Christmas Crackers

Model boat
Delight the boating enthusiast in your family with a radio-controlled working model narrowboat. Or, go one step further and commission a model of his or her very own pride and joy.

Bottle opener
Corkscrews are so last year. Gain Sommelier status with an all singing, all dancing bottle opening kit. Available on the High Street and even in the supermarket, these contemporary contraptions contain powerlifters, foil cutters, wine thermometers – and instructions! The ideal addition to any galley.

Books with a waterway flavour
There’s something for everyone under this banner, whether it’s a coffee table book about the waterways, a detailed look at canal history or a well-loved classic featuring your favourite watery location. Splash out on a hardback, a first edition or even a signed copy.

Maps
Everyone needs to know where they’re going. Walkers, cyclists and boaters alike will appreciate a detailed map of of places they’ve yet to explore.

Camera
Capture magic moments, family holidays and sightings of waterway wildlife with a new camera.

Compass
You’ll never loose your way, your boat, or your way to your boat again. Find a path through woodlands, across moorlands, over the hills and far away with a traditional compass.

Binoculars
Get a close-up view of the natural world. Watch the more shy and retiring residents of the riverbank from a safe distance, or look ahead for a good lunchtime pub - or to see how many people are queueing for the next lock gate. Binoculars are a great present for ayone who enjoys life in the great outdoors.

iPod
Perfect for the music-lover in your life. No need for CD clutter. Keep all your favourite music with you all the time, whether you’re in a boat, on a bike or simply wandering through the middle of nowhere.

Portable chair
These days, portable chairs come in every conceivable shape and size – and for most conceivable purposes. Buy a chair disguised as a backpack, or one that cunningly doubles up as a walking stick – perfect for those long distance hikes. And there’s always the tried and tested folding chair, which meets the needs of most tired legs.

Waterproofs
Let’s face it. We live in Britain. It rains. But outdoor life can still be fun so long as you’re well prepared – and these days waterproofs can be stylish too. Wellies, a wax jacket, a kag-in-a-bag, waterproof trousers (for the hardcore adventurer) or even a sturdy waterproof hat, there’s something for every interest and budget.