Gift Ideas (That Are Actually Worth Buying)
Let me preface this by saying - do not buy your spouse or significant other workout equipment for Christmas unless they specifically ask for it. just like a household appliance isn’t a gift, a new weight scale isn’t either. That doesn’t mean you can’t get fitness and nutrition adjacent gifts, especially if this is a huge part of their life.
If finding gifts for your loved ones is a struggle year after year, I’m here to help. As long as the person you’re shopping for enjoys the gym or cooking…otherwise I’d look at a different gift guide.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.
For the gym-lovers:
Workout clothes are always loved if you know their size and general style. Staple brands like Nike, Adidas, and Lululemon are safe bets, but there are tons of other athletic wear brands worth checking out, like GymShark, Set Active, or Vuori.
A new gym bag. When you’re lugging around a bunch of stuff (headphones, shoes, water bottles, snacks, extra clothes, a tripod??) a well-designed bag can be a huge convenience. If a duffel bag feels like overkill you could opt for a tote bag instead.
For the home-gym goer, a set of wedges can help add variety to their routine. These remove ankle mobility as the limiting factor for forward knee travel - basically, they’ll help with quad gains.
Noise canceling headphones. This is quite the splurge, but they’re a total gamechanger for busy gyms. There are more affordable options too, like these ones. If you’re shopping for a home-gym goer, a bluetooth speaker is a nice option.
For the cooks:
Another splurge, but one that’s at the top of my wife’s Christmas list this year - a Dutch oven. Price varies based on brands, but you don’t have to go all-in on a Le Crueset, there are lovely ones at Target, Walmart, or Amazon.
A recipe journal is the perfect blend of practical and sentimental. I know digital is all the rage nowadays but you can pass down not only your favorite recipes but your family memories (and handwriting!) in a physical book.
Reusable grocery bags for produce. Sometimes the best gifts are the practical ones. We use these every week, and they’re especially handy for farmers markets!
MEATER thermometer is a fun gift that upgrades an appliance many people already have. This is another product we use allll the time.
Stocking stuffers:
Hats, headbands, hair ties. While I’m only just starting to dabble in the world of headwear, my wife refuses to workout with her hair down and always has a couple extra hair ties in our home gym.
Mini taster sets of different seasoning blends and sauces are a fun addition to any kitchen.
Lifting straps are a great gift to add to a lifter's stocking.
Reusable snack bags are another very practical gift and great for throwing in a gym bag or on the go.
Whether your loved one is a gym enthusiast, a home cook, or a bit of both, there's a perfect gift out there for them. Hopefully this list of ideas helped you find one!
