Have you done your holiday shopping yet? December will be here before you know it! And that means people are starting to flock to stores to do their Christmas shopping. I don’t know about you, but I avoid last-minute gift shopping like the plague, because being overheated in a packed store with picked-over items is just not my idea of a good time (RIP, patience and sanity).
If you’re completely stumped as to what you should gift your friends and family, then make sure to come back Wednesday for a life-changing tip that has transformed how I shop for people. As for today’s post, I’m hoping to offer a bit of inspiration by giving you some gift ideas all centered around getting active.
A lot of us say we should work out more, and you know what helps make that happen? Getting shiny new gear that makes getting active feel new and exciting. While we don’t necessary need new items to get active, it’s a fun (and surprisingly effective) way to motivate yourself.
Considering we probably care about the people we’re buying gifts for (or making them for, let’s not downplay the magic of DIY presents), I love the idea of helping them live a healthy and active life by offering some fitness-related gifts. While I’m all about practical presents, I think the best ones are those that aren’t things we need but, rather, are things we want and wouldn’t normally buy for ourselves.
So, without further ado, check out my active holiday gift guide below, and just FYI: today is Cyber Monday, so I’m sure there are a lot of deals out there if you decide to do some browsing online!
1. Smart Watch or Steps Tracker
I did the FitBit thing for awhile but stopped wearing mine because I lost interest. Despite my opinion toward them, it seems everyone and their brother still wear a smart watch of some sort, getting insights into their daily step count, heartrate, sleep patterns, etc.
2. Package of Fitness Classes
Workout studios can get expensive, but they make all the difference for some people. If there’s a certain class your friend loves or is dying to try, buy them a package of classes! Bonus points if you buy yourself classes, as well, so you can go together.
3. Buy or Plan an Experience
Piggybacking off the previous idea, inspire your person to get moving by going on an adventure together! Instead of reverting to the usual “stuff” we tend to buy each other, explore your backyard by finding an activity that’s available in your area (goat yoga, anyone?).
4. Gift Certificate for a Massage or Other Spa-Like Treatment
Leading an active lifestyle can lead to issues like tight muscles, battered toes, and a wind-burnt/chapped face. Pamper your friend with a gift certificate for them to get a massage, facial, or their nails done.
5. Sign up for a Race Together
If you’re both runners, buy each other entry to a themed 5K or maybe even a half or full marathon together. Misery loves company, right? Err, I mean…yay bonding or something! Training is better with a buddy, and you can keep each other accountable. (Check out my Runner’s Gift Guide for more running-related ideas.)
6. Activewear
Whether there’s a certain activewear brand you swear by (shout-out to ASICS, adidas, RoadRunner, and Sweaty Bands), or your friend loves a certain apparel company, pick out some quality (and/or stylish) items you know they would love.
7. Silicone Rings
There are so many activities where wearing a wedding ring isn’t ideal (like when your hands swell or it would slip off or get scratched). Silicone bands are a great alternative to keep your ring in good shape and avoid that feeling of nakedness when you take off your ring.
8. Make a Healthy Sample Box
Introduce them to a variety of health-related products by assembling a Healthy Sample Box. This is a great way to compile a lot of smaller items while making your gift seem personal and not underwhelming.
If you have any clue as to what sort of activities your gift-ee is interested in, run as far as you can with that little bit of knowledge. Whether it’s something specific (e.g., yoga, running, or weight lifting) or more of a general interest (e.g., at-home workouts, cardio, or anything-but-running), any little tidbits of information about what they enjoy can go a long way!
I hope you found my little active gift guide helpful. Best of luck to you as you try to think of great gifts to spoil your people with!
