Fitness and the holidays don’t really jive. You’d have to run from coast to coast to burn off all those cookies, cocktails, and honey-baked hams you’re about to consume. So, for the guy who likes to stay fit, this time of year is when they kick it into overdrive. That means a well-thought-out men’s gift can go a long way. We recommend something from the collection below.
Mobot Foam Roller Water Bottle
Sore muscles are no match for a foam roller. Spend some time using one and you’ll wonder how your aching body survived without it. Mobot cleverly combines a foam roller with another gym necessity—a water bottle. The Mobot Big Bertha Water Bottle holds 40 oz. of H2O and doubles as knot destroying foam roller.
$59
Creatures SurfEars Ear Plugs
If their physical activity of choice is catching some waves, gift them a pair of these earplugs, which were designed by a group of cold-water surfers to help protect ear canals when ocean temps dip. “Surfer’s Ear,” which is a problem most non-surfers have never heard of, can be prevented by popping these suckers in. Not only that, they also boost surrounding sounds so the user can hear other people in the water. If they spend Christmas morning waxing their board and dreaming of some waves, this is the gift for them.
$55
Ballistic Medicine Ball
The humble medicine ball can deliver a total body workout. That’s why old school trainers trusted the things. For a version worthy of a home gym, turn to Onnit. The Ballistic Medicine Ball, as the name would suggest, is tough as nails. Finished with a tacky surface for maximum grip, the Ballistic Medicine Ball is available in three different weights, all of which are crafted to hold a spherical shape. In a world where a new fitness gadget is hawked every week, trust something that simply works.
$112+
SPRI Heavy Jump Ropes
Just like the aforementioned medicine ball, the jump rope is one of those old school, proven ways to sculpt your body. If you’re going to give one as a gift, don’t go with something that looks like it belongs on a school playground. These SPRI Heavy Jump Ropes look good and are designed to strengthen arms and hands. It improves on an already awesome piece of workout equipment and delivers the kind of burn they crave.
$49
Man Down Man Bag V.2
The problem with using machines at the gym is they mostly target very specific muscle groups. Great for bulging biceps; bad for functional strength. For the latter, give them something like this. The Man Bag develops real-world strength, as the user moves, lugs, and tosses it around. Built from durable 1,000 denier nylon, the Man Bag V.2 can easily hold up to 100 pounds. They fill it with sand and the next time you see them they’ll be in the best shape of their life.
$140
Fitbit Charge 2
The latest release from Fitbit, the Fitbit Charge 2, is an upgraded version of the company’s finest activity tracker. The wearable can track your steps, calories burned, floors climbed, and plenty more for 5 days before it needs to be recharged. It also tracks sleep, reminds you to stay active, and offers multi-sport modes to adapt to the user’s lifestyle. It’s finally the fitness tracker that warrants not relying on a smartphone for everything.
$150
Mack Weldon Ace Sweat Pants
PARTNER Consider these sweatpants from grownups. Unlike other sweats, not only will these help tackle a workout, but they’ll look good when you step out of the gym. Made for life beyond the 9-to-5, the Ace Pant from Mack Weldon offer a refined fit and super soft loop back French Terry build. While comfort and fit are paramount, Mack Weldon also throws in a bunch of clever features—a stealth pocket for your EDC, a signature waistband and draw cord, and an inset rib bottom. Give them the gift of comfort at the gym and more with the Ace Pant.
$78
Surf Grooming Kit - Noir Edition
The new Noir Edition of the Surf Grooming Kit from The Make Co., Archive, and Ethos packs some of the best surfboard care products on the market in a seriously attractive package. The stylish kit includes a cast bronze waxcomb, black cotton cloth, wax bar, and a bottle of methyl hydrate to clean excess wax residue. The waxcomb is the highlight of the kit, as it boasts a bottle opener and is sharp enough to keep as part of your everyday carry. If they’re serious about surfing, this kit is a winner.
$138
Handsome Dan Leather Head Football
If you know someone who likes to fire the pigskin after Thanksgiving dinner, give them a ball far nicer than the ones available at a big box store. This Handsome Dan Football was crafted to sport a vintage vibe. The rich, uncorrected leather means this football will age beautifully over time and with use. That means that it will look good while he’s playing two-hand touch or while he’s stashing it on his office bookshelf.
$130
Bose SoundSport Pulse Wireless Headphones
Most earbuds fall out within minutes of starting a workout. Whether they jog, hit the gym, or crush Crossfit routines in their backyard, these Bose headphones are what they need for a soundtrack. Not only do they deliver the audio quality Bose is known for, but the wireless earbuds also boast a built-in heart rate monitor and StayHear+ Pulse to actually help track the workout their music is powering. Oh yeah, and they’ll actually stay in their ears.
$200
Grenade Grips
For how great simple weight lifting is, there are ways it can be improved—simple ways. Take for example these clever devices. Grenade Grips slip onto dumbbells, bars, and other weightlifting staples and help the user work a collection of new muscles with every exercise. Not only that, they also help alleviate the joint pain that comes with a variety of moves. A simple, brilliant way for them to get a better lifting session in.
$21
Aer Gym Duffel
Most gym bags offer one gigantic pouch where your sweaty socks can marinate next to your water bottle and towel. Yeah, we think we’ll pass. A far better option is this bag from Aer. Not only is it built to take the beating that comes with being thrown in lockers for years, but it features ventilated compartments for your assorted gear. That means your sweat-soaked sneakers don’t mess with the items you’d rather not funk up. Simply put, it’s a better gym bag.
$165
