During the holidays, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be a struggle for all of us. Being surrounded by delicious foods at Christmas parties, travel, and holiday baking can lead to unintentional splurges on your favorite sweet treats. But, we all have a fitness fanatic in our life who can resist even the most indulgent Christmas cookies and asks for things like a new pair of running shoes, a renewed gym membership, or the highest quality yoga mat under the tree. Sometimes, shopping for Christmas presents that suit a healthy lifestyle can be stressful, especially if you're not sure what the difference is between a "yoga mat" and an "exercise mat" (surprisingly, there is a difference). Have no fear, this holiday shopping cheat sheet is rounding up the top 25 gifts your favorite fitness fanatic is sure to love.
1. Monogrammed Yoga Mat
If you're looking to add some personalization and extra thought to your gift, try having it monogrammed. All yoga enthusiasts love a new mat; and you can make it extra special by customizing it for them.
2. S'well Bottle
These bottles keep drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12, making them the perfect addition to every gym bag. Not to mention, they come in a wide variety of designs to fit anyone's personal style.
3. GRID Mini Foam Roller
Foam rollers are used to increase circulation and improve flexibility before and after a workout. This mini foam roller is the perfect size to throw in a backpack or suitcase (and everything is better fun-sized, right?)
4. Motivational Fitness Jewelry
Motivational fitness jewelry is a new up and coming trend fitness fashionistas are raving about. I have seen bracelets and necklaces that have dumbbells, kettle bells, encouraging words, and more.
5. Samsung Gear IconX Wireless Headphones
These wireless headphones are the perfect way to pump up any workout. The lack of cords allows for increased intensity and mobility; and the ear gels on the end of each bud holds them in place for running, biking, hiking, and more.
6. Spiral Vegetable Peeler
The health nut in your life will love this spiral vegetable peeler, because it makes creating healthy zucchini pasta simple, easy, and quick. These can be found at most kitchen stores, at Bed Bath and Beyond, and they can also be ordered online.
7. Protein Powder
Protein powder can get a little pricey, especially when you drink protein shakes like water. Any fitness fanatic would be thrilled to see a canister of protein powder waiting for them under the tree.
8. Protein Bars
Protein bars make great stocking stuffers! Gather a combination of delicious flavors and replace the typical chocolate bars that can usually be found in almost every stocking with high protein, low sugar Quest Bars.
9. A Nutri-bullet Blender
The NutriBullet uses nutrient extraction techniques to break down fruits and vegetables to their most absorbable state; allowing for maximum health benefits every time you drink a smoothie! It is also very compact and fits on a countertop, making it the perfect gift for a college student living in an apartment or dorm room.
10. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are lightweight, portable, and easy to use, yet they still deliver a good hard sweat session when included in a workout. They are a great gift for the frequent traveler that still wants to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
11. Fitbit Activity Tracker
Fitbits monitor activity, exercise, food, weight, and sleep: all important components to track when focusing on a fitness goal.
12. A Yoga Membership
There are so many health benefits to including yoga in any exercise program. Yoga not only allows for improved flexibility, but it is also a great stress reliever and mood booster. Slide a membership to your nearby yoga studio under the tree and watch your favorite health nut beam with excitement.13. A Juicer
Freshly squeezed juice, anyone? Pressing your own juice from fresh fruit is a great way to assure that the juice you are drinking actually is natural, and not loaded with unwanted added sugar (something the health nut takes very seriously).
14. Athletic Leggings
Practically every fitness fanatic could live in Lululemon leggings. Especially during winter, a good pair of leggings is an essential wardrobe piece for the gym.
15. Graphic Tanks and Tees
There are so many cute graphic tanks and tees that cater to every fitness fanatic! I have seen shirts that say "Hakuna Masquata" and "Gym is my new boyfriend," and chances are, anyone who frequents the gym has seen them too.
16. Wrap Headband
No one wants to lift weights or hit the treadmill for a long duration cardio session with hair in their face or a headband that is too tight. Lululemon has some awesome yoga headbands and running hats perfect for the gym or an outdoor winter jog.
17. Kettle Bells
Along with dumbbells, kettle bells are a great piece of equipment to have in an at home gym. They are portable and don't take up very much space, so it's pretty much guaranteed a kettle bell would be a useful gift.
18. Flavor Fusion Water Bottle
Fruit infused water is a great healthy substitute for soda. These Define Bottles make drinking fruit infused water easy and convenient to pack on the go.
19. Fabletics Subscription
Your fit and fashionable friend will definitely thank you for this one. Sign them up as a VIP member and they will receive 50% off regular Fabletics pricing and earn points towards free items.
20. Naturebox Subscription
Receiving a monthly box of healthy food delivered right to your doorstep leaves no room for excuses to snack on sweets this holiday season, right? Naturebox's snacks are fitness-freak approved; and do not use any artificial ingredients, high fructose corn syrup, or hydrogenated oils. Even better: this snack box subscription is only $5 per month!
21. A Massage
Because we could all use a massage. No further explanation needed.
22. Athletic Backpack
These backpacks are the perfect size for a pair of running shoes, a water bottle, a lunchbox packed with snacks, and a set of gym clothes. Everything a fitness fanatic could ever need and more.
23. New Running Shoes
I don't know anyone who wouldn't be thrilled to get a new pair of brightly colored running shoes under the tree this year. Not only are colorful shoes like the ones pictured above functional, they also allow runners to show some personality and style.
24. Warm Outdoor Running Jacket
The cold can't stop a die-hard, dedicated workout-lover from finishing their daily seven mile run! Help keep them warm by gifting them a stylish, breathable, moveable jacket or coat.
25. A Gift Card to a Nutrition Store
This may be the best gift on the list. Walking into a GNC after Christmas with a loaded gift card is the best feeling in the world for a fitness fanatic; and the freedom that comes along with a gift card is priceless!
The possibilities are endless when shopping for a health and fitness lover. These 25 gifts are sure to make this Christmas merry, memorable, and useful.