It’s not often the easiest job in the world to find the best fitness gifts for avid gym lovers. For one, chances are that the gift you have in mind is something they already have – most gym lovers are efficient in that way. Or, on the off-chance you do find something unique and new to them, it might end up sitting in their garage collecting dust if they can’t find an immediate use for it.
It doesn’t always have to be that way, however. You don’t have to dread the last minute dash to the Nike store to pick up that fitness gadget they may or may not like. There are so many options for practical fitness gifts if you know where and what to look for. What’s more: you can make these even more special by adding a personal touch here and there.
Below is a guide to help you find that special gift for your health-obsessed loved one:
Simple, Functional Gifts
These gifts are mostly inexpensive but very practical. Which is to say that they will never not be useful to your fitness lover friend or relative. Remember, you can always go the extra step with these gifts by adding a personal touch. Some customization – be it with a name, a message, an inside joke – goes a long way in this regard. Anything to make these gifts that much more special.
Fitness Water Bottle or Shaker
The fitness water bottle or shaker is a great gift for fitness fanatics. It’s a specialized container designed for mixing and carrying beverages, used especially by those in the sports and fitness industry. The fitness bottle or shaker typically consists of a cylindrical flask with a secure lid or cap.
A great way to make the fitness bottle or shaker feel even more special is to customize them. The possibilities of what you can do with this are endless really. You can personalize them with the name of your loved one, their favorite city or team. Anything goes!
Gym Bags
A gym bag is also a smart way to go when picking gifts for fitness lovers. They are practical, cheap, and they come in various styles with customizable options. Here are some common types:
- Duffel Bag: Duffel bags typically have a large main compartment with zipper closures, along with side pockets for such things as your water bottle or yoga mat. You could customize them by embroidering the recipient’s initials or name on a visible area of the bag.
- Backpack: Gym backpacks offer a hands-free carrying option, and are known for their comfort and durability. For gift customization options, you could embroider a custom design on the front or shoulder straps.
- Drawstring Tote Bag: Drawstring tote bags provide a stylish and versatile option for gym-goers. They typically feature a single compartment with a drawstring closure. Make this gift special by printing a custom design on the fabric. You could also personalize the drawstring with beads or knots in the recipient’s favorite colors.
Cooling Towels
Gym towels, specialized designed for use during workouts, are yet another solid option for a fitness gift. They are usually smaller than regular bath towels, which means they are more convenient to carry and use during exercise.
A great way of personalizing cooling towels as a gift is to embroider a monogram on the towel, perhaps a name or initial that means something special to the recipient. Something like this goes a long way in giving the towel a sophisticated and personalized touch.
Resistance Bands
Another option for a great fitness gift is a resistance band. They are flexible bands made of latex, rubber or fabric that provide resistance when stretched. These bands, commonly used in fitness and exercise routines, are an inexpensive and easy choice. Furthermore, much like gym bags, they are very practical and useful for any fitness fan.
Creative Gifts
Fitness gifts of this kind, while more creative than those of the simple and functional variety, are just as inexpensive and practical really. What matters more than anything else is how well you customize the gifts to suit the personality of the recipient and the occasion for gifting. Is your fitness enthusiast friend obsessed with the Houston Astros? Is it their wedding? Birthday? Remember to take all these into consideration when picking the gift and deciding on personalization options.
Wristband Wallet
Wristband wallets indeed make some of the best fitness gifts. A wristband wallet pouch, also known as a wrist wallet or wristlet, is a small pocket that can be worn around the wrist like a bracelet or attached to the arm. It is designed to hold small personal items such as cash, keys, credit cards, ID cards or even a small smartphone.
They’ll make a great gift for that exercise devotee in your life because of their convenience; how they provide a practical way to carry essentials while leaving your hands free. Plus they’re often stylish and easy to personalize, allowing for a unique gift for your loved one to remember you by.
Custom Athletic Wear
Athletic wear refers to clothing specifically designed and worn for sports, exercise, and other physical activities. It is designed to provide comfort, support and functionality during movement. Here are some types of athletic wear that would make for a thoughtful fitness gift:
- Sports Bras: These provide support and minimize breast movement during physical activity, reducing discomfort and potential injury.
- T-shirts and Tank Tops: These are often made from moisture-wicking materials to keep the body dry and comfortable during workouts.
- Leggings and Tights: These form-fitting bottoms offer flexibility, support and comfort during gym workouts and other physical activity.
- Shorts: Athletic shorts are designed with breathable fabrics and flexibility for ease of movement, commonly worn for sports, running or other outdoor activities.
Meal Prep Delivery
Meal prep kits are subscription services that provide pre-portioned ingredients and recipes to help subscribers prepare meals at home. They offer convenience by eliminating the need for meal planning and grocery shopping, saving time and reducing food waste. These kits come with detailed recipes and instructions, offering a variety of cuisines and dietary options.
To gift a meal prep kit, start by choosing a suitable meal kit service based on the recipient’s dietary preferences. Decide on the type of gift; it could be a gift card or a subscription package. You can (and you should, of course) personalize it with a handwritten note or message.
Massage Roller
Yet another option for creative gifts are massage rollers. These cylindrical buddies, also known as foam rollers, are designed to apply pressure and knead sore muscles, providing similar benefits to a deep tissue massage. Massage rollers are commonly used by athletes and fitness enthusiasts seeking pain relief and muscle relaxation. They can be used as part of warm-up or cool-down routines, post-workout recovery, or as a tool for general muscle maintenance.
Massage rollers can be customized as a gift by engraving a custom label to the roller. This engravement could be the recipient’s name, initial or a special message for them to remember you by.
Electronic Gifts
While this category consists of gifts that are generally on the more expensive side, they will no doubt be appreciated by any fitness lover. As always, the key is knowing your recipient and always seeking to add a customized touch to make them that little more special:
Massage Gun
For one, you can’t go wrong with a massage gun. When it comes to fitness gifts that you don’t mind paying the extra cash for, the massage gun is a great shout. These handheld massagers provide therapeutic muscle massage and relaxation. They utilize rapid percussive motions to target and massage specific areas of the body, providing relief for muscle tension and soreness.
The massage gun is distinct from the roller in that while the roller requires manual rolling motions to apply pressure and knead the muscles, the massage gun takes this toil away, offering targeted and intense massages courtesy of the gun motor. Pain relief and increased blood circulation, all without lifting a muscle. What’s not to love?
Smartwatch
The smartwatches is a no-brainer when it comes to fitness gifts. If it fits in the budget, that is. They are handy wearable devices that offer so many features and functionalities beyond traditional timekeeping. Indeed smartwatches meld the traditional functions of a wristwatch with advanced technology that lets users receive notifications, track fitness metrics and monitor health data directly from their wrists. They really are the pinnacle of fitness tech, and a must-have for that health nut in your life!
Fitness Earbuds
Athletic earbuds are everywhere these days and are fast becoming more than just a luxury workout accessory. They are designed specifically to provide a secure fit in your ear, one that allows them to stay in place during your workout. This, alongside being durable because of their water resistance. Most modern earbuds offer noise isolation or ambient awareness for audio customization, and are built to withstand the demands of athletic use. Overall, athletic earbuds prioritize comfort, durability and audio quality to enhance the workout experience.
When looking to these as a gift, be sure to go for earbuds that offer a secure and comfortable fit. Features such as ear hooks, ear fins or adjustable ear tips can help ensure a snug fit that stays in place during workouts. Also, opt for earbuds that are sweat-resistant or sweatproof, and make sure not to compromise on clear and balanced sound production.
Choosing the Perfect Gift
There are so many options to comb through here when looking for something to gift that overly healthy person in your life. There are even a ton more options on the internet. But the most important thing to remember when picking a gift is to know your recipient fairly well, their preferences, likes and dislikes. That way, your choice of gift is, among other things, a reflection of how well you know them.
Remember also to add a personal touch to your gifts wherever you can. A sticker here, a name or inside joke there, and all of a sudden that seemingly generic gym bag becomes not just a gift but a memento for your loved ones to remember you by.