Holiday Gift Guide: Fitness Goodies

This post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Koss.

Hello, hello everyone! Today I am excited to share a list of goodies for that special fitness enthusiast on your holiday shopping list. Last year I shared my Gift Ideas for Runners and Gift Ideas for Winter Runners (because, really… that truly is an additional wardrobe) and with less than two weeks until Christmas we are now down to the wire!

In case you missed it, I also shared a list of stocking stuffers (all under $25) earlier this week. I have one more list of gift ideas for you I hope to roll out by early next week too, so keep a look out!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Fitness Goodies

 • Koss Fit Series Earbuds

I know I am not the only one who has previously struggled with keeping earbuds in my ears while running or doing some kind of physical activity. What differentiates these from any other earbud out there is that they are made for women, by women.

Koss Fit Series came out with two different versions of an earbud for active women: FitBuds or FitClips. Both versions come in a variety of adorable colors with three different ear cushions to ensure the perfect fit for your ear size. They are sweat resistant, extremely lightweight, and are covered under a lifetime warranty.

Personally, I prefer the FitClips while running or reviewing dances, but have enjoyed having both options around.

Just for the holidays, you can find these at a discounted price of $19.99 at Best Buy, Walgreens, Walmart, Kmart, Sears, or online. They normally retail at $29.99, which I still think is a good price for the quality (and cuteness!).

 • Comfy Pullover

Pullovers are great for layering for any activity. From yoga to running to running errands around town, I always have a spare pullover with me.

Since I’ve moved up north, however, they have gotten thicker. My favorite kind have a front zip at least a quarter of the way down and I always look out for thumbholes.

You can find a good pullover at almost any sporting goods store.  Occasionally I will see some great ones sneak into discounted retailers like Marshalls or TJMaxx. If you’re looking for quality and don’t mind spending a little extra, lululemon and The North Face usually have the best variety. This wrap tunic looks so comfortable!

 • No-Slip Headbands

There’s nothing more annoying than hair in your face when you’re working out. (Well, maybe that earbud problem. But we’ve already fixed that above!) I received this headband with my Under Armour Cold Gear and it reminded me just how helpful quality headbands made for activity are.

Non-slip material can also be quite fashionable! Here are brands I love for this very reason: Bic Bands, Sparkly Soul and even Violet Love.

• Fitness Water Bottle

Water goes hand and hand with working out… obviously. Instead of having to worry about bringing or buying a plastic water bottle, I would much rather carry around a refillable portable tumbler or water bottle.

I own the customized Tervis in the middle, but have been eying the Groove Insulated CamelBak Water Bottle on the left that also has a built-in filter.

The BlenderBottle on the right is also a staple in our house and would be perfect for anyone who likes protein shakes. The ball wire whisk mixes even thick ingredients as you shake it!

 • Relax Pants

While tight (non see-through) leggings are an obvious choice, looser “comfy” pants to layer with often get overlooked. Occasionally I like to wear spandex shorts or capris to yoga or run in and when I do I always start with a layer over them. I recently purchased these Strong Relax Yoga Pants from Reebok and can’t stop wearing them. They literally might be the most comfortable (cute) pair of sweats I have ever owned!

• running/yoga/gym socks

A good pair of gym or specialty workout socks is never something you can have too many of. (Do any of you also have that dryer monster that eats one of each pair?)

While teaching barre, I became incredibly excited every time I opened a new pair of barre socks. Basically, they are the same thing as yoga or Pilates socks, come in different versions, but all have gripped bottoms.

I prefer to have low cut running socks as long as they come to my ankle (for support), but would be happy with any pair from a sporting goods or running store. The set pictured above is from Brooks.

• new gym shoes

My fitness shoe collection has noticeably grown over the last year. Even so, I am very thankful for the opportunity to be able to review new fitness or running shoes and still get giddy over a new pair.

I actually prefer to rotate at least a few as much as possible in order to get the most use out of them. My favorite shoe of the year has to be these Reebok CrossFit Nano Speed sneakers I have written about many a times.

I have two different pairs of them and wear them for almost any physical activity, including dance practices. If you’re not sure what kind or size of sneaker to get someone, you can always get them a gift card to a website or store specifically to purchase them.

Don’t forget about the option to customize them too! A lot of brands offer this option which makes your gift extra special.

• fitness watch/heart rate monitor

This may come as a surprise to you, but I still do not own a fitness watch. I know what you are going to say. It has been on my Christmas list for three years now, but I always seem to ask for other things that trump it.

If you know someone who likes to run (in races, or even just casually), take group fitness classes, or go for long walks, they might like to track the distance and/or calories burned from their activity.

Since I don’t own one (yet), I can’t give you a personal recommendation, but here are two on my wish list:

– Garmin Forerunner 210 GPS & Heart Rate Monitor

– Polar FT4 Fitness & Cross Training Heart Rate Monitor

• gift cards

Last but certainly not least, gift cards are always a good way to go. For health and fitness enthusiasts of all kinds, a gift card to their favorite store is a great option. Surprise them by including treats like massages, or new music for their workouts, too!

Other Recommendations

I am someone who has always loved to throw in a work out at home every now and then. Three programs I have personally tried and loved:

– Cathe XTrain

– Pear Sports App (for your iPhone)

– SoliBeat Dance Fitness

Hope this helps…

Happy Shopping! 😀