With one week before Christmas, the countdown is on.
Shopping for the perfect gift can be difficult and time-consuming, cutting into your own exercise and training routine. As holiday parties, travel, guests or advanced deadlines all taking up your time, I’ll share with you 10 of my favorite gifts you can buy the athlete in your life — and that includes you. You can find all these items in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»for less than $30. Tis the season.
1. Socks
Socks are an underrated gift item. I love socks.
Depending on the sport, socks are even more important. For winter sports such as skiing, snowshoe running or snowboarding, it is extremely important that you are well equipped with at least one pair of . These comfy socks come in several different levels of warmth and are excellent for frosty outdoor conditions. The cost might just squeak you past the $30 dollar once tax is added, but they are worth every penny and will last for years.
You can try MEC or any outdoor store, but these socks do sell quickly.
2. Tea
Studies have established the and have found that some infusions may help reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes; they may encourage weight loss, lower cholesterol and bring about mental alertness.
Instead of wine this Christmas, indulge in some specialty teas. My two favorite vendors are Angela’s Tea, which you can only find at the Christmas markets, and , with locations around Vancouver.
3. Sport-specific specialty items
Every sport has specialty items that constantly wear out and need to be replaced.
A cyclist, for example, can never have too many water bottles or too much , which is the greasy stuff that goes on the bum under cycling shorts to prevent saddle sores.
Runners can always use tank tops and socks — yes, I’m back to socks again. And I’m sure any hockey player would love some new hockey tape to help renew an old stick. Every sport has its thing.
4. Restaurant gift certificates
Athletes love to eat and need to eat often.
Although $30 won’t buy more than one meal, it’s an incentive to try a new restaurant. If you want your gift certificate to stretch a bit farther, Whole Foods or Capers are popular grocery stores for healthy fare.
5. Gloves
Gloves get wet, worn out, smelly and are easily lost. When it comes to winter sports, the only thing you can never have too many of — besides socks, of course — are gloves. Even during the course of a single day, the temperatures can vary drastically in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»so it doesn’t matter what type of glove you buy, they will be well used.
6. Magazine subscription
If you have a passion for something, there is a magazine about . Or .
Magazine subscriptions are actually very cheap and can be the gift that keeps on giving through the whole year.
7. Introductory class
Sometimes the only thing stopping someone from getting active or trying something new is taking that first step through the door. If you can remove the barrier of simply showing up, you might be able to help your friends start 2014 with new healthy habits.
Most gyms and community centers will allow you to buy an introductory pass to try it out first; some studios also offer complementary (read: free) visit for first-time guests. The options include yoga, spinning, boxing, dancing, Pilates, the Bar Method and an endless list of exercise classes.
These gift certificates work best when you join in on the activity as well.
8. Cookbook
You can find most recipes (and countless variations) on the Internet for free, but sometimes it’s nice to refer to a book you trust for its healthy, tasty recipes.
I don’t own either of these books, but both are both on my Christmas wish-list this year: and .
9. Olive Oil
Last year, one of my clients bought me a bottle of olive oil from the . Not only is this product local and packged in very attractive, collectible bottles, but olive oil has many health benefits such as lowering your risk of heart disease and helping maintain blood insulin levels.
10. Give to charity
If your friends really don’t need anything or will just buy it for themselves anyways, why not give to someone who could really benefit. Sending money to your favorite charity in your friend’s name is one of the most special gifts that everyone can appreciate.
Kristina Bangma is a coach, personal trainer and writer with a love of riding and racing. Email your fitness questions to [email protected].
