It’s that time of year: we’re stressing out (get to the yoga mat!) and scrambling around, trying to find the perfect gifts for all the wonderful people in our lives.
Great news: if someone you know is a fitness enthusiast, shopping for him or her is super easy. And this gift guide for fitness lovers, with gifts in a wide price range, makes it even easier. (All of these things I either have or want…hint hint. 😉 )
I’ve divided them generally by category, but there is some nice overlap for some of them, so browse thoroughly!
These links are mainly affiliate links. If you purchase via the links, that means I may get a small commission on your order. It doesn’t affect the cost of the product for you. I appreciate your support!
Your Body Best’s Big Ol’ Gift Guide for Fitness Lovers
YOGA
Jade Harmony Professional Yoga Mat
Getting a new yoga mat is wonderful–so soft and sticky! This mat is eco-friendly (made of natural rubber) and comes in 68- and 74-inch lengths and a variety of colors (including purple, my favorite!).
For other mat options, check out this guide I wrote on what to consider when buying a yoga mat.
Hugger Mugger Cork Yoga Block
Sometimes a beginner will buy the bare minimum needed for a yoga practice because they’re not sure whether or not it’s something they want to stick with–but beginners can benefit the most from yoga props, and the help they receive from it can help them stick to the practice! This one is even better because it’s made of a renewable resource.
Gaiam Organic Cotton Yoga Strap
Yoga straps are great for two reasons: they serve as a “hand” if your real hand can’t reach your foot, for example; because of this, they help you get more deeply into those poses and get your hand closer and closer to your foot until you don’t need the strap at all. This one is eight feet long and made of organic cotton. It also has a D-ring buckle to hold the strap in place.
Hugger Mugger Yoga Bolster
Essential for restorative yoga. The shape and firmness allows you to use it in ways you can’t effectively use a regular pillow, and it’s so much more convenient than rolling blankets. This one comes in three colors. Get two–many restorative yoga poses use two bolsters at once.
Gaiam Grippy Toeless Yoga Socks
A mat should be sticky enough, but these are nice if you want a little extra grip–plus, it’s great for those occasions when you find your foot off the mat; you don’t have to adjust your pose to get back on the mat. They’re also nice if you ever forget your mat or want to do a few quick poses when you don’t have a mat with you. Being able to poke your toes through makes it easier to spread and grip them when necessary.
Gaiam Thirsty Yoga Mat Towel
Great for hot yoga–or if you just sweat a lot! (No shame. I’m one of those.)
This comes in several colors and fits over the entire (traditionally-sized) yoga mat. It’s made of polyester and nylon–machine washable.
Gaiam Yoga Mat Tote
What I love about this bag (moreso than just a yoga sling
Plus it’s really pretty. It also comes in white.
Yogasana: The Encyclopedia of Yoga Poses
This beautiful book was written by my teacher, Yogrishi Vishvketu. I studied with him in India for my teacher training. I was thrilled when I heard he wrote it, and I am so happy to have it on my shelf now. It’s got more than 800 clear photographs of yoga poses and variations with Sanskrit and English names, and more.
Sanuk Women’s Yoga Sling 2 Flip-Flop
I have a pair of these (in black) and they’re so comfortable. It’s a yoga-mat footbed, so it’s cushy and soft and wonderful. These come in so many colors.
Sanuk has some other yoga flip flop styles, as well, that are more traditional in appearance.
RUNNING
Level Terrain FlipBelt Waist Pouch
There were about 900 times I wished I had one of these as I stuffed coins in my shoes so I could buy water along my running route. I also never tried a gel until the week before my marathon (where I planned to use them) because I had no way to carry them. I tied my keys into my shoelaces. A running belt is definitely on my list this year and it’s a great idea for any runner.
Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
This book! It’s a must-read for anyone who likes to run and for anyone who thinks they can’t run. If you don’t currently run, watch out–it might inspire you to do so. I read the whole book with a smile on my face, until the part where I cried (yep), which is what makes it a great read for non-runners, too: funny, fascinating, full of crazy characters, and very well-written by an experienced journalist.
Saucony Ultimate Touch-Tek Glove
Winter running without gloves? Not comfortable. These are reflective and touch-screen compatible, if you need your phone mid-run. (Which I never, ever have, but I’m pretty sure that’s just me at this point.)
Buff Merino Wool Headband
This is not just a headband–it can be worn around your neck, over your nose, and any other way you can think to wear it. Keeping your head and neck warm during winter running is essential for staying comfortable–if the ears get cold, it’s miserable from there on out.
FITS Women’s Runner NoShow Socks
I ran my marathon in a pair of these! A good pair of socks is a special treat for a runner, at least for this runner. I tend to buy cheaper socks when I’m shopping for myself, so a gift like this isn’t a lame stocking-stuffer–it’s practical and really shows that you care and understand the difference sock quality can make. These are great: they stay in place and they don’t show above the shoe, which I always really appreciate.
Stunt Puppy Stunt Runner Hands-Free Dog Leash
For those runners who run with a four-legged partner. I started running with Max with a regular leash, and I can’t tell you how many times I had to switch hands, or how many times I dropped it.
Re-StringIt Universal Drawstring Re-threader
If you’ve ever lost a draw string in a pair of shorts or sweatpants, you can understand how awesome this is. I don’t have one personally, but it’s on my list now.
How did I not know these things existed?
The Runner’s Bucket List: 200 Races to Run Before You Die
There are so many incredible races out there, and for the runner who loves the excuse to travel (my hand is up), this list of 200 unique races in the US, in distances of one mile up to an ultramarathon, should be all the inspiration he or she needs to lace up and head out.
SPRI Foam Roller
I have a foam roller, but I never got very into it despite my massage therapist telling me every week that I needed to get into it. I’ll do better during my next marathon training, I promise!
This one is nice because it comes with an instructional DVD for those who are new to foam rolling. Good for non-runners, too.
180s Unisex Bluetooth Ear Warmer
As you might know, I’m not one to listen to music when I’m running. But! I know I’m a bit rare in that regard.
So, for the rest of the wintertime runners, I present this: warm your ears and listen to music all in one. Brilliant.
Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews
Energy chews and gels are commonly used among distance runners (short-race runners don’t need this kind of quick fuel during training or races). I used gels them during my marathon, and these make me happy because they’re organic. If and when I run another, if I use gels/chews again they’re going to be Honey Stinger.
Headsweats Performance Race/Running/Outdoor Sports Hat
Moisture-wicking, machine washable…I so wish I had had one of these for my marathon. I’m not much of a cap girl, so I just wore a random one that I inherited when my friend moved away and didn’t take it with her. It did the job, but this would be have been much nicer.
CamelBak Marathoner Hydration Vest
Getting unbearably thirsty on a long run is the worst feeling…and, of course, performance suffers, too. Wear your water–easy!
HOME GYM
SPRI Xertube Resistance Bands
Bands are one of my favorite exercise tools, because they are so versatile and easy to transport. These come in five resistance levels (with yellow being the easiest and purple being the hardest), so make sure you’re choosing based on desired difficulty rather than color! I would gift these as a set of the three middle levels: green, red, and blue.
Gaiam Total Body Balance Ball Kit
I love exercise balls–they can provide a total-body workout, and they’re fun to sit on. This one comes with an instructional DVD. There are three size options; you should choose the size based on your height of the gift recipient. In general, if he’s under 5’4″, get the smallest ball; if she’s over 5’11”, get the big one. Most of us in the middle can use the 65 cm ball.
SPRI Deluxe Vinyl Kettlebell
These come in 13 sizes ranging in weight from five pounds to 50 pounds. A kettlebell is a great gift if it’s something the recipient has talked about wanting; otherwise, it’s just a very heavy doorstop. If he is new to kettlebells, you might add a session with a personal trainer who can teach him to use them correctly.
Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells
You can do a wide range of exercises with dumbbells, and these are so 
Lifecore Fitness Assault Air Bike Trainer
A bit of a splurge (for those people you reaaaaally love) but it’s a great piece of home exercise equipment for those who enjoy a stationary bike (I admit: I’m not one of them. This isn’t actually on my list, but it’s cool enough to tell you about, anyway). The resistance is created by the wind generated as you pedal and pump your arms.
Fitbit Charge HR Wireless Activity Wristband
Personally, I don’t use one–I feel like perhaps all that data gets in the way of learning about our bodies by feel–but judging by their popularity, I think I might be alone. That said, I wouldn’t take it back if I received one! Might be fun to try for awhile. And there’s a good chance it’s on the lists of your fitness-enthusiast friends if they don’t already have one.
Under Armour Women’s Pure Stretch Thong
If you’re a serious exerciser, you know that choosing the wrong underwear can ruin your day. I’ve heard rave reviews about these: lightweight, laser-cut edges, four-way stretch fabric, fast-drying, and anti-microbial–I can’t wait to try them for myself. They also come in a “cheeky” version
for more generous coverage.
FOOD AND KITCHEN
Magic Bullet NutriBullet Pro 900 Series Blender
My boyfriend’s mom has one of these and I’m obsessed with it. It’s great for smoothies because it blends everything thoroughly–no chunks. It’s easy to use and clean: the lid has the blade on it, so you fill the container, screw the blade on, flip it upside down onto the base, and blend away. Then take off the blade and replace it with a smooth cup top and it’s ready to drink.
Cuisinart ICE-21 Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker
Even health nuts love ice cream (I would know), and there are so many recipes out there for healthy ice creams made with coconut milk and a variety of delicious, whole-food add-ins. The only thing that would make ice cream more satisfying for me is knowing I made it myself with healthy ingredients.
This one makes up to 1.5 quarts at once. Important, so you can make enough to share. Or just so you can make enough.
Vitamix Professional Series 750 Blender
Blenders are my favorite when it comes to kitchen appliances, and this is the granddaddy of them all. Great for bigger jobs–smoothies for the whole family as well as soups, nut butters, and so much more. My aunt has had the same one for years. This is on my wish list; the only reason I haven’t gotten one yet is because I was moving around a lot, but now that I’m somewhat settled….
Zoku Quick Pop Maker
Popsicles are a lot of fun, and when you make them yourself you know they’re healthy. It’s like a smoothie on a stick.
Spiralizer® Tri-Blade Vegetable Spiral Slicer
Sure, you can chop vegetables, but spiralizing is fun and very easy. I recently made “zoodles” (spiralized zucchini) with a sauce made of roasted beets, carrots, onions, and garlic with basil and oregano. Delicious.
Subzero Double Wall Stainless Steel Water Bottle
I got away from plastic water bottles awhile ago, but I first got this bottle as a gift. It makes a loud noise if you drop it, but it keeps the contents amazingly cold–even if you leave the lid off.
It has the flip top, which I don’t use much–I prefer to just unscrew the lid. I am happy to say I haven’t had any accidental spills, even though I regularly carry the bottle in my bag and even my purse.
Kombucha is fermented tea. It took me a long time to even try it because it’s so trendy right now and I sometimes hesitate to jump on those bandwagons. Turns out, it’s super delicious. It may or may not be the miracle drink some people claim it is, but for those who enjoy it and like do-it-yourself projects in the kitchen, this starter kit is a fun gift.
Righteously RAW Organic Chocolate Pure Dark Bite Size
Harvest Snaps Snapea Original Green Pea Crisps
Delicious, healthier snacking. I discovered these this year and am so delighted: they’re salty and satisfying; they have an airy texture like Cheetos without any of that creepy orange coloring.
Larabar Gluten Free Fruit & Nut Food Mini Bars
I love Larabars because they taste good, but even better than that is the ingredients list: the Apple Pie bar that comes in this variety pack, for example, has dates, almonds, unsweetened apples, walnuts, raisins, and cinnamon. The Cashew Cookie bar just contains dates and cashews.
Kicking Horse Whole Bean Coffee
This dark roast is organic and fair trade. I went on a coffee tour in Panama where our guide told us to always buy whole-bean coffee; if you buy ground coffee, there’s a pretty good chance that some sticks, leaves, and other particles got ground up in there, too. Just saying.
What’s on your fitness wish list this year?