20 Awesome Stocking Stuffers for Surfers
The holiday season is a magical time—especially for those who live to ride waves. But while surfers are often easygoing and low-maintenance by nature, finding the perfect gift for them can be a challenge. If you’re looking to impress the surfer in your life without going overboard, stocking stuffers are the way to go. Compact, affordable, and often surprisingly useful, these little treasures can light up a surfer’s holiday like a perfect sunrise session.
In this guide, we’ll run through 20 top-notch stocking stuffer ideas for surfers, ranging from practical tools to cool keepsakes. But among them all, there’s one that stands out as the ultimate gift—a beautifully designed surf map. Let’s dive in.
Why Stocking Stuffers for Surfers Matter
Surfers are unique. Their lives revolve around tides, swells, wind direction, and that elusive perfect wave. They’re attuned to nature, passionate about travel, and always looking for their next surf adventure. Stocking stuffers cater to this lifestyle perfectly. They’re small enough to carry in a surf backpack, useful enough to make a difference, and personal enough to show you really get them.
Whether you’re shopping for your partner, sibling, best friend, or a surf-obsessed co-worker, this curated list will help you choose gifts that make a splash—without soaking your budget.
20 Rad Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Surfers
1. Surf Wax (Warm, Cool, Tropical)
A classic go-to. Every surfer needs wax, and you can’t go wrong throwing in a few bars of their preferred temperature type. Get creative with scents or eco-friendly brands.
2. Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Sun protection is a daily must for surfers. Choose a compact, reef-safe formula that’s water-resistant and non-greasy. Bonus points if it comes in biodegradable packaging.
3. Portable Surfboard Wax Comb
Small, practical, and often overlooked. These little tools help keep wax fresh and boards in optimal condition. Many come with bottle openers or leash string slots built in.
4. Fin Keys
An essential tool for swapping out or tightening fins. These are cheap but incredibly useful—and easily lost—so every surfer could use a backup or two.
5. Surfboard Leash String
Simple but necessary. It’s a tiny thing that makes a big difference, especially when traveling or replacing gear.
6. Waterproof Phone Case
Perfect for beach life, boat trips, and filming surf sessions. Get one that’s slim, durable, and touch-sensitive.
7. Surfboard Traction Pad Cleaner
These mini cleaners are ideal for keeping traction pads grippy and grime-free, especially after muddy or sandy sessions.
8. Earplugs for Surfers
Surfer’s ear is real, and protection is key. Brands like SurfEars or EQ Seals make high-quality plugs that protect without blocking ambient sound.
9. Mini First Aid Kit
Cuts, scrapes, and reef bumps happen. A compact waterproof kit can be a literal lifesaver and fits easily in a surf bag or glove compartment.
10. Surfer’s Lip Balm (SPF)
Chapped lips are common in wind and saltwater. Choose a zinc-based balm with strong SPF that won’t melt easily in the sun.
11. Wax Holder / Container
A hard plastic case keeps wax from melting and making a mess inside bags. Great for travel or long beach days.
12. Surfer Key Lock Box
Hide-a-key solutions are popular among surfers who don’t want to stash car keys under their tires. A small combo lock box is discreet and practical.
13. Compact Travel Towel
Quick-dry, sand-resistant microfiber towels are a game-changer. Choose one that rolls up super small and fits in a stocking.
14. Mini Surf Brush
Help them get rid of sand before jumping in the car. These small brushes remove sand from feet and gear in seconds.
15. Surf-Themed Socks
Just because it’s a stocking doesn’t mean you can’t put socks in it. Look for designs with waves, boards, or surf trucks.
16. Board Wax Remover
When it’s time to re-wax, a citrus-based wax remover is the cleanest, most eco-friendly option. Most bottles are small enough for travel.
17. Handmade Surfboard Ornament
A fun, artsy touch for the tree. Support local or surf-inspired artists by picking up a handcrafted ornament shaped like a mini longboard or fish.
18. Surf Quote Keychain
Add a touch of daily inspiration. Look for stamped metal or wood keychains with phrases like “Chase Waves” or “Live Salty.”
19. Surf Magazine Subscription Card
Slide a subscription card or issue into their stocking. It’s the gift that keeps on giving with fresh inspiration every month.
20. Surf Map (The Ultimate Stocking Stuffer)
More on this below—but let’s just say it’s the one to beat.
Why a Surf Map Is the Best Stocking Stuffer for Surfers
Among all the gift ideas, a surf map stands out as the most meaningful, inspiring, and display-worthy option. Here’s why this underrated gem is such a standout stocking stuffer:
1. It Sparks Adventure
Every surfer is a dreamer. A surf map isn’t just décor—it’s a roadmap to adventure. Whether it’s a map of global surf breaks, a regional coastline filled with secret spots, or even a vintage-style surf chart, it fuels the imagination and stokes the wanderlust.
2. Beautiful and Personal
Unlike wax or sunscreen, a surf map is personal. It can reflect places they’ve surfed—or places they dream of surfing. It becomes a visual diary of their surf journey.
3. Minimalist, Lightweight, and Affordable
Perfect for a stocking. Rolled or folded, most surf maps fit easily into standard gift wrap. They’re often priced under $30, yet they feel like a high-value gift.
4. Custom Options Available
You can find custom surf maps with personalized markings, names, or highlights—perfect for commemorating a trip, engagement, or major surf milestone.
5. Looks Great on the Wall
Let’s face it: most stocking stuffers go into a drawer after a week. A surf map? It becomes a centerpiece—ideal for an office, bedroom, or van interior.
6. Eco-Friendly Gift Option
Many brands print on recycled paper using sustainable inks. If your surfer friend is also environmentally conscious, a map can be a stylish and sustainable win.
Give More Than a Gift—Give a Journey
Stocking stuffers are small by design—but they can carry big meaning. When you choose thoughtful, surf-specific items, you're not just stuffing a stocking—you’re recognizing a lifestyle. And in the world of wave chasing, a surf map offers the best of all worlds: inspiration, beauty, and the promise of future swells.
Whether you mix and match or go all-in on the map, your favorite surfer is sure to appreciate your thoughtful approach. After all, there’s no better way to say “I get you” than with a gift that reflects their passion and fuels their next big ride.
