Holiday Gift Guide For The Health Nut

Yoga mat gift image via shutterstock

It’s an old cliche that getting socks for Christmas is the ultimate bad gift, sure to ruin any exciting holiday morning. But for the exercise nut in your life, socks just may be exactly what they wanted. Still not sure what to buy? Here’s our last-minute holiday gift guide for the runner, the yogi, and the cyclist in your life.

For The Yogi:

Steadfast Mat Bag

This quick-drying, fashionable bag is the perfect size for the standard yoga mat. It will keep the mat warm and dry in the winter, but with a mesh bottom, the “stink” is managed. It also comes with a handy key ring and front zip pocket to make sure your yogi’s wallet and keys stay safe, too. And with five different color options, you’ll find just the right style to fit your yogi.

$30.00, prana.com, 1.866.915.6457

Lululemon’s Wunder Under Crop

Never underestimate the power of a good pair of yoga pants. This classic style is stretchy and cool enough that your yogi can be comfortable during class, but thick enough that she can wear it to and from the studio. With an additional secret hidden pocket on the hip that’s perfect for keys and cards, they’re sure to become an instant favorite. Maybe buy her a few pairs, just in case!

$72.00, shop.lululemon.com, 337 Newbury Street, 617-867-6561

Organic Beeswax Aromatherapy Candles

To help with meditation, pick from a list of six stimulating or calming beeswax candle scents. Made with all natural ingredients, the beeswax in these candles will burn for 35 hours or more, so it makes the perfect, long-lasting gift for multiple meditation sessions.

$16, barefootyoga.com, 1-877-227-3366

For The Cyclist:

Louis Garneau Hi Viz Vest

Make sure your cyclist can be seen during dark winter commutes with this bright full-torso vest. It’s mesh fabric is light and breathes nicely, and the back panel has a blinking light for extra visibility. The Velcro strap makes for easy on and off, and the mesh dries quickly after a long ride in the snow.

$36.99, performancebike.com, 1-800-727-2453

SmartPhone Caddy II

For the commuter cyclist in your life, this mount perches their iPhone or Android smartphone perfectly on the handlebars. They can listen to music on the go, and with the shake-proof mount, they’ll never have to worry about the phone bouncing out. It comes with a weather-resistant, waterproof bag so their phone will stay safe and dry no matter the season.

$29.99, deltacycle.com, 1-800-474-6615

Men’s Pearl Izumi Elite Gel Full-Finger Gloves

For the hardcore cyclist, these gloves are designed to keep the hands warm and the grip strong on long cold rides. The gel inside makes the pressure points in the grip cushier, and the backs are water resistant and easy to clean and offers a hook and loop closure.

$37, llbean.com, 1-800-441-5713, or 340 Legacy Place, Dedham, 1-800-650-6358

For The Runner:

Women’s PhD Outdoor Light Mini Socks

Despite the cliche, running socks can make or break a runner’s experience. Make sure your runner has the proper gear to make through that New Year’s Day 5K run. Made by SmartWool, this pair will keep feet and toes warm without the bulk or itch of regular wool, and stay much drier, too. The socks come in multiple sizes and colors to match your runner’s particular taste.

$17, smartwool.com, 1-888-879-9665

Nike Element Half Zip Running Top 

For her daily run, she’ll need something warm, light, and snug. This polyester top conforms to the body but is breathable for maximum comfort. Thumb holes will keep her hands warm and reflectors on the arms and back make this top safe for long runs, or just brief morning jogs. And of course it comes in a variety of colors for maximum style, too.

$65, citysports.com, 1-877-988-2580

Men’s Launch Running Shoe

Voted the “Best Debut” running shoe by Runner’s World in 2010, this shoe is perfect for dry condition road races. The cushy sole softens a runner’s step and keep their arches comfortable. The Launch shoes also feature BioMoGo, a biodegradable midsole, for the environmentally conscious runner. Also available for women.

$100, brooksrunning.com, 1-800-227-6657