Shopping for a swimmer or triathlete? You’re in the right place.
There are more great gift ideas for triathletes and swimmers than ever - think high-performance gear, cold water swim essentials, training kit, and even kit that helps them stay safe in the water.
Whether they race short or long distance triathlons, swim in lakes, dip in the sea for a mental reset, or clock regular laps in the pool, there’s something here that will make them feel seen and supported.
Do you know someone chasing race goals, training for an Ironman, or prepping for their next open-water event? Are they out to enjoy the buzz of cold water, recharge, and keep moving. Is your friend after sometihng to make them faster; or simply something to warm up properly after a winter dunk?
This guide makes it easy to find the perfect gift. You’ll find inspiration across our most loved wetsuits, swimming goggles, triathlon apparel, changing robes, pool accessories and open water essentials.
It’s full of athlete-approved products, with performance built in - so you know it’s not just a thoughtful gift, it’s one that works.
Best Gifts for Triathlete
Are you stuck for ideas for what to buy a triathlete for Christmas? Get them something that will be helpful during their training and racing.
Transition Bag
A triathlon transition bag is a purpose-built backpack designed to carry everything an athlete needs on race day for swim, bike and run.
Unlike a regular gym bag or backpack, it’s packed with smart features to keep kit organised into each discipline, dry, and easily accessible in transition.
Zone3 triathlon bags include:
- Separate wet/dry compartments (for wetsuits or damp kit)
- Dedicated shoe sections for running and cycling shoes
- External mesh pockets for water bottles or nutrition
- Comfortable straps for easy carrying between transitions
Race Day Accessories
Elastic laces are a small but powerful upgrade for any triathlete. Designed to replace traditional running shoe laces, they allow for quick, slip-on transitions - saving precious seconds in T2. Once fitted, they hold shoes securely without the need to tie or adjust mid-race.
A race belt is a lightweight, adjustable strap worn around the waist to hold your race number during a triathlon or running event. It eliminates the need to pin numbers to your kit - saving time and protecting your gear.
Anti-chafing balm reduces friction and irritation during training or racing - especially in areas where wetsuits, tri suits, or straps rub against the skin. When applied around wrists and ankles too, it also helps a wetsuit come off more quickly.
Best gifts for pool swimmers
Get your swimmer something they will actually use in their pool sessions, that will benefit their technique.
Pool Accessories
Swim hand paddles are training tools worn on the hands to increase water resistance during swim strokes. They help build upper body strength, improve technique, and enhance stroke efficiency by encouraging better hand positioning in the water.
A front-facing snorkel is a swim training tool that allows swimmers to breathe comfortably without turning their head. Positioned in the centre of the face, it helps maintain perfect body alignment and focus purely on stroke technique.
A mesh training swim bag is a durable and versatile solution for transporting swimwear, goggles, towels and other kit with fast-dry mesh fabric, perfect for taking to the pool.
Fresh swim goggles will go down a treat with all swimmers. There is nothing worse than a leaky pair, that fog up! Zone3's Venator-X Goggles offer wide peripheral vision and anti-fog protection for clear sight in every stroke.
Buoyancy shorts are neoprene unisex training shorts that mimic the lift of a wetsuit, helping swimmers improve their position in the water. They raise the hips and legs, promoting better body alignment, reduced drag, and a more efficient stroke - especially useful for triathletes or swimmers who want the feel of a wetsuit but in the pool.
Best Gifts for Cold Water Swimming
Swimming in open water - especially in cooler temperatures - can be invigorating, but it also places extra stress on the body. Cold water can quickly lower your core temperature, and it's important warm-up properly.
Changing robes are oversized, insulated garments designed to keep swimmers warm and dry before and after a swim - especially in cold or outdoor conditions. They offer privacy for getting changed and protection from the elements with water-resistant outer layers and soft, thermal linings.
Swim socks are neoprene socks designed to keep your feet warm and protected during open-water swims - especially in cold or rough conditions. They provide insulation, reduce heat loss, and offer a layer of defence against sharp rocks, shells, or uneven lake beds.
Swim gloves are neoprene gloves designed to keep your hands warm during cold water swims. They provide thermal protection while maintaining enough flexibility to allow a natural swim stroke and strong catch in the water.
Swim Safety
When swimming in the open water, it's important to be visible from the shore and other swimmers and other water users, in case of emergencies.
Swim buoys, aka tow floats, are a great way to increase your visibility. They attach around your waist, floating behind you without interfering with your stroke. They are also something to grab hold of if you need a breather in the water.
Another easy and cheap way for swimmers to be visable in open water, is to wear a bright coloured swim cap.
Whether you're buying for a dedicated triathlete, a casual dipper, or a pool swimmer who never misses a session, finding the right gift is all about matching passion with purpose.
From race-day must-haves like elastic laces and transition bags, to cold water essentials like thermal wetsuits, swim gloves, and changing robes - this guide has covered the best gifts for swimmers and triathletes of all levels and budgets.
Every product is athlete-approved and performance-proven, built to support comfort, safety, and success in the water. Looking for triathlon gift ideas, swim gifts UK, or open water swimming accessories?
