Need gift ideas for your favorite runner, fitness fan, mama/parent/baby, or foodie? Or, looking for items to put on your own wish list? I’m combining all my recommendations into one massive gift guide – here are some of my favorites from around the web! (Please note that affiliate links are included in this post.)
For the Expectant Parents, New Babies, or 1 Year Olds:
- For expectant parents or brand new babies, check out this post: product recommendations for new babies/expectant parents.
- If you’re looking for gift ideas for 1 year olds, here are a few of Riese’s current favorites: bead roller coaster toy, toy picnic basket (she loves taking everything out and putting it back in over and over!), musical activity table (great for her to practice standing — here’s another one that looks cool that doesn’t have music/sound: treetop wooden activity table), learning walker, building blocks (these are fun for me and Matt, too, heh). She also really loves touch and feel books right now, like this “If I were a dog” book and this “That’s Not My Puppy” book.
- A few of our other faves: reusable food pouches, baby food storage containers, Munchkin 360 cup in stainless steel (Riese loves hers – thanks to those who recommended this to us!), glass water cup with straw (there’s plastic on the outside so if they chuck it it doesn’t break), silicone bib, Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair (we asked for this for Riese’s birthday and really love it – much more ergonomic friendly than the one we had before, and smaller footprint so we aren’t always tripping over the feet – we don’t have the tray so just pull her right up to the table in it), silicone suction plate
- I’d also suggest nice bedding as a gift for new parents (so when they actually get to sleep, they can really take advantage and savor it, right?!) These sheets are fabulous… so soft and cozy but cool/breathable, and I love that they are 100% organic cotton and fair trade. This supportive + plush organic pillow is awesome too. {sponsored}
For the Runner
- A race registration! Local or exotic. 🙂
- A gift card for a local training group. Lots of running stores host these at the track a couple times a week, or host race-specific training groups!
- A race bib/medal holder. I have one in my office at home and love it! I love this inspirational medal holder, and here is a cool combination bib + medal holder!
- Reflective gear. Keep your favorite runner safe while they run in the dark! Here’s a great headlamp for running and you might also consider getting them a reflective vest. Brooks also has a ton of great “nightlife” gear on their website, if you’re looking for tights, jackets, shorts, shoes, and hats that are reflective (but still functional).
- Winter running accessories. If your favorite runner lives in a climate that involves lots of running on ice or snow, runner-friendly YaxTrax (little grips that fit onto your running shoes) are a must. Also, a neck warmer, warm gloves, and a running headband (I prefer these to hats!)
- Performance socks. Having socks that wick away sweat and don’t slip down is so key for a runner. I love both bombas socks (for every pair purchased, one is donated – love that) and Brooks running socks (that’s the women’s version – here’s the men’s).
- Compression wear. I like CEP compression and Champion CSX. I wear compression socks around the house after runs, and sleeves during long runs when the weather isn’t too hot. They’ve really helped me with shin splint/calf tightness issues.
- Ice packs. So necessary for long distance runners! I love Pardice Packs (the cuffs) – they don’t sweat on you and the cuff design means they easily stay around your knees/ankles/legs.
- A running belt or hydration pack. I love the Nathan hipster running belt to hold my phone, keys, and credit card/ID while running or hiking. It stays put and doesn’t bounce! For a bigger option that holds water, the Nathan hydration vest is amazing for long distance runners (or hikers, or bikers) – I wore it for all my marathon training runs (and for long races).
- A foam roller/stick. I recommend this foam roller – a foam roller is a must for any runner. Using this daily has made a huge difference in recovery/soreness for me! For travel, try The Stick – there are a variety of sizes and it’s more portable. It’s also easier to use while on the couch watching TV. 😉
For the Fitness Fan
- A wireless speaker. Perfect for those that work out at home! We have a Sonos wireless speaker and it’s amazing – you play music via an app on your phone (we mostly play Pandora on it). For a cheaper option, this speaker is well reviewed!
- No-slip headbands. I recommend Sweaty Bands Elastic Sports Headbands – among the very few headbands I’ve found that actually stay on my head.
- A yoga mat. This Jade Yoga Mat is my absolute favorite. A bit pricey but so worth it because it’s not slippery at all and lasts forever! And while you’re at it, a yoga mat sling or yoga mat bag are also useful! If you want a good gift for someone who does a lot of hot/heated yoga, consider a yoga towel – I have and love this yoga towel.
- A gym bag. I have this Lululemon backpack that I LOVE – use it almost every day to haul workout clothes and my computer around town. This gym bag is also super cute and affordable!
For The Cook/Foodie
- Box of assorted cooking/food goodies: This foodie gift box (spices/cooking stuff) is affordable and sounds fabulous, or class it up with the gourmet coffee sampler.
- Fun oil and/or vinegar. Garlic olive oil and lemon olive oil are two Matt and I always love, and here is a fun olive oil + balsamic sampler.
- An espresso/coffee machine. We have the Nespresso Pixie Espresso Maker and it’s my favorite thing in our kitchen. Another thing 100% worth the splurge is the Nespresso Aeroccino Plus milk foamer. It warms AND foams your milk (or you can have it just foam and keep the milk cold). We also have the Nifty Nespresso Carousel, which holds our capsules. I also recommend the Keurig Home Brewing System – this is Matt’s favorite thing in our kitchen! It’s super simple to use and makes great (and quick) coffee and tea! You can also buy a reusable K-cup so you can use your own loose leaf tea or ground coffee. If you already have a Keurig, a K-cup holder is a helpful addition.
- Tools that make cooking easier. Some recs: garlic press, an oil mister, silicone baking mats (no stick!), a knife sharpener, an egg slicer, a peeler, a zester, a spiralizer (make your own veggie noodles!), a grater, reusable food savers. (Here’s a great multi-pack of a bunch of the products in one.) We also really love GIR products – check out this GIR spoon set, GIR spatula and flipper set, and GIR microwave/oven safe suction lids.
Other random ideas:
- Here are My Favorite Books. Good stocking stuffers!
- The greatest slippers (more like socks with grip) of all time – I literally never take them off. If I am home, these are on my feet. So cozy.
- For DC area readers: check out District Line Co., which makes fun local t-shirts and tanks (and onesies)!
What’s on your holiday wish list?
