Here's wishing you a very Merry Christmas this year.

If you have waited until the last minute to buy gifts for family and friends, here are some quick and easy solutions to give great gifts to boaters:

1. Head to the nearest bookstore and pick up any one of the great boating books and instructional DVDs. Boating books are sure to please any avid boater.

2. Pick up the latest boating magazine, tear out one of those little subscription cards and drop it in the mail. Wrap up the magazine and let the recipient know they can expect a year's worth of boating magazines.

3. Stop at the hardware store and purchase a 5 gallon bucket and fill it with useful items such as duct and electrical tape, rags, cleaning items and many other items that boaters always need.

4. Gift certificates, while boring at times, are still a great way to ensure a person gets a gift they will love. Go to the nearest marine supply store and pick up a gift card, or buy one online and have it shipped to them.

Even though many people are on a tight budget this holiday season, it is still feasible to give a great gift with plenty of meaning that costs little or even nothing but means more to the avid boater in your life that you can imagine. Here are just a few ideas:

1. Volunteer your time on a boat maintenance project over the winter, or even for the spring launch event.

2. Purchase an inexpensive photo frame and add a favorite picture of their boat or of them boating.

3. Give a "save the date" and offer to go to a boat show with them during the boat show season.

4. Sign them up for a free boating class with the Coast Guard Auxiliary and offer to attend it with them.

5. Wash and wax their boat for free - and even more than once.

These are only a few creative ideas to get you thinking about your own free or cheap boating gifts. Got more ideas? Share them in a comment below.

More Boating Gift Ideas:

Boating Gifts
DIY Boating Gifts
Boating Books and Magazines
Gadgets and Tech Boating Gifts
Personalized Boating Gifts

If you know a boater who is on your holiday gift giving list this season, you are in good shape. Opportunities and ideas abound for great gift ideas that fit every price range, are easy to find and sure to please the boater in your life. Here are some resources I have found to give that one-of-a-kind boating gift:

Yachtsee.com - personalized SailorBags and Octopus Coolies made especially to keep your drink anchored while boating.

Boatnamegear.com - Personalized items such as men, women and children's clothing, hats, welcome mats and fender covers.

Defender Marine - an online marine supply store with a large selection of products in every gift giving price range.

Bookstores - books and magazines make great boating gifts.

More Gift Giving Ideas:

Boating Gifts
DIY Boating Gifts
Boating Books and Magazines
Gadgets and Tech Boating Gifts
Personalized Boating Gifts