Is it that time already? Whether you like narrowboats, wide beams, Dutch barges or any type of liveaboard canal boat there are plenty of Christmas gifts that could help you and your family to enjoy the English canals and rivers.

If you are buying or selling a boat on the inland waterways the chances are that you have an interest in canals, which makes it easier to give your loved ones hints about presents that would suit you. Alternatively, you may be looking for a present to give to a loved one who shares your interest. Remember, on a boat space is limited so small is beautiful when buying a boating themed present.

Books are my own addiction. Consider a canal guide for an area they’d like to explore, but be aware that they probably already have a guide for the area where they currently travel or moor. Personally I quite like books about canal history, and some of them are packed with photographs of the working boats and boater families. I enjoy finding out how canals that I know well have changed over the years, and seeing if there are still buildings and bridges that I recognise in the photos. If they’re the DIY type there are books on boat electrics, engine maintenance and boat refurbishment.

Instead of a book, your first mate may be a fan of a waterways publication. Could you get them a year’s subscription to Waterways World, Canal Boat or Towpath Talk?

For the kids I just love the Bert and Betty stories from www.thebraunstonboaters.co.uk The little pocket size books tell the story of the boaters working the canals in the 19th century. I bought a few for my children and the charming tale of Christmas Eve is the perfect gift.

The Inland Waterways Association has an online shop selling books, calendars, chandlery, DVDs, games, toys, jigsaws and clothing. They also have a bargain page where several of my favourite books are reduced in price. You could also consider fishing equipment, a floating keyring or a canal painting. If they like the canal folk art of roses and castles there are many decorative items to be bought, for either home or boat. Or if your loved one is creative, buy them a day on a workshop learning to paint roses and castles. (I did one at the London Canal Museum.) A gift experience is perfect for someone who has limited storage space, so check out www.canalexperience.co.uk if you think they’d like a RYA Helmsman’s Course, a Boat Familiarisation course, a nature day, The Bat Experience or The Coalboat Experience.

If you have a boat for sale at the moment consider listing it with Boatshed Grand Union. Our ‘Sell My Boat’ page explains why we’re different, (no sale, no fee) and you could have the extra cash you’ve been waiting for sooner than you think. That would make a merry Christmas!

Peggy
www.narrowboatwife.com

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Living on a Boat: The Boatshed Guide (free) / Castle Marinas Welcome Liveaboards / Top 6 Benefits of Owning a Boat / A slideshow of our boat of the moment./More articles.

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