Welcome to this year’s guide to inexpensive gift ideas for the endurance athlete (runner, trail runner, cyclist, mountain biker, triathlete) in your life. The plan is to provide you with a plethora of solid gift ideas many of which you might not have come up with on your own. As always, I want to mention that a gift certificate to your local bike shop or local running store is a great option.
Many gifts are recommendations from coaches, athletes, and friends; a group I sometimes refer to as the greater stumble net. These folks are my go-to resource for writing ideas, training ideas, and beta testers for my unconventional, whimsical, and often inappropriate humor posts. They are worth their weight in carbon fiber.
A special shout out to Vicki Dixon for putting together an incredible triathlon-themed gift basket. Major thanks to Triathlon Coaches: Lana Burl, Katie Malone, and Janine Pleasant for providing more ideas than you can shake a SUP paddle at. Thanks to everyone who contributed ideas and yes, I did get the memo. Nine out of 10 of you want Smartwool socks. I need to get them as a sponsor.
Have recommendations for incredible gear that you love in the $25-$100 range? Leave a comment or send me an e-mail at swimbikestumble@gmail.com. I’m always looking to recommend great gear.
I included clickable links for most items for ease of shopping and some of the photos are links as well. Internet magic. There may have been some Googling to round out one or two product categories. No, I won’t wrap them for you and frankly, you wouldn’t want me to. Let’s get those jingle bells jingling for the happy little exercise maniac in your life.
(Please note that this post contains affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward me a small commission – at no extra cost for you.)
Gift Basket
Let’s start out with the gift basket. Vicki was able to fill the basket with just two stops: Academy Sports and Walmart. It’s a great idea in so many ways. It’s customizable and scalable or you can always go the stocking stuffer route. Finally, if you are a last-minute shopper you can fill the basket on your way home from work if you get down to the wire. Her creation contains the following:
Dr. Teal’s Eucalyptus and Spearmint Epsom Salt
Woodwick Candle for Epsom Salt Bath
Burt’s Bees’ Moisturizing Lip Balm
Two pro tips for hand/foot warmers. They’re cheaper if you buy in bulk. For cold weather bike rides, put the warmer in your toe covers not your cycling shoes. That way you get the warmth without crowding your toes.
Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Ointment/Sports Rub
KT Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape
Sof Sole Reflective Performance Stretch Shoe Laces
Feetures Max Cushion Elite No Show Socks
The batteries are a suggestion from Lana to power those heart rate straps, power meters and foot pods. Keep a couple in your car, gym bag and transition bag.
And, of course, pick up a basket. Gift bags work too.
For the Sherpa
The unsung hero of triathlon is the Sherpa. That oh so important person in your life that reminds you that you might want to take your helmet to the race, makes sure you brought your nutrition, patiently waits for your triumphant return, and drives you and what’s left of your quads home. Here are some gear suggestions for them.
Basically a 3-meal trial for HelloFresh. Go the extra mile and make the meal or at least help out.
Massage Gift Card: Considering the amount of gear they help you drag around, a massage is definitely in order.
The North Face Women’s Jester Backpack
Anker 10,000 Power Core Portable Charger
Lightspeed Outdoors Self-Inflating Stadium Cushion
Cold-Weather Gear
Little things mean a lot when training in cold weather. A wool beanie and lightweight running gloves take a cold, windy run from torture to tolerable. Having the right clothing and accessories is even more important for winter bike rides. I personally recommend the Halo Antifreeze Skullcap and Performance Hinged Balaclava for cyclists that want to be able to feel their ears when the ride is done. Smartwool socks got more recommendations than any other item this year.
New Balance Lightweight Touchscreen Running Gloves
Trailheads Women’s Running Gloves
Multi Mitt Fingerless Gloves With Adjustable Top & Cell Phone Pocket
Meriwool Unisex Merino Wool Beanie
Trailheads Fleece Ponytail Cap
Smartwool Men’s PhD Mini Socks
Smartwool Women’s Cable II Socks
Swiftwick PURSUIT FOUR Trail Running & Cycling Socks
Swim Gear
The New Wave Swim Buoy was the second most recommended item this year. The off-season is a good time to replace your swim goggles and a great time to try out new goggles. The Aqua Sphere Kayenne is my favorite. It’s a bit larger than average but give a wide view. Aqua Sphere Kaiman is my backup.
I’m interested in trying the Roka R1. Remember that you need a clear pair for the pool and tinted for open water. A gear bag and dry bag round out this section. Finally, if you have been wanting kayak support for your swims but can’t fit one into your Kia Soul maybe try an inflatable.
Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack
TYR Big Mesh Mummy Backpack III
Bike Gear
For the cyclists, we have a cool race number holder, a “starter” hydration pack for someone trying out mountain biking in the off season, TrainingPeaks to keep you on course for race season, my favorite training platform, TrainerRoad, and a big honking fan with remote to keep you cool.
Thinvik Bike Race Number Holder
CamelBak HydroBak Hydration Pack 50 oz
The Honeywell fan with remote has been one of my all-time favorite bike-cave gadgets. You can turn it on/off, increase/decrease speed, turn oscillation on/off. All without getting off the bike trainer. Perfection!
Honeywell Double Blade 16 Pedestal Fan
Mountain Bike Gear
For the mountain biker on your list: a lightweight effective water filtration system, versatile multi-tool, warm wool layering garment, his and her full finger gloves, trail clearing saw, popular GoPro tripod, and a cool helmet hanger.
Katadyn BeFree Water Filtration System
Run Gear
Suggestions for runners: some trail gaiters to keep pebbles and pine cones out of your shoes, a trial subscription to Stridebox, and finally some reflective clothing and lighting options for early morning and late-night runs.
Foxelli USB Rechargeable Headlamp
Body Care
My friends gave multiple recommendations for Zealios, a maker of sunscreens, anti-chafe, and shower products for endurance athletes. DYWM is a resource for those interested in all things yoga. As for the seat covers and air fresheners, your car isn’t supposed to smell like a locker room.
Orange Mud Transition and Seat Cover Well worth its weight in carbon fiber. Keeps your car seat clean and you can use it to change clothes after the race.
Just for Fun
A few fun, funny or useful times that just didn’t fit in elsewhere. I dare you to wear the t-shirt to your office Christmas party. Bonus points if you wear the Sock Guy Chompas socks too.
The best gift I ever received as a cyclist is thermal underwear. I wear it every fall and winter in case to get rid of layers of clothes.
Both the quality and quantity of layers matter on cold weather rides. And since you have to carry any excess laundry back along with you less is more.