Beach Gift Basket Ideas: 15 Things to Put Inside

A clear, sealed pouch keeps a phone safe from sand and splashes, and you can still use the touchscreen and take photos through it. The JOTO is inexpensive and well reviewed. Buy a two-pack so a partner or child has one too. It's small, cheap and used on every trip.

Best for

Everyone.

Skip if

Their phone is huge (Pro Max or Ultra models). Check the pouch fits their phone size.

Blue Lizard's mineral formula uses zinc oxide, the type many reef destinations ask visitors to use. The bottle cap turns pink in UV light as a reminder to reapply. It's a thoughtful, practical addition that shows you care about their skin, not just their fun.

Best for

Every basket, especially for fair-skinned beachgoers.

Skip if

They dislike the white cast of mineral sunscreen. Add a tinted version instead.

Lips burn easily and get forgotten. Sun Bum's SPF 30 lip balm is a small, cheap essential. Their Cool Down aloe gel is the relief they'll reach for at the end of the day. Together they make the thoughtful extra that shows you've been to the beach and know how it goes.

Best for

Every basket.

Skip if

They have an aloe sensitivity. It's rare but real, so choose a plain after-sun moisturiser.

A wide-brim hat that can be crushed into a bag and springs back into shape is a beach essential. FURTALK's packable hats are popular because they look good, fold flat and come with an adjustable inner band, so the fit is forgiving. Choose a neutral colour like tan or black.

Best for

Adults, especially fair-skinned beachgoers.

Skip if

They always wear a baseball cap. Some people just don't like wide brims.

A literal beach read. Emily Henry's bestselling romantic comedy about two writers who swap genres for a summer is light, funny and made for a lounger. If they've already read it, choose any of her other novels or a pacey thriller. Paperbacks survive sand better than hardcovers.

Best for

Readers.

Skip if

They've already read it. Emily Henry has many fans, so ask a friend of theirs first.

For a kids' beach basket, a sturdy set of buckets, spades and moulds in a mesh bag that lets sand fall through is the heart of the gift. Melissa & Doug's Sunny Patch toys are thicker than dollar-store versions, so they don't crack after one trip.

Best for

Kids' beach baskets.

Skip if

The child is over 10. Try a skimboard or snorkel set instead.

Microfibre beach towels shake sand off in seconds, dry fast and fold into a small pouch. Dock & Bay's are the best known, with bright prints and a large size that fits two people. They're the best hero item for any beach basket, because a towel gets used on every trip.

Best for

Every beach basket.

Skip if

They love the feel of thick cotton. Microfibre is thinner, and some people prefer a classic towel.

Polarised lenses cut the glare off water and sand, which makes a huge difference on a bright day. Knockaround makes stylish polarised sunglasses at a price that doesn't hurt if they end up at the bottom of the ocean. Classic Premiums suit most faces.

Best for

Teens and adults.

Skip if

They wear prescription glasses. They'll need prescription sunglasses or clip-ons instead.

Hydro Flask keeps water ice-cold through a full day on hot sand, where cheap bottles turn lukewarm by noon. The wide mouth takes ice cubes, and the powder-coat finish stays grippy with wet hands. It's a beach gift that gets used every day after the trip, too.

Best for

Adults and teens.

Skip if

They already carry a Stanley or Owala everywhere. Another bottle won't be welcome.

A big, lightweight nylon blanket that sand slides off, with corner pockets and stakes to stop it blowing away. It folds into a small pouch, so it's easy to carry to the beach. WEKAPO is a popular, well-reviewed choice for families and couples who want to spread out.

Best for

Couples and families.

Skip if

They always sit in beach chairs. A blanket may not get used.

The BOGG is a rubbery, waterproof tote with holes that let sand fall straight through. You can hose it clean, and it stands up on its own. It's become the beach and pool bag, which makes it the perfect container. Pack everything else inside it and the basket is also the best gift in it.

Best for

Frequent beach and pool-goers.

Skip if

They'll use it mainly in a city. It's bulky and very casual for everyday carry.

Spikeball (roundnet) is the beach game that draws a crowd: two teams of two bounce a ball off a small trampoline net. It's easy to learn, sets up in two minutes and gets competitive fast. For teens, friend groups and active families, it's the most fun thing in the basket.

Best for

Teens, friend groups and active families.

Skip if

They'd rather relax than run around. A book or speaker suits them better.

A waterproof, dustproof speaker with a built-in carabiner that clips onto a bag strap or umbrella pole. The JBL Clip is loud for its size and shrugs off sand and splashes. It's music for the beach without worrying about a phone speaker.

Best for

Teens, young adults and groups.

Skip if

They're a quiet reader who dislikes beach music. Not everyone wants a soundtrack.

For families with young kids, shade is the most valued beach item of all. The Sport-Brella is an umbrella with side panels that pegs into the sand, so it works as a wind-blocking shelter. It fits two or three people and packs into a carry bag.

Best for

Families with young kids.

Skip if

Their beach doesn't allow shelters. Some beaches restrict tents and canopies, so check.

A lightweight chair with backpack straps and a storage pouch frees both hands for carrying kids, coolers or boards. Rio's backpack chairs recline to several positions and fold flat. For the ultimate basket, it's the item frequent beachgoers use most.

Best for

Frequent beachgoers and parents.

Skip if

They're tall or heavier-set. Check the chair's weight rating and seat height.