Buying fitness gifts for health junkies and outdoor enthusiasts can be tricky because they often know exactly what they like — and in most cases, they already own it. With so many competing brands all boasting the latest and greatest workout gear, it’s tough to choose a gift that won’t collect dust.
But that doesn't mean that it's impossible to find the perfect gift for the fitness lover in your life this year. To help you on your gifting search, we've rounded up an array of 2021's best outdoor, health, and fitness gifts on the market right now. From hikers with dogs in tow to barre class pros to home gym enthusiasts, or even those who prefer a studio workout, we know you'll find something for your giftee on this list — and chances are, they haven't bought it for themselves just yet. These are the best fitness gifts for the health nut in your life this holiday season.
Whole-body cryotherapy can be a rejuvenating experience, but no one’s installing a giant metal vat in their home. This portable ice cup can be used pre- and post-workout to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation and mobility everywhere from the neck and shoulders through the hips and lower back to the feet.
We are obsessed with the Kettle Gryp, and trust us — it makes the perfect fitness gift. Create a custom kettlebell at home (or on the go!) with this orange device that simply clamps around any standard hand weight. It's lightweight, too, and a total breeze to take just about anywhere.
The Theragun percussion therapy devices can activate muscles and relieve tension to help someone recover from a tough workout faster — and they're one of the most coveted items in gyms and recovery studios. This three-speed Mini is way more affordable than past versions and still delivers the same soothing results.
Sure, there are a hundred fancy new devices from which someone can track their fitness. But sometimes, old-school is best. Writing down workouts can help someone better spot patterns and measure progress — and it's an easy way to cut down on distractions in the gym.
For a true full-body workout, a rower is a great option. Not only does it activate 85% of your muscles, but it's something you can do from the comfort of your own home. This machine features a screen so you can follow along with live classes (like one of our editors did), and it also folds up for easy storage.
Get your workout in while you work with this treadmill. You can fold the handrails down to walk while at a standing desk (or just when you don't want them there) at a max of 2.5 mph, or you can put the handrails up and get up to a brisk jog or run at a max of 8 mph.
Anyone who's worked from home this past year and half knows how tough it can be to stand up from your desk and move around — it feels like we're even more glued to our screens at home than we were in the office.
This under desk elliptical machine is designed to fit under a desk and allow the user to pedal with some resistance. It's super quite, and can be used for at-home rehab, too.
A great at-home workout doesn’t require a ton of space. This compact board comes with four resistance tubes, a set of handles, a set of ankle straps, and two flat resistance bands — it’s like a portable Pilates reformer. With a subscription to the video workout library, total-body workouts are a breeze.
Sixty bucks for a water bottle? It's worth every penny if you know someone who never hits their recommended 8 cups of water per day.
This smart bottle syncs to an app on their phone where they can track their daily intake; if they haven't sipped in a while, they'll not only get an alert to drink, the water bottle will glow until they take a chug. The latest version includes a rechargeable battery and fast-charging cable, so you never miss a sip. Hydration FTW!
This fun balance board presents a serious challenge any fitness guru will be excited to take on. Its strategically unsteady surface helps to strengthen core balance, coordination, body control, and more.
If you know someone stuck in a workout rut, these exercise cards will snap them right out of it. Each of the 50-plus cards is printed with images and descriptions for bodyweight exercises that can be mixed and matched to create mini-workouts — no YouTube videos, workout apps, or fancy programming necessary.
An at-home gym isn't always realistic, but sometimes one piece of multi-functional equipment can be the next best thing. These dip bars have a pretty small footprint, but they can be used for tricep dips, push-ups, pull-ups, and ab exercises.
Soothe sore muscles and ease your body aches with the help of this acupressure mat. Tiny spikes provide deep tissue pressure to help release tension, and although it burns a little at first, the relief is well worth it.
You can lay on your back on the mat, stand on it for foot pain relief, or press your hands on it to help relieve joint pain. The pillow is perfect for sore necks or even lower back pain.
One of our favorite pair of men's workout shorts, Ten Thousand's Interval Short comes in three different lengths, 10 different colors, and with a liner or linerless — you can customize them for whoever your gifting them to. The material is made with four-way stretch, sweat-wicking properties, and anti-order treatment, so their great for even the sweatiest of workouts.
This back massager has almost 30,000 5-star reviews, many of which praise its ease of use and ability to target problem areas. It's a great gift for someone who suffers from neck or back pain, but can't afford regular massages. You're basically gifting them an at-home masseuse!
Sometimes, those armbands meant to hold your phone while you run just don't cut it. This lightweight vest not only keeps your phone in place but evenly distributes the weight, so you don't feel off balance.
Plus, it's entirely adjustable, so it'll fit whoever you gift it to, and it even acts as a reflective vest.
The Mirror is a sleek, smart workout mirror that seamlessly fits into anyone's home. Simply prop it up against a wall, turn it on, and get immersed in a studio workout experience. The LCD screen behind the 52-inch reflective surface streams thousands of classes from 50 workout genres, and classes range anywhere from 5 to 60 minutes. The Mirror is the perfect fitness gift someone who's made at-home workouts part of their regular routine, and we promise they'll never get bored.
It doesn't take a lot to equip someone for a solid home workout — especially with these suspension straps. Using the straps adds resistance to your own body weight, whether you're working your arms, legs, or entire body.
The best part is that this system can be used anywhere, as long as there's something strong (like a door or tree) to use as an anchor.
Make meal planning easier than ever by gifting someone a nine-cup box from Daily Harvest. They’ll get to choose whatever smoothies, bowls, soups, lattes, and bites they prefer, so you know they’ll be properly fueled before and after their workouts.
It's a great fitness gift for all, regardless of their workout of choice.
Gift someone relief with the miniature version of the Hypersphere, a vibrating massage ball that helps to ease muscle tension and increase range of motion and flexibility.
Smaller than the original, it can reach more target spots with three high-intensity vibration settings. And at 3 inches in diameter and just 1 pound, it’s easy to pack for whenever someone needs it.
This yoga wheel is the perfect fitness gift to help your favorite yogi punch up their routine and try something new. Not only can a yoga wheel be used for conditioning to perfect regular poses, but it's also great for stretching and warming up too.
The ’80s are back in the form of these wrist and ankle weights, which you may have spotted on the Instagram feeds of celebs like Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba, and Hailey Bieber, and they've even been reviewed by The Cut.
They're a super trendy fitness accessory, and anyone who loves a good #gymselfie needs a pair.
If someone isn’t getting enough quality sleep, they’re going to hit a wall in terms of their fitness goals. This machine has 11 unique digital sounds (from white noise to soothing ocean waves) to keep noise from disrupting zzz’s, and it’s small enough to pack in a carry-on so someone can get a good night’s sleep even when they’re far from home.
A lot of us have been working out in our living rooms or bedrooms for over a year now, so why not continue to upgrade someone's home setup? These sliders by Bala (makers of the fashionable weighted bangles) are small and easy to store away, but they're perfect for ab workouts or even just leveling up a yoga routine.
If you can't gift someone your presence on the run, make it easier for them to take their furry pal. This leash is adjustable to fit most waist sizes and has a support mechanism that’s designed for medium to large dogs, dividing the pulling force to both sides of the belt, so there’s no added strain to the lower back.
Our favorite socks for running, we think these make a great all-around gift for fitness lovers, too. They're super durable, lightweight, and don't cause any blistering. Plus, they come on tons of fun colors.
FaceGym is a unique facial fitness experience that uses powerful massage techniques to give your face a full workout, and they've launched their own line of skincare products and tools.
This kit is perfect for throwing in a gym bag, and it contains the brand's Face Ball, which helps detoxify and de-puff skin, and a face wash, face oil, and moisturizer. The skincare products are also vegan and cruelty-free.
The latest Fitbit Charge model, the 5 has a new design with a brighter screen and upgraded health and fitness-tracking features. Previously reserved for Fitbit's fitness watches, the Charge 5 now has an EDA stress monitor and an ECG monitor for keep track of heart health. It's the perfect fitness tracker for someone who doesn't want a bulky watch, but still wants solid info on their overall health.
Recover more quickly and stay injury-free with this foam roller from TriggerPoint. Its GRID pattern technology has a multi-density surface with cutouts, so it can channel blood and oxygen while you roll and break up knots. Ah, foam rollers — you hurt so good.
Tired runners' feet will flip for these recovery sandals. Walking on that oversized midsole feels like you're stepping on pillows — a welcome respite after pounding the pavement. They may not be scientifically proven to speed up recovery, but whose feet couldn't use a little extra TLC?
This if the perfect fitness gifts for someone who struggles with planter fasciitis. It comes with a spiky roller and two spiky balls, so they can get targeted pressure wherever they need it most.
We’re all spending so much time hunched over computer screens and curled up on couches that our joints are screaming. This medical-grade warp uses red and infrared LED lights to relax muscles and relieves spasms, muscle and joint aches, and pain and stiffness. Who wouldn’t want that after a long workday?
Know a runner who gets nervous running outdoors while wearing headphones? These shades feature built-in Bose speakers so they can enjoy their favorite tunes without blocking out important surrounding sounds (like traffic on a road).
It also doesn't hurt that the classic shape looks just as good with a regular outfit.
Place these light-up Pods on walls, floors, boxing bags, whatever, then challenge someone’s speed and agility with hundreds of pre-programmed workouts in the BlazePod app. It’s the kind of training you’d get with a coach or in a studio, except someone can set it up all on their own and compete against themselves to make at-home workouts more fun.
Keep their workouts exciting with this set of kettlebell exercise cards. The set comes with 50 cards, all featuring a different kettlebell workout complete with photos of how to do the move. They'll be a pro in no time.
Runners, rejoice! These running sneakers will feel like basically nothing on their feet, but still give them the support they need to hit the streets or the trails. They offer the perfect amount of bounce with each stride, allowing anyone to go the distance — and then some.
Runners missing their treadmill classes and run clubs will appreciate these AI-enabled insoles. Designed to fit any shoe, these insoles have 32 precision sensors and built-in GPS capabilities to track your distance, time, pace, splits, elevation, heart rate, calories, cadence, step length, footstrike, pronation, and balance. The partner app uses that data to provide live, real-time coaching.
The last thing anyone needs is a pair of sunglasses weighed down their face or sliding off during an outdoor workout. These polarized specs have grippy nose pads and a patented fit that ensure they stay on during pretty much any activity you could imagine, from biking to burpees.
This is the standard "throw it on and go" hoodie for pre-and post-workout, but it just so happens to be made out of the softest knit ever (they don't call it CloudKnit for nothin'). Anyone would love to be wrapped up in this.
If you're looking for a fitness gift for someone who often runs before the sun rises or after the sun sets, this hat is perfect. It's made with reflective technology to keep the visible on the road or in the park. If they're not into bright colors, it comes in black, too.
Keep drinks and your body cool thanks to this hyper-insulated water bottle. It's made from double-walled stainless steel, which keeps drinks ice cold for hours, and it has an innovative mouth bottle that allows you to sip through a spout or straw depending on your preference.
To the gym, office, home, and back — that's where they'll be taking this do-it-all bag. There are tons of pockets to keep them organized, including a laptop and water bottle pouch. If they take it on a longer trip, there's even a luggage strap on the back that they can slide over their carry on handle for easy transport.
Rhone shirts are everywhere right now, and we're not surprised. They look just as great at the gym or around town, and the material is made with a nylon jersey blend that makes it really soft and comfortable. Many of us might not be into spending $78 on a workout shirt, which is why it makes the perfect fitness gift — a useful item they probably don't already have.
They'll look and feel great while working out in this number. Sure, a dress doesn't always seem the most practical to work out in, but built-in shorts keep wardrobe malfunctions at bay, plus they have a phone pocket on the side. This is perfect for a game of tennis or golf or just heading to the bodega for a coffee.
Speaking of sweat sessions, this towel is perfect for cooling down or staying cool during and after workouts. All you have to do to activate the towel is wet it, wring it out, and snap it a few times to ensure it gets cold. The water evaporates, pulling heat away from the body and lowering your temperature.
Best of all, it stays cold for up to 2 hours, so it's great for long hot days.
Jabra is one of our editor's favorite earbud brands for working out, and their newest release definitely delivers. Not only do these buds come in great pastel and neutral colors, but they're rainproof and sweat-proof, making them a great option for outdoor workouts. They also have noise-cancelling technology to block out any distractions.
Lululemon's Metal Vent Tech shirt is one of their best-sellers, and it almost never goes on sale. If you're gifting a fitness enthusiast who can't always afford Lululemon, they'll definitely appreciate this workout shirt. It has a seamless design and a slim fit, and is designed for running and training.
Buying a fitness gift for someone who loves to spend long days outside with their pup? Whether hiking, running, or biking, if your dog is your sidekick for outdoor fitness, one of these backpacks is a must. The built-in harness makes it easy to keep Fido close.
You can load it up with food, water, and treats. It'll give your dog a sense of contribution, and, more importantly, it'll lighten your load.
This high-quality towel is extra absorbent, making it perfect for sweaty hot-yoga devotees. They can use the suede microfiber as a face towel or layer it on top of their yoga mat to keep from skidding as they move through asanas. And it's just so pretty.
Make it easier for your favorite runner to carry all their crap on the go. SPIbelt’s belts are a classic, with an expandable pocket that fits even the biggest smartphones — plus their keys and credit cards — and four easily accessible loops for energy gels. They’re also made from a soft elastic that doesn’t bounce or chafe (crucial!).
These trendy bike shorts feature a super-high-rise waist to keep everything tucked in no matter how you're contorting yourself during yoga practice. And the comfortable Nulu fabric feels like a second skin.
If you're looking for a gift that will make the recipient forget they're working out in their apartment, then consider this rowing machine from NordicTrack. It comes with an HD screen and a 1-year iFit membership that includes classes on location in some of the coolest places around the world, from Lake Bled to Kenya to the Thames.
Plus, the rower comes with wheels and folds up to make for easy storage.
You can find CBD in almost anything these days, but your gym buddy will appreciate this long-lasting cream that uses THC-free isolate-hemp CBD to promote recovery. The menthol’s heating and cooling effects help soothe pain, and shea butter, aloe vera, and coconut oil hydrate dry winter skin.
Tie-dye is back, baby, and these funky gloves will make any boxing class feel more fun. Just like the rest of Sanubel’s sustainable and eco-friendly products, they feature gel impact-protection foam that protects the fists and breathable mesh to keep palms from getting super sweaty.
Adventure junkies will love the latest updates from GoPro, which — in addition to being more rugged than ever and waterproof down to 33 feet — shoots video in 5K resolution and captures images at 20 megapixels. There's a larger touchscreen on the back, plus a new screen on the front for better selfies. You can even live stream your antics straight to social.
Ward off the dreaded yoga mat smell with this detox spray. Not only does it help clean sweat and grime off mats, but it leaves behind a calming scent (like lavender, lemongrass, or peppermint, depending on what you choose to gift). It also comes with a microfiber towel to clean the mat with.
The React Infinity Run Flyknit from Nike is designed specifically to help reduce injury. Whether someone’s a regular runner looking for more cushioning on easy runs or a new runner who prefers the additional support, the Infinity Run will keep them running stronger longer.
Shopping for a self-proclaimed yogi who's yet to discover the wonder of a yoga mat strap? Help save them the awkwardness of toting a yoga mat barehanded with this convenient strap that goes on easily and slings right over the shoulder.
For the gymgoer who's anxious to get back into an actual gym, a mask is an absolute necessity. This one is made from soft, breathable fabric, and while it's not a medical-grade mask, it can help prevent the spread of viruses and germs through droplet transmission.
It's no secret that muscles get insanely sore after a hardcore workout session. Even after light exercising and stretching, the body can still feel just a little tight. This luxe bath soak contains the perfect all-natural elixir to relieve tension mentally and physically after the workout.
Even though sliders are great for carpeted floors, sometimes they aren't enough to get in the high-intensity workout you hope for. This slide board is slick enough for users to slide from side to side for cardio, core workouts, and pilates-inspired moves, and it also can slide under the couch when it's not in use.
It even comes with a free 7-day BRRRN class subscription, which has hundreds of workout options, from yoga to brrrnouts.
Katherine PittmanAssociate EditorKatherine (Katie) is the associate editor of Best Products, where she gathers unique gift ideas, tests out buzzy products, and puts too many items in her cart for research — her work can also be found on MyDomaine, Byrdie, and Oprah Daily.
Ashley MateoAshley Mateo is a writer, editor, and UESCA- and RRCA-certified running coach who has contributed to Runner’s World, Bicycling, Women's Health, Health, Shape, Self, and more.
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