Looking for holiday boating gifts that actually get kids excited about being outdoors? The best boating and fishing gifts for kids are more than just toys — they make boat days safer, more fun, and help young adventurers learn on-the-water skills.
Here are the 11 best boating and fishing gift ideas for kids in 2025, from toddlers to teens.
Boating Gifts for Kids: Making Boat Life Fun and Safe
These boating gifts make time on the water exciting, comfortable, and educational. They also help kids feel confident around the boat — which means happier (and safer) outings for everyone.
Read Next: Tips for Fishing with Kids
1. Water Floats and Towable Tubes (Ages 6+)
Nothing beats the thrill of gliding across the water on a towable. From simple donut tubes to large multi-rider styles, these are crowd-pleasers for kids of all ages.
Why it’s a great gift:
- Encourages play off the stern
- Helps kids get comfortable in the water
- Keeps them active and confident
For younger kids: Floating foam water mats are perfect. They stay close to the boat and offer a safe, soft place to bounce, splash, or rest.
2. A Life Jacket That Actually Fits (All Ages)
A properly sized life jacket is one of the most important boating gifts for kids. When it fits, kids are more likely to wear it while staying comfortable all day. Remember, a great PFD provides parents of young boaters with peace of mind.
What to look for:
- U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approval
- Soft, flexible materials that don’t chafe
- Weight-based sizing for a proper fit
3. Nautical Board Books (Ages 0–4)
Introducing little ones to boating early can be as simple as reading. Waterproof or thick board books about oceans, sailboats, sea creatures, or the nautical alphabet are boat-friendly and durable.
Why it’s a great gift:
- Holds attention during quiet cabin time
- Survives splashes and rough handling
- Builds early interest in life on the water
4. Polarized Sunglasses (Ages 4+)
Sun glare can be twice as strong on the water, so a pair of kid-sized polarized sunglasses is a practical holiday gift.
What to look for:
- Polarized lenses
- Nearly unbreakable frames
- Retainer strap (so they don’t end up at the bottom of the lake)
5. Remote-Control Water Toys (Ages 5+)
Small RC boats or submarines are perfect boredom busters when the boat is anchored or tied to the dock.
Why it’s a great gift:
- Encourages curiosity and exploration
- Gets kids interacting with the water, even if they’re not swimming
- Fun for siblings to race around the boat
6. UPF 50+ Sun Shirts (All Ages)
Keeping sunscreen on squirmy kids is tough. A high-quality UPF sun shirt protects their skin without constant reapplication.
Why it’s a great gift:
- Quick-dry, lightweight fabric
- Serious UV protection
- Kids love choosing their favorite color or design
Fishing Gifts for Kids: Getting Them Hooked on Angling
If they’re always asking to hold the rod or check if the fish are biting, these fishing gifts are perfect for helping them learn the basics — and feel like real anglers.
7. Beginner Rod and Reel Combo (Ages 3–9)
A kid-friendly rod makes all the difference. Spincast (push-button) reels are easy to use, low-tangle, and designed for small hands. Selecting the right kid-friendly rod and reel keeps the experience fun instead of frustrating.
What to look for:
- Pre-spooled line
- Lightweight rod
- Characters or colors they love
8. A Personal Tackle Box (Ages 5+)
Nothing makes a child feel more like a real fisherman than having their own tackle box. It teaches responsibility while giving them ownership of their gear.
Fill it with:
- Bright bobbers
- Simple jigs
- Soft plastic worms
- Stickers for decorating the outside
9. Personalized Fishing Lure (All Ages)
A customized lure is a meaningful gift for kids who love fishing. Many can be engraved with a name, date, or a short message. They can fish with it or keep it as a memory — especially if it celebrates a first catch.
10. A Real Catch-and-Release Net (Ages 4+)
A kid-sized net helps them safely land fish, learn proper handling techniques, and feel more confident around hooks and lines.
Why it’s a great gift:
- Protects fish for release
- Keeps small hands safe
- Encourages independence
11. Kids’ Fishing Log Book (Ages 7+)
Buying your young angler a log book turns fishing into a fun science project. Kids can record their catches, locations, bait, weather conditions, and what worked best.
Why it’s a great gift:
- Makes fishing educational
- Helps them improve over time
- Turns every trip into a story worth saving
Finding the Best Holiday Boating Gift Ideas for Kids
These boating and fishing gifts for kids help build confidence, outdoor skills, and lifelong love for the water. Whether you’re buying for a new boater or a young angler who never wants to leave the dock, these ideas make holidays on the water even more fun. Here’s to making memories—and future boat captains!
Originally published in February 2022. Updated in November 2025.
