Too often, gift shopping feels like a gamble. What do they need that they don't already have? Will they actually use what I picked out? Most importantly, Does it comes with a gift receipt? These are just a few of the questions that pop into my head when I'm trying to pick out the perfect gift for someone on my list. What I've learned over the years is that unless you've pressured them to tell you what their heart really desires or you happen to be a mind reader, there's no way to guarantee that the gift will hit—unless you already own and use the gift in question.
That brings me to the topic of today's gift guide: the best fitness and wellness gifts that I can personally vouch for. As someone who spends her free time nerding out on workout recovery techniques, binge-listening to the Huberman Lab podcast, and going through lots of trial and error to find the best combination of supplements to take, I have a bit of expertise on the subject. Oh, and I just ran the NYC Marathon this November, so believe me when I say my head has been filled with nothing but fitness for months on end. Here, I've put together a guide to the best fitness and wellness gifts I personally swear by and use on a weekly, if not daily, basis. Plus, there are a few more I haven't tried yet but am secretly wishing to unwrap this holiday season.
Marathon training is hard on your body. When I need to pull out the heavy hitter—which, to be honest, is often—I reach for my Rally massager. It helps speed up recovery, work out tough knots, and relieve pain and soreness.
These are the compression shorts that got me through my longest 20-plus-mile runs and the marathon. They feature grip lining and so much storage and were honestly the smartest thing I purchased during my training.
I get so many questions about these running glasses when I wear them. They look cool but are very functional.
I swear by my Bose Open Earbuds for running and working out. Trust me. I'm a sweaty runner, and these don't move a millimeter. Plus, they're Bose, so the sound quality is top-tier.
Thin, stretchy, and super flattering, this long-sleeve top is my holy grail for running, Pilates, and really any kind of movement.
My summer runs were 100% fueled by Vacation's spray-on SPF.
I always spritz this after sweaty workouts to kill any acne-causing bacteria.
This is the bra I reach for first when all my laundry is done, and I think that speaks volumes. It's ultra soft and buttery and looks cute on its own or layered underneath a wrap top.
These are the only socks I wear for workouts anymore. They're thin but compressive.
These cushiony running shoes supported me on my longest runs and carried me through race day.
If you're a runner, you know the importance of investing in a good running belt. I love how this one from Lululemon is sized to fit my iPhone, plus keys and running gels.
An Oura Ring is on my gifting list for nearly everyone because the sleek, jewelry-like ring tracks so much more than fitness metrics—such as sleep and stress—and can even predict when you're about to get sick.
This compressive long-sleeve top from Copenhagen-based Planet Nusa is my go-to for winter workouts.
Buy this functional and cool gym/travel bag for the stylish fitness lover in your life.
The perfect slicked-back hairstyle starts with this, and it's the perfect size for carrying on the go. Pair it with a fancy brush like one from La Bonne Brosse for a chic gift set.
You can't tell me anything when I'm wearing my Lululemon zip-up. Nothing makes me feel like I'm that girl more than zipping up this slim-fitting shell post-workout.
Beyond Yoga's fabric is so airy and buttery soft—I basically live in these bootcut leggings.
These have become the only non-running sneakers I wear because they make every outfit (athletic or otherwise) look so much cooler.
Bala Bangles are the ultimate gift for the Pilates princess in your life.
Whenever my legs needed a little extra TLC, I'd book a session in a pair of the Normatec boots. They always improve my recovery time by boosting circulation, and I consider them the ultimate investment for fitness.
These patches deliver a daily boost of NAD+ that lifts my energy levels and helps decrease recovery time, making my runs and workouts that much better.
These are the comfiest running shorts I've found. (Trust me. I've done the legwork.) I have them in nearly every color now.
Spritzing this all over my legs after a hard run aided in muscle recovery and helped me feel less sore the next day.
Bala doesn't just make aesthetically pleasing weights. The brand also makes one of my favorite water bottles that doubles as a phone stand in case you're the type to record yourself during workout classes.
Gut health, immunity, overall energy—at this point, I'm convinced there's nothing colostrum can't do.
I'm obsessed with this specific electrolyte powder. The formula is the cleanest I've found with no added sugars or artificial coloring. Plus, it adds a dose of magnesium, the one mineral we could all stand to take more of.