Titles like “Athlete Holiday Gift Guide” have adorned many a blog post, magazine article, tweet, and hash-tag in athletic social media circles lately. After navigating page after page of supposed holiday must-haves for athletes, I decided to formulate my very own list, based on what myself and fellow endurance athletes actually do want for Christmas this year–no marketing schemes attached! Here is the Official 2014 BrittFit Gift Guide of endurance athlete “essential” and most-desired items:
The (Very) Official BrittFit Gift Guide- What your fit friends (probably) want for Christmas
1. Big Ticket Items (*important to select proper fit, size, style, cut, color, function, etc. as these items are very athlete-specific)
- New bike**
- Bike components: saddle* (aerobars*, pedals*, water bottle cage)
- Bike accessories: helmet*, bike shoes*, stationary trainer*, power meter*, bike shorts*, jersey*, cycling vest*
- Swim gear: wetsuit*, swimsuit*, snorkel
- Run gear: run shoes*, run shorts*, run shirt*
- Triathlon gear: transition bag
- GPS watch* with or without compatible heart rate monitor
- Multisport Services: coaching gift certificates, massage gift certificates, yoga pass, swim class pass, run club membership
- Excursions: race entry fee, travel/hotel moneys
- Recovery/Core tools: foam roller, yoga mat, swiss ball
2. Stocking Stuffers
- Bike accessories: fuel/tool bag, socks, arm warmers, gloves, bike light, water bottles (good ones that don’t leak all over your face when sipping)
- Swim gear: swim cap (silicone or latex, based on athlete’s preference), goggles (make sure they are the athlete’s favorite style and that they fit!)
- Run gear: hat, headband, hair ties, gloves*, socks*
- Triathlon gear: race belt, elastic shoelaces
- Fuel: gels, bars, drink mixes, COFFEE
- Gift certificates to multisport shops, and/or places that carry yummy coffee, fuel, and treats
- Books on training, technique, sports nutrition, and FOOD
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Recovery tools: compression socks/tights*, pedicure/manicure gift certificate, chocolate
- Hygiene products: chlorine removal shampoo/conditioner, dry shampoo, deodorant, face cleansing wipes, sunscreen, lotion, Body Glide or other anti-chaffing product
Hope this list is a help to all who fear giving uncool gifts to athletic friends and loved ones!
Please refer to my “BrittFit Gift Guide” Pinterest board for more specific gift ideas (i.e. brands/styles).