Holiday Wish List: Gift Ideas for the Athlete (Fitness Lover)

OK, so this list is a little funny because I am not at all an athlete, truly I am not even much of a fitness lover. Of course I believe that taking care of your health is a responsibility, but I don’t know that I consider it high on my list of fun things to do. Regardless, I am back with another list of gift ideas and this one is full of things for those people that truly are the athletic people on your list.

I do have several athletic-types on my list from my baseball-loving dad to a teenage son who lives for sports. So hopefully these ideas will help for all ages, sports and interests, and it might even apply to those of us who prefer a our yoga with a little wine on the side 😜.

Apple AirPods (or other wireless headphones). I feel like I was the last person on earth to get these but on the off chance you have someone on your list who doesn’t have them yet, these will be a welcome gift. You can do everything from answer phone calls to listen to music or a podcast, they are especially useful while walking/exercising. Sidenote: if you like to multitask while you talk on the phone (like fold laundry or put on make up) these are for you!

Pretty much anything from Lululemon will be a hit with girls/teens/women of a certain age for both workout wear and for general athletic-leisure wear, these Align leggings literally have a cult-like following.

Those of you who read us regularly know that I love the Zella line at Nordstrom, you can find many similar items to Lululemon at a slightly lower price point. These joggers are made from organic cotton and look cute enough for errands or a lazy Sunday. Also, for a luxury gift, these Vuori joggers get rave reviews for softness and being comfortable (I have a pair on my wish list!).

For a gift for a kid who loves sports we have several of these ball rebounders, they work for soccer or volleyball players. They help with practicing kicks or serves, and are a great idea as they enable them to go outside to play or practice on their own.

I always include a few of these in my boys’ stockings, there are so many times when handwarmers come in handy. They get the most use when we’re at long outdoor sports tournaments, but I know my husband likes them for cold mornings when he is out hunting.

For someone that likes to exercise outdoors in the cold or even for someone that likes to watch sports, these beanies are a great gift for less than $20. They come in a ton of colors too.

I love, love my Garmin watch and would recommend one to anyone who wants to be more active. It motivates me to get more steps in each day, tracks my sleep and stress and even shows me texts so I don’t feel as chained to my phone. There are a ton of features and styles, something for everyone.

Perfect for everything from walking the dog to throwing on after a yoga class, this lightweight but warm fleece is one of my favorite jackets.

These Free People shorts are a popular item with younger/teen girls right now, there are several colors and patterns available.

We have included this style headband in each year in our Shop Small Business Gift Guide and it’s always a popular item. These twist headbands are great for everything from yoga to a bad hair day! There are tons of colors and styles.

My boys have used these string backpacks for years from everything from sleepovers to taking to games, they are so useful.

I have yet to find time to learn this sport, but I love seeing Pickleball being played all over the place. Our neighborhood tennis courts are full of people playing in the mornings and even my Dad meets up with friends regularly to play. This set is highly ranked and perfect for anyone who wants to learn the sport. I hear it is really fun (and it doesn’t require a lot of skill, perfect for me!).

Here are all of our Holiday Wish Lists for you to help you with your shopping this year!