- If they’re looking to jumpstart a new fitness routine or want to tone up, useful workout gear that helps them get closer to their goal will be much more appreciated than a set of candles.
- Whether they’re into running and need a new pair of sneakers from Saucony, or they’re stuck at the office all day and want to get their steps in with a Cubii under-desk elliptical, they’ll love these 26 thoughtful fitness gifts.
- And if you’re worried that items won’t arrive in time or that your recipient won’t have a physical item to unwrap, this clever hack ensures they’ll still have a gift to open.
- Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all of our holiday gift guides here.
Everyone has a fitness goal whether it’s to gain muscle, tone up their core, or increase their flexibility. No matter what goal they have for 2020, we’ve got a gift that’ll help them get there.
From ugly Christmas sweater-inspired running sneakers to a quiet elliptical they can use at their desk, there are plenty of gift ideas that work within your budget and their fitness level. And if their fitness level is nonexistent, there’s a ClassPass membership to get them started too.
At this late stage, most items won’t arrive in time for Christmas or your gift exchange, though digital gift cards would be delivered via email immediately. If you’re worried that items won’t arrive in time or that your recipient won’t have a physical item to unwrap, this clever hack ensures they’ll still have a gift to open.
The top 5 best fitness gifts:
- A monthly ClassPass membership to try different local gyms and classes
- Water-activated powder shampoo from OWA
- A neoprene Dagne Dover duffel that works for the office and gym
- A Daily Harvest subscription to delicious ready-to-blend smoothies
- Lightweight silicone rings from Ensorings that won’t get damaged at the gym
Here are 26 gift ideas to help them achieve their 2020 fitness goals:
A monthly membership to try different local gyms and classes
ClassPass Membership, starting at $59/month after free trial, available at ClassPass
A ClassPass membership gives them the freedom to switch up their routine and try new workout classes and gyms in their city without long-term commitments.
Right now, ClassPass is offering new members a free one-month trial, so you can even sign them up for one just before you exchange gifts and then tack on the gift card. Here's how it works, and here's how to sign up.
Water-activated powder shampoo
OWA Haircare Moondust Hair Wash, $29, available at Credo Beauty
I love bringing this water-activated shampoo when I work out at boutique gyms for its convenience. The bottle is small so it doesn't take up a lot of space in my bag, and the formula is a water-activated powder so it won't make a mess if the bottle bursts open.
I just sprinkle a little on my hands, add some water, and lather. It cleans as well as any other shampoo I've tried and the formula includes, and there's a scent-free version too. I also like taking this when I travel since it's not a liquid that can spontaneously combust in my toiletry bag.
A neoprene duffel that works for the office and the gym
Dagne Dover Landon Carryall, starting at $95, available at Dagne Dover
The beauty of this duffel is in its small, but mighty stature. It can hold their laptop, gym shoes and clothes, and tons of accessories without looking bulky. There's also a thoughtfully-designed water bottle pocket to keep their drink upright, avoiding spills and leaks.
Charcoal-based dry shampoo for oily roots
IGK First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo, $27, available at Sephora
If they prefer dry shampoo for a quicker exit, IGK's charcoal-based shampoo helps get rid of oil and odor. It brushes out better than a lot of other formulas I've tried, and they'd only need a bit at the roots to feel like a new person. The mini size is great for their gym bag so I'd recommend a few bottles of these instead of the standard 6.3 oz. bottle.
An ugly Christmas sweater shoe they'll wear every time they run
Brooks Revel 3, $100, available at Brooks
It's the ugly Christmas sweater but in sneaker form. The shoe itself is Brooks' Revel 3 with all kinds of festive style upgrades like Fair Isle stitching with heat-activated yarn that helps the shoe keep its shape, metallic laces, and even a glittery logo.
An elliptical machine they can use at their desk
Cubii Pro Seated Under-Desk Elliptical, $349, available at Amazon
This little elliptical machine fits under their desks so even the biggest workaholic won't have an excuse this year. From personal experience, it's really quiet and actually kind of fun. It also syncs with their Apple or Android phones, Apple Health, and Fitbit to track their performance.
Grippy socks perfect for pilates or barre
Gaiam Grippy Yoga Socks, from $7.98-$16.99, available at Amazon
These socks have durable grips along the bottom for stability during pilates or lounging around the apartment. No judgments here.
Delicious ready-to-blend smoothies
Daily Harvest Subscription, $6.99-$7.99 per cup, available at Daily Harvest
If they're not switching up their diet along with their workout regimen, all that cardio and weightlifting might just be going to waste. Encourage them to eat healthier with a membership to Daily Harvest for delicious smoothies, harvest bowls, chia bowls, and more.
An Alexa-enabled fitness tracker
Fitbit Versa 2, $129.95, available at Amazon
FitBit's newest fitness tracker has built-in Amazon Alexa so you can check your daily fitness, heart rate, weather, and even set alarms all via voice.
A two-in-one foam roller for sore muscles
Lululemon Double Roller, $58, available at Lululemon
This foam roller is actually a two-in-one surprise. The outer roller has a wavy texture to release tension in their arms and legs, while the interior roller has deeper grooves to massage their back.
A colorful water bottle
Takeya Actives 18 oz. Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Insulated Spout Lid, from $21, available at Bed Bath and Beyond
This insulated water bottle keeps their drink cool while they work up a sweat, and the bright shade means they won't forget it at the gym either.
Wireless headphones with built-in artificial technology
Soul Electronics Run Free Pro Bio, $109.99, available at Soul Electronics
This pair of wireless earbuds have built-in artificial technology that acts as a running coach to provide real-time adjustments and suggestions to improve your posture, gait, and more.
Read our full review and see how the headphones helped shave three minutes off our mile time here.
A sweat-wicking headband
Lululemon Cardio Cross Trainer Headband, $14, available at Lululemon
No one really thinks about fitness headbands - until their hair starts getting into their eyes and mouth as they're doing burpees. This thin style from Lululemon is an easy way to combat that annoyance, and it comes in a bunch of lovely pastel and neutral colors.
Weight training gloves
C9 Champion Women's Workout Gloves, $10.14, available at Target
These fingerless gloves will help them avoid calluses and make them look badass as they reach their deadlift goals.
A backpack for all their gym gear
Aer Fit Pack 2, $150, available at Aer
If they like to carry all of the things to the gym, this backpack is a great option.
It has an extra-large opening for easy access, a ventilated shoe compartment, and a padded laptop sleeve. Best of all, the overall look is so sleek that it doesn't scream "This is my gym bag!"
Meal prep containers they'll actually use
Tone It Up Meal Prep Collapsible Container 2pk Set, $17.99, available at Target
If they love prepping healthy-ish meals in advance, they need this set of collapsible containers from the Insta-famous Tone It Up duo.
Cleansing body wipes to avoid post-gym B.O.
Yuni Shower Sheets Large Body Wipes, $15, available at Amazon
These large body wipes clean, deodorize, and calm skin so they can avoid cramped gym showers. The wipes are also waterless so they won't make a mess if the packaging pops open in their duffel bag.
New running sneakers because theirs have more than a few holes
Saucony Kinvara, $79.95 for men's and women's styles, available at Saucony
Upgrade their running shoe to this pair from Saucony. It has lots of cushioning and heel support but is still super light, so it doesn't feel like they're running with leg weights around their ankles.
A shaker bottle for easy protein drinks
BlenderBottle Radian Insulated Stainless Steel Shaker Bottle, from $19.99, available at Amazon
If they make a protein shake after working out, they'll love a shaker bottle like this one. The stainless steel whisk is great for mixing smooth drinks, and the copper shade is a style upgrade from the plastic one they've been using for years.
Their own boxing gloves so they can stop renting sweaty ones at the gym
Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Kickboxing Training Gloves, $19.99-$29.99, available at Amazon
Sorry, but using boxing gloves that many, many other people have used before isn't hygienic at all. Get your favorite boxer their own pair of gloves, and choose from eight different colors for the one that matches their personal style best.
An extra-long mat with a lifetime guarantee
Manduka PRO Yoga and Pilates Mat, $88-$160, available at Amazon
For yogis who hate having to adjust their poses to fit on standard-length mats, this extra-long style from Manduka is perfect. It's definitely much more expensive than other mats out there, but it does come with a lifetime guarantee so they'll never need to buy another mat again.
Dice that'll determine the day's workout routine
Strength Stack 52 Fitness Dice, $19.97, available at Amazon
Instead of doing the same routine every day, they can switch it up by rolling these fitness dice and leaving it up to chance. There are three levels of intensity - beginner, normal, advanced - and then several exercises on each side of the dice, so they can create a new routine every day.
A yoga set for beginners or those who want to deepen their practice
Clever Yoga Yoga Set Kit 7-Piece, $56.49, available at Amazon
Whether they're a yoga newbie or expert who wants to deepen their practice, they're going to appreciate this seven-piece yoga set. It includes an extra-thick mat, two microfiber towels, two yoga blocks, a yoga strap, and a carrying case to stash everything inside.
Exercise resistance bands for arms
P.volve Exercise Bands, $29.99, available at Amazon
These resistance bands are great for at-home or on-the-go toning workouts. They're lightweight so they'll travel well, and because the stretchy bands are attached to fingerless gloves, they won't dig into your skin like with the traditional ones that look more like giant rubber bands.
An ultralite silicone ring for men and women
Enso Rings, $19.75 - $19.99, available at Amazon
Shop all Enso Rings here
Silicone rings are great for working out or doing outdoorsy things like hiking. I have a few different ones from Enso that I switch between, but they're all made with hypoallergenic silicone that won't irritate my skin.
They're also super lightweight so I don't even feel them after a few seconds, and there's a huge variety of styles, colors, sizes, and widths so you can choose the one (or several) that best fits them.
Reusable makeup remover pads
Croon Makeup Remover Pads, $98, available at Amazon
These eco-friendly makeup removing cloths are actual magic. Once they're wet, they can remove every bit of makeup (including waterproof and long-wearing mascara) without the need for separate makeup remover.
They're machine-washable so once you've used it a few times, just throw them in the included washbag and then air dry. Since I don't need a separate makeup remover, I like bringing this when I travel too.
Looking for more gift ideas? We've got you covered.
