1. Race bib belt
A snap-on hip belt may look inconspicuous, yet it’s one of the best gifts for runners. Attaching the start number to the belt is much more convenient than pinning it to the running shirt, and thanks to the handy loops all the small items needed during the race will always be within reach. A race bib belt is also a great gift choice for someone preparing for their first competitive run. Motivation is key!
2. Heart rate monitor/ smartwatch/ smartband
Conscious training, based on an analysis of individual physical parameters, brings better outcomes. That’s why sports monitoring devices are a great gift option for athletes, particularly those engaged in performance sports. A heart rate monitor also serves as a sort of ‘entry pass’ to specific training programs, such as spinning. On the market, there’s a vast choice of devices for heart rate monitoring and tracking various other bodily functions. It’s quite easy to find something that will appeal to the person you’re gifting it to.
Read also: “Heart rate zones – what are they and why is it important to know them?”.
3. Smartphone armband
Even though it’s a fairly obvious gift, it’s very practical and bound to be appreciated by physically active individuals. The armband makes it possible to securely store the phone during workouts while protecting it from water, sweat, and dirt. It also allows easy and convenient access to music and favorite sports apps.
4. Sports headphones
Some people simply can’t imagine a workout without music. And no wonder because an added boost of motivation proves beneficial in any discipline, while rhythmical music helps you sync with the pace of your exercises. When gifting someone sports headphones, make sure they fit the ears comfortably and securely, and are water and sweat resistant for reliable use during workouts. We’ll leave the design and other functionalities to your imagination.
5. Self-massage rollers/ balls
These useful sports gadgets have multiple uses. They help with muscle stretching, support body repair processes, and assist in the management of pain. Self-massage accessories like rollers can benefit everyone, not just athletes. Since using them requires some background knowledge, a helpful addition to such a gift would be a guide describing the fundamental techniques and applications of these accessories.
Read also: “Foam rolling – what are the benefits? Set of exercises compiled by a trainer to work different body parts”.
6. Thermal mug/ bottle
Proper body hydration is absolutely crucial in every sport. Outdoor athletes will definitely appreciate having their favorite drink at the perfect temperature. Modern thermal mugs and bottles provide versatility, keeping drinks cool in summer and warm in winter. They have a wide range of temperature control options, they’re convenient to use, and increasingly impress with stylish designs. These features make them useful not only during training, but also on a daily basis.
7. Bicycle accessories
The choice is enormous, so our advice is that the most practical gifts in this category are usually the most appreciated by their recipients. After all, the bicycle is not only a piece of sports equipment but also the most efficient mode of daily transportation. It may be a great idea to encourage someone to use their bicycle more often by gifting them useful accessories like a set of bike lights, a dependable bike lock, a cycling computer, or any gadget that can turn a bicycle into a viable car alternative.
8. Exercise mat
Exercise mats will be appreciated by those who are into yoga or calisthenics, or other sports requiring contact with the floor. All you need to do is select the size, material, and finishing style. As you may know, exercise mats have long evolved into a canvas for artists and designers to express their creativity. For someone passionate about home workouts, a rubber mat designed specifically for weight training could be a great gift idea.
9. Home workout equipment
Speaking of exercising ‘at home’, you may consider various accessories to upgrade the home gym or motivate to engage in physical activity in the comfort of own home. Kettlebells, adjustable dumbbells, fitness barbells, weightlifting belts, pull-up bar, gymnastic rings – the choice is almost endless, and limited only by your imagination and the housing conditions of the prospective gift recipient.
Read also: “What kind of sports equipment to buy for the home?”.
10. Sports bag/ backpack/ waist bag
An integral part of every physical activity is carrying equipment and accessories from one location to another, so our tip is: carry them with comfort and style! Choose a sports bag suitable for a particular sport. Find a model with suitable capacity and stylish design – and you’re good to go! When buying backpacks or waist bags, pay attention to the carrying system, ventilation, and waterproof features. This tip is important especially when choosing accessories for runners and cyclists.
Maybe a voucher...?
You may be curious why we haven’t included sportswear in our list of Christmas gift suggestions. While sportswear may seem like a good gift idea, it doesn’t always work out. In fact, an impulsive purchase could potentially create problems for the recipient. The main challenge with sportswear, irrespective of its type or intended purpose, is that it needs to be suited to the individual athlete’s specific profile and goals. This applies to the size, functionalities, and highly specific parameters of materials and accessory components. In a nutshell, purchasing sportswear demands a certain amount of knowledge and is rarely possible without trying it on. We strongly advise against buying these types of gifts online.
But if nothing on our gift list has caught your attention, and you feel sportswear would really delight your loved one or friend, it might be best to gift them a voucher to redeem at a sports store of their choosing. This will save them the hassle of returning or exchanging a suboptimal gift or the inconvenience during training.
Have a great shopping experience!