9 Summer Gift Ideas to Give Over the Holidays

In the Southern Hemisphere, the holidays arrive with sunshine, long evenings and plenty of time outdoors, so the best presents tend to be the ones that make hot days easier. If you are searching for summer presents for holidays, the gifts for summer range online is a useful place to look, with ideas that suit the beach, the backyard and the bedroom. Here are nine gift ideas that fit the season, followed by practical advice on keeping the people you love safe when the temperature climbs.

1. A quick-dry beach towel

A light towel is the most useful summer gift for anyone who loves the water. Flat woven styles fold small, dry fast and shake off sand, which makes them ideal for a day trip. Choose stripes or a soft coastal color that goes with most swimwear, and add a canvas bag to carry it.

2. Breathable bed linen

Hot nights are tough on sleep. A set of lightweight cotton or linen sheets lets air move and feels cool against the skin. Pale colors like white, sand or sage look fresh in a bedroom and are an easy gift to wrap. It is a thoughtful present for someone who always complains about sweaty nights.

3. A woven picnic rug

Long evenings call for dinner on the lawn. A large rug with a waterproof backing keeps damp grass away, and it folds into a handy carrier. Pair it with a set of unbreakable plates and cups, and you have a gift that invites friends to spend time together.

4. A wide brim hat

A good hat is a practical present that people love to receive. Look for a wide brim that shades the face, neck and ears, and choose a natural weave that stays cool. Cancer Council reminds Australians of the classic slip, slop, slap, seek, slide message, which began as a campaign in 1981 and was extended in 2007 to include seeking shade and sliding on sunglasses. A hat is one small way to put that advice into practice.

5. A pair of quality sunglasses

Sunglasses protect your eyes and the skin around them. A classic frame in tortoiseshell or black suits most faces, and a hard case keeps them safe in a beach bag. Pair them with a lens cloth and a small cord, so they are less likely to be lost on the sand.

6. A set of outdoor glasses and a jug

Summer entertaining is easier with shatterproof glasses and a large jug for iced water or cordial. Look for a sturdy set that can go from the kitchen to the pool without worry. Add a few paper straws and a tray, and the gift is ready for the season's first barbecue.

7. A lightweight robe or kaftan

A cotton robe works at the pool, after a shower or over swimwear on the way to the beach. Choose a loose, airy cut and a pattern that fits the season, such as a soft stripe or a botanical print. It is flattering on most people and packs small for travel.

8. A cooler bag or insulated bottle

Staying hydrated is easier with a bottle that keeps water cold for hours. A compact cooler bag does the same for snacks and drinks on a road trip. These gifts are especially welcome for families, campers and anyone who spends long days at the cricket or the beach.

9. A fan or a cooling pillow

For those without air conditioning, a small desk fan or a cooling pillow can make a heatwave bearable. A rechargeable fan is quiet enough for a bedroom, and a gel pillow keeps the head cool through the night. It is a very practical present for a student, a new renter or an older relative.

Plan for heat as well as fun

A summer gift is a good opportunity to think about safety. The Better Health Channel notes that heat related health problems are a serious risk, saying heat kills more Australians than any other natural disaster. It lists higher-risk groups, including people over 65, babies and young children, pregnant women and those with chronic conditions. It also explains that heatstroke is a medical emergency, and that you should call triple zero (000) straight away and move the person somewhere cool. Checking in on relatives and neighbors during a heatwave is a gift of its own.

How to choose well

The best summer presents match the way the person spends their holidays. A keen swimmer will appreciate a towel and a hat, while a homebody may prefer fresh linen and a fan. If you are not sure, choose a small, useful item and add a handwritten note, since the thought counts as much as the object. Avoid anything bulky if the recipient is traveling, and think about the size of the person's home when buying larger items.

A simple wrapping idea

Wrap summer gifts in the item itself. Roll a towel around a bottle of sunscreen, tie it with twine and slip in a sprig of rosemary. It looks pretty, saves paper and gives the recipient something to use on the very first day of the holidays.

Enjoy the season

The holidays are meant for rest and time with people you care about. A well-chosen gift makes that easier, whether it keeps someone cool, protects them from the sun or simply gives them a better place to relax. Start your list early, keep it simple and enjoy the season.