This story is part of Gift Guide, our year-round collection of the best gift ideas.
If your holiday list includes a fitness-loving friend or relative, you know that getting them something related to their favorite hobby is a safe bet. Or maybe your mom is trying to take control of her health and is interested in some fitness tools to keep her on track. No matter who you’re shopping for, there’s a thoughtful fitness gift out there that’s perfect for supporting them on their fitness journey.
There are many pieces of fitness equipment and accessories to pick from. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the best fitness gifts out there. Most of these fitness gifts can be appreciated by just about anyone — even if they aren’t workout junkies. Fitness gifts can also serve as good motivation if someone’s been stuck in an exercise rut and needs a little boost.
Check out some of our favorite fitness gifts that your loved ones will enjoy, no matter their fitness goals. Whether you’re shopping for your CrossFit-loving sister or an aunt who loves nature walks, there are great options here for everybody.
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The Theragun Mini is a great choice if you have someone on your gift list this year who is always on the go and wants a quick massage before their workout or while traveling. It provides 12mm of amplitude (which is powerful for a small device) and has three speeds ranging from 1,750 to 2,400 percussions per minute.
Even though it’s small, the Theragun Mini has some weight to it, but it’s the right size to throw into your gym bag, backpack or purse. It comes with a soft travel pouch so it stays extra protected in your bag. It’s also under $200 right now, so it’s fairly priced compared with the rest of the Theragun massage gun series.
TriggerPoint
If a massage gun isn’t in line with your budget, a foam roller is another good way to help with sore muscles. The Triggerpoint Grid 1.0 Foam Roller is one of my favorites because it isn’t too big (only 13 inches long) and it’s durable. I bought one many years ago and it’s still holding up.
Foam rolling is an inexpensive way to reduce muscle tightness and increase your range of motion, which is also good to do before a workout. If you’re shopping for a friend or family member who likes to train like an athlete, they’ll appreciate this gift for recovery after each workout.
Hyperice
The Normatec Go is Hyperice’s newest air-compression wearable device designed to boost circulation to your legs to help your muscles recover faster, reduce any swelling and improve your performance. What I love about this product is how lightweight and easy it is to use at home and carry on the go. Unlike the full body Normatec boots, these only cover your calves, and there’s no need for additional hoses or attachments as you recover after a day of activity or being on your feet. All you have to do is press the control unit found on the sides of the Normatec Go and you’re on your way to quick relief.
The Normatec Go can also be connected via Bluetooth to the Hyperice app (available for iPhone and Android phones), which gives you access to preselected air compression routines. It’s made to be used on the go, which is a nice alternative to the full-fledged Normatec boots. This would be an ideal gift for anyone who’s looking for additional ways to recover post-workout or for someone who travels frequently and needs a therapeutic way to decompress.
Amazon
If you’re shopping for a family member who’s trying to stay motivated upon returning to the gym, then a gym bag is always a good gift pick. Having a stylish gift bag like the Under Armour Undeniable Signature Duffle Bag is great because it has enough room to store your clothing, shower products and any gym accessories, and it even has a compartment for your shoes.
It’s also water-resistant so you don’t have to worry about commuting with the bag during rainy or snowy days. Bonus: This gym bag can be used as an overnight travel bag, which is always a plus when taking short trips.
Nobull
Nobull’s Trainers made CNET’s best weightlifting shoes list because they’re stylish and versatile at the same time. You can tell a lot of thought went into designing a weightlifting shoe that does it all. The High Top Trainer Plus keeps the same features as the Trainers — the only difference is that it has a high top instead of a low top.
To improve the user experience, Nobull included additional comfort, stability and traction to its newest style. If someone on your list likes to spend their time in the weight room or at CrossFit classes, they’ll appreciate these shoes. Choose from a variety of patterns and colors.
Apple
Apple released its most advanced watch yet with the Apple Watch Ultra. The Apple Watch Ultra has a more durable titanium casing, the brightest screen on an Apple Watch and a bigger battery. What makes the Ultra unique is that it has a dual-frequency GPS, which provides more accurate location and tracking. It offers LTE connectivity and extra microphones for clearer voice calls. The customizable Action button allows you to make fast transitions during activities, like if you’re participating in a triathlon or duathlon.
This heavy-duty watch comes in a 49mm case size, which can be big for some wrists, but that can be overlooked thanks to its extraordinary features. The watch band comes in three different colors (green, orange and starlight) and is made out of two textile layers woven together for a sporty look. It’s bound to be a favorite among those who enjoy serious hiking challenges, running marathons, triathlons and other sports where precise accuracy is required.
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Peloton
If you have a friend who loves breaking a sweat with at-home workouts, they’re going to enjoy Peloton’s reversible workout mat. Having a good workout mat that prevents you from slipping and provides support is important so you feel secure during your exercise session. Peloton’s reversible mat provides excellent grip and is durable so it can handle tough workouts. The two-in-one design makes it appealing since you can use either side whether you’re doing HIIT workouts or a yoga flow.
I’ve been using this mat for the past year, and I like how easily it rolls up but stays in place during a workout. When using dumbbells, the 5-millimeter thickness of the mat absorbs sound in case the weights roll around — which helps if you live above someone in an apartment building.
New Balance
If you’re looking to give the runner in your life a new pair of running shoes, you can’t go wrong with New Balance’s Fresh Foam X 1080v12. New Balance’s 1080 series have been my go-to for running marathons, half marathons and even for casual runs. I’ve tried various versions of the 1080s, and they’ve all served me well during all distance runs.
The v12 is the latest version and offers the most cushioned Fresh Foam midsole foam yet. I’d recommend this shoe for the serious or casual runner who has a wide foot and needs the extra support — or prefers more support. According to some reviews, this style runs big, so if you’re planning on buying a pair for a friend, be sure to size down from their normal size.
Bose
CNET named the Bose Sport Earbuds as the best secure fit earbuds to wear while working out. They come with three different sizes of StayHear Max tips so you have several options to pick from to get the most secure fit. That makes them ideal to wear during workouts that involve rapid movement such as a bootcamp or a vigorous run. The Sport Earbuds are also water-resistant, so they can handle any moisture from sweat or rainy weather.
To play or pause music or answer calls, you simply press the right earbud. If you have a Spotify account, you’ll be able to access it by double-tapping the left earbud, which lets you play and shuffle through your playlist. And you won’t have to worry about running out of battery life because when fully charged, these buds last up to five hours. If you have someone on your list who likes to workout hard and is an audiophile, they’ll appreciate the Bose Sport Earbuds in and out of the gym.
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The ShakeSphere impressed me with its ability to provide a smooth protein shake, so it’s no surprise CNET named it the protein shaker with the best design. The capsule looks like a grenade and can hold hot or cold beverages. And it’s not just a shaker — this multiuse bottle can also be used as a flask or thermos. The unique design is shaker-ball free and instead uses centrifugal force to mix protein powder and liquid. It’s provided some of the smoothest shakes I’ve ever made with a protein shaker. And bonus points: The spout is designed to be drip-free.
Another unique feature is that ShakeSphere can puree soft fruits like bananas or berries, if you’re looking to make a smoothie without a blade. Based on my experience, I’d recommend using fruit at its ripest point — otherwise you’ll end up with chunks of it in your drink. If you have a friend who enjoys drinking protein shakes regularly, you can’t go wrong with a ShakeSphere protein shaker this holiday season.
Lexy Savvides/CNET
If you’re shopping for someone who has been eyeing a smartwatch and has an Android phone, then they’ll appreciate the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5. This smartwatch is durable with a long battery life, and you can opt for a 40- or 44mm watch size. You can access 90 different workout types, and the watch has an automatic workout detection for activities like walks and runs. That’s helpful when you forget to set up your watch to record a workout you’d like to track.
According to CNET’s Lexy Savvides, the full keyboard is easy to swipe on when typing messages, and the dictation-to-text feature clearly translates the message you’re sending. You’ll also be able to track your sleep while wearing the watch, and soon you will be able to monitor your body’s temperature. At $115, you’re getting a good deal for a top-of-the-line smartwatch, and with updates expected soon, you’ll be getting even more bang for your buck.
Gatorade
Gatorade’s newest smart water bottle, the Gatorade Smart Gx, uses a ring of LED lights on the cap to track the ounces of water you’re drinking throughout the day. This is helpful for those who are active for multiple hours a day, such as athletes or anyone trying to improve their hydration levels. The rechargeable bottle can hold water and sports drinks, and it comes with a four-pack of Gx Pods, small flavored pods that can be mixed with water to replenish electrolytes.
The bottle connects to the Gx app (currently only available for iOS) where you can set hydration goals for the day and track them, as well as view workout programs and nutrition recommendations. The LED lights on the cap light up as you make your way towards your hydration goal. All you have to do is click the top button on the cap to check your status. Your bottle’s progress also syncs up to the app on your phone when it’s in close proximity.
It also comes with two of Gatorade’s Sweat Patches, which I recommend you try out, especially if you’re an athlete. A Sweat Patch is a single-use patch that you stick to your forearm before a workout and can be used for activities lasting from 20 minutes to two hours. It’s compatible with the Gx app and gives you a detailed reading of your sweat rate, sodium and fluid loss, so you know how to properly replenish your hydration and nutritional needs. If you have someone on your holiday list who is serious about their hydration, this bottle will help them stay on top of their fluid intake regularly.
Lululemon studio
Hybrid exercisers (those who workout at a gym and at home), will enjoy the Lululemon Studio Mirror, a full-length mirror with a built-in screen that allows you to watch your form while you follow workout classes. The Lululemon Studio Mirror is currently marked down to a special price of $795 as it recently rebranded itself from the Mirror. That’s a whopping $700 discount. Lululemon has also added a new fitness platform called Lululemon Studio, which gives you access to thousands of workouts, plus eight popular fitness studios that will be accessible online and in person at the brand’s brick-and-mortar locations.
This is one of the most expensive items on this list, and the one that requires the most space, so it’s best for someone you know who’s been yearning to own a smart home gym. It’s ideal for the friend or family member who enjoys taking boutique fitness classes, but wants the luxury of doing so at home and in person.
SPIbelt
If you’re shopping for the outdoorsy person in your life, a running belt is a good option. The SPIbelt expands to hold your phone, keys, credit cards and more. Runners can benefit from this belt because it’s bounce-free, so it will stay in place during all distances. Plus, you can extend this belt to fit most waist sizes, ranging from 25 to 47 inches. (If you need more room, a belt extender can be purchased separately.)
A bonus is that this belt doesn’t just have to be for training runs. Hikers and casual walkers alike will enjoy the SPIbelt since it’s a good hands-free alternative to a backpack to store their belongings.
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The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
