Fantastic Gifts for Fitness Fanatics

Thinking of the perfect present takes some creativity, so get inspired with our fitness-themed list. For the health nuts on your “nice” list, these holiday gift ideas are sure to please. Whether they prefer workout clothes or lounge clothes, a deep tissue massage or a thrilling day on the slopes, make their holidays happy and your job a snap with these great ideas.

Personal Pampering

• Deep Tissue Massage: Get a gift card from your favorite masseuse (be sure to check the expiration date) or try a franchise such as Total Woman Gym + Spa or Massage Envy, which has stores across the United States. ($45+)
• Golf Ball Massage: If you can’t make it to the spa, relieve sore muscles with a SPAball kaddy or the KaddyBACK. The golf ball is included. Great for trigger point therapy, these items can be used solo or with a partner. ($14.99 each at golfballmassage.com)
• Pedicure: Pamper your marathon runner or triathlete’s banged up toes. A reputable salon keeps all metal instruments in sterilizing solution and uses clean towels, disposable files and new loofah blocks on each client. It may cost more, but it’s worth it. ($60+)
• Photography Session: Everyone has a camera in their phone, but most times it doesn’t do your athlete justice. A professional photographer is a sure way to make your favorite athlete look great and feel like a star. Typical sessions start from $150 and include two hours of shooting, with 10 images retouched and all images provided on a CD. Do a web search for “Sports Photography” to find a photographer near you.

Sports Tickets and Passes

• Mountain Collective Pass: Spend two days at each resort (AltaSnowbird, Aspen Snowmass, Ski Banff-Lake Louise-Sunshine, Jackson Hole, Mammoth, Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows, and Whistler Blackcomb) plus 50% off additional days, and lodging deals, all with no blackout dates. ($399 mammothmountain.com)
• College football, Pro hockey, Basketball, Figure Skating, X Games: Sporting event tickets are a fun gift that fit any budget. Check out local venues, including colleges, or go to www.StubHub.com for ideas. For an entire weekend of heart pounding sports, music, and celebrity sightings, visit XGames.ESPN.go.com for tickets starting at $100.

Food and Fitness Accessories

• CamelBak Podium Water Bottle: Leak-proof and equipped with a lockable jet valve with high flow, this 22 oz. BPA-free bottle is lightweight and fits in any bike bottle holder. It’s great for taking to the gym, too. (Starting at $8)
• ProStack Blender Bottle Shaker Cup: BPA and phthalate-free, this leak-proof bottle conveniently compartmentalizes protein or meal-replacement powders, water and supplements. The ingenious patented wire mixing ball guarantees smooth shakes every time. Comes in a wide variety of colors. ($13.99 at www.BodyBuilding.com)
• Breville JE98XL Juice Fountain Plus 850-Watt Juice Extractor: If you saw Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead, then you know juicing and exercise can pave the way to better health. This machine boasts easy clean up and efficient juice extraction from fruit and veggies. ($150 at www.amazon.com)
• Manduka Mat Renew Spray: Keep your yoga mat germ-free and smelling fresh with this biodegradable organic spray made from essential oils and natural germicides. ($9.50 at www.yogaoutlet.com)
• Revolights Skyline System: Shorter days mean an increased risk of biking in the dark. Light your path and get noticed with this revolutionary bike light that fits on your front and back tires, giving you 360° of visibility. ($199 per set at www.Revolights.com)
• Level Terrain FlipBelt: This unisex fitness storage belt stores keys, phone and ID on your body during exercise. It’s secure and allows the more fashion-conscious to avoid a bulky, ugly fanny pack. Comes in a variety of sizes and colors. ($28.99 at www.flipbelt.com)
• Nathan Tricolor Ankle Band Stocking Stuffer: Super comfortable against the skin, these bands can be worn on ankles or around arms for reflectivity at night. Velcro two or more together to increase the size. ($7 at www.REI.com)

Fitness Equipment

• Pulse Jump rope and Socket Ball by Uncharted Play: With energy harnessing mechanisms that turn kinetic energy into stored electrical energy, these toys contain more than meets the eye. Take them to remote locations where electricity supplies are limited, encourage others to join you in play, and then charge your cell phone or operate a light for hours with these high-tech toys. (Rope is $99; Socket Ball is $129 at www.unchartedplay.com)
• Aurorae Yoga Mat and Microfiber Yoga Towel: Surprise your yogi with a beautifully printed Aurorae Northern Lights/Impression yoga mat. This 5 mm thick mat is free from toxins, silicone, phthalates and latex. It’s also biodegradable and comes with a two-year guarantee. Keep sweat wiped down with a microfiber towel that fits your mat. (Mat is $40. Long towel is $25. Found at www.Auroraeyoga.com)
• Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier: Give the gift of family togetherness with this easy to use carrier. Great for fitness enthusiast parents who worry about the comfort of their baby during hikes, it features breathable mesh sides, a sunshade, and storage pockets. ($207 at www.Backcountry.com)

Sportswear

• Skhoop: Sportswear with Scandinavian fashion sense, these insulated skirts come in both long and mini. The Skhoop can be ordered in merino wool and spandex tights with really cute cuffs. If you want a bit more coverage for your legs, Skhoop offers fleece-lined stretchy adventure pants with button fly and zipper panel at ankles. ($89+ at www.skhoop.us)
• Patagonia Underwear: Patagonia boy shorts and bikinis don’t ride up and they dry fast, which makes them perfect for someone with an active lifestyle or who is always traveling. ($20 at www.REI.com)