41+ best fitness gifts 2023 — tested and approved
As a fitness editor, it’s my job to test some of the best fitness gear on the market — from the best running watches and running shoes to get you around your first marathon, to the sports bras that’ll keep everything in place as you squat, jump, and lunge. But if you’re shopping for the runner or yogi in your life this holiday season and don’t know where to start, I’ve found 35 of the best fitness gifts to shop right now.
All of the items on the list below have been tested and recommended by the Tom’s Guide fitness team. I’ve run five marathons, and know what to look for when it comes to running tech and gear. Dan loves the great outdoors and spends his weekends hiking in Seattle; Sam is a personal trainer, so knows what to shop for CrossFit fanatics, and Jess is a big fan of healthy cooking, and knows the gadgets to help. Together, we’ve come up with the best gifts to buy this season.
Below, I’ve separated the gift guide to suit every budget — from stocking fillers under $15, to more extravagant gifts for those looking to splash out this year. With the holidays fast approaching, now is the time to shop, so read on to find out the best fitness gifts to buy for your loved one (or yourself, hey, we’re not judging) this year.
Best fitness gifts under $15
Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat
Compared to all the best yoga mats, this cushy Gaim yoga mat is one of the best you'll find for extra support — and one of the best you'll find for the price. It even comes in nine different color options.View Deal
Better You Magnesium Flakes
There's nothing better than a hot bath after a chilly training run in the winter, and chucking some magnesium flakes in will help your runners' muscles recover faster. This bag of magnesium flakes is the perfect stocking filler, whatever distance they might be training for.View Deal
Stojo Collapsible Coffee Cup
Whether your fitness fanatic is run-commuting to the office, or looking for a coffee cup small enough to stow in his or her backpack between fitness classes, this coffee cup ticks all the right boxes. It folds down when it's not being used, and comes in a number of different colors to suit every style.View Deal
Saucony Men's Bolt Rundry Performance No-show Multi-Pack Socks
Nothing says Happy Christmas like a new pair of socks, so imagine the joy on your loved one's face when they unwrap a whole multi-pack! These are great hidden socks, for an excellent price.View Deal
Gaiam Essentials Yoga Block
If your fitness fan has recently gotten into Pilates or yoga, this affordable set of soft yoga blocks is the perfect stocking filler this Christmas. They are non-slip for the sweatiest of sessions, and come in a few different colors. View Deal
Lacrosse Massage Ball Set
As handy as one of the best foam rollers, these little massage balls are perfect for getting into tight muscles. The set comes with a hard and a soft lacrosse-sized massage ball, as well as a mini massage ball for targeting small, hard-to-reach areas. All three balls come in a handy carry bag for chucking in a gym bag. View Deal
Burt's Bees Christmas Lip Balms
Whatever your fitness fanatic is training for, avoiding chapped lips in the winter months is a must. This four-pack of Burt's Bees balms features four festive flavors — Peppermint, Salted Caramel, Cranberry Spritz & Shortbread Cookie.View Deal
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands
This set of five resistance bands is an awesome gift under $25 for fitness lovers. With bands like these, you can get an effective workout in, even if you travel often. They even come with a carry bag for portability.View Deal
Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Bar Pack
Got someone really tricky to buy for? This Tony's gift box contains a six-pack of the wonderful Tony's Chocolonely chocolate bars. Whatever they're training for in 2024, show your loved one they deserve to treat themselves this holiday season. View Deal
HydraPak Softflask 250ml
While I never carry my own water on race day, I've used this HydraPak flask for most of my long training runs, as it doesn't leak, fits neatly in my hydration pack and is soft enough to roll or fold away once it's empty. View Deal
Lock Laces
This might seem like an odd gift, but the runner or triathlete in your life is bound to appreciate it. The clever Lock Laces mean your runner never has to worry about their shoelaces coming untied on race day, and will help your triathlete with faster transitions. View Deal
Best fitness gifts under $50
YETI Rambler 20 oz Travel Mug
When there's a bright and early tee time or run club meet-up, a hot cup of coffee for the drive to the course is must. There are plenty of travel mugs on the market, but one our trusted favorites to give as a gift is the YETI Rambler 20 oz Travel Mug. View Deal
Stanley Adventure to Go Insulated Travel Tumbler
Our Senior Fitness Writer Dan picked this one. Whether you want to keep 35 ounces of coffee hot and fresh for up to 25 hours or a thirst-quenching beverage ice-cold for 27 hours or more, this insulated stainless steel thermos has your back. It boasts a leakproof design with a built-in cup that doubles as a lid. It's also seemingly bombproof. But just for good measure, Stanley includes a lifetime warranty.View Deal
Spibelt Running Belt
The SPIbelt made it onto our list of the best running belts due to its great price and versatility. The belt looks like a thin pocket with an adjustable strap and is far more compact than a lot of the other belts on the market. Plus, it expands to fit all your runner's essentials on the move.View Deal
Epic Runs of the World, Lonely Planet
If the runner in your life is always looking for his or her next adventure, this is the perfect coffee table book to gift them this holiday season. They'll find 50 of the world's greatest running routes, plus another 150 courses around the world to aim for. View Deal
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L
The lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag has a one litre capacity, and is currently available in 10 different colors on the lululemon website. It went viral this year for a reason, and you can find out more in our Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag hands-on review here.
Bala Bangles
These are some of the best ankle weights we've tested, and they look absolutely beautiful, whether you're loved one is wearing them for a Pilates class or in the gym. They come in two different weights —1lb and 2lb — and in several different colors to suit every style.View Deal
KETTLE GRYP
If your fitness fantatic is still strength training at home, they need a Kettle Gryp in their life. This clever little gadget turns any dumbbell into a kettlebell, and takes up a lot less space. If they do have a kettlebell or two on their Christmas list, however, you can shop the best kettlebells here.View Deal
Tracksmith Inverno Gloves
These gloves are truly excellent. They are breathable enough that your runner won't have to remove them after their warm-up, soft enough that they can wipe their runny nose with ease, and they even have tech fingers to allow them to answer their phone or take a selfie without having to remove the gloves.View Deal
Supergoop! Everyday Play SPF 50 Lotion
SPF is an absolute essential whether you're playing tennis, heading for a hike, or running an ultramarathon. This Supergoop! Play lotion is my go-to all year round. It doesn't irritate my eyes when I sweat or leave me with gross white marks on my face. View Deal
Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack
This mini hip pack not only looks adorable, but it's also super handy. Available in five cool colors, the pack is made from extremely lightweight yet tough fabric. It has a one-liter capacity, and it can be clipped around your hips, or worn over your shoulder. View Deal
The North Face Salty Bae Lined Beanie
This super-soft fluffy beanie is the perfect gift for any lover of the Great Outdoors. The beanie has a soft knit-in lining and textured appearance, and is available in four different colors.View Deal
Aeropress Go Travel
If you're shopping for someone who frequently plans multi-day hikes, this is a gift that'll make you extremely popular. The AeroPress Go is slightly smaller than the AeroPress Original, but can still produce 1-3 servings of espresso-style coffee, and it features a handy mug and lid that double as a traveling case.View Deal
Merino Wool BUFF
Whether you're shopping for a runner, a hiker or a cyclist, this Merino wool BUFF is a safe choice. It'll keep the wind and cold out all winter, and comes in loads of different colorways.View Deal
Nike Club Cap
It doesn't get cooler than this fluffy Nike cap! Versatile enough for anything from cool morning outings to chilly mountain hikes, it comes in three different colors and in three different sizes.View Deal
Best fitness gifts over $50
Garmin Forerunner 265
The Garmin Forerunner 265 is the best Garmin Watch I've tested in 2023. It's packed with advanced features and has a bright, AMOLED touchscreen. Read my full Garmin Forerunner 265 review to find out more.View Deal
Apple Watch 9
If fitness fanatic in your life is looking for one of the best smartwatches on the market, the Apple Watch Series 9 is seriously impressive. Featuring the new S9 processor and cool features like the double-tap gesture, it's a great watch. Read our Apple Watch Series 9 review to find out more. View Deal
Fitbit Charge 6
If you're shopping for a tracker and don't want to spend a fortune, the Fitbit Charge 6 is the best Fitbit and best fitness tracker I've tested this year. It has a bright screen, a haptic side button, and all of the best Google apps to make the watch stand out from the crowd.
Nike Pegasus 40
Buying shoes for someone is tough, but this is a good bet. The Nike Pegasus 40 is a workhorse of a running shoe, suited to easy miles and faster sessions. It's a solid, stable, reliable shoe, and the 40th iteration was one of my favorite versions yet. Read my Nike Pegasus 40 review for more info. View Deal
Theragun Mini
TheraGun's travel-sized massage gun comes with three different foam attachments as well as three different speeds so not only can you carry this with you wherever you go but you can tailor the device to massage more than one area of your body. It's one of the best massage guns on the market, and you can read our Theragun Mini review before adding it to your cart. View Deal
Seatylock Foldylock Compact
Shopping for a cyclist? The Seatylock Foldylock Compact is one of the best folding locks we tested (check out all of the best bike locks here). It has a buttery smooth articulation and a compact design that slides easily into the included mount, and is a great gift for anyone who rides.View Deal
Beats Powerbeats Pro
I've run countless marathons with these headphones, and have always been impressed with the battery life, how easy they are to use on the go, how comfortable they are to wear and how well they stay put. Read our Beats Powerbeats Pro review to find out why they're a great gift. View Deal
Shokz Openswim
Shopping for a swimmer? The Shokz Openswim headphones are the best swimming headphones we've tested this year. The headphones come with a handy carry pouch, which stops you from accidentally chucking them in the washing machine with your swimming towel, and a nose clip.View Deal
Kathmandu Epiq Men's 600 Fill Down Vest
Whether they've just finished a run, or are heading out on a hike, this down vest is the perfect gift for your fitness fanatic. Super warm, while still being lightweight and packable, you can't go wrong. There's also large zipped pockets to keep their essentials safe, and hands toasty.View Deal
Lululemon Brushed Softstreme Ribbed Half Zip
This beautiful ribbed half-zip sweater is bound to go down well with your loved one, whether she's a yogi or a runner. Buttery-soft against the skin, with a high neck to keep the cold out, this is perfect for chucking on after class and comes in several different colors.View Deal
Patagonia Better Sweater Quarter-Zip Fleece Pullover
While we're on the subject of cool fleeces, this 1/4 zip pullover is a wardrobe staple, whether you're heading out for a hike, or a weekend dog walk with friends. We love the stand-up collar to keep your neck cozy, and the different colors to suit every style.View Deal
Manduka Yogitoes Yoga Mat Towel
Shopping for a yogi? This is the only yoga mat towel they'll ever need. Lightweight enough to chuck in their yoga bag or hand luggage if they are traveling to a retreat, and absorbent enough to stop any slipping during practice. View Deal
Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3
A recovery slider is essential to have in your kit bag at the end of a marathon. If your runner is taking on their first, or their fiftieth 26.2, these Hoka recovery sliders are bound to go down well as a gift this holiday season.View Deal
Nutribullet Ultra Personal Blender
Help your loved one get their year off to a healthy start with this little Nutribullet blender, perfect for making smoothies. The best part? The streamlined design is created to take up minimial space on the countertop. View Deal
Peloton Guide
You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on a workout machine for the Peloton experience. The Peloton Guide makes Peloton workouts accessible using an AI-camera to check your form and dhelp you reach fitness goals.View Deal
Oura Ring Generation 3
The Oura Ring Generation 3 is one of the best fitness trackers to buy if you don’t want it to look like you’re wearing a fitness tracker — this beautiful ring looks like jewelry. Read our full Oura Ring review to learn more.View Deal
Columbia Women's Pike Lake II Long Jacket
Keep the fitness-fanatic in your life cozy as the temperature drops with this long puffer jacket. Available in five different colors to suit every style, with a drawcord adjustable waist to cinch the jacket in when the temperature drops, our fitness editor lives in her version of this, and it's a great price for a great jacket. View Deal
