Holiday Gift suggestions for a scuba diver

[305scuba]

I'm lucky enough to have in-laws that ask what we want for Christmas gifts, and since I am a new diver, and don't really know yet what's useful and what's not, I thought I'd ask the board-

What diving gifts have you received that you actually liked and used?

I am asking for ideas beyond the basic equipment of BCD, reg set up, dive computer, maks/fins/snorkel, as these items are very personal, and are probably covered by other forum threads. I'm asking about accessories and other gear.

Please categorize your gifts in the following price ranges:

$10-$50
$50 - $100
$100-$200
over $250

I look forward to hearing your ideas!

 

[Cave Diver]

I've received very few diving gifts that I liked. Mainly because the gifts have come from non-divers who don't really understand exactly what type of diving I do. All though their intentions have been well meaning, I usually just ended up with a bunch of stuff I couldn't use.

One thing that I have enjoyed getting is books, and I've handed out lists in the past with some books I wanted.

Here are a couple of threads on good dive books:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/basic-scuba-discussions/186707-diving-books-movies.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ba...ur-favorite-diving-books-tales-high-seas.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/basic-scuba-discussions/264657-recommend-good-dive-book.html

If I needed any type of major gear, I might suggest being given gift certificates that I could apply to the cost.

Diving T-shirts may be another option: AOSHIRTS.COM

Personally, I think a lot of the other "accessories" are just fluff that get sold to new divers who don't know better, but that's a whole 'nother thread.

 

[Dustinh]

Books and dive themed apparel are always good.

A while back my family paid for the yearly overhauls for all of my gear. That was more valuable to me than another snorkel keeper or bottle of mask defog.

 

[Pelagicsal]

Some of the online sites offer wish lists that you can share through links to the lists... I often set up some for my family to peruse at holiday time.

 

[Gunther49]

Ask them to give gift certificate at you favorite Dive Shop, if they are local.
or @ your favorite online Dive Retailer if they are not. Works for me

 

[greylion]

A couple of airline tickets would be nice, at least if your gifter is loaded.

I agree with gift certificates to Leisure Pro or Scuba Toys, you can always make good use of that.

 

[imwright1985]

Depending on what you have, safety equipment (signal tube, dive alert...), gear bags, wetsuits, dive lights, if you want to get into spearfishing or photography some of that stuff. gift certificates always work too

 

[Rhone Man]

I am asking Santa for a mermaid. I have been a good boy, so you never know.

 

[jupitermermaid]

I am asking Santa for a mermaid. I have been a good boy, so you never know.

If you believe in Santa Claus, it's been known to happen!

 

[Rhone Man]

If you believe in Santa Claus, it's been known to happen!

Failing that, severe narcosis sometimes works!