They say it’s the thought that counts, but is it really? Giving a nice gift to someone can work wonders for relationships, whether it’s a loved one or a good friend. But sometimes it can be hard picking just the right thing.
Know someone who loves a trip to Destin or the Emerald Coast of Florida? The gift guide below will bring you a curated list of the top 12 gifts that any traveler to Destin and the Emerald Coast would be thrilled to receive.
Ranging from beachwear and accessories to tech gadgets, there are options for every taste and budget in our guide for the top 12 Gift Ideas for the Ultimate Destin Explorer.
Let’s dine right in!
You’ll boost any beachgoer’s experience with a top-notch cooler – the ultimate vacation enhancer!
Yeti is a great beach gear brand that provides not only high-quality but also stylish coolers. And they come in various types, including wheeled options, and in an array of beautiful colors — Yeti ensures form, function, and style. They even have some awesome soft coolers that are easy to carry.
Another brand worth considering is Coolest – boasting some of the “coolest coolers” on the market. They have a great vintage design and some models even come with an LED-lit lid and a built-in bottle opener. Rumor has it they can keep ice intact for up to five days. Think that’s long enough?
Any gift options that can keep your drinks hot or cold are very useful, and it’s even better if they are aesthetically pleasing. Besides coolers, travel tumblers are an awesome gift for any occasion.
Some favorite travel tumblers out there are from Stanley Quencher. They are high quality and available in a ton of fun colors and patterns, and they’ve become so cool that they were even featured in Rolling Stone magazine!
Other great brands offering stylish options are Yeti, Stojo, Hydro Flask, and Snow Peak, to name a few. Armed with those, they will have their favorite drink cool or hot for hours.
A waterproof phone pouch is a great gift for those who worry about taking their phones to the beach. Beyond shielding phones from the ever-present threat of water damage, it opens up a realm of possibilities for capturing memorable moments.
More than just a beach essential, these pouches become true companions, perfect for any water activities, including pools and rainy days in the city. Pelican has a great option that is not just waterproof but also floats because it’s built with air cushions. The clear window even allows for touchscreen use and pictures. Nothing replaces the sensation of safety provided by these wonderful things!
What about giving some endless water fun to your friend or loved one? An inflatable stand-up paddleboard is a great way to do so. They come in different shapes and sizes, making it easy to find one that’s a perfect fit for whoever you’re gifting.
There are a few things you should keep in mind, though. First, think about their level of experience. A beginner will need a different board than someone who’s been SUP’ing for years.
Next, don’t forget to factor in their height and weight. These measurements will determine the size and weight capacity of the stand-up paddleboard.
With these factors in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect option. Do your research, but we love the options from SereneLife and Isle.
An undisputed champion of seaside lounging, the Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair is not just a great gift for beach lovers; it’s also a game-changer for road-trippers and camping enthusiasts.
This chair is super easy to transport and carry around, thanks to its ingenious folding backpack design. But that’s not all. It’s also a gift that takes comfort to the next level with its adjustable head pillow and elongated seat.
Their designs also flaunt vibrant designs that will inject a burst of style into everyone’s beach experience.
The frame is not just sturdy; it’s also rust-proof, which is great for when the weather turns bad. And we know this can happen in Florida.
What’s that one essential accessory for any beach escape? A pair of good sunglasses. And here’s an option that doesn’t blow your gift budget: Goodr Sunglasses.
This brand was created to solve a specific problem: the lack of affordable and stylish running sunglasses. And it’s not all about running; since 2015, Goodr has been developing many products for several other outdoor activities, following the same goal — sunglasses and goggles that are affordable, stylish, and high-performance.
Talking about sprucing up your friend’s style, huh? A good pair of sunglasses is a great fashion statement!
Is there anything better than the sound of waves crashing? Yes! Having the freedom to listen to your favorite beach playlist while basking in the sun.
That’s why a portable waterproof speaker is another great gift for a friend who loves Destin, FL.
These great little gadgets are designed with Bluetooth capabilities nowadays, so you can wirelessly stream music from your phone or other devices.
Options? We have them: JBL speakers are probably the most popular, and their different colors and models are pretty stylish. But if you think the person you’re buying the gift for deserves the ultimate sound experience, the SoundLink Micro Bluetooth speaker from Bose is the way to go.
Beach bags are fine, but beach wagons are much better, aren’t they? Besides, there are many stylish options out there to carry all the beach essentials, especially when you have the entire family in tow.
They’re spacious, easy to wheel across the sand, and usually pretty sturdy, so they can withstand sand going everywhere and saltwater. Two of our favorite options are from Beau Jardin and Sekey, both foldable.
A gift to remember? Why not book a private photoshoot for your friend? This is a thing nowadays, and there are excellent options almost everywhere across the country.
You can try, for instance, Flytographer and Local Lens. The model works like this: these platforms connect people with local photographers who will capture some fun moments with nice backgrounds. And these are total pros!
All your friend has to do is pick a nice location. This is the ultimate gift for a meaningful reminder of their vacation. Besides, a beach photography session in itself is fun and a perfect way for families, friends, and couples to connect and create lasting memories together.
Speaking of memorable snapshots, here’s another gift that will make any vacation to Destin even more unforgettable. HP’s Sprocket 3×4 Photo Printer offers the possibility of transforming digital phone snapshots into tangible printed memories.
This portable printer will give you high-quality photos in mere seconds. It works like magic – it uses zero ink technology and is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
This travel journal is more than just a blank canvas for their thoughts, stories, and impressions of the Destin. It’s a keepsake that showcases the picturesque charm of the region. Its very design serves as a constant, visual reminder of the delightful journey they embarked upon, inspiring them to write, draw, sketch, or simply capture their experiences down to the tiniest detail.
Make this offering even more special by including a deeply personal touch. Consider adding their names to the journal along with the vacation dates. This single move transforms the travel journal into an exclusive memoir, an intimate record of their personal venture into the naturally beautiful landscape of Destin. Every time they happen upon this journal, their names and the custom dates will serve as a time-capsule, taking them back to the exact time and place, reliving the treasured memories they’ve crafted and preserved within these pages.
One of the essential items needed for any beach vacation is undoubtedly a beach essentials kit. This kit should ideally contain a selection of must-have items that would greatly enhance the experience of your beach stay. This would include, but is certainly not limited to, a high-quality sunscreen to protect your skin from the relentless sun, oversized beach towels for lounging around comfortably on the sand, a sturdy beach umbrella for those who wish to bask in the beach ambience without direct exposure to the sun, and playful sand toys for both the young ones and the young-at-heart to enjoy.
To make this beach essential kit truly exceptional and personal, consider selecting items that match the recipient’s favorite colors. A vibrant red beach towel for those who love to stand out, a calming blue beach umbrella for the peace-seekers, or rainbow-hued sand toys for the unapologetic color enthusiasts. The possibilities are endless, just like the fun to be had at the beach.
An even more personalized touch can be achieved by including a beach bag in the kit and having it monogrammed with the recipient’s initials. Not only does it make the storage and transport of beach items significantly easier, but it also adds that unique element of identity. Every time they stash their sunscreen or pull out their towel, they’ll have a reminder of this considerate and specially curated gift.
Thinking about traveling to Destin, FL yourself? Then stay like a local by booking one of our RealJoy Vacations rentals.
From spacious beachfront houses to luxurious resorts, we offer a wide selection not just in Destin but along the Emerald Coast. All our properties come with top-notch amenities that will make your experience unforgettable.
Book now with RealJoy Vacations and have the ultimate vacation on the Emerald Coast.
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