The wellness edit: the fitness gift guide

When Christmas comes around, it can be so difficult to buy loved one’s gifts that they will genuinely love and appreciate. Finding an interesting gift that someone really wants, will keep using, and that they don’t already own, can be a hard problem to solve. Often, the best solution is to consider what a person’s interests and hobbies are before trying to identify gifts from a generic Pinterest board or choose from the supposed top gifts of the 2024 list.

Christmas and New Year come together and with New Year’s resolutions often on the brain, so many people often love a gift which will help them to achieve these goals and make life just that little bit easier. It is important however, to not put pressure on our loved ones. Nobody wants to keep getting hints to start running whilst attempting to enjoy their third mince pie – Christmas definitely isn’t the time for that. But if you know somebody who sees fitness and working out as an essential part of their lives, then this list might just be for you.

There are lots of gloves on the market which are specific for running, with sweat-wicking material and are not too chunky to be kept in pockets

The runner:
We all know somebody who can’t get enough of running: they are seemingly unbothered by the cold weather and will often be found flexing on their latest Strava achievements. These people might seem like they don’t need anything, but surely all running needs is some trainers? Nevertheless, here are a few budget-friendly gifts to help them keep going at what they loved.

1. Watch bands: many runners will be tracking their runs with a tracker, whether it be the latest Garmin watch, an Apple watch, or a more basic pacer. New watch bands add a bit of excitement and colour to their tracking.
2. Running cap: even in winter when it may not seem like we see the sun a lot, the early mornings and most of the afternoons mean the sun is quite low which can be inconvenient for those trying to run. A running cap can help prevent this, and in my experience, a cap is an even bigger win for those just trying to last one day too many before hair wash day.
3. Running gloves: at this time of year, it seems like everyone always has cold hands, so you can imagine that runners feel the same when the majority spend their runs outside early in the morning before uni or work. There are lots of gloves on the market which are specific for running, with sweat-wicking material and are not too chunky to be kept in pockets.

The gym fanatic:
We all know someone who practically lives at the gym, always chasing personal bests, and never missing a session, no matter how early or late. It might seem like they’ve got all the gear they need, but there are still a few thoughtful, budget-friendly gifts that can enhance their workouts.

1. Wrist straps: for those heavy lifting sessions, wrist straps provide extra support, helping to secure their grip and reduce strain. They’re a small yet essential accessory for anyone who loves hitting the weights and pushing their limits.
2. Robust phone case: gym-goers often rely on their phones for music, tracking workouts, or even following programs. I think most can agree that in between sets, these phones get tossed around with no cares at all, and so, a tough phone case ensures their device stays safe.
3. Hand sanitiser: most people at the gym, they are switching between machines, weights, and mats frequently which, let’s be honest, are not going to be the most hygienic. Hand sanitiser can be a great gift that can be kept in a pretty bottle, budget-friendly, and is actually pretty useful to those who may seem like they are just spreading everyone else’s germs.

A habit tracker is a great tool for anyone trying to build consistency, whether it’s for fitness, mindfulness, or productivity

The try-everything-out person:
Some people just can’t stick to one activity. They love exploring new sports, fitness classes, and wellness trends. These adaptable gifts are ideal for their adventurous spirit.

1. Sports socks: no matter the sport, everyone needs good socks. High-quality, cushioned sports socks provide comfort and support, whether they’re trying out yoga, running, or weightlifting.
2. Spa treatments: after any activity, it’s safe to say that muscles can start to ache a bit so a gift for a spa treatment or voucher can seem like a miracle gift.

The New Year’s resolution setter:
We all know someone who loves setting big goals as the New Year approaches. These gifts can help them stay on track and make their resolutions stick beyond January.

1. Habit tracker: a habit tracker is a great tool for anyone trying to build consistency, whether it’s for fitness, mindfulness, or productivity. It’s simple but effective in visualising progress and holding them accountable.
2. App subscription: there are so many fitness apps on the market these days (take a look here to see some of my top ones). These can be the best way to help somebody who wants to get into fitness with a bit of extra support that could save them some money and headache when trying to figure out what they want to do.