Holiday Gift Ideas

The holidays are just around the corner and if you’re searching for last minute gift ideas for that athlete or health conscious person in your life, you’re in luck.  Here are gift ideas sure to please the fittest of them all.

1. Healthy food gift basket.  This gift is nice for those trying to establish good health and fitness or those already living a healthy lifestyle.  Start with tasty fruits and vegetables as the base of your basket and add in any of the following: nuts, whole grain crackers or breads, low fat cheese, hummus, popcorn (the kind without all the butter!), protein bars (I love KIND bars), a variety of teas, a dark chocolate bar or a bottle of red wine.

The Dr. Scholl's micro file does wonders for my feet!  

2.  Foot repair kit.  Many runners deal with calluses and dead skin build up on their heels.  I love my Dr. Scholl’s micro file (download the $2 off coupon) that I use to help keep my heels feeling and looking great.  Add in a bottle of foot cream and comfy socks for a fun gift.
3.  It all adds up!  Knowledge is power and tools that count progress help keep you in line.  Buy a pedometer for someone who likes to walk, swim lap counter that slides onto your finger for a swimmer or a bike computer to track the miles on two wheels.
4.  Music accessories.  Help your favorite athlete rock out to their favorite tunes with new sports ear phones or purchase a waterproof mp3 player.  There are many musical accessories available to make exercising and listening to music an enjoyable experience.
5.  Cold weather accessories.  There are many products on the market that make winter time work outs more comfortable and safe, including: headbands and hats with openings for a ponytail, gloves and hats with special pouches for keys, stylish head bands, visibility strips (to attach to clothing or integrated into clothing) and hats and gloves with LED lights integrated into the brim.
6.  Socks!  Some athletes LOVE getting socks (myself included)!  Look for athletic socks designed for specific sports or weather.  Socks made with merino wool are great for winter because they wick away sweat and keep your feet dry and warm.  It’s worth taking a peek in the recipient’s dresser drawer, if possible, to see what style of sock they like to wear.  Socks don’t last forever and I know I have trouble remembering to replace them often enough.

Messenger bags, carry-all bags and hydration packs
make great holiday gifts for a special athlete.

7.  Sports bag.  Hauling sports gear to work, to the gym or to the start line of a race is important.  Specialty sporting goods stores have a wide variety of bags that will hold all the sporting goodies your fitness pal needs to carry.
8.  A sports massage.  After a long, hard race or even a long, hard week at work, a massage will be a welcome relief.
9.  Club memberships or renewals.  There may be a gym or exercise program your recipient has wanted to try or a membership that needs renewed.  They may also be interested in joining a local sports club, like a triathlon or running group that has a nominal membership fee.
10.  Gift cards.  Yes, some claim this is an impersonal gift but every athlete has core equipment pieces (shoes, helmet, gloves, goggles, socks, shirts, shorts, etc.) that need replacing every now and then and helping cover those costs will be a nice treat!

Purchase a fitness or sport specific magazine subscription.
Buy the current issue and attach a special note
letting the recipient know they'll be receiving it in the mail!

While many of these ideas can serve as stocking stuffers, here are a couple other ideas: chamois cream for a cyclist, swim goggles, lace locks, hair ties or a magazine subscription to your athlete’s favorite sports or fitness magazine.

Finally, I highly recommend shopping at local sporting specialty stores.  You may have a specialty running store, bike shop and other sports specific stores in your area.  You’ll get more personalized service and I’ve found that my local shops treat me especially well.  If you’re in the Des Moines area, check out Fitness Sports and Rasmussen Bike Shop, two of my favorite local shops :) !

Happy shopping!

Miss FitGab


P.S. - Help me build my network!  If I reach 25 followers on my blog by December 31st, I'll draw a name for a Dr. Scholl's micro file and foot cream OR a pair of athletic socks (your choice!). If I reach 50 followers (by 12/31), I'll draw a name for a mini basket of KIND protein bars, Starbucks hot chocolate and a $10 Scheel's gift card.  Pass on to friends and family who are interested in health and fitness and let's build a community to talk about health! (To follow my blog, scroll up and look on the left hand side - there's a link to "Join this site.")