Pontoon boats offer one of my favorite ways to bring the family together, whether we’re soaking up the sun, dropping anchor for a swim, or just enjoying an easy cruise as the sun goes down. The best pontoon gifts are those that everyone’ll find useful or fun, giving you more reasons to spend time on the water. I’m all in on finding gifts that work for the whole family, rather than something that’ll wind up collecting dust at home.
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| 🏷 Pick | Product Type | Why Families Love It | Price Tier | 🔗 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Best Overall | Floating Water Mat (10–18 ft) | Turns your boat into a swim platform everyone uses | $$–$$$ | Check Current Price |
| 💰 Best Value | Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker | Instant upgrade for any pontoon | $$ | View on Amazon |
| 👨👩👧👦 Most Fun | Multi-Person Towable Tube | Big laughs, big memories | $$–$$$ | See Options |
| 🔥 Entertainer’s Pick | Rail-Mount Pontoon Grill | Real meals, not just snacks | $$$ | Check Availability |
| 💎 Premium Upgrade | Modular Pontoon Sofa Set | Transforms comfort level completely | $$$$ | Explore Upgrade |
Family Friendly Pontoon Boat Gifts That Everyone Can Enjoy
Pontoon boating really does have its own vibe, full of carefree relaxing, lots of snacks, and plenty of room for everyone to settle in. Here are some gifts I think families will get a lot out of together:
- Inflatable Floating Docks: These giant inflatables turn the area around your boat into the perfect chill zone. Younger kids can jump on and off, while parents or older teens can grab a spot to stretch out in the sun. Most have quick installation and compact storage. If your family anchors and swims a lot, a 10–12 ft floating dock is easily the most-used upgrade on our boat. The sweet spot for most families is around 12 feet, big enough for 4-6 people but still easy to store.
See an inflatable floating dock here. - LED Deck and Under Deck Lighting: Adding some color under your seats or along the railings makes evening cruises brighter and more fun. It’s also super useful when you’re docking or finding your way around after sunset. Plus, kids absolutely love the glow.
- Inflatable Towable Tubes: Not every family wants to go full speed, but even mild rides on a quality towable tube turn a boring afternoon into something everyone will remember. There’s a huge variety, from multi-person sofas to classic rounds.
- Onboard Bluetooth Speakers: Most pontoons come basic, but a waterproof Bluetooth speaker completely changes the mood. Whether your family’s into classic rock, current hits, or mellow lake vibes, music makes time on the water even better. Look for fully waterproof (IPX7+) speakers with at least 12 hours of battery life. We prefer models that float-just in case someone bumps it overboard.
See a top marine Bluetooth speaker choice here. - Pontoon Grills: I’m all for good snacks on board. Clip-on or rail mounted grills make lunch easy; hot dogs or kebabs, without ever leaving the deck. Just make sure you choose one designed for boat safety.
Practical Gifts That Take Family Trips Up a Notch
When I think of gifts that make boating easier, I look for stuff that cuts down on hassle so we can focus on fun. Here are a few practical picks that families actually use:
- Pontoon Storage Solutions: There’s never quite enough space for towels, sunglasses, sunscreen, and pool noodles. Mesh hanging organizers or seat back pockets keep the boat tidy and make it easy to grab what you need.
- Marine Coolers: A top notch cooler keeps everyone’s drinks cold and snacks fresh, even on hot days. Look for ones with nonslip bases and built-in cup holders. Some newer models even double as extra seating.
- Multipurpose Towels: Oversized, quick dry towels in bright colors are just about the most useful thing to have on board. They dry fast (so they aren’t damp all day) and they’re great for both warmth and cleaning up surprise spills.
- Collapsible Docking Fenders: Docking can get a little wild with kids leaning overboard or moving around unexpectedly. A set of easy to store bumpers protects both the pontoon and the dock, making for less stress at the end of your day.
Personalized and Sentimental Pontoon Boat Gift Ideas
Gifts feel extra special when there’s a personal touch. These ideas focus on making family memories and adding a sense of ownership to your floating hangout:
- Custom Pontoon Signs: Commemorate your “Lake House” or your family’s boat name with a weatherproof sign. Hang it on board or display it back home as a fun reminder of summer weekends.
- Monogrammed Boat Towels and Mats: Get towels or nonslip deck mats embroidered with your family’s name or your boat’s nickname. It’s a simple way to make the pontoon feel more like home.
- Personalized Tumblers: Stainless tumblers with each family member’s name or a boat logo are super useful. I take my coffee out early in the morning, and cold drinks stay chilly all day long.
- Pontoon Christmas Ornaments: Swap stories each year as you hang ornaments shaped like your own boat, or personalized with the lake and year. These make great stocking stuffers for boating families.
Budget Friendly Pontoon Gifts for All Ages
It doesn’t take a huge budget to buy a gift that’ll get everyone excited for the next lake trip. Here are some affordable crowd pleasers:
- Waterproof Card Games & Board Games: There’s a ton of waterproof playing cards and floating games that keep everyone entertained while anchored or waiting out a summer rain.
- Floating Keychains and Dry Bags: These handy little gifts save the day if someone drops the boat keys or their phone overboard; definitely worth the peace of mind.
- Insulated Can Holders and Drinkware: Grab some fun, boat themed can coolers or floating drink holders for the kids. Everyone stays hydrated, and drinks stay cold even in direct sun.
- Pontoon Boat Stickers: Kids (and teens) love decorating coolers, luggage, or water bottles with custom stickers. Find some with pontoon art and start a collection.
High End Pontoon Upgrades for Family Gifting
Big Family Upgrade Ideas (For Milestones or Group Gifting)
If you’re celebrating a milestone or pooling together for a big family gift, these upgrades can really take things up a notch:
- Premium Bimini Tops or Sunshades: Upgrading the shade lets everyone relax longer without worrying about sunburns or overheating; especially handy for grandparents and young children. If your crew stays out for 4+ hours regularly, upgrading your shade is one of the smartest long-term investments.
See a popular bimini option here. - Complete Pontoon Furniture Sets: Swapping out old or faded seating for plush, new seats or modular lounges brings new life to your boat and invites everyone to stretch out and relax. Replacing old seating can make your pontoon feel brand new again.
Explore modular pontoon furniture sets. - High Performance Motors or Trolling Motors: These upgrades mean more exploring, easier fishing, and smoother rides all around.
- Deluxe Pontoon Covers: Keeps the boat clean and protected between trips. This isn’t the first thing people think of, but long term, it saves a lot of hassle and keeps the boat in better shape for family adventures.
- LEFEET Water Scooters: For families that want to elevate their lake days into full-on adventures, these deliver effortless propulsion through the water with minimal effort-perfect for exploring coves, cruising around the pontoon, or adding a high-tech thrill for teens and adults alike. Its sleek design and powerful performance make it one of those gifts that feels indulgent but actually gets used trip after trip. Check out a popular scooter here.
Tips for Picking the Right Pontoon Gift for Your Family
- Go for Shared Experience: Items everyone will want to use or that let the whole group participate are usually the real winners. Things like giant floats or onboard games almost always beat single use gadgets.
- Mix Practical With Fun: Some families love new gadgets, others want cozy comforts, and most just want less hassle. A well chosen mix of useful upgrades and playful surprises goes a long way.
- Consider Your Boating Style: If your crew loves to anchor and swim, focus on floats and water toys. If you hit the lake at sunset, lighting upgrades or new audio gear pack more value.
- Quality Over Quantity: A reliable cooler or sturdy towel set makes a bigger difference than a stack of smaller trinkets that might not last.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pontoon Gifts
What size water mat should I buy?
The ideal size depends on your group. A 10 to 18 foot mat is great for most families (4-8 people), but you can go bigger for large groups or if other boats will raft up together.
Do all pontoons come with sound systems?
Even newer pontoons sometimes lack strong audio. A waterproof speaker upgrade is usually the fastest fix.
Check marine speaker system specs here.
What’s the best way to keep kids safe on the pontoon?
Nonslip mats, child sized life jackets, and assigning seating zones make a big difference. Floating keychains and dry bags also help kids (and adults) avoid losing important items overboard.
Do all pontoons come with sound systems?
Not all do. Many older pontoons have basic radios, but a waterproof Bluetooth speaker or easy install soundbar can upgrade your boat quickly and affordably.
What size water mat should I buy?
Most families do best with a 12–15 ft mat for easy storage and transport. Larger 18 ft models are great if you raft up with friends.
See a popular family-sized mat here.
If You Want the Safest Gift Choice…
If you’re unsure what to buy, start with one of these three:
-
A floating water mat
-
A waterproof Bluetooth speaker
Those three upgrades get used on nearly every single trip.
*See our full pontoon accessory guide here.
Wrapping It Up: Enjoying Your Next Boat Day Together
Every family pontoon trip means new stories, surprises, and laughs. Even small gifts can stand out if they add to those moments or cut down on headaches along the way. When I shop for pontoon boat gifts, I try to pick things that everyone will be excited to use the moment we push off from the dock. By focusing on shared fun, personalized items, and practical upgrades, it’s pretty easy to make boat days even better for every member of the family.