33 Fitness Gift Ideas for Men and Women of All Ages
Looking for a holiday gift for a fitness enthusiast? Healthy gifts are sometimes challenging to find because if your loved one works out regularly, they often have very specific preferences regarding their workouts. Fitness gifts for men can be especially tricky simply because there is less to choose from. And if your gift recipient is a bit older, you’ll face a few extra hurdles. Manufacturers don’t always make fitness gifts for people with achy joints or limited mobility.
Scan this list to see if anything looks interesting for your loved one. Click on the links for more information about any product, including pricing and availability. As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. But I can promise you that these are products made by trusted brands that I stand behind.
Lastly, keep in mind that even though the gifts are divided into gender-based categories, it doesn’t mean that a woman wouldn’t love a gift from the man’s list or vice versa. If you need gift ideas for beginning exercisers, check the list for older adults. Many of the gifts listed there are perfect for someone just starting out, regardless of age.
Happy shopping!
Fitness Gift Ideas for Him
If you shop online or in a brick-and-mortar store, you’ll see that most fitness gift ideas for men are related to weight training. You’ll find plenty of strength-training gear listed here for men and women. But don’t forget that muscle building also requires some commitment in the kitchen! So, if the man in your life already has all the exercise gear he needs, consider a nutrition-based gift instead.
Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells: Adjustable weights are the way to go if you work out from home. They are easy to store and easy to use. And while they are a bit of an investment initially, you’ll save money in the end because you will not need to buy new weights as you get stronger. Bowflex, a trusted brand, makes this highly-reviewed set.
Weighted Jump Rope: For exercisers who are short on time, nothing gets your heart pumping faster than jumping rope. CrossFit ropes come with a workout app that guides you through different sessions for various goals. You can get a full-body strength and cardio total-body workout at home with a weighted jump rope and adjustable weights. Perfect for a small apartment!
RUNmax Weighted Vest: Add a weighted vest to any workout, from a walk to a hilly outdoor run, and you increase the intensity instantly. The RunMax weighted vest comes in different sizes and weight increments for men and women. Shoulder pads are an option and make the vest more comfortable.
Hydro Flask Insulated Shaker Bottle: If your loved one is trying to increase their protein intake to maximize muscle protein synthesis, then a shaker bottle will help them get those essential amino acids when they are on the go. This one is insulated, so refrigeration is unnecessary, and the whisk ball makes blending a snap.
Fabletics Workout Shorts with Pockets: Whether he is running or lifting in the weight room, good workout shorts are the key to staying dry and comfortable during a workout. Zippered pockets and a breathable liner are a MUST when looking for features. These Fabletics shorts are available in 5” and 7” inseams and various colors.
Fitgriff Gym Bag: The best gym bags have compartments for shoes and wet, post-workout clothing. An outside pocket is also handy for a wallet or small laptop. This bag by Fitgriff comes in a wide variety of colors for both men and women.
Feetures Compression Running Socks: You can’t just throw on cotton socks and head out for a run unless you want blisters and discomfort. Compression socks made of wicking fabrics hug your feet and keep them dry and blister-free. Features is known for its expertise in the sock world, and its socks are colorful and fun. But basic colors (black and white) are also available!
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds: As a long-time fitness writer, I’ve tested more headphones than I can count. If you have an iPhone, AirPods are your best bet. They connect seamlessly, integrate with your phone, stay charged, and provide great sound.
Workout and Nutrition Journal: Some people use apps to track their activity and food intake, but an old-school journal is still favored among people who like to see their progress from page to page and spend less time on their phones. This budget-friendly option makes a great stocking stuffer!
Vinsguir Ab Roller Wheel: This small, inexpensive device is the perfect addition to a home gym. It’s lightweight and sturdy and even comes with a knee pad for anyone exercising on a hard surface.
Session with a Personal Trainer: Every exerciser will hit a plateau at some point. New exercisers need guidance and direction. So whether your loved one is a seasoned pro or a newbie, a session or two with a skilled trainer may be just what they need to get and stay inspired and fit.
Diet and Exercise Gift Ideas for Her
These are my favorite fitness gift ideas for women, but remember, any item on this list also works for a man! There are items here for less than $20 and several that are over $200. Scan the list to find something that fits your budget.
TRX GO Suspension Trainer System: No space for a gym? No problem! TRX suspension training is widely accepted by trainers worldwide as one of the best bodyweight strength training systems. The straps allow you to do countless exercises to strengthen and stretch your body. Use the app (provided) to get full workouts to do at home or when you travel.
Blendtec Blender: Healthy smoothies are so much easier to make if you have a high-quality blender. Add frozen fruit, ice, veggies, seeds, and other tough ingredients and a good blender will deliver a creamy, smooth beverage. A high-quality blender is also great for making soups, drinks, dips, and sauces. I’ve used Blendtec for years and swear by this brand. They are a bit spendy but worth every dollar for their durability and versatility.
OXO Digital Kitchen Scale: If you track macros, you MUST have a kitchen scale. Even if you don’t track your macros every day, it’s important to have a scale on hand to measure your portions accurately. This one by OXO is great because it has a pull-out display that is helpful when measuring larger items (like food in a bowl).
MFY Meal Prep Containers: Plastic meal prep kits are readily available, but if you are serious about meal prep, look for glass containers with lids and compartments. They are more durable, and the sections separate items (like sauces, meat, and veggies) so your food tastes great even after being stored for a few days. This budget-friendly set can go from the fridge to the freezer to the microwave and is dishwasher safe.
Ninja Max XL Air Fryer: A good air fryer can do it all: it bakes, it crisps, it reheats, and all for far fewer calories than stove-top frying because no oil is used. When looking for an air fryer, ensure you get one large enough to cook for yourself and others (some cheaper ones have tiny baskets).
Macro Diet for Dummies: Looking for the best macro book for beginners? This is it! It’s the perfect go-to guide for balanced, healthy eating. You don’t have to be a gym geek to take advantage of the benefits of macro tracking. Learn how to track macros at your pace to meet your goals.
Oura Ring: Some people wear fitness trackers to monitor their activity and sleep, but they aren’t always comfortable or stylish (especially when sleeping!). An Oura Ring looks great, is less intrusive, and provides much of the same tracking data as a traditional fitness watch.
Papier Daily Wellness Journal: This beautifully designed, hard-cover journal will help any journaler organize their thoughts and put words to their feelings. Studies show that journaling can help inspire wellness and boost motivation. It’s a great, low-cost way to support anyone who wants to get and stay healthy.
adidas Running Hat: Every runner knows that you can’t just wear any hat when you head out for a long workout, especially in the summer. You want an adjustable hat that fits well and is made from breathable fabric. This adidas hat comes in more than 15 colors for both men and women and costs less than $20.
SPI Running or Walking Belt: Runners, walkers, and hikers appreciate having their phones, keys, or credit cards close at hand when they are outdoors. SPI belts are lightweight and adjustable. The zippered compartment keeps essential items secure.
Gone For a Run Race Bib Holder and Running Medal Hanger Display: If your loved one participates in running or walking events, they probably have a drawer full of medals gathering dust. Give them a place to display them! This clever display system even has a place for race bibs.
Bodyweight Fitness Cards: Boredom often sets in after a few months of working out, especially if you exercise at home. These fitness cards make exercise a game. And the best thing is that each card is a bodyweight move so no equipment is required! Full instructions are provided for each exercise.
Bearaby Weighted Blanket: A good night’s sleep can help anyone work out stronger and faster. Weighted blankets improve sleep quality for many people who toss and turn throughout the night. Bearaby hand-woven blankets not only look beautiful, but they feel like a warm hug while you rest.
Recovery Shoes (Oofos or PR soles): If your loved one is a runner or if she simply spends a lot of time on her feet, she will love a pair of Oofos or PR Soles. I’ve used each brand and love them both. PR Soles Original Sandals massage your feet with every step, and Oofos OOahh Recovery Slide’s unique design provides a gentle stretch to the underside of your feet, relieving tension in that area. These shoes are available in different styles for both men and women.
Exercise Gift Ideas for Older Adults or Beginners
Manduka Thick Yoga Mat: Yoga mats make any floor workout more comfortable. But as your joints get more sensitive, finding a thick mat to protect your knees and elbows is crucial. Look for a mat that is 6mm or thicker. This Manduka mat fits the bill and is perfect for the home workout enthusiast.
Theraband Resistance Bands: Workout bands are easy to store and easy to use at home or when traveling. But quality matters! You don’t want a band to snap during an exercise. Theraband has been making high-quality bands that gyms and health clubs have used for years. And they are budget-friendly, too!
Reebok Workout Step: This multi-use workout platform can help provide a cardio workout but can also be used for strength training. The textured platform makes stepping on and off safer, and you get access to online workouts!
Gaiam Yoga Blocks: If your loved one does yoga at home or a local studio, blocks can make their workout more comfortable. They are an excellent option for less flexible people who need extra support through challenging poses. Some studios provide them, but many do not. Having your own set makes it easier to feel comfortable through every yoga pose.
Mangrove Pickleball Bag: Has your loved one jumped on the pickleball bandwagon? If so, get them a customized gym bag to accommodate their pickleball paddle and other equipment. This one by Mangrove has a unique design and stylish look that works well for men or women.
Tiger Balm Sport Rub Pain-Relieving Ointment: This muscle-relaxing cream has been used for decades by athletes, professional dancers, and active people around the world to soothe muscles after a challenging workout. It’s inexpensive and makes a great stocking stuffer!
Homedics Shiatsu Air Max Foot Massager: Nothing says “love” better than a good foot massage. It doesn’t matter how old you are or how much you work out; a home foot massager can make any day feel like a spa day. This top-rated model by Homedics provides soothing heat with a rolling massage to make your feet feel fantastic.
What to Consider Before You Buy
If you are buying a gift to support a healthy habit that your loved one already has in place, your gift (and the thought put into it!) will most likely be appreciated. But you may be heading for trouble if you buy a gift to inspire a healthy habit or nudge a loved one into a fitness or weight loss routine. No one likes to be told to exercise or lose weight. While your intentions might be good (especially if you are worried about a loved one’s health), the delivery could do more harm than good.
The best way to support your gift recipient (and keep yourself out of the dog house) is to ask a few questions before you buy. Find out if your loved one is interested in healthy eating or exercise. If they are, explore the roadblocks they face that stand in the way of reaching their goals. For example, if your spouse has talked about wanting to join a gym but says that they feel intimidated by the vibe at your local club, see if there is a smaller boutique studio where they may feel less pressure. Or consider gifting a session or two with a personal trainer who can come to the home.
The holidays are a great time to renew and restock your fitness gear. Diet and exercise gifts are a fantastic way to show appreciation for your loved one. Just be sure that you aren’t sending an unwelcome message.