Swimmers are famously hard to buy for. They already have the goggles they like, the towel they use and strong opinions about all of it. I swim and compete with a team myself, so this is the list I'd hand to anyone shopping for a swimmer, whether they train in a pool, race with a club or swim outdoors all winter.
Below you'll find stocking fillers, Secret Santa ideas, gifts for open-water and club swimmers, and a short guide to choosing a swim cap as a gift.
Stocking fillers under £20
Small, useful things that swimmers get through all the time:
• A swim cap. Swim caps wear out and are easy to lose, and a good-looking one is a treat. Main Set Collection 01 has six designs in 100% silicone, designed and made in the UK, at £17.50 with free UK delivery. Collection 01
• Anti-fog spray or wipes for goggles, which is a small thing every swimmer needs. We love the Magic5 spray - £15 plus postage
• Ear plugs A swimmer probably has an old pair, and it is bottom of the list for things to replace - we love Happy Ears made of ocean plastic
• Chlorine-removing shampoo or conditioner, especially in travel sizes for a swim bag. Or we enjoy Trihard Shampoo - which is just under £20
• Chlorine-proof hair ties or scrunchies for swimmers with long hair.
Secret Santa gifts under £10
Workplace and club Secret Santa's usually have a low budget. These work well:
• A goggle anti-fog spray
• An ear plug and nose clip set
• A mesh bag for wet kit
• A travel-size chlorine-removing shampoo
A Main Set cap is £17.50, so it's above the typical £10 limit, but it's a great pick if your budget is £20.
Gifts for open-water swimmers
Outdoor swimmers care most about staying warm and being seen:
• A changing robe or poncho for getting changed on the shore
• A hot flask for a warm drink after the swim
• A warm hat or beanie for the walk back
• Neoprene gloves and socks for cold-water swims
• A tow float to make swimmers more visible to boats and other water users
A quick safety note if you're buying cold-water kit: it helps, but it's no substitute for good habits. Swim with others, build up gradually and check conditions before getting in.
Gifts for club and masters swimmers
• A proper kit bag, ideally with a wet compartment
• A pull buoy or kickboard, but check what their coach recommends first
• A water bottle for the pool deck
• Goggles, but fit is personal, so buy the model they already use, or choose a gift card instead
How to choose a swim cap as a gift
Silicone or latex? Silicone caps are durable, stretchy and suit swimmers with latex allergies. All Main Set caps are 100% silicone and are made in the UK.
What about fit? Fits most adults, including long hair
Which cap for which swimmer?
• Celestial (black with white moon and stars): for the early-morning lane swimmer. See it here
• Reflections (royal blue ripple print): for anyone who loves the way light moves across water. See it here
• Mint Zebra (silver and mint animal print): for the swimmer who likes to stand out. See it here
• Signature Stripe (grey with blue stripes): for the classic, club-lane swimmer. See it here
• Pink Polka Dot (soft pink with navy dots): for the swimmer who prefers something light and cheerful. See it here
• Ink Floral (silver with burgundy flowers): for the swimmer who likes something a bit more elegant. See it here
Ordering for Christmas
All UK orders come with free standard delivery. For Christmas delivery, order by 18th December 2026
Frequently asked questions
Are swim caps a good gift? Yes. They're practical, they're personal and they're easy to post. Swimmers use them every session and wear them out.
Do I need to know their head size? Our adult silicone caps are one size and stretch to fit, they can handle long hair depending on thickness also.
Can they use it in the sea or a lake? Yes. Main Set caps are made for pool training, racing and open-water swimming.
Ready to choose?
See all six designs in Collection 01 and find the right one for the swimmer in your life.