Looking for the perfect gift for the exercise enthusiast? While cute leggings and clever tank tops are often the go-to choice, they lack the surprise factor that makes gift giving extra satisfying. So why not go with something that fit chicks need, but most likely don’t already have?
Below are ten ideas I think most fit girls would love. Some I’ve personally used while others are simply things I found online that most people might not know about. In some cases I may suggest a specific brand, but most of the time I generalize the product so you can explore options that fit your needs or budgets. Please note that I have no affiliation with any of these products and get no compensation for suggesting them. I just think they are kickass and worth sharing.
Gift Idea #1: Modified Lifting Straps
While straps are a must-have for serious lifters, they can be difficult to use. Thankfully, there’s a few alternatives out there like hooks and hybrid strap-lifting gloves, which reduce or eliminate the awkward wrapping and one-handed tightening so common with traditional straps. Simply put them on and go. This is a great gift idea for men and women alike. Check out my favorite: Cobra grips
Gift Idea #2: Running Belt 
Who loves fanny packs? Absolutely no one, that’s who (except your Aunt Beatrice who refuses to let go of the 80s, but I digress). Yet, how many times have I driven to a destination to go running/biking/kayaking and don’t know where to put my keys, phone, and/or wallet? Obviously riding my bike 20 miles with a purse perched on my shoulder isn’t ideal.
That’s where a running belt comes in. The fanny pack of the 21st century, running belts are essentially a loop of elastic fabric with pockets that you shimmy into place around your waist. Because of their flat-profile (unlike the bulky pouch of the traditional fanny), you can wear it under your shirt and most people wouldn’t even realize it’s there. Only a couple short years ago these were new on the scene, but nowadays there are a ton of options when it comes to sizes, width of the band, number of pockets, and splashy colors. Plus they are all pretty cheap. Check the various styles on Amazon.
Gift Idea #3: Meal Subscription Service 
Once upon a time Schwann’s was the go-to company for meal delivery directly to your home, but boy oh boy have times changed. Nowadays there are a zillion meal service companies out there designed to fit every budget and dietary need. While Blue Apron is probably one of the most well known subscription services out there, I was surprised to learn about others designed specifically for athletes. Trifecta Nutrition, Kettlebell Kitchen, and Muscle Meals 2Go are just some of the options available. Simply go online and search for “meal subscriptions for athletes” or “bodybuilding meal prep delivery” to explore the service most appealing to you.
Gift Idea #4: Food Scale 
If a meal subscription is a bit out of your budget, but you know that diet is an important part of your loved one’s lifestyle, you can’t go wrong with a food scale. These make the process of tracking macros so much easier than relying on serving size approximations found on food packaging. I’ve had some clients tell me that Ozeri scales are not only great, but small enough to travel with (and inexpensive to boot), while others have testified that the more costly Oxo Good Grips scale is a must-have. Either way, features to look for on a quality scale are its ability to convert measurements from pounds to ounces to grams, the maximum weight it can measure (the heavier the better), and whether or not it has an automatic shut off.
Gift Idea #5: Compression Sleeves 
While I have not yet researched whether the benefits of compression sleeves are scientifically supported, I have a client who struggles with tendonitis in her forearm who swears that they help reduce pain while lifting. Even for those who aren’t struggling with an injury, some suggest that compression sleeves help increase muscle recovery after exercise. Plus they make them in fun colors and designs. Search for “printed compression sleeves” to see what options are out there.
Gift Idea #6: Audiobook Membership 
People who participate in endurance activities like running, cycling, even paddling will find that listening to “books on tape” provide a great distraction to pass the time. Google Play Books is one of the newest audiobook service providers, while Audible is probably one of the best known. There are several audiobook subscription services out there, but do your research to discover the one that works best for your loved one. Things to consider are the size of the app’s library, whether books can be downloaded for anytime listening or can only be heard through live streaming, and, of course, the price.
Gift Idea #7: Silicone Rings 
While us ladies do like us some bling, muscle girls (and guys!) in particular find that lifting puts a lot of wear and tear on their wedding rings. Silicone rings are a no-fuss solution to this common dilemma. While initially these rings were quite basic, these days they’ve jazzed them up with fun patterns, colors, and even customized designs while keeping them super affordable. Qalo is one the most popular brands out there, but check out the fun options through Groove Life, or simply type “silicone rings” in your search engine.
Gift Idea #8: Self-Rolling Yoga Mat 
If you have extra money to spend and want to splurge on something completely new, check out the Self-Rolling Smart Yoga Mat by Backslash. Named one of the Best Tech Gifts for Fitness Enthusiasts by PC Magazine, this yoga mat does exactly what its name suggests: It rolls up itself! Even better, it stays rolled so you don’t need any straps to keep it closed. While this is definitely a luxury item (I mean, how hard is it to roll up a yoga mat?), I have to admit I’d love to have one. Check it out on Amazon.
Gift Idea #9: Blue Light Blocking Glasses 
Never underestimate the importance of sleep, especially for someone who lives an active lifestyle. However, modern day technology is full of blue light, and it’s negatively impacting our sleep (you can read more about this here). In fact, the amount of quality sleep we get can affect not only how we perform during the day, but how our bodies recover at night. That’s why I believe blue light blocking glasses deserve to be on this list. You can find several options on Amazon, but from my personal experience I feel Swannies are both fashionable and affordably priced. There’s also pairs for kids! Kids blue blockers.
Gift Idea #10: Pre-Paid Personal Training
If someone in your life needs direction with diet and/or exercise, access to a nutrition/fitness coach is the best gift you can buy. While it’s common to consider this for someone who is just beginning an active lifestyle, personal coaching is also relevant for women who struggle with creating quality meal plans, getting past diet and workout plateaus, or who are looking to compete. Check out my article for tips on how to find the perfect coach, or check out the personal training/nutrition packages I have available both online and in-person. You can also visit the Get Fit Go Figure Store, where you can buy e-books and other merch that any fit girl would love.
Do you know of a great gift idea for a fit chick not listed here? Post it below! I’d love to know more.
What are your thoughts? Comment below.