Many of us have a friend, partner, or family member who swears by their New Year’s Day run, channels their inner Zeus or Athena through long sessions at the gym, or lives for heart-pumping dance classes because they bring them so much joy (check all three for me!).

Or perhaps they are eager to start their fitness journey but don’t know where to begin.

A gift acknowledging the role fitness plays in your loved ones’ lives is a thoughtful gesture that shows you care — and helps them continue to enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

As journalists and editors specializing in physical, emotional, and mental health, our team of health enthusiasts enjoy staying up to date with the latest wellness tools to help us enhance our lifestyles.

We tested more than 400 gifts and selected the best ones for fitness lovers. We approached the process like true gear nerds, assessing functionality, comfort, durability, ease of use, and overall value.

We took notes on how each product held up over time, how it felt during use, and whether it genuinely made exercise more enjoyable or effective. Here are the gifts that made the cut.

Apparel

Barefoot shoes like Xero’s HFS II Lightweight Road Runner tend to have a cult following. They have no drop between the heel and the toe and have a very thin sole: “They call it ‘highly flexible,’ and it’s supposed to help you move your foot in a natural way,” editorial director Simone Scully says. Like other barefoot shoe brands, Xero prides itself on facilitating a more natural motion for the feet. “They’re also very lightweight, which is nice when you’re running. They have a wide toe base, which means you can spread your toes nicely.” Just keep in mind that not every gait and foot type are suitable for this style of shoe. Check with your giftee to see if they’ve tried a shoe like this before.

Help your giftee get grounded with the Ridgeway Retro-Inspired Waterproof Hiker. These barefoot-style hiking boots have a zero-drop sole, a wide toe box, and are low to the ground, allowing for a more natural foot strike and connection to the earth. Again, note that not every foot and gait type work well for barefoot-style, zero-drop shoes. But if you know your giftee favors them, this is a winner. The boots “look really cool,” says Scully. “I like the vintage-inspired design for the hiking boot. It also has decent ankle support, which would make me feel more comfortable when hiking on rocky terrain or in Shenandoah National Park.”

This gift is a step in the right direction. While designed for running, it’s one of my go-to shoes for city walking and everyday wear. The springy, rocker-style sole reduces pressure on the joints and makes movement easier, while the extra-cushioned footbed keeps feet comfy.

I’ve comfortably powered up hills in them, moved apartments in them, and worn them running errands. Keep in mind that rocker-style shoes can make some people feel unbalanced, so this shoe isn’t for those with existing equilibrium issues.

For the runner who’s determined not to miss a training session because of the season, these thermal tights are ideal. They’re soft, supportive, and built to lock in warmth without overheating — excellent for early-morning miles or long winter training runs. In my testing, I’ve loved how lightweight, formfitting, and sleek they are. They’re moderately compressive, giving me a streamlined feel and taking the pressure off my joints. They’re also comfy, have reflective details, and stay in place as I move. These are one of my favorite winter workout wear items.

Sitting on your butt has never felt so comfortable! These supersoft, organic cotton biker shorts and underwear are made for lounging, not lunges.

Made with just enough stretch, the shorts keep me comfy post-workout, whether I’m curled up on the couch or padding around the kitchen. They’re breathable enough to keep me cool under the covers if I wear them to bed, and I love knowing they’re made from 100 percent organic cotton and that I’m not absorbing the chemicals that can be found in other apparel.

Meanwhile, the underwear is airy and buttery soft and keep me comfy when I’m lounging in bed. The homebody in your life is sure to love these.

Made from genuine leather and suede, the Emily Leather Lace-Up Sneakers from Aetrex are ideal for city walkers who want comfort without sacrificing style. Coming in colors like taupe and mint, they look like regular sneakers but provide a high level of support. “These are very comfortable,” Scully says.“They have good arch support, which is nice if you have high arches, as well as very comfy, soft cushioning around your feet, which makes them a good option for a long walk or a run.”

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and your sister took the road less traveled — because you gifted her the proper cycling attire. Designed for warm-weather trail rides, this lightweight long-sleeve tee is cooling, comfortable, and convenient for stashing snacks and small essentials during long loops. The Drirelease fabric wicks moisture and dries quickly, while body-mapped mesh zones enhance airflow during high-intensity efforts. “It’s soft and comfortable,” says editor Olivia Campbell. “The light color is nice if you’re in the woods for warding off mosquitoes — the Fog color, a light oatmeal color, is the epitome of the ‘wear something lightweight in a light color’ rule.”

While technically designed for cycling, the Backcountry Bike Shorts are ideal for any woman who wants to hit the trail and feel comfy and dry.

Made from a lightweight, four-way stretch fabric that moves with you, the shorts are breathable, quick-drying, and durable enough for rocky climbs or long summer treks.

“I would have loved them when hiking in Alaska and Canada over the summer on my vacation,” says writer Jessica Migala. “They seem great for a wilderness adventure.”

The 7-inch inseam offers just the right amount of coverage without feeling restrictive, and the adjustable waistband keeps them snug as you move.

The Icebreaker Women’s Merino 200 Zoneknit Long Sleeve Crewe Thermal Top will keep your snowboarding friend toasty on the slopes with temperature-regulating merino wool. It’s got raglan sleeves to keep arms moving freely, is designed to enhance breathability during intense activity, and has flat seams to reduce the chances of friction and chafing. “I’d definitely recommend it to an outdoorsy, fitness-forward person who gets cold easily,” says editor Ally Hirschlag. “It’s great for layering, comfortable, and cozy, plus moisture-wicking.”

Give the running enthusiast in your life love at first run. From nearly the moment testing began, the springy Asics Novablast 5 swiftly snagged top spot as my all-time favorite running shoe.

I didn’t know a pair could have such cloudlike comfort: They make me want to hit the pavement even on my laziest days. Their extra-plush midsole reduces shock from hitting hard pavement while propelling me forward, making my runs much easier.

And while all of that padding could have made them bulky and heavy, they have a featherlight feel, and their flexible, breathable upper gives my feet and toes plenty of space to splay.

Finally, they’re cute and true to size. While my other kicks have been languishing in the closet, I just can’t bring myself to wear anything but these on my regular runs.

Love may be a low score in tennis, but a gift purchased with love can score big points with the tennis player in your life.

The On the Roger Advantage Pro Arctic/White shoes are available for both women and men and are engineered for dynamic court sports, like tennis and pickleball. Responsive cushioning and a grippy, textured outsole make them ideal for quick lateral movements, while a breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool.

True tennis shoes are both sleek and lightweight, and these ones in particular are perfect for heading from the court to cafes. Most important, “this is an unbelievably comfortable shoe,” Swanson says. “It fits true to size, it is made of high quality, and did I say, comfortable?”

Made from leather and cork, these ultralightweight, zero-drop barefoot shoes can be worn without socks, thanks to an antibacterial insole, and are made from almost 100 percent natural materials. As with all barefoot brands, the shoes are designed to encourage a more natural foot strike, which some people say alleviates foot pain and adds to comfort — though they’re not for everyone. But “some people would love these shoes, like dancers who want to be able to feel the ground under their feet,” Scully says.

This gift will truly support the female athletes in your life. A comfy sports bra that keeps breasts snug and secure is a holy grail of sorts, and Shefit’s Low Impact Sports Bra fits the bill perfectly.

“When I say that it is worth every penny, I am not exaggerating,” says Swanson. The bra has a zip front, making it easy to get on and off. The body-mapping fabric, wire-free seamless cups, and adjustable shoulder straps also contribute to its comfort.

Additionally, the bra gives the breasts a nice shape, holds up well in the wash, and is very durable, Swanson says.

The Flexpedition Lined Straight Leg Pants will be well loved by anyone who doesn’t let the weather stop them from getting outside. They’re warm, water resistant, and have an inner lining of fleecy fabric that keeps you toasty without making you feel like you’re wearing two layers, Scully says. “These are great for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors in the winter,” she reports. “For example, these would be ideal for my sister, who watches her son play hockey during the school year. Also, these don’t obviously look like they’re fleece-lined or snow pants.”

Merino wool is known for its temperature-regulating properties — when it’s chilly out, it’ll keep you toasty. On warmer days, it will prevent you from overheating. This feature is what Swanson says is best about the Heathlander Men’s Wind Sweater, alongside the brand’s vibrant color palette and the fact that it doesn’t restrict your movement. “The material inside the jacket is not too stiff, so you can swing in it,” she says. “I really like that.” The jacket is great for the green but would also be an excellent choice for everyday wear, making it a versatile gift.

The Alice Short Sleeve Bodysuit from Honey Golf will have the golfer in your life looking polished and put together. It’s made from buttery-soft, stretchy fabric with gentle compression for a sleek, flattering fit. “It was very stretchy, and while it may look really tight, [it never] felt tight — like I wasn’t suffocating at all! I didn’t feel restricted!” Swanson says. She also loves the pockets, which are perfect for holding tees and balls, and the fact that the shorts didn’t ride up.

If you need a gift for a golfer who struggles with knee aches or stability on the course, this Cloud 9 Stability Series Golf Shoe delivers. It has a wider heel base and toe box to promote natural foot movement while providing a strong foundation and traction on the course. They also come with three levels of arch support inserts. “These were tested by a man in his late forties who has knee problems,” Swanson says. “Most of the time, he wears a knee brace when he golfs and uses a golf cart. He still has knee issues. When he wore these shoes, he found that his knee hurt way less.”

You don’t need to wait until after your workout to look and feel good when you’re sporting this workout apparel set from Liaison.

“I want more of this for Christmas!” Swanson says. “This would be a great gift for any athletic woman who needs or deserves a high-quality brand.”

Swanson loves that the supportive, comfy set stayed secure as she lifted weights, ran, and golfed. The set is breathable, doesn’t chafe, and is flattering, leading her to name Liaison her new favorite workout apparel brand.

Workout Gear and Equipment

If you’ve got a kiddo ages 5 to 9 who can bike without training wheels, the Prevelo Alpha is the way to go. This sturdy, lightweight eight-speed bike can handle pavements, paths, and light trails with ease. “Of the three bikes I tried with my son, this was also the one that felt like the best fitness bike for kids,” Scully says. “It has thicker tires that hold up well on multiple terrains. I would feel confident having my son ride this on a longer bike ride in nature or on a nature trail than I would with some of the others.”

Got a loved one who is pressed for time but wants to commit to a regular routine? The Pvolve Signature Bundle may just be the perfect gift pick. The bundle comes with a band, ball, and mat that all support a full-body, low-impact workout incorporating strength, stability, and flexibility training. The subscription gets you one month of access to the Pvolve streaming platform and a one-on-one consultation with a trainer to get started. “I like that I can do this from home on my own time, whether I have 20 minutes or an hour,” says editor Ashley Ziegler. “I genuinely feel like I get a solid workout from the classes, and I don’t typically feel that way when I’m doing classes from home with other styles of workouts (yoga, barre, etc.). It’s also under $30 a month, and you can’t beat that!”

Got a mama and child yogi duo in your life? Lifeform makes eco-friendly, nontoxic, high-end yoga mats with vibrant colors and patterns. The Majestic Carpet Yoga Mat has an ornate and luxurious-looking carpet design, which is also “helpful, marking placements for various positions,” Scully says. “It’s also got an amazing grip.”

The Kids’ Classic Mat (which is sold separately) is also super grippy and has geometric lines to help kids stay centered on the mat. These mats are the perfect splurge items to spoil your loved ones during the holidays. “With a price like this, you don’t want to just impulse-buy this,” Scully says. “But it would be something that would make someone very happy as they unwrapped it.”

If you’ve got a giftee that goes hard on the pickleball court, this pair of protective eyewear could be a lifesaver. The glasses are made with sturdy materials that absorb impact and have an adjustable nose bridge and side arms to help customize the fit. Their frame is also designed to give you a full range of vision. “I think that the idea is cool — there aren’t any lenses in these goggles — it is just a frame to protect your eye,” Swanson says. “These are very comfortable to wear; the padding on them does help them be comfortable. They are designed to feel like you aren’t wearing any protection, and for that, it succeeds.”

The MZ Wallace Black Matt Bag is the perfect match for the friend who’s always headed to yoga class with a mat in tow. It’s lightweight and durable, with a nice pocket for storing a few essentials.

During testing, my yoga mat fit perfectly, and the drawstring kept it secure. But the bag really stands out for its style. With its quilted exterior, black hardware, and elegant Italian leather touches, I felt sleek carrying it into coffee shops after class.

These adjustable dumbbells pack a full weight rack into a single, space-saving design — ideal for someone in cramped quarters.

With the turn of a dial, you can go from 5 to 52.5 pounds (lb), swapping weights for different exercises without cluttering your space.

“These dumbbells can be used by a wide range of fitness levels as they have a wide range of weights,” says Campbell. “It’s easy to adjust the mechanism to change how much weight is on the dumbbell, so it’s seamless to go from one user to another.”

Kettlebells are ringing in the new year! Make pumping iron more convenient with this adjustable kettlebell, which can replace up to six standard kettlebells.

This gift supports full-body workouts — swings, presses, squats — without needing a rack full of gear. With the turn of the dial, it ramps up from 8 to 40 lbs in seconds.

“It’s great for ramping up your weight amount or for households where there are many members who are at different fitness levels and you need to be able to quickly and easily adjust the weight amount,” Campbell says.

Who needs a fancy Spin class subscription? The Bowflex C6 Indoor Exercise Bike offers a studio-quality ride right from the living room. “Whether you want to ride at a leisurely pace for 30 minutes or do some high-intensity workouts, this bike is perfect,” Swanson says. It has 100 resistance levels and connects via Bluetooth to top cycling apps like Peloton, Zwift, and JRNY, so riders can stream live classes, join virtual races, or pedal through mountain views from their living room. The C6 also includes dual water bottle holders, a Bluetooth heart rate armband, and 3-pound dumbbells for upper-body training. Plus, it’s a “very attractive bike, with the black and the red. It’s sleek and will match any type of decor,” Swanson says.

I’m picking up good vibrations! Shake up your giftee’s workout routine with the Lifepro Hovert 3D Vibration Plate. This powerhouse features side-to-side and 3D vibrations that stimulate your muscles from head to toe, providing a comprehensive workout and possible benefits, like improved bone density, circulation, breathing, and cognitive health.

With 99 speed levels and eight preset programs, you can mix things up every day, from gentle circulation boosts to full-on strength sessions.

“I cannot stress enough how amazing this piece of equipment is,” Swanson says. “Everyone needs one of these in their life. They help with lymphatic drainage, they give you a workout, you feel so much better when using them, and you can use them in such a variety of ways.”

This weight set makes working out as easy as flicking the wrist. These cute and versatile ankle and wrist bangles can make working out a possibility, even for your most time-pressed relatives. In my testing, I’ve transformed mundane, unavoidable activities like running errands or doing laundry into mini strength training seshes. I also love adding them to my daily mini belly dance workouts — the effect is a subtle but noticeable increase in difficulty level. The bangles apply constant but gentle resistance and are also great additions to workouts like Pilates, yoga, aerobics, and core training. Choose from 1-, 2-, or 3-lb options in colors ranging from blush pink to bright blue.

The cyclist in your life will wheely like this gift. Lightweight yet exceptionally sturdy, this do-it-all bike is made for riders who want one setup for every terrain. You can ride it on pavement and dirt, and it far surpasses other bikes Swanson has tried on all fronts, from speed to durability to portability.

“This is so darn easy to ride — it is so smooth, like a hot knife through butter,” she says. “It would be a gift that someone would keep and retain for years. I do see this bike handling all conditions and lasting for a long time.”

A few minutes on the Pilates mat can make a world of difference, leaving you feeling taller, stronger, and more flexible.

Your Reformer’s Prop Starter Kit can help your loved one enjoy the low-impact exercise benefits of Pilates without the hefty cost of studio classes. That’s because it includes all they need to enhance their practice — a ball, hand weights, and a ring. “It is truly the essentials at a great price,” says writer Julia Childs Heyl.

Making time for workout classes or the gym can feel impossible. Bring studio-quality classes to your loved one’s living room with this luxury buy. With a 22-inch HD touch screen, ventilated competition seat, and 32 resistance levels, the Echelon Connect EX-5s-22 has all the bells and whistles. To make the most of it, you’ll want to purchase an Echelon membership ($399 per year). “I like being able to get a nearly custom workout from home,” writer Mary Sauer says. ”I can choose the type of music I want to listen to, how long I want to work out, and my goals for working out: high intensity, low intensity, strength, etc. There is also a nice community aspect to this equipment. If you attend the live classes, the instructors start to learn your name and talk with you during class.”

Got a friend who loves to work out in style? This splurgy kettlebell will elevate the look of any home gym, according to registered dietitian Brittany Scanniello. “The aesthetic of the product is neat. I recommend this as a cool-looking kettlebell.” Plus, it’s covered in heavy-duty rubber to keep floors safe, has a large powder-coated handle that fits most hand sizes, and has weight labels on the top for easy identification.

If you know a real-life Rosie the Riveter, this is the gift for them. The Nike Grind Dumbbell Set is the perfect pick for women looking to reap the many health perks of strength training, not to mention the lowered risk of death from any cause.

The set is available in a wide range of weights, making it easy to start (or level up) a home routine.

This set swiftly became a go-to favorite during my testing. The grippy handles kept my dumbbells secure in my sweaty hands, and the hex shape kept them from rolling away when I set them down.

Given my small space, I appreciate how the sculpted edges prevent harsh contact. I also love the clean, modern design.

Looking for a workout gift that’s equal parts fun and functional? This balance board makes standing desks, home gyms, or active breaks feel like a game instead of a grind. With a high-quality Canadian maple deck and three balance points to tilt and challenge your core, it’s a great way to boost mobility, agility, and everyday movement — for kids, athletes, or anyone who could use a little more motion in their day. “I like that it’s handcrafted with a lifetime warranty,” says writer Riley Blanton. “I think those aspects are awesome for a company to include, especially a small business.”

Running indoors offers several benefits, including avoiding hazardous traffic, icy winds, and the need to squeeze in steps between calls.

Your giftee will appreciate this compact, quiet treadmill, featuring an impact-absorbing running deck, Bluetooth connectivity for tracking performance stats, adjustable incline options, and potential AI-powered insights, along with other perks available through the premier membership ($399 per year).

“It has a small footprint and looks sleek but feels high-performance,” says writer Grace Gallagher. The device offers a smooth ride, is easy to use, and is quiet enough to be used next to Gallagher’s home office.

Volleybird creates curated surprise boxes, including subscription boxes for golf, tennis, padel, and pickleball players with items that will need to be regularly replenished. Swanson received a golf box packed with essentials and extras like ball and shoe wipes, a multiuse cleaning tool, a divot and ball marker, a water bottle purse, bug spray, and more. All items were of good quality, Swanson says. Plus, “it comes in a great-looking box — it is very well wrapped and presented.”

If you’re eyeing a special gift for the golfer who’s all about extra practice time, the Forb Pro Pop Up Golf Net (available in 8 x 8 feet or 10 x 7 feet) by Net World Sports delivers. It’s roomy enough for full swings but compact and portable enough to pop up in the backyard, garage, or spare room. Plus, it packs up into a carry bag for portability. Swanson says it’s high quality and easy to set up. “Anyone needing to improve their golf game would benefit from it,” she says.

Who says you need a huge gym to get huge gains? Make your spouse happy with the Bullbar 2.0.

This foldable, portable pull-up bar and dip station can be easily stored in a closet or car, transforming any space into a full-body training zone. You can set it up in under a minute and use it to confidently crush pull-ups, push-ups, dips, or core exercises, thanks to its heavy-duty steel frame that holds up to 400 lbs.

“This equipment is easy to install,” says Swanson. “No tools, it is movable, it is made of quality metal, it is smooth, it is pretty-looking, and it is something that is so simple. It is just amazing.”

Pickleball isn’t just a game; it’s an instant mood booster.

The 4Joy Premio Series Pickleball Paddle’s lightweight design and ergonomic, cushioned handle make it an ideal choice for women seeking a comfortable playing experience.

“Others have tried this paddle, and they agree that it is lighter than other paddles — for us ladies, this matters,” Swanson says. “It also helps you change the quality and how you swing, so this has already been recommended to some of my other female friends.”

The paddles are printed with artist-designed graphics, like mandalas and tropical prints, so you can personalize your choice to suit the giftee’s taste.

Accessories

Stylish, lightweight, and easy to wipe clean, the Gamechanger Sports Tote Bag for Tennis and Pickleball will keep your giftee prepped for any game that arises. It’s loaded with pockets — both internal and external — that can hold tennis rackets, a water bottle, a tennis can, plus valuables and essentials like a phone. Swanson says that the bag easily doubles as an overnight bag, upping its versatility. Plus, “it is made really well — beyond well!” Swanson says. “It is so easy to clean and is very spacious. I used it for pickleball, and it holds everything. This bag is truly a dream.”

For the adventurer who’s always out exploring, this lightweight pack keeps them hydrated, fueled, and ready for anything. Built with an ergonomic fit, it has a 2-liter water bladder, a durable ripstop shell, bungee-cord quick storage, and an outer pocket perfect for stashing snacks. “It’s a thoughtful gift for outdoorsy folks at a great price point in a variety of color options,” says Campbell. The pack is also less than $30 and comes with a lifetime warranty — not a bad way to spend your hard-earned cash.

Designed for running but stylish enough to swing by a brewery post-workout, these are my absolute favorite sunnies to run, hike, and tool around town in.

They’re ultralightweight, stay put during intense sprints, and never fog up thanks to strategically placed airflow vents. Small side shields block peripheral glare, and the lenses are shatterproof, antireflective, and oil resistant.

The design has a retro alpine skiing aesthetic, making this an ideal gift for someone who loves adding flair to their workout wear.

Got a loved one who loves to hit the slopes? They’ll appreciate this cute, lightweight boot tote bag with comfy, padded ergonomic straps and strategically positioned compartments that make packing and unpacking easy. “I like the amount of small pockets, with easy access to them,” says writer Catherine Brown. “They’re nice for sunglasses, sunscreen, etc. I also appreciate that the shoulder straps are wide, as ski boots are not exactly light to carry around!” The bag also features a sling for helmet storage and a fleece-lined hard-shell compartment for goggles and face coverings.

Recovery

The Rally Orbital Massager is a great option for the parent in your life who deserves a little extra relaxation. The massage gun’s orbital motion gently targets tight spots, improving circulation and helping muscles recover after a long day.

“It’s much more comfortable and less painful than traditional percussion-based massage guns,” says writer Caroline Lubinsky.

Quiet, lightweight, and easy to hold, it’s perfect for winding down on the couch, at the office, or on the go. Plus, it has multiple speed settings, allowing your giftee to customize their massage exactly how they like it.

The Hyperice Normatec Elite Hips will keep your mom’s hips happy after the holidays. The seven-speed device features air compression, is cordless and portable, has up to four hours of battery life, and is easy to use — just fasten the straps and buckles around your hips and thighs, lie down, and let it go to work. Whether she’s a runner, yogini, or gymgoer, compression therapy is great for athletes because it can help with recovery.

“I’d recommend this to anyone who struggles with hip pain or inflammation,” Scully says. “It was surprisingly effective.”

Make your loved one feel as though their cup runneth over with the Theracup from Therabody.

Favored by Olympic athletes, cupping is a Chinese healing technique that uses heated suction cups to reduce deep-seated tension that is said to block blood flow, lymph fluid, and qi, the Chinese word for life force energy.

Research shows that cupping may make muscles less sore and stiff, improve blood and lymph flow, and lower inflammation.

This digital device requires no practitioner and mimics this technique using suction, heat, and vibration therapy. It’s great for muscle recovery. If it’s good enough for elite athletes, it’s an excellent gift for the family.

Help your loved one get the kinks out of their back — and lower their environmental impact — with this eco-friendly gift.

Made from sustainable algae and recycled foam, Oceanfoam’s Tidal Roller offers intense pressure for deep muscle release and pain relief.

While most foam rollers aren’t that exciting, the Tidal Roller stands out with its funky colors and patterns, elevating it beyond the ordinary.

“It is a good gift for the aesthetic fitness friend in your life (think along the lines of that one friend who is always trying out a new workout class, wears matching workout sets, etc.),” says Heyl.

Tech

If your giftee is a data nerd like me, the Polar Loop Screen-Free Wearable Health Band and Fitness Tracker will score major points. The band tracks basics like sleep, steps, and workouts, all of which help keep me motivated day-to-day. What I love most about it, though, is the training load function, which helps me to track how hard I’m pushing my body, enabling me to ramp up or scale back as needed. It also offers a test to track your aerobic function. Meanwhile, sleep tracking measures how well I’m recovering from any recent exertion, and gives me tips on how to get back to baseline. Plus, the cloth band is super lightweight, soft, and comfortable compared with rubber bands, which can feel weird on the skin.

Could your holiday shopping list use a tune-up? These wireless over-ear headphones are the perfect gift for music lovers. With noise cancellation, up to 50 hours of battery life, and sweatproof ear pads, they’re ideal for workouts, travel, or everyday listening.

In my testing, I found that the sound was crisp, clear, and immersive, while the ear pads were comfy, cool, and stayed dry even on sweaty runs. The noise-canceling feature works well, and the control buttons are easy to reach and responsive, so I didn’t have to fiddle with them mid-run.

I also appreciated that the device was charged and ready to use in just a few hours. These are my new go-to pair of headphones.

Nutrition and Hydration

Help your giftee on a keto diet fill up on protein with this specialized cookbook. It’s brimming with tasty keto-style recipes, from mains to baked goods to salads to snacks. “The variety of recipes is pretty good, and there are sub-recipes as well for items she recommends making as basics,” says dietitian Tori Martinet of author Annie Lampella. “I also like that she gives information on how long things can be stored.” Keep in mind that the keto diet isn’t for everyone, Martinet says — it does have risks, so be sure your loved one is already cleared to be on this niche diet before gifting it to them.

Keep your tween hydrated with this trendy, cute, 24-ounce vacuum-insulated water bottle. Made from durable silicone-coated steel, the bottle’s double-wall design and powder coating keep the container secure in sweaty hands.

We also like the color options, such as bubblegum pink, canary yellow, and earthy burgundy. Plus, “my daughter loves it because it says ‘lululemon’ on it and the brand is very trendy right now,” says Ziegler.

Shake it off! This protein powder makes it easy to stay full and fueled for workouts. Each serving delivers 25 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber — a combo that supports muscle recovery while keeping you satisfied between meals.

The chocolate flavor blends smoothly with water or milk without being overly sweet, making it an excellent choice for smoothies or post-workout shakes.

“It tastes delicious and checks two crucial nutritional boxes every day,” shares writer Jen Sinclair. “Plus, buying the powder is more cost-effective and allows for some creativity in making drinks.”

Your loved one who goes camping will drink this gift right up. This insulated, silicone-coated stainless steel bottle keeps liquids icy cold for up to 46 hours, making it perfect for friends and family who love to hit the trail.

Lightweight, durable, and with a capacity of 34 ounces, this bottle is great for everything from local hikes to weekend camping trips.

“I like that the water stays cool in this bottle all day, thanks to the three layers of insulation — and even longer,” says Scully. “I took it camping with us and honestly, the water stayed cold for a long time.”

Pickle Juice Sport is a simple, effective way to stay hydrated on the court. Each shot delivers a high dose of electrolytes — 10 to 15 times more than most sports drinks — without added sugar or caffeine.

Its blend of filtered water, organic vinegar, and essential minerals helps replenish what you lose during intense events.

“This will be a great stocking stuffer for anyone that you know that uses pickle juice for any reason — especially if they are on the go,” Swanson says.

How We Chose the Best Fitness Gifts

When it came to picking the best fitness gifts, we didn’t just rely on hype or clever marketing — we tested everything ourselves.

Our team of health and wellness journalists and editors spent weeks testing each item, incorporating them into real-life routines to assess their performance over time. Whether we were lifting weights between calls or ending our workday with a run, we wanted to know which products truly delivered on their promises and which ones fell flat.

We also paid close attention to the details: functionality, comfort, durability, ease of use, and overall value. Was it built to last? Did it make exercise more enjoyable or efficient? Would we actually recommend it to a friend? Only the items that passed all those tests earned a spot here.

Why Trust Everyday Health

We independently investigate and recommend products and services we believe will enrich the lives of our readers and meet their specific needs. You can trust our reviews because we do the legwork for you. Read more about why you can trust us.

Brittany Vargas

Author

Brittany Elyse Vargas has been a professional writer and journalist for over a decade and has been exploring topics around mental health, mind-body medicine, health, wellness, and psycho-spiritual development for the past 20 years.

As a trauma-informed health journalist, she is a regular contributor to Everyday Health, Medscape and Verywell Mind. Her byline has also appeared in Yahoo Life, Shape, Integrative Practitioner, Business Insider, and BBC Travel, among others.

Brittany is also a certified Reiki Master who has been practicing since 2010.

She received her bachelor's degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara and is a proud Californian. In her spare time, she loves practicing yoga, dancing, hiking, and traveling.

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Reyna Franco, RDN

Medical Reviewer

Reyna Franco, RDN, is a New York City–based dietitian-nutritionist, certified specialist in sports dietetics, and certified personal trainer. She is a diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and has a master's degree in nutrition and exercise physiology from Columbia University.

In her private practice, she provides medical nutrition therapy for weight management, sports nutrition, diabetes, cardiac disease, renal disease, gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, food allergies, eating disorders, and childhood nutrition. To serve her diverse patients, she demonstrates cultural sensitivity and knowledge of customary food practices. She applies the tenets of lifestyle medicine to reduce the risk of chronic disease and improve health outcomes for her patients.

Franco is also a corporate wellness consultant who conducts wellness counseling and seminars for organizations of every size. She taught sports nutrition to medical students at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, taught life cycle nutrition and nutrition counseling to undergraduate students at LaGuardia Community College, and precepts nutrition students and interns. She created the sports nutrition rotation for the New York Distance Dietetic Internship program.

She is the chair of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine's Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist Member Interest Group. She is also the treasurer and secretary of the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, having previously served in many other leadership roles for the organization, including as past president, awards committee chair, and grant committee chair, among others. She is active in the local Greater New York Dietetic Association and Long Island Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, too.

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Alexandra Klausner

Editor

Alexandra Klausner is a freelance health writer and editor with over 10 years of journalism experience. Prior to going freelance, she worked as a reporter and editor at the New York Post for eight years covering everything from health and wellness to features and breaking news. Before that, she covered multiple beats at the Daily Mail Online for three years.

Alexandra graduated from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs with a bachelor's degree in theater. As a New York City native, she is also a grant-winning playwright, actor, freestyle singer, catchy-hook writer, and podcaster. She loves yoga, 5 Rhythms dance meditation, and running.

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