designs for a perfect gift.
Tiny ocean
Tiny ocean specializes in minimalist sea glass designs, collected and handcrafted in Santa Cruz, CA. A portion of the profits are donated to a local ocean non-profit, Save Our Shores.
Devocean Co.
Devocean Co. has simple and casual bracelets and each purchase helps fund sea turtle conservation programs.
Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods, a marketplace for fun and quirky artisan designed products, is one of my favorite places to find thoughtful and unique gift ideas (including the bracelet and necklace pictured above). Search their catalog for “ocean” products and you will find jewelry, art prints and more.
Shop Joyo
For a different style, try Shop Joyo which specializes in handmade laser cut wood jewelry. They have several ocean-inspired designs that are worth checking out.
9. Classes, workshops or retreats

Classes, workshops or retreats make great gifts! Encourage her to try a new sport or improve her skills.
Is she new to a sport or has been wanting to try something new?
Check around at SUP, surf or kayak shops in your town and sign her up for an intro class. She will learn the basics and get familiar with the equipment and techniques.
Is she already experienced?
How about signing her up for a SUP yoga, SUP fitness or intermediate surf or kayak class? Check your local town for options.
REI stores offer a full range of classes in standup paddling, kayaking, surfing and canoeing (and many off-water activities too including camping, survival, climbing, and cycling). Offerings vary by location and you can check out what is available in your neighborhood here: https://www.rei.com/events/a/paddling
Could she use a weekend away with the girls?
Treat her to an outdoor retreat or trip.
REI Outessa offers a series of outdoor adventure retreats specifically for women where they can paddle board, rock climb, trail run and more at some of the most beautiful places in the country. The retreats are a bit pricey but provide amazing adventure, food and bonding experiences.
Bold Betties specializes in adventure travel for women with trips ranging from sailing trips in Alaska, canoe trips in Utah, trekking in Peru or doing yoga with baby goats in Colorado (no joke!).
There are many local and international surf-yoga-adventure retreats out there. Google around if you think the mom in your life would love the experience.
10. A great sunscreen
Every ocean mom needs a great sunscreen. There have been fantastic advances recently to make sunscreens from natural, non-toxic ingredients which are better for our health and the health of the oceans.
Badger
Badger is a company I love to support. They sell high-quality skincare products made with only the best ingredients, and they prioritize being a sustainable company who takes care of their employees.
Coola
Coola carries a range of mineral-based, natural skincare products. Try this gift tote which has the travel sizes of their best products and 100% of the profits are donated to the Ocean Conservancy, one of the top advocacy groups working to protect our oceans. Win-win!!
Suntegrity
This company offers mineral based, award-winning sunscreens, tinted moisturizers and more.
ThinkSport
Thinksport sells high quality, natural, EWG approved skincare which is inexpensive and they donate 10% of your purchase to a nonprofit of your choice. They also sell water bottles and yoga mats!
There you go, 10 gift ideas that an ocean-minded mama would love for Mother’s Day or any time of year.
Bonus tip: If you are really short of time or money – just watch the kids for a few hours so she can go grab a paddle or surf session!
