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Best Gifts for Athletes
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Getting the Best Gifts for Athletes in 2023

  • Szabolcs Szecsei
  • January 29, 2022

Buying the best gifts for athletes sounds easy on paper, right? If your partner plays hockey, you get them a new hockey stick. If your girlfriend is into yoga, you get her a new yoga mat, and so on. 

Nevertheless, sometimes you can be left stumped about what they would enjoy, especially if they aren’t into any particular sport. If that’s the problem you’re facing right now, read on for some excellent ideas!

Our Top Picks for the Best Gift Ideas for Athletes

We are supported by the commissions we may get when you make a purchase through the links on this page. This does not influence our reviews in any manner. Read our full Affiliate Disclosure.

Lifeline Ultimate Resistance Trainer Kit

Lifeline Ultimate Resistance Trainer Kit Lifeline

Best Gift Overall

  • Versatile
  • Great for training and rehabilitation
  • Easy to carry around
star 9.9
$146.99 Read Review
Visit Site

Lifeline Fitness Ankle and Wrist Attachments

Lifeline Fitness Ankle and Wrist Attachments Lifeline

Best Small Gift for Home Gym

  • Durable
  • Great for any athlete
  • Easy on the fingers and joints
star 9.9
$20.99 Read Review
Visit Site

ProsourceFit High Density Speckled Foam Roller

ProsourceFit High Density Speckled Foam Roller ProsourceFit

Key Features

  • Great for injury prevention and recovery
  • Works core muscles
  • Easy to store
star 9.8
$14.99 Read Review
Visit Site

Lifeline Hex Rubber Dumbbell Fitness Training Weight Set

Lifeline Hex Rubber Dumbbell Fitness Training Weight Set Lifeline

Best Gift for Bodybuilders

  • Great for football players and home athletes
  • Improves strength and adds muscle mass
  • Hexagonal shape and rubber covering
star 9.7
$353.99 Read Review
Visit Site

ProsourceFit Tao Yoga Mat

ProsourceFit Tao Yoga Mat ProsourceFit

Best Gift for Yoga Enthusiasts

  • 5 mm thickness
  • Eco-friendly
  • Unique design
star 9.7
$24.99 Read Review
Visit Site

ProsourceFit Power Tower

ProsourceFit Power Tower ProsourceFit

Best Gift for Gym Owners

  • Sturdy and versatile tool
  • Long-lasting build
  • No weights needed
star 9.6
$169.99 Read Review
Visit Site

Lifeline Jungle Gym V3

Lifeline Jungle Gym V3 Lifeline

Most Versatile Workout Gift for Athletes

  • Versatile
  • Easy to store
  • 2 in 1 workout system
star 9.5
$159.99 Read Review
Visit Site

Natural Fitness ROAM Folding Yoga Mat with Non-Slip Traction and Carry Bag

Natural Fitness ROAM Folding Yoga Mat with Non-Slip Traction and Carry Bag Lifeline

Best Yoga Mat with Carry Bag

  • Carry bag
  • Folding mat
  • Unique material that’s healthier than PVC
star 9.5
$31.99 Read Review
Visit Site

ProsourceFit Stability Exercise Ball

ProsourceFit Stability Exercise Ball ProsourceFit

Best Gift Idea for Home

  • Activates core muscles
  • Improves posture and balance
  • Easy to inflate and deflate
star 9.4
$16.99 Read Review
Visit Site

Lifeline Kettlebells

Lifeline Kettlebells Lifeline

Best Gifts for Crossfit

  • Superior build quality
  • Supports a wide variety of exercises
  • Combines strength and cardio training
star 9.3
$32.74 Read Review
Visit Site

Gift Reviews

In the following section, we’ll go over each product and tell you why we think these are the best gifts for that special athlete in your life. 

We’ll highlight each product’s best features and talk about the possible drawbacks as well.

Lifeline Ultimate Resistance Trainer Kit

Lifeline Ultimate Resistance Trainer Kit Lifeline Ultimate Resistance Trainer Kit
star 9.9

Best Gift Overall

  • Type: Resistance trainer bonds
  • Great for: Training on the go, rehabilitation
  • Shipping/returns: Free shipping over $30 and 60-day returns
$146.99
Visit Site Back To List

This full kit is an awesome combo of eight cables and two sets of handles. The cables come in varying degrees of resistance and toughness, and the special triple-grip handle will allow you to create your own preferred resistance as you can connect up to three different cables simultaneously. 

The resistance cables are great for full-body training and can come especially handy during the COVID-19 pandemic when the gyms are closed or have shorter working hours. 

Also, the two door anchors enable you to change resistance angles, which allows for a broader range of exercises. As such, the kit can also become an excellent rehabilitation tool, so it fits well if you’re looking for gifts for injured athletes, too.

This resistance kit can be a lovely present either for the upcoming holidays or birthdays. The cables and the handles don’t take up much space, are easy to transport and even come with their own bag.

On the downside, a few reviews mention that the resistance on the cables isn’t the best you’ll find on the market, and the lack of instructions can cause a few minor problems, but overall you shouldn’t have any real troubles. The door attachment could also be better, but if you take care of it, it will work just fine.


Pros

  • + Versatile
  • + Great for training and rehabilitation
  • + Easy to carry around

Cons

  • − Door attachment can break

Lifeline Fitness Ankle and Wrist Attachments

Lifeline Fitness Ankle and Wrist Attachments Lifeline Fitness Ankle and Wrist Attachments
star 9.9

Best Small Gift for Home Gym

  • Type: Ankle and wrist attachments for resistance training
  • Great for: Home training
  • Shipping/returns: Free shipping over $30 and 60-day returns
$20.99
Visit Site Back To List

These ankle and wrist attachments make for awesome Christmas gifts for athletes, especially those that already have a well-stocked home gym.

The attachments use Lifeline’s patented technology, have interchangeable attachments, and enable users to increase or decrease peak resistance anywhere from 10 lbs to 100 lbs.

Using the attachment with cables allows for targeting of upper- and lower-body muscles, together with the core. 

The attachments are all adjustable, providing a flexible yet secure fit that features extra padding for more comfortable training sessions. They are perfect for targeting hard-to-train muscles and isolating muscle groups.

Overall, it’s a great product, but just keep in mind that these are only attachments: they will easily fit cables you may already have but don’t come with any themselves.

Some reviews also say that bands can get stuck in the handles, and getting them out can be a hassle.

Other than that, the attachments are superb fitness tools, especially as gifts for student athletes who can’t visit their regular gyms due to the COVID-19 pandemic.


Pros

  • + Durable
  • + Great for any athlete
  • + Easy on the fingers and joints

Cons

  • − Comes without resistance bands

ProsourceFit High Density Speckled Foam Roller

ProsourceFit High Density Speckled Foam Roller ProsourceFit High Density Speckled Foam Roller
star 9.8

Key Features

  • Type: Foam roller
  • Great for: Rehabilitation, injury prevention
  • Shipping/returns: Free shipping over $49 and 30-day returns
$14.99
Visit Site Back To List

Most professional trainers and sports health experts agree that the key to a healthy and injury-free sports career starts with prevention. With that in mind, here’s another handy gift idea that’s often overlooked both by professionals and recreational athletes.

Foam rollers can also make great gifts for senior athletes or anyone else who needs relief from back pain and muscle tension. They are great for core exercises, too.

Regular use of foam rollers helps eliminate trigger points and improves flexibility, too.

Lightweight and convenient, these handy little tools can go a long way in helping you rehabilitate your injuries, relax your muscles, and prevent future problems from happening.

They can be especially helpful for athletes who are into strength sports like CrossFit, Olympic weightlifting, or powerlifting.

One flaw of this particular model, according to some reviewers, is that it has very little give and feels hard on the back if you aren’t already experienced with foam rollers. There are different size options, but the resistance is always the same, so it may not be one of the best Christmas gifts for athletes if this is a problem.


Pros

  • + Great for injury prevention and recovery
  • + Works core muscles
  • + Easy to store

Cons

  • − A bit less flexible, according to some reviewers

Lifeline Hex Rubber Dumbbell Fitness Training Weight Set

Lifeline Hex Rubber Dumbbell Fitness Training Weight Set Lifeline Hex Rubber Dumbbell Fitness Training Weight Set
star 9.7

Best Gift for Bodybuilders

  • Type: Hex dumbbells
  • Great for: Home and commercial gym use
  • Shipping/returns: Free shipping over $30 and 60-day returns
$353.99
Visit Site Back To List

If you plan to pull out the “big guns” this holiday season, this fantastic set of dumbbells is definitely worth a look. These anti-roll hex dumbbells come with durable rubber covers which help protect the floor, making them ideal for home gyms.

The high-quality set comes with several weights, weighing from 5 lbs to 50 lbs in 5 lb increments. This helps maximize gains while maintaining proper form, as the trainee can choose the correct weight for each exercise and fitness level.

Great for a wide array of exercises, dumbbell sets aren’t only for bodybuilders or powerlifters. They can also be the best gifts for young athletes who need to fix minor muscle imbalances or professional sports players who need to put on some extra bulk in a relatively short time.

There are some downsides, too. For one, space can be an issue, as these weights can take up a lot of room. Furthermore, this isn’t a professional set aimed at bodybuilders, who would need heavier weights and consider these *lightweight”. That said, these weights will make a fantastic gift for less hardcore fitness lowers who have the storage space to house them.


Pros

  • + Great for football players and home athletes
  • + Improves strength and adds muscle mass
  • + Hexagonal shape and rubber covering

Cons

  • − Set might be “too light” for powerlifters

ProsourceFit Tao Yoga Mat

ProsourceFit Tao Yoga Mat ProsourceFit Tao Yoga Mat
star 9.7

Best Gift for Yoga Enthusiasts

  • Type: Yoga mat
  • Great for: Home use, yoga studios
  • Shipping/returns: Free shipping over $49 and 30-day returns
$24.99
Visit Site Back To List

The best Christmas gifts for athletes can be the simplest ones. If your partner’s into yoga and needs a new mat, how about one with a unique flair to it?

The ProsourceFit Tao yoga mat was inspired by Taoist breathing exercises and stretching exercises, so it definitely looks a bit different compared to your traditional models.

Great for enhancing mental, spiritual, and physical well-being, this 3/16-inch thick mat is easy to roll up and carry around. It also sports an eco-friendly design, without any harmful toxins, and is durable and stable enough for even the most demanding exercises. The mat also comes with moisture and odor-resistant, non-slip coating.

User reviews for this mat are generally very positive, praising the unique design and durability. Some reviewers found it a bit slippery, and for others, it wasn’t as comfortable as they’d hoped.

That said, comfort is a pretty subjective category. Even the best gifts for athletes and yoga enthusiasts can work perfectly for one person and not at all for another. Luckily, ProsourceFit gives 30-day returns, so you can easily return the mat if there are any problems.


Pros

  • + 5 mm thickness
  • + Eco-friendly
  • + Unique design

Cons

  • − Some users find the mat slippery

ProsourceFit Power Tower

ProsourceFit Power Tower ProsourceFit Power Tower
star 9.6

Best Gift for Gym Owners

  • Type: Exercise station
  • Great for: Home use, gym use
  • Shipping/returns: Free shipping over $49 and 30-day returns
$169.99
Visit Site Back To List

The ProsourceFit Power Tower is an excellent gift for anyone looking for an all-in-one set for doing all of the most popular upper body exercises.

Suitable as a pull-up-and-push-up bar and dip stand, this workstation will be ideal for anyone working on their upper body strength.

Back and arm rests have a 1.5-inch thick foam coating, making workouts much more comfortable and ensuring a firm grip.

The station’s very durable and features a heavy-duty steel frame, capable of holding up to 330 lbs. It also has seven different adjustable height levels and dip handles that can be put into four different positions. It’s a fantastic gift for just about anyone looking to buff up. The size could be a problem, though, especially if you are looking for the best gifts for young athletes residing in dorms or having otherwise limited living space.

That said, it’s a fantastic and long-lasting gift for anyone who has the space for it.


Pros

  • + Sturdy and versatile tool
  • + Long-lasting build
  • + No weights needed

Cons

  • − Takes up a fair bit of space

Lifeline Jungle Gym V3

Lifeline Jungle Gym V3 Lifeline Jungle Gym V3
star 9.5

Most Versatile Workout Gift for Athletes

  • Type: Resistance training equipment
  • Great for: Home gym use, use in commercial gyms
  • Shipping/returns: Free shipping over $30 and 60-day returns
$159.99
Visit Site Back To List

Resistance training equipment will always be one of the better gifts for college athletes. Why? It’s very useful for a variety of exercises but takes very little space and can fit even inside the tiniest dorm rooms. 

Take the Jungle Gym V3 from Lifeline, for example. It makes the shift from body weight to resistance training a breeze by combining both systems in one piece of equipment. Allowing almost endless exercise options and body movements, the V3 comes with a special split anchor design that enables trainees to adjust the length and width of the system quickly.

The secure buckle enhances safety, and the easy strap adjustments will allow seamless exercise transitions. The V3 is among the best gift options on the market. It’s secure, easy to handle, easy to store, and can be used wherever, whenever. 

But even the best gifts for athletes aren’t perfect for everyone. Olympic weightlifters, strongmen, powerlifters, and even serious bodybuilders will probably prefer more specialized equipment like lifting belts, squatting sleeves, or lifting shoes. That said, if you are a highly portable set of resistance training equipment that’s suitable for most athletes, the Lifeline Jungle Gym V3 is a fantastic option.


Pros

  • + Versatile
  • + Easy to store
  • + 2 in 1 workout system

Cons

  • − Professional weightlifters may need more specialized equipment

Natural Fitness ROAM Folding Yoga Mat with Non-Slip Traction and Carry Bag

Natural Fitness ROAM Folding Yoga Mat with Non-Slip Traction and Carry Bag Natural Fitness ROAM Folding Yoga Mat with Non-Slip Traction and Carry Bag
star 9.5

Best Yoga Mat with Carry Bag

  • Type: Yoga mat
  • Great for: Home use, use in a yoga studio
  • Shipping/returns: Free shipping over $30 and 60-day returns
$31.99
Visit Site Back To List

When looking for birthday gifts for athletes, accessories can be a great, low-cost option. Sweatbands for tennis players, lifting shoes for powerlifters, and similar products won’t break the bank but will help anyone serious about their training regime.

As such, a new yoga mat is pretty much always a great idea. It just so happens that we have a fantastic model from Natural Fitness to present here. The ROAM is a folding yoga mat that measures 24’’ by 69’’ and comes with a carry bag made from recycled materials. It’s 3 millimeters thick and features non-slip traction, so it’s both easy to carry and stable once put on the floor. 

The mat is made from an innovative material that the manufacturer states is healthier both for the user and the environment compared to most standard PVC foam options. 

Reviewers agree that having a mat you can easily carry around is a great concept, although some found it a bit hard on the knees. It’s probably one of the best gifts for female athletes and yoga enthusiasts out there who are looking to stay fit while traveling a lot.


Pros

  • + Carry bag
  • + Folding mat
  • + Unique material that’s healthier than PVC

Cons

  • − Some users find it hard on the knees

ProsourceFit Stability Exercise Ball

ProsourceFit Stability Exercise Ball ProsourceFit Stability Exercise Ball
star 9.4

Best Gift Idea for Home

  • Type: Exercise ball
  • Great for: Home use, gym use
  • Shipping/returns: Free shipping over $49 and 30-day returns
$16.99
Visit Site Back To List

Are you looking for a fun and deceptively simple exercise tool? Consider the ProsourceFit exercise ball. It helps develop the core muscles, improves balance, posture, and even overall strength. Thanks to its anti-burst technology, the ball is sturdy enough to withstand regular at-home, studio, or even gym workouts.

It’s not limited to newbies, though: even veteran athletes can use it for rehabilitation purposes or specific core strength exercises.

This durable exercise ball can add a new flavor to any workout, and the included foot air pump and extra air plug make inflating it a breeze. This makes it highly portable, as it’s super quick to deflate and inflate again in a pinch.

Sure enough, such exercise balls can make the best gifts for high school athletes who need to improve their core muscles and posture. Most user reviews mention that the ball does a great job for that purpose.

Speaking of user reviews, the only real complaints we found were regarding the ball’s durability and the fact that some people received smaller or larger models than they ordered. In terms of functionality, though, people were generally very pleased.


Pros

  • + Activates core muscles
  • + Improves posture and balance
  • + Easy to inflate and deflate

Cons

  • − Could be more durable

Lifeline Kettlebells

Lifeline Kettlebells Lifeline Kettlebells
star 9.3

Best Gifts for Crossfit

  • Type: Kettlebell weights
  • Great for: Home use, gym use
  • Shipping/returns: Free shipping over $30 and 60-day returns
$32.74
Visit Site Back To List

If you’re looking to surprise someone who’s into CrossFit, check out the Lifeline Kettlebells. These premium-level weights are made with virgin iron ore formed into a single-piece casting that will ensure a solid, wobble-free surface.

It’s one of the best gifts for high school athletes looking to combine cardio and muscle-building exercises and anyone who wishes to improve their strength and coordination.

The weights are great for a wide variety of exercises, including rows, presses, squats, stretches, swings and snatches.

These weights are fantastic in any setting, from the simplest home gyms to the most well-stocked commercial gyms. Our only beef is that you’ll have to buy each weight individually, and there are no discounts for getting a set.


Pros

  • + Superior build quality
  • + Supports a wide variety of exercises
  • + Combines strength and cardio training

Cons

  • − Doesn’t come in sets

Finding Gifts for Athletes

Buying a gift for a sporty person doesn’t always need to be related to their hobby. For a guy, you can always shop for the best watches for men, while gifts for female athletes can be something fancy like a nice perfume. That said, getting them something topical like the best hiking boots is something that sporty people are sure to appreciate.

With that in mind, let’s look at how best to approach finding a perfect gift for the sporty person in your life.

Check out the obvious options first.

If you want to get something that will fit an athlete’s lifestyle, you can always choose classic “sporty” gifts, which will work but may feel a bit impersonal. Sports shoes, sportswear, water bottles, inspirational books, autobiographies of famous athletes, sports watches, and other smart wearables could all make excellent if not the most personalized presents.

Do your research.

Even after thinking about the most obvious gift ideas, it’s still a good idea to go online and take a look at what sports shops offer. Look for blogs and tips on the subject, read reviews, and so on. This way, you will better grasp the market and might even get some new ideas.

Consider the gift recipient’s fitness level…

If you aim to get the best gifts for athletes, make sure to buy something that will correspond with their experience level. For instance, if you want to surprise your nephew with a golf club, you’ll probably want to buy something designed for beginners, as a professional club will be much harder for them to use.

…but also their personal needs.

One of your best bets is to sniff around. Ask the person’s friend/parent/partner/child what they are currently missing when it comes to sports gear. Chances are, they will give you several options right off the bat. Maybe they need to get new shoes, a better workout shirt, or a new set of hockey pucks. 

If the person’s needs fit your budget, you’ve just found the perfect gift – just make sure it’s not something cheap and low-quality, as no one likes a gift that will break or wear out in a couple of weeks.

Consider the age of the person getting the gift.

Buying a gift for a senior athlete in his or her golden years will be pretty different from getting something for your professional bodybuilder friend. The same goes for other age brackets, too: young children will require different gear compared to teenagers, for example.

Pick something for them, not for yourself.

A lot of people make the mistake of buying a gift that they would really like to receive. We don’t need to explain the problem with this logic – you are not buying the gift for yourself, after all.

Also, trying to “improve” their taste or make them “see things your way” are terrible ideas when it comes to gifts.

Long story short, buy something that they will like, even if you think that it’s a poor choice. After all, they are the ones getting the gift, not you.

Keep your budget in mind.

The best gifts for athletes aren’t necessarily the most expensive ones. Sure, high-quality sports gear can be costly, but at the end of the day, the idea here is to give the person something that makes them happy. Do your research, establish a budget, and make sure to buy something that will be meaningful to that person while not doing a number on your finances.

If what would make them happy is on the expensive side but still within your budget, go with it. Just don’t feel pressured to over-spend, and think about creative or personalized gift ideas that might work just as well, instead.

Consider available space.

If you plan to buy a larger gift (like a dumbbell set or even a sizeable squat rack), think about whether the gift recipient will have room to store it. Don’t get us wrong, these are great gifts for athletes, but they will be of little use to someone who has limited living space.

Don’t forget about taste.

When buying a gift for someone, you should not only consider their needs but preferences as well. Sure, someone may need new sports shoes or a set of training gloves, but they may have specific tastes in that regard. Fashion may not be your first thought when buying sports gear, but it pays to consider it when buying sports clothing or shoes, at least. The same goes for many other gifts, too: someone may prefer weights made from specific materials or yoga mats made from recyclable materials.

FAQ

What is a good gift for an athlete?

This will largely depend on who the person is and what sports they are into.

That said, there are a couple of “go-to” options that will work as generic but welcome gifts, no matter the sport or fitness level of the person receiving the gift. Water bottles, workout clothes, sports watches, towels, and sports socks are always good if somewhat uninspired ideas.

What do you buy an athletic person for Christmas?

Again, it will depend on the person, the sports they play, and their preferences. Maybe they need a pair of new wireless earbuds, “essential” for their workouts or jogging sessions. Perhaps, their running shoes are starting to fall apart, and they would like to get a new pair before the new season starts.

Whatever the case is, most of the time, your best bet is to ask them.

What to get a guy who loves football?

There are tons of ideas. A new ball, a jersey of their favorite player, a football keychain or mug, or even professional football gear such as shin protectors – all of these can make for great and valuable gifts for a football fan.

Conclusion

There you have it. In our book, these are the best gifts for athletes for the upcoming holiday season. However, every person has their preferences, so it’s best to think of these as a rough guideline than a definitive list of must-have gifts that you shouldn’t deviate from. If you’ve found something on our list that you want to buy, do let us know – we love to hear from our readers!

If not, we hope that we have at least given you a few cool gift ideas to get you started.

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Szabolcs Szecsei

With over a decade of experience in writing and two decades in making music, Szabolcs is all ears when it comes to creating written and audio content. As an active touring/recording musician and creative writer, he focuses on exploring new places, experiences, and topics. He also rediscovered his long lost love for gaming, which only fueled his appetite to research new tech trends. Lastly, his enthusiasm toward powerlifting also means that he's trying to be well-versed in other topics too, such as lifestyle, fitness, resistance training, bodybuilding, and strength sports.

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