The most reliable gifts for swimmers are accessories that don’t depend on exact sizing: caps, ear plugs, kit bags and, for bigger budgets, swim-specific headphones. This guide sorts Christmas gifts for swimmers in Australia by budget and by recipient, and explains which items to avoid buying blind.
The short answer: Choose gear that fits most people, and leave size-critical items to the swimmer.
- Under $30: a long-hair silicone cap or a pair of swimming ear plugs.
- $30 to $75: a squad backpack with a wet-gear compartment, or goggles offered in two face sizes.
- $75 to $150: a World Aquatics-approved mirrored racing goggle for a competitive swimmer.
- Splurge: purpose-made swimming headphones. Check the IP rating on the retailer page before you buy.
- Avoid gifting race suits unless you know the exact size and the swimmer’s preferred cut.
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Three gifting rules before you shop
Goggles fit like shoes. Eye socket depth, nose bridge width and strap preference vary from swimmer to swimmer, so a pair that seals perfectly on one face can leak on another. If you gift goggles, consider a size-flexible item: a model sold in more than one face profile, or a spare of the swimmer’s current favourite.
Suits need precise sizing. Training and racing suits are sized by chest or torso measurement, and racing cuts often run tight by design. Unless the swimmer has told you their size and preferred brand, put the money towards accessories.
Bags and kit are the safest bet. A good backpack, a cap or a set of ear plugs suits almost anyone who trains several times a week.
Under $30: stocking fillers
Small, consumable items make good stocking fillers because swimmers go through them steadily. Caps tear, and ear plugs go missing in pool bags.
Long-hair silicone cap
This cap is made from 100% silicone and is cut with extra volume for long, thick hair. According to the retailer listing, it is seamed to help it sit comfortably. It suits adult swimmers who struggle to fit their hair into a standard cap. Swimmers with short hair should skip it, because the extra room can let a standard-shaped head slip around. A regular silicone cap will fit them better.
Swimming ear plugs
These are standard-sized swimming ear plugs. The retailer listing describes them as ergonomically shaped and hypoallergenic. They suit swimmers who are prone to water in the ears or who have been told by a GP to keep their ears dry. Skip them for younger children, because this pair is listed as adult. Check junior options instead, and get medical advice on persistent ear problems rather than relying on plugs alone.
$30 to $75: goggles and kit bags
This price band covers the gifts most squad swimmers use every session. It is also where a size-flexible goggle becomes a sensible pick.
Goggles in two face sizes
The retailer listing says these goggles come in two versions, Regular Profile Fit and Smaller Profile Fit. They also have a pulley-adjust double strap, plus UV protection and anti-fog. The listing positions them for both pool and outdoor swimming. That makes them a reasonable gift for a versatile adult or teen swimmer, as long as you choose the profile that matches their face. Check the listing for lens tint. Swimmers who are loyal to a particular goggle shape should skip these, and you can browse more goggles to find their usual model.
Squad backpack
This backpack holds 36L and measures 40cm wide by 50cm high. The listing says it expands to 35cm. It has a waterproof base compartment for wet towels and bathers, a fabric-lined goggle pocket, a laptop sleeve, padded straps and a chest strap. The retailer listing also describes it as spray proof. It suits squad swimmers who carry school or work gear to training. Swimmers who only need a towel and goggles should skip it, because a smaller bag will do. See more deck coats and bags.
Training aids such as paddles and fins also fall in this range. They are sized by hand or foot, though, and coaches often specify the size they want swimmers to use. Ask the swimmer or their coach before buying.
$75 to $150: racing goggles
A racing goggle is a strong gift for a swimmer who competes, because a meet-day pair often costs more than a training pair. As with any goggle, fit is personal, so this works best when the swimmer has already named the model they want.
The listing describes these mirrored racing goggles as approved by World Aquatics. They have an adjustable nose bridge, a one-piece racing strap, anti-fog coating and UV protection. They are latex free, with a polycarbonate and silicone build. They suit competitive swimmers racing outdoors or under bright lights, where mirrored lenses cut glare. Lap swimmers should skip them, because a one-piece racing strap takes more fiddling to adjust than a training goggle. Approval lists change, so check the current World Aquatics list and your meet rules.
Splurge: swimming headphones
For long, steady sets or solo lap sessions, music can make kilometres pass faster. Only buy headphones built specifically for swimming.
The retailer listing states an IP68 rating and says the headphones can be submerged to 2 metres for up to 2 hours. The listing describes a Bluetooth mode and an MP3 mode, and notes that only MP3 mode works underwater, because water blocks Bluetooth signals, so load your music before you swim. They suit masters and fitness lap swimmers who train alone. Squad swimmers should skip them, because they need to hear their coach, and so do ocean swimmers, who need to hear their surroundings. Confirm the IP rating on the retailer page before you buy.
One caution: other Shokz models are sport headphones designed for running and the gym, not for swimming. Don’t assume a similar-looking pair is pool-safe. Check the water rating on the retailer page. More options sit in swim tech.
Gift ideas by recipient
Squad kid
Most products above are listed as adult, so check sizing for younger swimmers. A squad backpack works for teenagers. For primary-age kids, browse kids and junior gear, where caps and goggles are sized for smaller heads. Skip racing goggles until the swimmer’s coach suggests them.
Parent of a swimmer
Club parents spend long hours on pool decks and at early-morning training. Practical choices include a spare kit bag for the car, so wet gear stays out of the cabin, or simply covering a few of their swimmer’s consumables, such as caps and ear plugs.
Masters lap swimmer
Masters swimmers tend to know exactly what they like. Swim headphones suit those who train alone. A long-hair cap is useful if they currently squeeze into a standard one. If you’re unsure, a spare of their existing goggles is rarely wasted.
Ocean swimmer
Choose goggles listed with UV protection and suited to outdoor use, such as the two-profile pair above. Skip headphones for this swimmer, because hearing waves, boats and other swimmers matters for safety.
Swimmer who has everything
Replace what wears out. Caps split, anti-fog coatings fade over time, and bags lose zips. A higher-spec version of something they already use, such as a racing goggle or a larger backpack, is usually welcome.
Gift comparison table
| Product | Type | Key specs (per listing) | Best for | Currently from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speedo Long Hair Cap | Swim cap | 100% silicone; extra volume | Long, thick hair | $19.99 |
| Zoggs Aqua Plugz Standard | Ear plugs | Ergonomic shape; hypoallergenic | Swimmers keeping ears dry | $11.99 |
| Zoggs Predator Goggles | Training goggles | Regular or Smaller Profile Fit; pulley-adjust double strap | Pool and outdoor swimmers | $39.99 |
| Funky Trunks Pocket Rocket Elite Squad Backpack | Kit bag | 36L; waterproof base compartment | Squad swimmers carrying school or work gear | $69.99 |
| Speedo Fastskin Hyper Elite Mirror Goggle | Racing goggles | World Aquatics approved; adjustable nose bridge | Competitive swimmers | $89.99 |
| Shokz OpenSwim Pro | Swim headphones | IP68; MP3 mode underwater | Solo lap swimmers | $379.00 |
We track prices across retailers daily, so check the table and spotlight cards for current prices.
Ordering in time for Christmas
Each retailer sets its own last order date for Christmas delivery, and regional addresses often have earlier cut-offs. Check the retailer’s delivery page before you order, and allow extra time for bulky items such as backpacks. If you’re buying goggles, order early enough to exchange them if the fit is wrong.
Frequently asked questions
What do you buy a swimmer who has everything?
Replace what wears out or upgrade what they use most. Caps tear, goggle anti-fog fades and bags lose zips, so a fresh spare is rarely wasted. For bigger budgets, a World Aquatics-approved racing goggle suits competitors, and purpose-made swimming headphones suit solo lap swimmers. Ask a training partner or coach what they have mentioned needing. That is more reliable than guessing at a new gadget.
Are goggles a good gift?
They can be, but fit is personal. Seal shape, nose bridge and strap style all vary, and a leaking pair is frustrating in training. The safest approach is to buy a spare of the swimmer’s current model or choose a size-flexible option sold in more than one face profile. Keep the receipt and check the retailer’s return conditions for opened goggles.
What’s a good gift for a swimming parent?
Practical help beats novelty. A spare kit bag with a waterproof compartment keeps wet towels away from car seats. Restocking their child’s consumables, such as caps, ear plugs or a backup pair of goggles, lightens a recurring cost. If their child competes, ask the coach whether a racing goggle would help before buying one.
When should I order for Christmas delivery?
Each retailer publishes its own last order date for Christmas, so check the delivery or shipping page before checkout. Regional and remote addresses usually have earlier cut-offs than capital cities. Order well ahead for goggles, so there is time to exchange them if they don’t fit. Bulky items like backpacks may also need extra time.