It’s Not Too Late!
Hey there! If you’re like me, you probably waited a little longer than you meant to when it comes to holiday shopping. No judgment here—we’ve all been there. If you’ve got a scuba diver in your life and you’re scrambling for something thoughtful, don’t worry! I’ve got your back with some quick, practical, and super cool gift ideas that any diver will love.
Even if time is tight, there’s something here for every budget, from gear essentials to unique digital options. So let’s dive right in (pun intended) and find the perfect last-minute gift that’ll make their day!
The Ultimate Last-Minute Scuba Diver Gift List
Air Fill Cards 🎟️
You can never go wrong with air fills! Prepaid air fill cards from a local dive shop are super practical. Every diver needs air for their tanks, and this gift shows you know what they’re all about without stressing over sizes or styles.
Dive Shop Gift Cards 💳
Not sure what they need? A gift card to their favorite dive shop or online retailer is perfect. It lets them pick exactly what they want—whether it’s gear, accessories, or even classes. Easy for you, awesome for them.
Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs) 🗺
If they don’t have one already, an SMB is a game-changer for safety on dives. Plus, it’s an affordable, easy-to-find gift that’s actually useful. Think of it as giving them a little extra peace of mind.
- Carter Super Sausage – If you dive buddy is a technical deco diver, this is the one they want. Sure, it’s a bit pricey, but it’s worth every penny when it counts. You might not know why you spent this much, but trust me—they will. Think of it as giving them a little extra peace of mind.
Personalized Gear Tags 🏷️
These are small but super thoughtful. For scuba BCDs, embroidered tags make gear identification easy and add a personal touch. For everything else, high-quality name stickers are a fantastic option for marking masks, fins, or any equipment that tends to get mixed up. Either way, personalized tags ensure their gear stands out on even the most crowded dive boat.
Underwater Slates ✍️
Divers love underwater slates, and there are a few types to suit different needs. Underwater paper books are great for permanent note-taking and logging observations. Slates with clips are perfect for hanging from gear or slipping into a pocket for quick access. For divers who need to keep critical information handy, wrist-bound slates make it easy to organize and reference important notes underwater. Simple, functional, and always appreciated.
Dive-Themed Apparel 👕
Who doesn’t love showing off their favorite hobby? T-shirts, hats, or hoodies with cool scuba designs make great gifts. They can rep their love for diving even when they’re not in the water.
Waterproof Phone Cases 📱
These are a lifesaver for anyone near water. A good waterproof phone case means they can snap pics at the beach, on the boat, or even snorkeling without worrying about their phone taking a swim.
- BE CAREFUL – LOTS OF NEW AND CHEAPER OPTIONS. I WOULD NOT TRUST MY PHONE CASE IF IT WASN’T ONE OF THE BIG NAMES IN UNDERWATER HOUSINGS.
The Oceanic+ Dive Housing transforms your iPhone into a full-featured underwater camera, allowing divers to capture stunning photos and videos at depths of up to 60 meters (196 feet). With intuitive controls and integration with the Oceanic+ app, it’s perfect for recreational divers looking for an affordable and versatile alternative to traditional dive cameras. Compact and travel-friendly, it’s a must-have for divers who want to bring their underwater memories home.
- The SeaLife SportDiver Ultra Housing turns your iPhone or Android into a powerful underwater camera, capable of reaching depths up to 40 meters (130 feet). Featuring a durable design, easy-to-use controls, and a clear live preview, it’s perfect for divers wanting high-quality photos and videos without investing in expensive camera rigs. Compact and compatible with most smartphones, it’s an ideal choice for capturing underwater adventures on the go.
- The Kraken KRH08 Universal Smartphone Housing V2(NOT AVAILABLE AMAZON – DONT BUY KNOCKOFFS) is a versatile solution for turning almost any smartphone into a dive-ready camera, with a depth rating of up to 80 meters (263 feet). Featuring a vacuum seal system for added safety and ergonomic controls, it ensures your phone stays protected while capturing stunning underwater images and videos. With universal compatibility and rugged construction, it’s perfect for tech-savvy divers looking for reliability and performance.
Dive Logbooks 📒
Divers are all about tracking their underwater adventures. A new logbook (physical or digital) helps them keep their dives organized and remember all those amazing underwater moments.
- If you have not already read it. Be sure to read my post on dive book logging.
Scuba Toolkits 🛠️
A little repair kit goes a long way. These compact, diver-specific toolkits are perfect for quick fixes on the go, and they’re a must-have on any dive trip.
- The XS Scuba Stainless Steel Star Tool won’t blow you away with fancy features, but when something goes wrong, it’s the small hero that’ll save your dive. Compact, reliable, and perfectly sized for your save-a-dive kit, it’s the tool you’ll thank yourself for carrying in an emergency.
- Complementing that tool perfectly, the Xs Scuba TL110 Scuba Multi Tool offers a full set of practical features, including wrenches, screwdrivers, and hex keys—ideal for quick adjustments and minor gear repairs. Together, they’re a versatile, reliable duo, ensuring you’re ready for anything that could turn a great dive into a canceled one.
Books on Diving 📚
When they’re not underwater, let them dream about it. A great book on diving—like Shadow Divers or a marine life guide—makes for a thoughtful and inspiring gift.
- Shadow Divers by Robert Kurson is a gripping true story of adventure and discovery, following two New Jersey divers as they risk everything to explore a mysterious WWII-era U-boat wreck off the Atlantic coast. Blending history, danger, and deep-sea exploration, the book captures the thrill of being the first to uncover long-lost secrets, making it a must-read for anyone fascinated by wreck diving.
- The Last Dive by Bernie Chowdhury is a haunting and poignant account of a father and son whose deep, competitive bond ultimately leads them to tragedy during a technical wreck dive. It explores themes of family, ambition, and the intense drive to push boundaries underwater, making it a compelling and emotional read for those who understand the risks and relationships that come with diving.
Why These Gifts Work Last-Minute
The best part? Most of these gifts are super easy to grab last-minute. Many dive shops offer gift cards, and lots of these ideas (like logbooks or SMBs) are available online or in-store. You can even order digital options instantly, so there’s no stress if you’re short on time.
Support Your Local Dive Store
Most of the items I’ve mentioned here—or similar variations—are available at your local dive shop. Shopping local not only supports your diving community but also ensures you’re getting gear and gifts that have been vetted for quality.
I’ve also made every effort to find “online equivalents” that meet my standard of quality for those of you who prefer to shop from home. Either way, these gifts are sure to make a splash! If possible I used Amazon Affiliate links to ensure you get the best experience, and I get a small credit back for referring you. No links are tricks, you can search for the items with the same titles on the page and avoid the affiliate link.
