Unforgettable Gifts for Lake Lovers: The Top 10 Picks!

This is a blog post featuring a gift guide for lake lovers. Everything from activities to lounging and at every price point.

Unforgettable Gifts for Lake Lovers: The Top 10 Picks!
a peaceful mountain lake pencil sketch 

If you're looking for the perfect gift for a friend whose happy place is the lake, then you've come to the right place! Our informative gift guide is full of amazing ideas that are sure to make anyone happy.  From fun activities to gadgets and games, we are certain you'll find something special for your favorite lake fan.

How we choose: We have read hundreds and hundreds of online reviews to bring you the best all-around gift guide for every budget and taste. We curate this list from reviews, quality, price, and uniqueness of each item, so you don't have to! We hope you enjoy your gift shopping! PS. The list is in no particular order.

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Waterproof Blue Tooth Speaker

JBL Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

For the boat, raft, dock, or beach

Check Price on Amazon

Why it’s on the list:

This JBL speaker would be an ideal gift to enjoy on the boat, beach, or dock.

The small size makes it easy to carry and its surprisingly big sound will keep the music playing whether they’re driving the boat, or sunbathing on the sand.

The built-in carabiner makes it easy to attach to their bag and they can enjoy up to 10 hours of playtime, which means they can just keep on dancing.

You'll be sure to find their favorite color with the 18 choices available.

The Best Part: It has a noise canceling speaker phone so they will be able to take calls

From Reviews:

Pros:

  • So small but is loud and durable.
  • Great for hiking or adventuring, clipped to a backpack or a zipper on a ski jacket.
  • This speaker is perfect! No issues at all and the battery lasts a long time.

Cons:

  • The charging cord is short
  • The speaker cover came off
  • Not enough Bass

Uno Splash

Uno Card Game Splash

Play your favorite card game at the lake, pool, or beach

Check Price on Amazon

Why it’s on the list:

What will they think of next? No more sandy, soggy cards during their favorite game of Uno.

It has durable, waterproof plastic cards, and a clip that keeps all the cards together that can attach to the beach bag, or backpack.

The Best Part: The clip that keeps all the cards together

From Reviews:

Pros:

  • Great to use at restaurants with kids because you can wipe them down
  • They’re tough for sun, sand, and water
  • A great gift for someone who spends a lot of time at the pool or beach

Cons:

  • They are slippery so can fall out of your hand
  • The cards don’t float
  • A little hard to shuffle

Bogg Bag

Bogg Bag 

The Ultimate bag for everything you need to bring

Check Price on Amazon

Why it’s on the list:

Look no further than the Original Bogg Bag for your friend who loves going to the lake!

This lightweight tote has everything they will need with plenty of room for snacks, books, makeup, towels, suntan lotion, and more. Plus, it's waterproof and washable so it's perfect for any kind of outdoor activity like boat trips, pool days, or camping trips.

The Best Part: It's so great it's been featured on The Today Show and Fox

From Reviews:

Pros:

  • So great for the beach, sand doesn’t stick to it and it’s easy to clean
  • Love The size, shape, and durability
  • Everything you need for the beach can fit

Cons:

  • It’s huge
  • It doesn’t fold up
  • A little expensive

Floats

3 Pack of Hammock Floats

Ahhh.....this is the life

Check Price on Amazon

A trip to the lake is all about relaxation and having one of these versatile floats, will make your lake-lover friend so happy.

What makes these floats so unique is that they have different ways to relax, you can relax in the lake using it as a hammock, use as a float, or even use it as a chair in the water!

They're strong, tear-resistant, and can hold kids or adults.

And, the seller is all about customer satisfaction so feel free to message them through “contact sellers” if products don't meet your expectations.

The Best Part: It’s a 3-pack in 3 different colors

From Reviews:

Pros:

  • These are awesome
  • The inflatable is covered in fabric which makes it more comfortable
  • So many people asking where we got them

Cons:

  • Doesn’t come with a pump
  • 1 arrived with a tear
  • Lose air after a couple of days

Beach Blanket

Beach Blanket

No more sandy blankets with this gem

Check Price on Amazon

This oversized beach blanket is an extremely useful gift for beach time at the lake.  It's made of sturdy parachute ripstop polyester, making it lightweight yet durable, 100% breathable, and sand proof,  so they can say goodbye to sand sticking to their blanket!

And it's not just sand and waterproof - it fits up to seven people but is still able to fold into a small pouch so that they can take it wherever they go.

They don't have to worry about it flying away on those windy lake days, because it's designed to be wind-resistant.

The Best Part: Zippered pockets for belongings or they can even add sand to give more wind protection than the included stakes.

From Reviews:

Pros:

  • Easy to use and comes with the stakes
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Small enough to fit in a cargo pocket

Cons:

  • Thought it would be cloth but it’s plastic
  • It’s difficult to get it back in the bag at the beach
  • Gets hot in the sun, you will need a towel

Floating Key Chain

Floating Buoy Keychain

The cutest keychain 

Check Price on Amazon

Why it’s on the list:

First of all, it's so adorable that anyone will love it, and they will be so appreciative of this useful and practical gift that they just might invite you out on their boat!

The durable plastic buoy is made to stay afloat, and the metal key ring near the top ensures that the key will be held reliably.

The cover snaps on tight so it is water-resistant, while the orange design will make it POP in a dark body of water.

The Best Part: It looks just like a buoy which is so cute

From Reviews:

Pros:

  • Better than the foam ones
  • It floats
  • If you own a boat you should have one

Cons:

  • Couldn’t get it open
  • It cracked
  • Overpriced

Waterproof Phone Case

Waterproof Phone Case

Bring your phone in the water and take pictures

Check Price on Amazon

Why it’s on the list:

This is one of the best gift ideas for any water enthusiast.

This waterproof phone case is compatible with the latest versions of iPhone, Samsung, and other phones, and it comes in a convenient two-pack, so you can even keep one for yourself!

Plus, it's IPX8 certified waterproof up to 100 feet/30 meters, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or even scuba diving!

The pouch also comes with a detachable lanyard so they can be sure not to lose their phone while enjoying all the lake activities.

The Best Part: You can use your phone camera underwater

From Reviews:

Pros:

  • This saved my phone when the kayak flipped
  • Took it snorkeling and kept my phone dry
  • The Touchscreen works still, just not in the water

Cons:

  • Wasn’t able to operate the phone underwater
  • My phone didn’t fit with the Case on it
  • It was hard to get my phone out of it after using it in the water
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Pro tip: After reading so many reviews on this product many users said they needed to turn on their camera before going underwater since touch screen doesn't seem to work under water. 

Slammo

Slammo

Hours of fun for everyone

Check Price on Amazon

Why it’s on the list:

If your friend is active or just likes a bit of competitive fun,  look no further than Slammo as a unique and fun gift.

This action-packed 2-on-2 volleyball-style game lets friends and family get into the competitive spirit without worrying about setting up a net - they can just jump right in and get spiking!

And not only does it provide great entertainment for adults and teens it's also exercise disguised as fun.

The Best Part: Lifetime replacement warranty

From Reviews:

Pros:

  • This game is more fun than we thought
  • The whole family loves this game
  • Easy to set up and transport

Cons:

  • The round balls turned into football shapes
  • The net doesn’t get tight enough for the ball to bounce high
  • The net seems low quality

Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard

Check Price on Amazon

Why it’s on the list:

An inflatable stand-up paddle board is a unique gift idea for someone who loves outdoor sports! Not only is it easy to transport, but it is also great for exploring and getting some exercise.

Plus, they'll be able to have a blast paddling around on calm days or even performing tricks on waves.

And you can feel good about the gift because This SUP is the Most Durable Lightweight Board On The Market with a Non-slip soft deck which is ideal for all skill levels for fewer accidents or injuries should they fall!

The Best Part:  Comes with a pump and a backpack case for travel and easy storage at their lake house

From Reviews:

Pros:

  • I would definitely recommend this board and give it as a gift
  • It held me and my dog
  • Great for the price

Cons:

  • It was leaking the first time I inflated it
  • It’s hard to pump it up to enough PSI
  • The paddle is cheap

Simply Modern Wine Bottle and Tumblers

Simply Modern Tumbler Set

Check Price on Amazon

Why it’s on the list:

Give the lake lover in your life the best of both worlds with this gorgeous wine tumbler and bottle set!

With its eye-catching colors and pattern, they will love breaking this set out during their special lake time.

Not only does it hold an entire bottle of wine, but it will keep it at that perfect temperature.

Plus, with the convenience of being able to take it on the go, (depending on the lake rules),  they can enjoy a glass of wine on the beach, on the boat, or on a long walk.

The Best Part: Simple Modern gives 10% of profits away for good causes

From Reviews:

Pros:

  • Great quality product
  • The pattern and color is so pretty
  • The shape makes them easy to hold

Cons:

  • Wish it was bigger
  • The lid isn’t leakproof
  • Had a metal taste

Frequently asked questions:

What are some of the best things to do at a lake?

  1. Go fishing - something about the relaxation of sitting peacefully with a rod and bait can bring out the Zen in even the most hardcore city dweller.
  2. Take a canoe or kayak to explore - nothing beats exploring a lake in all its beauty and tranquility by land or water, on your own terms.
  3. Visit a nearby beach - if there are beaches near your lake, take advantage of them! Have a picnic, sunbathe, have some ice cream, read a book...the possibilities are endless!
  4. Hike the trails - many lakes have hiking trails that offer stunning views of their surroundings while also providing an opportunity to get some exercise outdoors.
  5. Stargaze - what's better than lying back and looking up at the stars on a clear night? Plus, no need for light pollution from any cities here!

Why do people love lake living? 

There are many reasons why people love lakes. From the expansive views of a tranquil lake to the peaceful sound of water lapping against the shore, lakes provide an opportunity for relaxation and contemplation that you can't find anywhere else. Lakes also provide ample fishing opportunities and are often associated with fond childhood memories of boating, swimming, and other outdoor activities. Lastly, lakes offer a natural beauty that is easy to appreciate, no matter what season it is.

Do waterproof phone cases really work? 

Waterproof phone cases are designed to protect your device from water damage. They have been tested and proven to keep phones safe when submerged in water or under heavy rain or splashes for an extended period of time. When using one of these cases, it is important to make sure that the seals and latches are completely closed in order to ensure maximum protection. However, as with any product, it's still best to exercise caution and avoid submerging your device deeper than recommended.

What are some of the dangers of lakes?

Lakes can pose a variety of dangers to swimmers and boaters. Most lakes are cold year-round, which can lead to hypothermia if you're not careful. Debris and objects like rocks or sticks can also be found at the bottom of the lake, posing a risk for those who are swimming or boating. Additionally, some lakes may have creatures living in them that can be dangerous if you come into contact with them, such as venomous snakes or snapping turtles. Swift currents which can be difficult to navigate may also be found in certain lakes. Finally, algae bloom caused by nutrients in the water can produce toxins that are dangerous for people and animals if ingested or inhaled.

What should I pack for a day at the lake?

  1. Sunscreen - any time you are going to be in the great outdoors, no matter the season, the sun's rays can still cause damage, so don't forget to pack plenty of sunscreen!
  2. Swimsuit - if there's a beach near your lake, you'll want to be ready for swimming and other water activities.
  3. Hat & Sunglasses - both will help keep you cool and protect your eyes from sun damage.
  4. Snacks & Drink - packing some snacks and beverages will make sure you won't get hungry or thirsty while out on the lake.
  5. Camera/Phone - don't forget to bring something to capture all those memories!

Is Slammo a knockoff of Spike Ball?

Spikeball and Slammo are both terms used to describe the same game. Spikeball is the original game of roundnet, having been developed and brought to market first. It has enjoyed great success ever since, leading to the emergence of competitors such as GoSports' Slammo. Spikeball remains the most popular choice according to online search trends that consistently peak during the summer months. Meanwhile, searches for Slammo fail to even come close in comparison.

Is it hard to learn how to use a Stand Up Paddleboard?

It can be hard to learn to stand-up paddle boarding, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable experience. With the right equipment, some patience, and a bit of practice, anyone can learn and enjoy all summer long.


In conclusion:

These 10 perfect gifts for lake lovers have something for everyone.

Whether you pick up something practical, or something just plain fun you are sure to enhance their lake life with these unique gifts!

Thanks for reading and

Happy Shopping!

Stacy