If you’re sweating about what to put under the tree, here are some great basics that are bound to put a smile on their faces.
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Exercise enthusiasts are notoriously hard to buy for. Not only are they picky about their gear, they figure they know best when it comes to all things fitness. But there are a few gifts that are always appreciated, no matter how your favourite fitness fanatic chooses to work out. So if you’re sweating about what to put under the tree, here are some great basics that are bound to put a smile on the face of workout warriors everywhere.
Wireless earbuds
Finding the perfect pair of earbuds to wear during an active workout isn’t easy. Some don’t stay put, others are uncomfortable especially when worn under a hat, and some aren’t built for sweat. The Anker Soundcore C30i manages to overcome all these design flaws, while still offering great sound. Best of all, they’re affordable, which is important given that earbuds often go missing, especially when travelling from gym to home to work and everywhere in between.
But it’s not just the price that’s attractive, the unique fit is what makes them perfect for runners, cross-country skiers, hikers and anyone else who’s had their earbuds fall out during a workout (One of my Apple Airpods went flying into a snowbank when taking off my hat — it’s still missing). The Anker Soundcore C30i clips onto the outer ear instead of nestling into the ear canal, making it both reliably secure and comfortable even during extended workouts.
Amazon
$69.99
Outway athletic socks
Trust me on this, exercise buffs can never have enough socks. But not just any socks will do. They have to keep the feet cool even when the workout heats up and never, ever rub, sag or bunch. Sweat wicking, breathable and with a seamless toe and reinforced heel and footbed, Outway socks got all the details right. They come in a variety of styles; crew, no-show, knee high, ankle and quarter, but the absolute icing on the cake is the choice of design. Sure, you can go all white, but why would you when you can wear art on your feet. Animals, nature, prehistoric, whimsical, food; you name it, Outway socks are a real vibe. Compression and Merino wool options also available. Buy a single pair or pack of three.
$22.00 per pair
All in one bag/pouch/pack
Not all packs do all things, which is why the search never ends for a bag that is versatile enough to carry a phone, water bottle, snack, keys and at least one of the layers shed during a long walk, trek, bike commute or day spent sightseeing. MEC’s Classic Kleversack Bag holds 6L of stuff and can be styled as a fanny pack, over-the-shoulder or cross body bag or mounted on the handlebars of a bike. Equipped with pockets large and small, the pack is rugged enough for wilderness hiking and waterproof enough to keep the contents dry in a downpour. Consider it an essential go-to bag for anyone who spends the day on the trails, uses their bike to commute to work, or treks on foot to the grocery store, library or about town with a group of friends.
MEC (Mountain Equipment Company)
$35.00
The ultimate workout T-shirt
Yes, the perfect workout shirt does exist. Comfortable, sweat-wicking, breathable, stylish and durable, Lululemon hits the mark when it comes to looking good and feeling good while working up a sweat. The Swiftly Tech Short Sleeve Shirt 2.0 for women and the Metal Vent Tech Short Sleeve Shirt for men are the perfect combination of loose, but not too loose, slim fitting but not too slim fitting and long enough without being too long. The seams don’t rub, the neckline doesn’t constrict, and the sleeves don’t cling. Best of all they’re resistant to odour-causing bacteria, which keeps them from smelling like a gym locker. And like all Lululemon products, they look just as good a decade later as they did when worn for the first time. Available in a variety of colours.
Lululemon
$68.00
$78.00
Swim goggles and bathing cap
Every swimmer needs an extra set of goggles and a spare bathing cap. But forget about those drugstore models. The best goggles on the market are Speedo’s Vanquishers for everyday training and the Speed Socket for racing. Appreciated for their precision fit, both models have anti-fog lenses with UV protection. And with goggles specifically designed for women and kids, Speedo has further refined the fit for narrow and small faces.
The Speed Socket has all the same features as the Vanquisher, but with a more panoramic view so swimmers can check out the competition as they head into the wall.
As for the perfect bathing cap, silicone caps are easier on the hair than latex. There are a variety of models on the market, but if your favourite swimmer is challenged with stuffing all their hair in a cap, Speedo’s silicone long hair cap is the perfect option. Sure, it’s a bit pricier than your average bathing cap, but spoiling those you love is what the season is all about.
$29.50
$49.59
$20.00