Looking for gift ideas for rowers? Maybe I can help. It's no secret around here that I love gift guides and I love rowing, so why not combine two of my favorite things?

Below you'll find crew and rowing gift ideas, whether novice or master, Juniors or Masters. I'm by no means a rowing expert, but I can certainly give you some input based on my experience! From small gifts and stocking stuffers to medium-sized gifts for your rowing buddy's birthday, to big ticket dream items, you’ll find a little something for all the rowers on your list.

(None of these items are sponsored, but I use affiliate links, which means if you purchase from those links I get a small percentage of the sale. I also recommend shopping via Ebates for no-strings-attached cash back.)

Onward, to the rowing gift ideas!

1. Rowing wrenches. For coxswains, coaches, rowers, or anyone who has to rig boats. I like that that you can choose your team colors from these options. (Regular old metal ones ones available via Amazon, of course.)

2. Rowing patent prints. Etsy has all kinds of great choices.

Photo from wunderkammerstudio etsy shop.

3. Clip-on hat light. For those dark early mornings, these are non-negotiable.

4. And headlamps are also a good idea.

5. And of course you can never have too many hats. This lightweight, bright, reflective one would be a good choice for those dark mornings. This cold-weather one also comes in brights so the coach can see you in the dark.

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6. Rowboat salad bowl. Not a racing shell, but a girl's gotta eat.

7. Nuun hydration tablets. These are my favorite to use after a tough workout. Healthier than those sugary, Red Dye No. 5 sports drinks, and they take up far less space: just drop them in water, let fizz, and chug.

8. Bisweptual t-shirt. This will probably only be funny to you if you row. Variety of colors. Also available in port, starboard, bow, engineroom, etc.

9. JL Racing gel seat pad. To make that seat a little softer, or accommodate shorter rowers and/or those with shorter torsos. It floats!

10. Guide to rowing and coxing, from one of my favorite (funny) social media accounts. (Check out their Instagram account.)

11. Sport wash. Workout clothes can get stinky and this seems especially true with water sports. Maybe only give this to someone if you know they'd like to try this, lest it seem like a hint.

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12. Buffs! Patterns or solids. Wear 12 different ways, from keeping your neck and face warm to keeping hair back.

13. Pogies! For sweeping, sculling, or a combo. Keep those hands warm on that chilly, wet oar.

14. Rowing jewelry. I love this subtle necklace.

15. Collapsible water bottle. A necessity for any boat bag, and you can never have too many. I love the patterned ones.

16. Red Rose Crew. Did you know women weren’t allowed to row in the Olympics until 1976? And even then, they had to fight tooth and nail for it. Read all about those incredible women in this book. A must-read for any rower.

17. Nexcare waterproof tape. This is one of my favorite rowing items. It protects, pads, and covers blisters while standing up to sweat and salt water. Lightweight and I've always got a roll in my bag.

18. While we're taking care of those rowing paws, give 'em some extra love with my favorite hand cream. Not greasy, not smelly, soaks in, heals.

19. And sunscreen for the rest of your skin. Er, their skin.

20. If you really want to go for it, there's always a Concept2 erg.

21. And if you're going to do that, might as well throw in this cool device: the Ergstick streams your workout data to your phone via various apps and allows you to see data the erg won't show you. It also saves the data so you can dive into your workouts and dissect them. For the rowing geek or Olympian on your list, I guess.

22. iTunes gift card, so they can pump up their erging library.

23. While you're at it, a gift card to their favorite local coffee shop so they can fuel up after practice. Of course, if you aren't sure of their local place there's always Starbucks.

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24. A warm winter hat. Ibex makes great ones, and wool wicks and keeps you warm.

25. Sweatpants to throw on and warm up after practice. I need some myself. These US Rowing ones are also nice, and I'm sure your giftee's team has some with their logo as well. Check for their team on Sew Sporty.

26. If it's the holiday season and you're looking for an ornament, this is pretty delightful.

27. You can never have too much lip balm, but especially during cold weather.

28. Patagonia Nano Jacket. A friend who has one says "So warm, and water beads off it."

29. For a current, former, or future collegiate rower, a hoodie ornament from their alma mater!

30. These oar ornaments (oarnaments?) are cute, too. Best of all, the maker will match your team's design.

31. Coxswain's tool. Good for all rowers, coxswains or not.

32. Rowing socks.

33. Darn Tough makes warm, quality socks right here in the USA. Guaranteed for life. Your favorite rower probably needs a pair: they might wear them in the boat and they'll definitely want them to warm up after practice.

34. Anti Monkey Butt powder. Chafing is real. The women's version doesn't have talc, which is supposed to be a better choice for female bodies.

35. A GoPro, if you're feeling extra generous. (One of my favorite rowing videos is this one.)

36. The Boys in the Boat. An instant classic. I devoured it.

37. My favorite boat bag. Drawstring, waterproof, roll-down top, adjustable chest clip, inside zippered pocket. Multiple colors.

38. My favorite boat socks. Soft cushion, adjustable velcro ankle closure.

39. My favorite leggings to row in.

40. Layering is essential, and I currently like these tops.

41. I just got this on sale, and it's great. It's warm, and the hood is proving so useful in the cold weather. I still wear a hat, but the hood helps cut the wind and occasional splash of water.

42. Waterproof dry bag. So they can keep their phone safe while they photograph the sunrise as their coach yells at them.

43. Justin's Nut Butter Squeeze Packs. Justin's makes outstanding products, and these are a nice alternative to the sugar-based energy gel packets your giftee may tuck into a race day or workout bag. Variety of flavors.

44. Foam roller. Necessary torture.

45. The CBreeze. How cool is this thing?! Pun intended. But seriously, make your own fan by directing the erg's air onto your face. Sign me UP.

46. And finally, this lovely 1927 New Yorker cover print. They have a few other rowing covers to choose from, and picking just one was difficult.

47. Arshay Cooper’s beautiful book, A Most Beautiful Thing. The true story of America’s first all-Black high school rowing team. An incredible and important true story.

48. Eucatape. Protect blisters and apparently make them heal faster? It’s well reviewed and comes in various colors.

49. Run Fast, Eat Slow. This fantastic cookbook was written by an Olympian and it’s chockfull of healthy and nutritious recipes and ideas for anyone who wants to eat delicious things and feel good. My husband and I both love the Superhero muffins.

And that's a wrap! Thanks for tuning in. Got more ideas? Feel free to add them in the comments!

Rowing Gift Guide

Caitlin's currently-reading book montage

2022 Reading Challenge