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Holiday Gift Guide: What to Get the Active Person in Your Life
December 21, 2025
The active person in your life probably already has a full gym bag and a favorite pair of sneakers. Finding a gift they’ll actually use takes a little more thought.
So instead of guessing, we asked Ryan Rossi, PTA, and Sarah Baribeau, PT, with Hartford HealthCare’s Bone & Joint Institute what gift athletes actually appreciate.
“Active people appreciate anything that supports performance, recovery or injury prevention,” Rossi says. “Small changes in gear or training can make a huge difference.”
Here are plenty of options to help you find a perfect gift for the athletes in your life.
Gifts for runners
1. Compression sleeves
Calf tightness is one of the most common issues runners face, especially as mileage increases.
Compression sleeves can help improve circulation, reduce muscle vibration and ease fatigue during longer or harder runs. Many runners also like them for recovery after training.
How to choose: Select a pair with breathable material and graduated compression.
2. Resistance bands
Simple but powerful, resistance bands are a go-to tool for warm-ups, muscle activation and strength work.
Runners often use them to target hips, glutes and ankles — areas that play a big role in injury prevention. They’re also easy to pack for travel or gym days.
How to choose: Look for a set with multiple resistance levels.
3. Massage gun
“Tight calves? Sore quads? A massage gun goes a long way,” Baribeau says.
Just a few minutes of targeted pressure can help with recovery between training days.
How to choose: Pick a lightweight model with adjustable intensity settings.
4. Heat-and-ice wraps
Heat and ice wraps help reduce soreness, calm inflammation and improve comfort around tired joints after runs.
“These contrast wraps feel so good on the shoulder,” Baribeau says. “And they make them for knees too.”
How to choose: Choose a wrap that can switch easily between hot and cold therapy.
5. Massage gift certificate
Runners are great at prioritizing training — but recovery often gets pushed aside.
A massage gift certificate encourages them to take care of tight muscles and lingering aches before they turn into injuries.
How to choose: Look for massage therapists who work with athletes or offer sports massage options.
6. Foam roller or massage stick
Rolling out tight muscles helps ease tension and support mobility — essential tools for any runner’s recovery routine.
Foam rollers work well for larger areas, while massage sticks are great for targeted spots like calves and hamstrings.
How to choose: Opt for medium-density rollers or handheld bars for targeted spots.
7. Stopwatch or fitness-based GPS watches
Perfect for pacing intervals, tracking rest times or keeping long runs on schedule. Many runners rely on timing tools to stay consistent and avoid pushing too hard too soon.
How to choose: Keep it simple with clear buttons and an easy-to-read display.
8. Running assessment
A running assessment gives athletes real insight into how their body moves — including stride, landing mechanics and areas that may lead to overuse injuries. It’s one of the most impactful gifts you can give a runner.
How to choose: Look for a program that includes multi-angle video analysis and recommendations tailored to mileage and goals.
> Related: Is Running Bad for Your Knees?
Gifts for yoga, pilates or barre lovers
9. Yoga mat
A supportive, nonslip yoga mat improves comfort, balance and confidence in every class — whether it’s yoga, pilates or stretching at home.
A good mat also helps protect joints during longer sessions.
How to choose: Look for a cushioned, easy-to-clean surface.
10. Yoga block
Blocks make poses more accessible while helping with alignment, balance and flexibility.
They’re especially helpful for beginners or anyone working on mobility and recovery.
How to choose: Foam blocks offer lightness, while cork blocks offer more stability.
11. Grip socks
Beloved in pilates and barre classes, grip socks help prevent slipping and add extra stability during balance-focused movements. They’re also a studio-friendly alternative to bare feet.
How to choose: Pick breathable fabric with strong grippy soles.
12. Stretching strap
A stretching strap is a simple but effective tool for cool-downs and mobility work. It helps deepen stretches safely, especially for hamstrings, calves and shoulders.
How to choose: Choose one with adjustable loops.
13. Mat cleaner
A practical gift that often gets overlooked, mat cleaner helps keep workout mats fresh, clean and free of bacteria — especially for people who practice often.
How to choose: Opt for gentle, non-toxic formulas.
Gifts for cyclists or spin-class regulars
14. Padded cycling shorts
One of the biggest comfort upgrades for cyclists — whether they ride indoors or outside.
Padded shorts help reduce pressure, friction and soreness, making longer rides far more enjoyable.
How to choose: Look for moisture-wicking fabric and a supportive chamois pad.
15. High-quality water bottle
Hydration matters on every ride, and a well-designed bottle makes it easier to drink without slowing down. Durable bottles also hold up better to frequent use and cleaning.
How to choose: Choose a squeeze bottle for outdoor cycling or an insulated one for spin class.
16. Phone mount
A must-have for outdoor riders who use GPS, training apps or navigation. A good mount keeps the phone visible and secure, even on rough roads.
How to choose: Look for shock-absorbing mounts with secure grips.
17. Cooling towel
Perfect for high-intensity spin classes or warm-weather rides. Cooling towels help regulate body temperature and make tough workouts feel more manageable.
How to choose: Pick one that reactivates with water and dries quickly.
18. Handlebar tape or grips
A small upgrade that can make a big difference on longer rides. Fresh tape or grips improve comfort, reduce hand fatigue and help prevent slipping.
How to choose: Choose cushioned, non-slip material.
> Related: 4 Things to Know About Indoor Cycling
Gifts for gym-goers or strength-trainers
19. VIPRs (weighted training tubes)
VIPRs add variety and challenge to functional strength training.
“These are great,” Baribeau says. “Overhead work, squats, lunges, rotation — they hit everything.”
How to choose: Start with lighter weights for beginners and heavier for more advanced athletes.
20. Resistance bands
Versatile and easy to use, resistance tubes are great for warm-ups, mobility work and strength training at home or the gym.
How to choose: Look for a set with handles and door anchors for versatility.
21. Weightlifting belt
A supportive belt can help stabilize the core and lower back during heavier lifts. It’s especially helpful for squats and deadlifts.
How to choose: Choose a belt that fits snugly and isn’t too bulky.
22. Chalk or grip pads
A small but impactful gift that improves grip during barbell lifts, pull-ups and kettlebell work. Better grip often means better performance and confidence.
How to choose: Grip pads are a cleaner option if chalk isn’t allowed at their gym.
23. Protein snacks
Bars, shakes and high-protein treats are always appreciated after a tough workout. They’re convenient, portable and easy to keep on hand.
How to choose: Check for allergens and dietary preferences.
24. Gym bag
A durable gym bag keeps shoes, clothes and accessories organized and easy to grab on the go. The right bag can make gym days smoother.
How to choose: Choose washable material and multiple compartments.
> Related: Why You Should Add Strength Training to Your Exercise Routine
Not sure what kind of athlete they are?
Here are a few universal favorites:
25. Gift certificate for a class
A flexible option that lets them try yoga, pilates, cycling or strength training without committing long-term.
How to choose: Choose a studio near home or work for convenience.
26. Subscription box
A fun way to deliver healthy snacks, hydration mixes or performance-focused treats right to their door.
How to choose: Look for customizable options based on preferences or dietary needs.
27. Performance socks
High-quality athletic socks improve comfort, reduce friction and help manage sweat — and they’re something many athletes overlook.
How to choose: Look for moisture-wicking material and arch support.
28. Lightweight gym towel
A quick-drying towel is useful for almost any workout, from spin class to strength training.
How to choose: Pick a microfiber or fast-drying fabric.
29. Training journal
Great for tracking workouts, goals, mileage and recovery. Writing things down can help athletes stay consistent and motivated.
How to choose: Choose a simple, durable format that’s easy to toss in a gym bag.
A little support goes a long way
At the end of the day, the best gifts do more than fill a gym bag. They show the athlete in your life that you see the effort, discipline and time they put into training — even when no one else does.
“Anything that helps athletes train smarter, recover well or avoid injury is always appreciated,” Rossi says. “If it supports their goals, it’s a good gift.”
With the right gear, the athlete in your life will be ready to push harder, feel better and start the new year strong.