12 Days of Christmas Gifts: Day Six - The Mariner

It seems like saying "Buy Local" has become the "in thing" to do, but for small businesses in our area, there is nothing new about shopping locally. For the next 12 days, we're going to post an item each day showcasing some of the great businesses in Edgewater and Davidsonville.

Day Six: Ahoy Maties! Have we got the place for you.

If your crewmember or mate needs to come ashore for supplies, there is no need to loot or pilage—this place takes cash, checks or credit cards. We're talking, of course, about West Marine, every boaters go-to before a day—or days—out on the high seas (or in the South River or the Chesapeake Bay). 

For stocking stuffers, look to a Santa-on-a-jet-ski ornament or a calendar with a 12-month look at boats and the boating lifestyle. They are all half-off through Christmas, so easily affordable in the $4 to $12 range.

How about a Croaker to hold your sunglasses in place ($12 to $15) or a new pair of polarized sunglasses to keep in the boat ($17 to $199)?

They also have a full line of clothing and weather gear, including shirts ($8 and up), rain slickers ($39 to $99) and deck shoes ($69 and up).

You could go with a great pocket knife ($39 and up) that will help your sailor take care of repairs or rig adjustments, cut line, clean a fish—or just look tough when enemy pirates try to climb aboard.

Got deeper pockets? A captain's brass bell ($69 to $99) or a GPS Nautical navigation system ($69 to $1,499) could make great gifts.

Or how about a heater for the cabin of your yacht when there is a chill in the air?

Finally, if you walk in and are overwhelmed by the options, gift cards are always available in any denomination.