Support your favourite marine charities this Christmas with a range of practical gifts like this Shark Mug from Bite-Back, aiding the fight against shark finning, or a TidyTide water bottle. Other options include Adopt a Turtle or Seahorse from MCS or visit the Christmas shop at RNLI to support our lifeboat crews. Help Sea Shepherd's campaign against whaling by visiting their online shop for hoodies, t-shirts and mugs.
Give the gift of a new skill next year - whether it's a PADI speciality or trying out freediving for the first time. If you're in the Bristol/Swindon area then check out DM Scuba for scuba courses, or try PADI nationwide. Wherever you live in the UK there's should be a freedive course near you - check the British Freediving Association for more information. For my freediving courses see here. You can also access online yoga for divers here and a shorter online course for better breathing - both great stocking fillers!
If you're going to buy a book for your buddy then there's plenty to choose from - covering underwater photography, dive destinations, history, skills, fitness and fish guides. My favourite this year is Glass and Water by freediver Mark Harris. If you're looking for something a bit different then try Taming Tigers by freediver and race-jockey Jim Lawless - a book full of tips to be who you always wanted to be but were a bit to scared to try. Much cooler than 'Feel the fear and do it anyway'!
Divesangha create ethical and stylish clothes and accessories for divers - my favourites are the hoody, poncho and towel. And best of all they have a sale on now! Also on my wish list for Christmas is a Fourth Element bikini made from recycled 'ghost' fishing nets.
For the hardy dive-all-year buddy, consider a thick, cosy Dryrobe to keep them warm between dives.
I love to wear jewellery that reminds me of where I'd rather be! I have a mermaid around my neck and a shark on my pearly bracelet. Adorn your buddy (or self!) with manta, dolphin or seahorse from Reef Jewellery or Aquamarine this Christmas. Etsy is a fantastic resource for homemade sea-inspired jewellery from around the world including mermaid pendants and starfish earrings. Visit their marketplace here.
Give a practical ocean gift this Christmas for the home - perhaps these coral book-ends from Etsy or ocean-print cushions on EBay. For a customised gift, you could put this year's favourite underwater shot on a cushion, mug or canvas print at Photobox. For stocking fillers or secret santa try a Sea Salt candle. Kids will love this shark laundry bin or shark umbrella!