If you are like me, you might need to do some last-minute Christmas shopping, but you are too freaked out to even think straight so you just go blank. We all do it. No matter how organized I am, I can still end up needing to do some last-minute shopping.
I did most of my shopping ahead of time online this year, but I still have a couple of gifts I need to grab. This made me think of all those people who would love to get something special for their fit friends but want to avoid the generic “gift card in a card” bit.
So I got to thinking about some creative last-minute gift ideas. Here’s what I came up with.
1. Gym Survival Kit
Create your own little survival kit for your fit friend with all the tools they’ll need to survive a really great workout. Items that can go in this kit include Advil (for the obvious), Epsom salt (for sore muscles), and an ice pack (another pain-relieving essential). Other fun items can be a really cool water bottle, yoga mat, gym towel, protein bars, supplements, weight gloves, headphones, sports socks (because we’ve all gone to the gym and forgotten our socks), ponytail holders, headbands, straps, fun shoelaces, body spray, and a fitness magazine. Your options are really endless!
You can get as creative as you would like, choosing from fitness products to beauty products. Whatever you decide to get, most of the items you would need to make this one-of-a-kind gift can easily be found at major department stores, pharmacies, sporting goods stores, or discount stores like Marshalls, Target, Walmart, Kmart, Ross, and TJ Maxx. You can make it as funny or cool as you like. Even if you choose the funny route, your friend will see you put some effort into the gift. They may laugh, but they will still likely use every single thing you give them!
2. Motivational Photo Gifts
If you need a personal gift fast, you can get a custom gift made the very same day at the Walgreens photo department. Two of my favorite same-day gifts are the personalized calendar and the 4″X4″ photo magnets. If you choose to do a calendar, just pick out the photos you want to use and customize the text for each month using some of your favorite motivational quotes.
I personally love the magnets, since everyone looks at the fridge every day. Since the magnets are square, you can grab a mantra like my “I Will Beat Her” quote and create a motivational magnet to post on the refrigerator. Or you can make your own motivational image using a fun photo app with text. CLICK HERE for over 200 motivational quotes you can use to inspire your fit friend.
3. Massage
I don’t know one person who works out who wouldn’t absolutely love a massage. People who work out on a regular basis constantly have tight and sore muscles. A massage will not only feel good, but will also help them recover from tough workouts.
If a massage is too much for your budget, pick up a percussion massager like the HoMedics Handheld Massager with Heat for only $39.99 from Bed Bath & Beyond. These massagers are tough enough to do deep therapeutic massage for bad muscle spasms and trigger points, yet they normally have lower settings for gentler massages, too. Almost every department store sells percussion massagers; you should have no trouble finding one at the last minute.
4. Motivational Tees And Tanks
Everyone loves some motivation, and now you can get it anywhere. Even Target has fun fitness tees and tanks for both men and women. If you have a friend who works out on a regular basis, chances are they’d love more workout clothes–especially if they are fun and motivating.
If you don’t find exactly what you want, remember that every fitness enthusiast could use more workout clothes–period. A fitness fanatic can never have too many pairs of socks, sports bras, tanks, or tees. If you aren’t sure what they want, pick up a gift certificate to their favorite sporting goods store or a fitness outlet (so they can get more for their money). Put the gift card in a water bottle so it doesn’t look like an afterthought. Instead, they’ll know you want them to get exactly what they want and need.
5. Gifts For Music Lovers.
One fitness accessory I see in the gym and on the road more than any other accessory is headphones. Gym-goers typically prefer their own tunes to the music playing throughout the building.
If your friend is a music lover, you have a couple of options. First are headphones. My personal favorite headphones are yurbuds, which are available at most electronic stores, like Best Buy. I love them because they have superior sound, and they don’t fall out of your ears while you run and move around. If you want to go all out, you can get your special someone some Beats. I’m amazed at how many people work out with these massive headphones on their head, but they do. Either way, no one can have too many sets of headphones.
Other options for music lovers include armbands, iPods, pocket belts (like the BANDI belt), or an iTunes gift card (so they can buy new music). If your friend works out at home, they may enjoy a portable Bluetooth system to play their music from their iPhone or iPod in their garage or home gym as well.
20 Last-Minute Gift Ideas
– Headphones
– Bright colored shoelaces
– Crazy socks
– Gym bag
– Workout gloves
– Health and fitness magazines
– Protein bars
– Water bottle
– Yoga mat
– Gym towel
– Weight belt
– Straps and/or wrist straps
– Ponytail holders
– Sweatbands and headbands
– Workout clothes
– Massage
– Gym pass or membership
– Blender for those protein shakes
– Measuring cups, Tupperware, and food scales for dieters
– Affordable fitness accessories like a jump rope, fitness ball, kettlebell, dumbbell, bands, or ab roller