Shop local, shop meaningful—every purchase supports Northwest Maritime’s Mission.
This season, shop with impact. Looking for something special for the sailor, sea lover, or maritime history buff in your life? Our Welcome Center crew has rounded up their favorite finds for the holiday season. Each item in our gift guide was chosen for its quality, creativity, and connection to the maritime spirit.
Every purchase at Northwest Maritime Welcome Center helps support hands-on programs for youth and adults alike—from sailing classes to maritime career pathways. So when you give something from our shop, you’re not just giving gear, you are helping someone else get on the water.
*Gifts listed below are available in the Welcome Center.
For the Adventurous Adult
1. Patagonia R1® Air Sweater — $99–$189
Stay warm, dry, and ready for any weather with Patagonia’s R1 Air Sweater—a lightweight, breathable fleece made from 100% recycled polyester. Perfect for layering aboard or ashore, and Fair Trade Certified™ for good measure.
2. Evergreen Pacific Historical Atlas: Exploring Puget Sound — $79.99
Part nautical chart, part history book, this beautifully reissued atlas takes readers on a voyage through Puget Sound and the Inside Passage. With more than 3,000 locations and stories—including shipwrecks, shootouts, and salmon runs—it’s a must-have for Pacific Northwest history buffs.
3. Arntson WindSun Hat — $64.95
The ultimate hat for mariners! Built to withstand 50+ mph winds, float if it goes overboard, and provide UPF 50+ protection. Durable, quick-drying, and crushable—perfect for days on deck or dockside adventures.
4. NEBO PolarPak Hybrid Cooler & Warmer — $129.99
Ditch the ice! This high-tech cooler keeps drinks cold (or food warm) on the go. Ideal for boat trips, road adventures, or long race days. With whisper-quiet cooling and a car adapter, it’s the mariner’s version of “set it and forget it.”
5. Minus33 Fingerless Merino Wool Gloves — $25.00
Keep your hands warm and your grip ready. These fingerless Merino wool gloves wick moisture, insulate when wet, and feel soft enough for all-day comfort. Perfect for tying lines, checking charts, or snapping that perfect harbor sunset.
For Nautical Nerds
1. 50 Knots You Need to Know — $15.95
Every sailor (and knot nerd) will love this playful guide. Learn the essentials of ropework with two practice ropes included. A fun and functional gift for tinkerers, adventurers, or anyone who loves mastering a skill.
2. Jim Tolpin Boat Drawings — $35–$45
These hand-drawn “line and construction” prints from local, master craftsman Jim Tolpin are equal parts art and technical beauty. They provide the essential plans needed to develop a lofting of the craft from which you could build the full-sized version. Frame-worthy pieces that any boat lover will treasure—especially those who dream of building their own.
3. Vintage Wooden Boat Festival Posters — $35
Celebrate nearly five decades of the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival! Choose from iconic poster designs spanning 48 years—including 2020’s never-before-released artwork. A beautiful piece of maritime nostalgia available online here.
For the Young Explorer
1. Ocean Explorer Boat Playset — $45.95
An heirloom-quality wooden toy powered by imagination, not batteries! This 8-piece set includes scientists, sea animals, and a magnetic boat—all designed to inspire curiosity about the ocean world. Recommended for ages 3+.
2. Message in a Bottle Puzzle — $19.99
Write a secret note, seal it inside the puzzle, and challenge someone to unlock it! A clever, hands-on gift that blends mystery, fun, and problem-solving—great for kids 8+ (and puzzle-loving adults, too).
3. Ocean Animal Scratch Bookmarks — $6.95
A creative twist on reading! Scratch off vibrant designs to reveal colorful sea creatures and make your own underwater bookmarks. Perfect for ages 3+ and ideal for travel, stocking stuffers, or rainy-day fun.
