Thursday 12 November 2020

Our 2020 Christmas Gift Suggestions - All Tried & Tested Afloat


Christmas gifts can be hard to choose. Finding the perfect present takes time and careful consideration – but sometimes you just need a little inspiration. And that's where we can help. If you're looking for Christmas gift ideas for family, friends or colleagues then read on, because this page is your definitive Christmas gift guide for 2020.

Living in the confined space of our boat, there's no room for anything that doesn't deserve the space it takes up. We do extensive research before buying any product or equipment then work it hard. The products we have tried and tested on a boat that never stays still in harsh, salt air. .Everything we have listed below has passed the life afloat test and we're very confident in recommending each of them. 


From what we use we have collated our top Christmas gift ideas and gift guides on this page. Here on Our Dreamtime, we're all about discovering beautiful things that make life easier, or more productive, or more fun. Whoever you're buying a Christmas gift for this year, we've got a wealth of ideas for every budget. 


Read on, but be warned – you're just as likely to end up buying things for yourself!


For the Galley God or Goddess


For those who love to be in the galley surrounded by great produce here are a few ideas for them.


There is nothing better than having grown your own produce. Now on a boat it gets a little difficult to have a garden however we can certainly have freshly grown sprouts on a daily basis with this hydroponic sprout tower onboard. Available at Bunnings for $19.95 it will have any foodie oohing and arhing over these Christmas box.




Fresh, tasty sprouts all year round 

Quick and easy to use 

Family friendly 

Perfect for the kitchen 

High quality reusable unit


This high quality multi-tiered seed sprouter has been designed to create perfect growing conditions and provide a continuous supply of fresh and tasty sprouts. Perfect in the kitchen, it takes up minimal space and its clever design gives fingertip convenience all year round. Sprout seeds sold separately. Find it here https://bit.ly/3nfLbZ9


For those cooks that love to be creative in the galley you really can not go wrong with buying them anything from the Mad Millie Range. From Kombucha, Yoghurt, Cheese and Preservatives they have everything to get you started. 




The Mad Millie Kombucha Kit includes the basic equipment and organic SCOBY that make it easier to brew kombucha at home. Its instruction manual comes with a clear step-by-step procedure on making your first batch of fermented drink. This kit even gives room for creativity, allowing you to flavour your kombucha to your liking or use it for making more fermented drinks. Free of any artificial flavours and additives, the Mad Millie Kombucha Kit is ideal for crafting fresh, delicious, and healthy drinks. 


At $42.49 this is a medium priced gift. Find it here https://amzn.to/3pkKlfr




If the cook in your household loves to entertain think of a unique gift that has so many culinary options open to them like homemade labna using the Mad Millie Greek Yoghurt Kit. With milk on hand and some herbs for flavouring, this kit will let them serve balls of healthy yet delicious yoghurt cheese to go with their tray of crackers and veggies. Or simply make the best tasting Greek yoghurt for their breakfast daily.


At $33.74 it will fit most shoppers budget. Find it here https://amzn.to/3kseNk5




Now this is for the ultimate foodie. They will love the idea of making sandwiches, pastas, and appetisers with the Cheese they have made with the Mad Millie Artisan Cheese Kit. With all the necessary tools they need to make feta, mozzarella, or ricotta from scratch, use this kit as a creative weekend activity and try all the cheese recipes included. Their next cheese board party is sure to be a blast with their creations served with crackers and wine. It is so much fun to make your own cheese maybe you will be tempted too.


At $149.93 I agree this gift is for someone special, but think of all the future cheese you will be gifted ðŸ˜‰Find it here https://amzn.to/2Iu8wYf




For the seriously health conscious foodie this is the gift for them. The piquant flavours of homemade sauerkraut, kimchi and other fermented vegetables can make a meal sing. This method preserves vegetables, locking in all their healthy enzymes and probiotics and you can store the finished product for up to 3 months in the fridge. With a 3 litre ceramic crock which can hold up to 2 medium sized cabbages and traditional clay weights to carry on the tradition of food artisans, make up to two 1 litre jars full of this amazing food. 


At $99.95 you will have your health foodie jumping for joy. Find it here https://amzn.to/35k27HP





The gift receiver will make Beautiful Artisan Bread With Eco-Friendly Baking Tools Take their bread-baking game to new heights with an eco-friendly kit that’s perfect for both new bakers and seasoned pros. Perfectly proof wet dough in the all-natural rattan proofing basket. They have zero idea where to begin bread-making journey? Don’t sweat it! Our how-to guide teaches everything needed to know about bread proofing and even includes a savory sourdough recipe that’ll make it seem like their a seasoned pro! Looking to spread the loaf love? Gift our kit to an avid bread lover with a beautifully designed gift box that doesn’t even need wrapping!


At $41.39 this is an amazing gift for those already making bread or just starting. Find it here https://amzn.to/3lq2LsO



Ok so maybe this one doesn’t fit in the so called healthy option, but you gotta party sometime. On Our Dreamtime sundowners is part of our routine. With this little beauty we have endless supplies. Yep that’s right a Gin making kit. Create your very own blend of homemade gin with the Mad Millie Handcrafted Gin Kit. Botanical infused gin, with its beautiful golden hue, has been a classic beverage by many. This kit contains everything you need to transform ordinary vodka into your own blend of London Dry style gin, using a combination of juniper berries, coriander, liquorice root and citrus peels. There are endless recipes, but be warned it is only for the serious connoisseur. 


At $59.95 everyone can have a bit of fun with this gift over the holiday break Find it here https://amzn.to/32BmwWW


The Big Boy Toy’s or Girl’s if so inclined 





For the one who has everything.... well maybe not everything especially a drone. Yep we know drones have been around for awhile but this drone takes flying and imagery to another level. Mavic 2 Pro with Hasselblad Camera Made in Sweden, Hasselblad cameras are renowned for their iconic ergonomic design, uncompromising image quality, and Swedish craftsmanship. Since 1941, Hasselblad cameras have captured some of the world's most iconic images – including the first moon landing. Co-engineered in partnership with Hasselblad after two years of tireless research, the Mavic 2 Pro comes equipped with the all-new Hasselblad L1D-20c camera. The L1D-20c possesses Hasselblad's unique Hasselblad Natural Color Solution (HNCS) technology, 5 helping users to capture gorgeous 20-megapixel aerial shots in stunning color detail. If we can fly this and not have it end up in the water imagine what a great pilot could do. 


At $2315.00 you also want flying rights. But it is the ultimate present. Find it here https://amzn.to/2IdgmFk




The DJI Action Cam is our choice for filming most of the footage for our YouTube channel. We found it so good we bought a second one. Whether you want to record your world from behind a lens or be the star of the show, Osmo Action's dual screens allow you to capture it all with the touch of a button. A vivid front screen lets you frame yourself effortlessly in any setting, while the back screen delivers a crystal-clear, hyper-responsive display. This durable, versatile action camera is jam-packed with advanced technology that lets you spend less time worrying about equipment and more time living the action. RockSteady combines EIS with complex algorithms, delivering stable, shake-free footage no matter how heavy the action gets. Modern and durable design.


At $359.00 it’s a gift that will capture their world in colour and allow them to be creative in the YouTube world. Find it here https://amzn.to/3eLsIAH




Karen is new to photography and this is what she uses for her still photography the 200D Canon. Anyone who has been watching her progress over this season on our Facebook or Instagram pages will agree it hasn't taken long for her to get a handle of this brilliant, easy to use camera and produce great shots. If you're unfamiliar with camera vocabulary, Guided Display will help you learn as you shoot; making photography as easy as 1,2,3. In addition to Full HD (60p or 30p – selectable) and HD (30p), you can create stunning 4K (@25p) movies and time lapses with the EOS 200D Mark II. With the Canon Camera Connect App, you can instantly get social and share all your adventures from your camera via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth as it allows for a constant connection with your smart phone, what all social media junkies need ðŸ˜‰ You can checkout the full Canon Range at Camera House 




There are a number of options when purchasing this camera to find out more details find it here https://amzn.to/2U4i3rg Karen use the 209d with a 18-55 Lens https://amzn.to/32qx3Ew




If you love music but you don’t like hers or his .... here’s an option to keep you sane on a floating 40 ft box. Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WH1000XM3: Wireless Bluetooth Over the Ear Headphones with Mic and Alexa voice control - Industry Leading Active Noise Cancellation. Headband style High-Resolution Audio headphones with industry-leading noise cancellation and Ambient Sound control.


At $323.00 it’s worth every penny for the sanity break. Did I tell you she likes Kiss ...........Find them at https://amzn.to/3eFCwwf




Nautica gear look smart if you are stepping out for a coffee or down to the yacht club. We love Nautica so much we chose their brand for our crew shirts. These polos are available in a number of colours and styles. Casual styling and a stretch pique fabrication for the most comfortable fit. Polo collar with a sporty buttoned placket. Short sleeves.


Prices start at $38.24 they are certainly a gift aimed at the stylish guys. Find them here https://amzn.to/32zBih0 But don’t forget the ladies as Nautica also have a great range for the stylish gals. Move with ease in a breathable pique knit that fits and flatters the button-placket polo, a timeless sportswear piece. You can find the women’s range here https://amzn.to/2GSgrxQ





Helly Hansen is our favourite sailing gear, from hats, sailing pants to jackets they have our vote for comfort, style and functionality. Washed finish, Back adjustment and HH logo on front One size fits all. Protect yourself from the sun.


At $29.99 it’s a great gift for any sailing fanatic. Find it here https://amzn.to/2JRO6ZA




And if a hat isn’t enough this jacket is truely stylish for not only keeping you dry onboard but looks great to enjoy sundowners at the yacht club. Helly Hansen Men's Crew Midlayer Jacket.  Helly Hansen Waterproof Crew Men's Outdoor Midlayer Jacket available in Navy Helly Tech Protection. Fully seam sealed. Helly Tech Protection - Waterproof, windproof and breathable. 


Priced from $153.00 very stylish for the price. Find it here https://amzn.to/3logIHH





G Shock Men's Gprb1000-1D Gps Rangeman Watch Black. Features: Style: Men's GPS Watch Colour: Black Movement: Digital GPS navigation function (Log memory backtrack function waypoint memory) Mud resist (dust-resistant mud-resistant structure) Wireless linking via Bluetooth (G-SHOCK Connected phone app) Solar & wireless charging LED backlight auto light switch selectable illumination duration afterglow Low temperature resistant Point memory digital compass bearing memory altimeter barometer & thermometer functions Stopwatch countdown timer & alarm functions Size Guide: Case Size: 60.3mm x 57.7mm x 20.2mm Band Width: 142g More Information: From the MASTER OF G Series designed and engineered for men who face severe natural environments comes a new Triple Sensor RANGEMAN model for those encountering harsh condition on land. This is the first G-SHOCK capable of GPS Navigation combined with digital compass to guide you to your destinations. The watch is able to track your routes and store waypoint information in memory making this the perfect tool for survival activities. A dual charging system supports both wireless charging and solar charging. A completely new type of G-SHOCK that is designed for advanced function and built for the ultimate in toughness.


At $1285.00 is for the man you don’t want to lose. Find it here https://amzn.to/3eSLsOY



Say it with a message




YNALIY Skip A Straw Save A Turtle T-Shirt Women Turtle Graphic Tops Short Sleeve Tee. Cotton Blend , Its Soft And Stretchy Fabrication Allows For The Utmost Comfort And Styling!  Featuring:Crew Neckline,Graphic,Letter Print,Short Sleeves,Solid Color, Casual. Various colours available. 


Priced from $25.00 a great way to get your point across. Find it here https://amzn.to/2JPXuNl



Say no to plastic 




Reusable Organic Cotton Produce Bags. Eco-friendly, sustainable alternative to plastic bags.Biodegradable, reusable, washing cotton mesh grocery bags. 100% Certified organic cotton mesh bags for shopping fresh produce and storing oats, dry beans and peanuts. Multi-purpose - these reusable produce bag are not only for grocery shopping, but also perfect for storing the vegetable and greens in the fridge to keep them fresh much longer. Make the Eco-conscious choice. Take pride in saving our mother earth.


For $18.99 you will be doing your bit to rid the earth of plastic. Find them here https://amzn.to/3nfx0TP




Reusable Silicone Food Preservation Bag Food Storage Bag for Milk,Meat,Vegetable and Fruit Frozen, Fresh, Heated(4 pcs) Pack your food into AIRTIGHT SILICONE FOOD STORAGE BAGS directly at the grocery store, refrigerate or freeze, marinade before cooking, microwave or boil, reheat, even eat out of & finally save your leftovers for lunch at work.


For $15.99 it will save you heaps in the long run, no more ziplock bags. Find them here https://amzn.to/3eT1LeE





CHILLOUT LIFE 12 oz Stainless Steel Tumbler with Lid & Gift Box Wine Tumbler Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Travel Tumbler Cup for Coffee, Wine or Cocktails. They can be used for just about anything. Great to have on the boat. Unbreakable, great for sundowners on the beach, keeps liquid hot or cold, excellent for night watches. 24 colours to choose from.


At $23.92 you’ll have to buy one for him and one for her. Find them here https://amzn.to/3pkhvfp



Something for the mind, body and soul


In the crazy year that has been 2020 we have not been able to partake in nurturing our mind body and soul. Educational activities for mature students has been put on a hold. Karen has developed a couple of watercolour classes. So if you have been ..... Feeling isolated? Want to learn a new skill? Brush up on some techniques? You can .... Learn how to paint online. Easy to follow downloadable videos. You can rent them for $10.00 or own them for $15.00


Always wanted to explore watercolour but don't know where to start? This is the course for you. A course in watercolour with detailed instructions and information regarding the materials needed before you start, through to creating a finished painting. This course is for those who have always wanted to learn to paint in Watercolours but have never had the time or the courage to try. Step by step instruction that you can review by stopping the video to review at anytime. This you can do in the comfort of your own home taking your time to complete your watercolour at a pace you feel comfortable with.




Breaking Wave is a vibrant painting of a wave crashing onto the beach, realism that you can feel the salt spray.


Find learning to paint watercolours - Breaking Wave https://vimeo.com/ondemand/watercolourclasses




With practical painting demonstrations, encouraging you to use different techniques to create beautiful watercolours. Learn how to paint water in motion, as SV Whoosh sails away on her journey of a life time. I hope you enjoy it. If you like the class give it a thumbs up and leave a comment below.


Or learn to paint watercolours - paint SV Whoosh https://vimeo.com/ondemand/watercolourclass



Affiliate Program Statement


Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you make purchases from our affiliate program. This is at no extra cost to you. And this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. We will tell you if they are an Affiliate Link. Above are services and products we recommend and have an affiliation with. All of them we have used onboard and are happy to recommend them. Prices were correct at time of printing, we can not guarantee price change or availability of these items. Cheers Rob and Karen

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