The 100+ Best Fitness & Wellness Gift Ideas for 2020
I don't usually make gift guides, but... It's 2020, so nothing is usual, right?
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Overview
As I said, I don't usually make Gift guides, but since we're in a new world with both virtual and in-person fitness, I thought I would put together this list for people who are looking for gift ideas for the active people in their lives - or even for themselves! (Treat yo' self!) Gift-giving is my love language, and the holidays are the perfect time for me to stretch my creative muscle in decorating and selecting (and sometimes even creating) gifts.
If you're participating in a virtual white elephant party, you may find this list helpful for coming up with creative gift ideas under those $25 or $50 pretty common thresholds.
About This List
The goal of this list is to get the gift-giving ideas flowing, and you can even shop from this list if you want! The full list is broken up into sections so that you can navigate based on a specific category, or you can look through the entire list for some brainstorming. Each section of this list includes items in a variety of price ranges as well as fitness expertise ranges. Here are the categories contained in this list:
- General Fitness Gift Ideas
- Workout Technology Gift Ideas
- Fitness Equipment Gift Ideas
- Gift Ideas for Yogis
- Gift Ideas for Hikers and the Outdoorsy People/Person in Your Life
- Gift Ideas for Runners
- Gift Ideas for your Fitness Instructor and/or Personal Trainer
- Gift Ideas for People Starting their Fitness Journey or Working Out for the First Time
- Gift Ideas for Swimmers
- Gift Ideas for Cyclists
- Skincare Gift Ideas
How to Level Up Using this Gift Ideas List
Make a gift basket! Take a few of the items, and create a gift basket for your loved one/friend/colleague. For example, if they're looking to start their fitness journey, you can take a few items from the general fitness gifts and a few items from a more specific list, and put them in a nice basket (or hey, if they're a cyclist, maybe put them in a helmet!). Boom! Next level gift!
Have a Suggestion or Recommended Addition to the List?
Let me know! I would love to hear your gift ideas!
General Fitness Gifts
Gym Bag
A great gym bag is always a great gift! Even if your gym is closed, you can keep your main fitness essentials in a gym bag for organization purposes. I recommend Apera* bags. I've had my Apera backpack for more than 5 years, and it is in the same condition today as it was when I bought it! They have backpacks and over-the-shoulder bags. If you're looking to splurge on this gift for the active woman in your life, I suggest Go Dash Dot.
Foam Roller
An essential recovery tool, a foam roller is likely one of those unexpected gifts that you didn't know you needed until you received it! The great thing about foam rollers is that they came in various lengths and materials. I recommend the Trigger Point GRID Foam Roller* because it is a really great quality foam roller and the 13" version is very space-conscious.
Topical Muscle Relief
This is an active person's best friend! I highly recommend BioFreeze. I keep one of their rollers in my gym bag. If you didn't know, now you know: BioFreeze* is great for sore muscles! Of course, there are plenty of brands out there, including some that include CBD.
Shaker Bottles
Shaker bottles are great to have for your active loved one. They help them blend their smoothies, pre-workout fuel, and anything else they're mixing up before they begin their workout. I was searching for some more sustainable bottles as I'm trying to cut out plastic, and I came across this Mantra bottle from BlenderBottle. It's definitely a little fancier but still comes in under $25 (in case you're participating in a virtual white elephant party and are looking for gifts under $25!).
Grippy Socks
For those folks on your list who are into mind/body fitness, grippy socks are a great gift that they can use for many activities. If boutique studios in your area are still open, or when they reopen, it's great to have your own grippy socks so that you don't have to pay the additional fees to buy your own. Pro tip: These fees tend to cost a lot more for lower quality socks than if you just bought your own outright! Grippy socks are often used at trampoline parks, so these may come in handy for your next trip, whenever that may be.
Face Masks/Gaiters for Fitness
As we all know by now, all face masks are not built the same. Further, if you have ever tried working out in a cotton mask, you know that the struggle is real. Face masks for fitness are a great gift because it is something that you can't really have enough of! I recommend the Under Armour Sportsmask ($30) and the RunMitts Non-Surgical Face Mask ($15).
Fabletics Gift Card
You all already know that I'm a huge Fabletics fan. But, did you know that I'm converting my lovely fiance (aka Influencer John, The AntiInfluencer) into a Fabletics fan as well? They have great men's pieces that are versatile and of excellent quality, making Fabletics a great destination for both men's and women's activewear. You can sign up here, or grab a Fabletics gift card for an outfit (or multiple outfits).
Eco-Friendly Water Bottles
I already mentioned the eco-friendly shaker bottles, but water bottles are also very important. I absolutely love my Bougie Bottle ($40) because it comes with some extra tools, you can buy a sling for it and the designs are really pretty. Takeya* also has a great range of products at a slightly lower price point, and Copper H20 makes a great copper water bottle (starting at around $30). There are just so many water bottles out there, so the key is to get one that will be durable, versatile (if they may use it for warm and cold beverages),
Silicone Rings
These are great stocking stuffers! They used to be really hard to find, but now you can find them in stores and online all over the place. I'm linking to this Amazon page where you can see some of the most popular styles and brands that they sell, but they really do have so many different styles and colors available in both men's and women's sizes.
Lock for Locker
This is one of those items that everyone needs but you never know you need it until you need it! If you are shopping for a gym-goer or someone who visits a lot of boutique studios that don't have electronic lockers, you definitely need to grab one of these! I personally like the combination lock style (maybe because it's a throwback to when I was too young to have to pay taxes?), but there are a lot of different styles available.
Fitness-Related Books
Think about the person you're shopping for: Would they want an autobiography of an athlete, a guide to starting their fitness journey, information on a specific lifestyle or diet or something else fitness related? The answer to this question will unlock all of the different possibilities for fitness books!
Weight Lifting Gloves
Another great gift for a gym-goer. Some people advocate against lifting gloves for those who want to work extra on their grip strength, but as a person who ripped off calluses and had to use the first aid kit in the gym in the middle of a set of deadlifts, I have to say that lifting gloves are great for most people - especially those who are just starting out. There are so many different styles of lifting gloves, and you can buy them from pretty much every major activewear company and sporting goods store.
HEX Deodorizing Spray
Okay, hear me out: If you're a sweaty, stinky athlete, this is something that you really need*. Do I recommend giving this gift to a co-worker? No! That is mad rude. Do I recommend this gift for someone close to you who wouldn't be offended by this gift? Absolutely! I would be happy to receive it, quite frankly, because I know that my running and hiking shoes can get a bit funky from time to time. This spray is also good for the inside of your gym bags, and even your laundry area! This could be a great stocking stuffer for someone close to you.
Workout Technology Gift Ideas
Activity Trackers
I have been a huge Fitbit fan for years, and I don't plan on stopping any time soon! Now that Fitbit makes water-resistant models, I can use it to track during my triathlon training. I mostly use it for running, cycling, Yoga, and other types of workouts, and I love using it as a guide to how often I'm getting up during the day - especially now while I'm working from home. If you're looking for an affordable fitness tracker for someone who is trying to get more serious about tracking their workouts (and sleep!), the Fitbit is a smart choice! I have the Charge 4, and I love all of the features it has, plus the sleek design. Some people want color on the screen, but I actually like how simple the screen appears. It's nice and easy to read when you're on the move!
Emergency Tracker
While we're social distancing, many of us find ourselves running and hiking solo. An emergency tracker is a great gift to give someone you truly care about. Women's Running has this list of safety tools to use while you're running, and Trail Runner lists a few GPS trackers you can use when you're out in remote areas.
Bluetooth Headphones
Bluetooth headphones are great but have you ever tried bone conduction Bluetooth headphones? They're the shiznit, y'all! Honestly, if you're not familiar with them, they are wireless, Bluetooth headphones that go over your ears (not inside), allowing you to hear your surroundings as well as whatever you're listening to over your headphones. My favorite headphone brand is Aftershokz* (I'm an ambassador, and that's my affiliate link!), and I love each of the styles! With their current promotions, there are a couple of styles you can get for under $100, and they are well worth it! My personal favorites are the Aeropex because I have little ears and they have the smallest profile, but they all have an excellent sound quality and are durable with great battery life. I'm wearing the Open Move style in the photo above.
Massage Gun/Muscle Massager
If you have someone in your life who is very active and is often asking you to give them massages or complains to you about all of their aches and pains, this is the gift for them! This one is my favorite* at the moment because it has an attachment that actually heats up and delivers complete glory to my quads when they get tight, but I recently gave this one* to my brother. It's quieter and has a smaller profile, and is about $100 cheaper right now.
Portable Blender
For the smoothie/green juice king or queen in your life, I recommend a portable blender. I recently received a BlendJet, and it's been a real game-changer! It has such a small profile, and I love that it came with mixes that I could put in the blender while on the go, just adding water (I don't like drinking stuff cold, but that's me!). If you have limited countertop space, portable blenders are also a great gift because they have a small profile and are usually made for tucking away in your gym bag. They're easy to clean, and a more outside-the-box gift if you're shopping for the person who has everything!
Upgrade their Fitness App
There are tons of fitness apps out there that offer various subscription levels. One gift idea is to "level up" someone's app subscription! I love MyFitnessPal, and they offer additional options for their premium members. Consider which apps your gift recipient uses the most, and considering giving their account a little boost!
Portable Speaker
If the person receiving your gift is doing a lot of solo workouts and loves to jam out while they do (I know I do!), I recommend getting them a little portable speaker. There are of course lots of different styles and price points, but the one I use has an awesome battery life (I honestly don't even remember charging it this entire year!) and is under $50, regardless of which color you pick (mine is red).
Fitness Equipment Gift Ideas
Dumbbells really come in handy for at-home strength training and virtual workout classes. I suggest grabbing either some heavier dumbbells (15 pounds or heavier) as a pair or grabbing a full set of small or medium dumbbells*. They're just so great to keep around the house, and they can help tremendously with strength training - especially if you don't have the space for a barbell.
Portable Barre
I have a confession: This one is on my wishlist! When I teach virtual barre classes, I actually have to use a chair in place of a barre, which works just fine, but I could do so much more with a portable barre! If you have someone in your life who is a barre fan, I highly recommend one of these portable barres. We use the Fluidity Barre system at my gym, which is how I first learned about this style of barre. They're really cool if you haven't checked them out before!
Resistance Bands
Can you ever really have enough resistance bands? These are great because they are a great fitness tool, and they're pretty inexpensive, so they work well for gift exchanges and stocking stuffers! You can find resistance bands online and in-person at major retailers and in sporting goods stores. They are everywhere, it seems!
Kettlebells
Not the best for apartment-dwellers, but kettlebells are another great workout tool! For those who are unfamiliar with kettlebells, you don't necessarily need to buy a set of kettlebells. You can do a lot with just one! In fact, a lot of the most common kettlebell moves are done with just one kettlebell.
Battle Ropes
If you are purchasing gifts for someone with a back yard or garage where they like to work out, battle ropes are another one of those "I didn't even think about it, but I'm so glad I have these now!" type of gifts. They provide a great workout, and you can buy them at different weights. I wish I had space because I would definitely buy myself some battle ropes*!
TRX System and/or Accessories
I'm certified as a TRX Coach in Suspension Training, and I have to say that the TRX suspension system is such a great tool! You can use it for a number of exercises, HIIT workouts, and even stretching, and this version can be used as with a door, hanging from your ceiling, or even at a local park's jungle gym! There are tons of add-ons and accessories, so if you're buying gifts for someone who already has a TRX system, you may want to consider picking up some accessories for them - or even an app subscription where they can find a number of guided workouts!
Gift Ideas for Yogis
Fun fact: You can grab some great gifts from Yoga Outlet*! They have all the yoga essentials and great fitness gear from tons of popular brands, and they usually have some great sales. I suggest that you check out this post if you're curious about how to help someone set up their at-home yoga practice area.
Yoga Mat
This one might seem obvious, but a yoga mat for a yogi, while not entirely necessary, is most commonly used during yoga practice. There are all sorts of yoga mat styles, materials, sizes, and thicknesses, all of which you should keep in mind when shopping for your yogi. One interesting gift idea is to grab a travel yoga mat*. This is especially useful for the yogi in your life who may take their mat out with them when they're hiking. I personally have the Jade Harmony Yoga Mat* which has all-natural rubber, but a great yoga mat at a cheaper price point is the Gaiam yoga mat*. Another eco-friendly yoga mat at a higher price point is the Liforme Signature Mat, though some people would rather splurge on the Manduka mat*, which comes highly recommended by a lot of my fellow yoga teachers.
Yoga Blankets
Yoga blankets are great for restorative and yin yoga practice (think gentler yoga styles), but can also be used during vinyasa practice, or even just practicing outdoors! Yoga Outlet has tons of yoga blanket styles*, but this one is my favorite yoga blanket* at the moment. It's well made, sturdy, and has a bit more blanket to it than some of my other yoga blankets.
Yoga Blocks
Every yogi should have a set of yoga blocks! Many people think that yoga blocks are a sign of weakness, that you're not flexible enough to get into a pose; however, yoga blocks really help to enhance your practice. They can provide support where your hips are in improper alignment, for example, or help you get even deeper into a pose if you're hyper-flexible. I really love my new cork blocks*, but I also use my foam blocks* - especially when I'm practicing restorative yoga and want a block that's a bit softer. They sell blocks at Target and sporting goods stores, so it's pretty easy to find them if this is a gift you're planning to purchase.
Yoga Strap
This is a great stocking stuffer! It's always nice to have a yoga strap, even if you don't use it every time you practice yoga. If the yogi in your life practices a lot of yin yoga, this is really an essential tool for them.
Yoga Wheel
This is another item that I would love to have, but don't currently have one in my at-home yoga space. A yoga wheel* can help deepen some of your backbends and has a number of other uses. They're not necessarily the cheapest item out there, but if you're looking for a creative gift more in the $50 range, this is definitely something to consider.
Subscriptions
Whether there's a yoga app they like (I currently use Peloton and Athletes for Yoga), a subscription-based activewear line they love, or maybe you're interested in subscribing to Yoga Journal, a yoga-related subscription may be just the perfect gift for the yogi in your life!
Yoga Mat Bag
Most yoga mats don't come with a strap or carrier, so a yoga mat bag* is a great way to store your bags and props, as well as take your yoga mat on the go. They come in different prints and materials, and many come with zippers and pockets for your props or other belongings.
Incense/Candles
Incense and/or candles can help enhance your yoga practice, especially if you're practicing a more restful or restorative practice. Further, some yogis like to stare into the flame of a candle while meditating. Whatever floats your boat! I love the chakra incense cones and sticks from World Market
Jewelry and Trinkets
An anklet, a bracelet, or even a decorative wall hanging can help spruce up your at-home yoga space. I love visiting World Market in general, but it's always fun to visit for my yoga needs.
Light On Yoga* and/or Other Yoga Books
Yogis love a good yoga book! If you are shopping for someone who might be new to yoga, Light On Yoga* is a great foundational text, as are The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali*. There are also books that focus on the mindfulness aspect of yoga, as well as more specific styles of yoga.
Mat Cleaner
If you're looking to DIY your gifts, this is a super easy DIY project that you can easily customize. For some guidance, here's a post I did about how to make your own yoga mat cleaner. Of course, you can buy yoga mat cleaner, but if you make a DIY yoga mat cleaner, you can always get creative with the spray bottle and the fragrance!
Yoga Towel
If you know a sweaty yogi or one who practices hot yoga, a yoga towel is an essential tool. You can lay it right on top of your yoga mat, and it can help prevent slipping.
Gift Ideas for Hikers and the Outdoorsy People/Person in Your Life
Trekking Poles
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I love trekking poles, and I don't care who knows it! Trekking poles are great for hiking, regardless of your experience level.
Socks
Having good hiking socks can often make or break your hiking experience. Hiking socks are easy stocking stuffers, and honestly, can you ever really have enough socks? My favorite socks right now are made by Balega (I recommend the Enduro Quarter or the Blister Resist Quarter Running Socks). As a Balega Impi Ambassador, I've gotten to try out pretty much every sock they have, and I have to say that these are great for both hiking and trail running. Smartwool also makes great socks for all-weather hiking and outdoor activities.
I was introduced to goodr sunglasses last summer, and I am so disappointed that I didn't learn about them sooner! They are fun, functional, and inexpensive (you can get most pairs for $20-25). I like to wear them while I'm running, cycling, hiking, playing volleyball, and plenty of other activities.
Earth-Friendly Bug Repellant
Like having bad socks can make your outdoor experience frustrating, bugs can sometimes make it even worse! I love Bug Ban by NOW Foods, but there are so many bug repellants out there. Pro tip: Bug spray was so hard to come by this summer! This would be a great stocking stuffer, and it may be one of those gifts that they really appreciate when spring and summer roll around and they can't get it anywhere online or in the stores!
BiteAway
If you have a loved one or friend who is always the person covered in mosquito bites you need to pick up a BiteAway* for them! If you want to learn more about this tool, check out this podcast interview I did with the folks from BiteAway.
Hiking Guide Books
Since everyone reading this is hopefully staying in their immediate area and social distancing, it's a great opportunity to explore hiking trails in your area. There are tons of great hiking guide books, and most areas have guide books that are specific to that region.
Hats/Ear Warmers
Warm hats and ear warmers are essential for cold-weather outdoor activities; however, not all hats and ear warmers are built equally. For the outdoor enthusiast, you want a hat that will keep them warm, but that is also moisture-wicking. The last thing you want is a soggy hat when you're out hiking!
Hydration Pack
Staying hydrated is important in everyday life, but it can be a bit challenging when you're out in the middle of nowhere on a hiking trail. There are many brands and styles* out there, but I really like the kinds that are more catered to your body. For example, I tend to purchase women's hydration packs because of the way they are designed across the chest. This is just something to be mindful of when you're shopping for hydration packs.
I was on Amazon looking up the hydration packs, and I found this hydration pack dryer*, which is a pretty nifty gift for someone who already has plenty of hydration packs. They also recommended hydration pack cleaner tablets*, which is honestly something that I should probably be adding to my cart. Be right back...
Body Wipes
Body wipes are essential to both indoor and outdoor athletes, and I have yet to find a better wipe than the Shower Pill* (now Hustle Clean) body wipes. You can actually use one wipe for your entire body - they really are that thick and durable. I throw one of these in my bag and car every time I go hiking!
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Hiking Backpacks and Daypacks
Hiking backpacks are essential for backpacking (overnight camping where you hike to your campsite), and daypacks are essential for long hikes (and sometimes short ones too). REI has a great selection of backpacks for a variety of purposes. Pro tip: If you're in the market for a backpacking bag, check to see if the one you pick comes with a hydration pack. This is a great way to buy two items for the price of one!
Snow Pants
For the winter sports athlete, snow pants are a must. There are plenty of outdoor sites that carry snow pants, so make sure you know the size of the person you're shopping for.
Gift Ideas for Runners
ROAD iD
This is a wonderful option for a stocking stuffer for someone you love. I wouldn't recommend a ROAD iD for a white elephant gift or a secret Santa gift for someone who isn't terribly close to you (you'll need a name, emergency contact information, and medication/allergies), but this is a very thoughtful gift for someone close to you. It's a great safety tool that is very easy to put on and go.
I almost never run without a running belt. These are really good for stocking stuffers, white elephant parties, and secret Santa. There are many different styles, and some even come with mini water bottles (great for trail runners!). Check out this list from Runner's World for some suggestions.
Running Socks
Just like with hiking, having good socks can often make or break your experience. I feel like you can never have enough running socks - especially if they can also be used for other activities. My favorite running socks are also made by Balega, and they have so many different styles and colors to choose from!
Cold-Weather Running Jacket
There are, of course, tons of brands out there, but I'm a huge fan of lululemon's running jackets in general, and their cold-weather running jackets are my favorite!
Light-Up Running Gear
Since our daylight hours are shorter these days in the northern hemisphere, many runners are finding themselves running in the dark. A light-up vest that keeps the athlete visible to cars and bicycles is important for safety. I run with the Amphipod Xinglet, but there are many styles and colors to choose from! Reflective bands and headlamps are other light-up accessories that make excellent gifts for everyone moving in the outdoors when it's dark outside.
RunMitts
These are some of the coolest items I've added to my running gear this year! These running mittens can be transformed to slide over your hands and sleeves so that you don't run the risk of losing them! There are water-resistant versions and fleece versions out there. Learn more about RunMitts' owner and creator in this Sweat Fearlessly Podcast interview.
Warm Running Hat and/or Ear Warmers
Another thing I think you can never have enough of! There are some great options for men and women via lululemon*, prAna, and many others.
Gift Ideas for Your Group Fitness Instructor, Yoga Teacher, and/or Personal Trainer
Amazon Gift Card
It's no secret: You can buy everything under the sun on Amazon. When it comes to the regular needs of a group fitness instructor, yoga teacher, or personal trainer, Amazon is a great catch-all gift card* to buy! What's more, you don't need to know their size or favorite color to grab a gift card!
Microphone Belt
Whether they are teaching classes virtually or in-person, this is an essential item. My favorite belt is the Aeromic*. It was recommended to me by one of my students who is also a BodyPump instructor, and I've been rocking this same mic belt for almost two years with absolutely no issues. I've had other brands where the belt has had issues, but that has not been the case for my Aeromic. I highly recommend it!
Microphone
If you really really love the fitness professional in your life, I know one thing that all of us keep talking about: microphones! If you know what you're doing as far as microphones go (especially for teaching virtual classes), go for it! This can be a determining factor as to whether or not students have a pleasant experience.
Batteries
Say what now? It's true! If your fitness professional is teaching in-person classes, chances are that they use batteries. A pack of batteries - especially if they're rechargeable! - can be a nice quick and easy gift, and would even be great for a white elephant party filled with fit pros!
LED Candles
A lot of yoga teachers and some group fitness instructors like to utilize candles - either real or LED. This is a fun gift that helps enhance their class experience and the ambiance of the room.
Backdrop
Hear me out on this one: You can pick up a curtain or vinyl backdrop online for under $20! If the fit pro in your life teaches virtual classes, they will likely appreciate a thoughtful gift like this. I know I would love to receive one!
Ring Light
Not just for selfies, this tool helps people see the instructor even better when they're teaching virtual classes. You can gra
