31 Best Fitness Gifts for Men (For All Types of Fitness Lovers)

If you have a man in your life that’s into fitness, then this complete guide to fitness gifts for men is going to come in real handy! It includes everything from small treats to splurges to make that special guy in your life happy.

The ladies get A LOT of attention around here, but that doesn’t mean I’m not thinking about you gentlemen!

My husband has been a fantastic gear tester for many years with his time running, hiking and mountain biking, so lucky you we whipped up a great list of fitness gifts for men.

Part of our current lives is enjoying every outdoorsy, nook, cranny, and crag that Colorado has to offer, which has given him a wide range of gear to test over the years. And of course, I created an equally awesome best workout gifts for her list!

This is why I’ve only included absolutely tried and tested options so that you know your money won’t go wasted.

I’ve tried to break this down in to sections, not by price, but rather by need:

• Running Gifts for Him
• General Fitness Gifts for Men
• Gifts for Gym Rats
• Gifts for Yogi’s
• Swimming Gifts for Him
• Gifts for Hikers
• Cycling Gifts for Him
• Christmas Gifts for His Stocking

Gifts For Runners Who Are Men

Since I’ve done a deep dive on gifts for runners, I’m not going to rehash that here. BUT that doesn’t mean I didn’t think of a few things I left out of other articles!

We all need a little motivation boost from time to time, and these gifts are perfect for that. I love these types of gifts because it shows that you’re thinking ahead and it means they think of you often!

1.  Neutral Running Shoes – On Cloudmonster >>

Best Gift For: All Kinds of Runners, Walkers

The On Cloudmonster is a great neutral running shoe with a nice amount of cushion! This makes it a great shoe for anyone who is starting to run or already running.

It’s cushioned enough for great comfort, and although it’s considered ‘max cushioned’ it’s not so much that you lack stability when running.

However, in addition to the comfort provided by the cushion, it also features cutting-edge technology, a lightweight frame, and an energy-efficient springboard to ensure a steady and natural bounce with each step.

This Swiss brand has been getting better and better over the years, and in 2022 they released the OnCloud Monster, it’s been one of the best fitness shoes around since then!

Another interesting thing about these shoes is that the company claims the latest technology used in these shoes results in the perfect level of energy responsiveness and cushioning that can actually decrease the heart rate of runners!

So if you truly want workout gift ideas for him, this option is great and they’ll love trying these incredibly popular shoes that are a bit more stylish as well!

2.Cool Weather Running Tights – Lululemon Surge Hybrid Pant ($128)

Listen up gents, you don’t have to wear shorts and freeze to death in the winter. It does not in fact make you a better runner. David was thrilled with this addition to his wardrobe because he spends summer mountain biking, that means his runs are going to happen when it’s cold outside.

• I really like that there are length options with the hybrid and jogger
• Great running pants for taller men
• Back pocket for phone
• Jogger style pant — ideal for someone like David who doesn’t really want to wear men’s running tights
• Good for cool days, but not the super cold winter runs

3. GPS Running Watch – Garmin 265 ($449)

After testing this watch, I’m actually ready to start changing my recommendation for a lot of runners from the Forerunner 55 to the 265. This AMOLED display is insane and the watch features really are a step up from the entry level watch.

It’s the watch I am asked most about when sharing photos and the one I’m using about 80% of the time right now. The other 20% is my Garmin Enduro on trail runs.

This watch is going to have EVERYTHING a runner needs and should last them for many, many happy years! I’ve found the battery life to be incredible, the screens easy to manage and the data accurate.

You can ready my full Garmin 265 review >>

If they’re newer to the sport, checkout my entry level recommendation below to save some $$$.

The great new is that both watches are fantastic, it just comes down to a better display and a few upgrades on this one.

4. Best Lifetime Gift – 1-1 Run Coaching ($165/month)

Sometimes all you need is that personalized program to reach your goals and beat your PR!

If you have a runner in your life that seems to have plateaued and can’t find the motivation to run, or feel a bit lost, then one-on-one coaching is something that they’re going to thank you for!

Many runners feel that just because they’re not professional athletes, they probably don’t deserve (or need) personalized, customized training programs. But, as a running coach, I’m here to tell you that’s absolutely not true!

Every single runner at every stage of their journey can benefit from some one-on-one coaching.

So if you’re truly looking to make the runner in your life feel special, gift them a month of 1-1 coaching, and don’t forget to record their reaction when you gift it to them! A few years ago the husband of one of my now athletes emailed to say he knew she wanted it but would never sign up on her own, so we did it for her!

5. Swiftwick Aspire Zero Socks – ($38 for 3)

You’ve probably seen the logo for Swiftwick in tons of my travel running photos and it’s because I can wear these socks for multiple days in a row and they’ll repeatedly pass the sniff test!

This means less to pack and I can take off my shoes on the plane without fear thanks to their Olefin fiber. It’s all along the footbed and helps wick moisture and dries quickly.

These are very thin socks, which means they won’t be best for those who want some cushion, but are definitely the ones you want if you’re looking for breathability and ventilation.

Fitness Gifts for Men

This men’s fitness gift guide is for those of you like me who have a man in your lives that may not need or ask for anything, but whom you sometimes just want to shower with goodies from small treats to splurges.

From cheaper options starting at $12 all the way up to higher-end products, this guide has something for everyone! I’ll dive in to some sport specific things later.

6. Running Cooling Performance Shirt Mission ($34)

In the hot days it can be grueling to workout with a heavy sweaty shirt. Mission shirts are designed to help quickly evaporate sweat and in my experience makes it more comfortable to run because you don’t have a sticky, heavy shirt you are running in. These shirts help keep your body temperature cool and offer UPF sun protection as well.

 

7. UA Men’s Tech Workout Shirt ($18)

Best gift for: all fitness enthusiasts

Women have so many options when it comes to workout t-shirts, but sometimes finding a good one to gift to a special man in your life can be tricky especially if you’re not looking for the generic ones out there.

It’s the perfect workout t-shirt for all kinds of activities, but is still casual enough to run errands in! There are absolutely more expensive options and we’ve tested those too. But for the price point, these always do the job.

This shirt is antimicrobial, moisture-wicking, ultra-lightweight, and quick drying. Perfect for going directly from the couch to the gym!

This perfectly sweat-wicking shirt is great for just about anyone into fitness, and trust me he’ll thank you for it!

8. Workout Shorts – Nathan Sports Men’s Essential Shorts ($60)

Best gift for: anyone needing to carry a phone while working out

Speaking out fitness apparel, every man who’s into fitness needs a good pair of shorts that are reliable and comfortable. And when it comes to that, these Nathan Sports shorts are all of that and more!

These shorts are incredibly soft, stretchy, and comfortable making them the perfect option for just about everyone. David particularly loves these because of the handy phone pocket that he hasn’t seen in any other shorts he’s ever come across.

It even comes with a stay-put waistband which keeps it in place regardless of the exercise he’ll be doing, making it perfect for running, cycling, or any other workout activities.

Checkout our full list of best men’s running shorts >>

9. Men’s Skin Care – Tiege Hanley Mens Skin Care ($85)

Yup, it’s time to introduce him to an actual system designed to help prevent dry skin, exfoliate that old skin (yes we need this more as we age), and some bars to really scrub away the dirt from the trails.

Men’s skincare products serve as a thoughtful and practical gift for men who are committed to regular workouts. Intense physical activity often leaves the skin in need of special care and recovery. But we don’t want to get him just any old thing, we want stuff that’s good for his skin and health long term.

Beyond the physical benefits, skincare routines offer a sense of self-care and confidence. Men who work out often appreciate the rejuvenating experience of well-chosen skincare products, and they can help in preventing signs of aging, maintaining clear skin, and ensuring a polished appearance.

10. Basic Entry Level Fitness Tracker – Garmin Forerunner 55 ($149)

 Best gift for: Entry level runners and those starting a fitness routine

I’m sure you were wondering when a fitness tracker would pop up on the list because, of course, this truly is one of the most popular options when considering fitness gifts for men.

While many feel that an Apple Watch or Fitbit tracker might be a good option, consider the Garmin Forerunner 55 instead!

It’s the perfect fitness gift for any fitness lover in your life, especially someone that’s just starting out and needs to track things better.

It is lightweight and also features a high-resolution color display, all at an incredibly good price. GPS is definitely one of the best features of this watch, as it allows you to monitor not only your pace but also your distance and intervals.

Even with sweaty palms, the simple button interface allows you to pause the timer or mark a lap during a run. Even better, the watch offers useful controls for your phone’s music, allowing you to listen to music while running.

This watch also includes a number of wellness tracking features for tracking daily sleep, distance, calories burned, and steps. You can also calibrate your treadmill runs to ensure accurate results.

It’s truly an incredible device featuring high-quality sensors and great battery life, making it the perfect watch that can help just about anyone track their fitness goals better.

It even comes with some handy smartwatch features like receiving notifications of incoming phone calls and texts right on your wrist while running. This is, seriously, one of the best gifts you can buy!

11. Casual Shoes – On Cloud 5 ($140)

Best gift for: Anyone who wants a comfortable shoe for casual days.

One of the best things about both of using enjoying fitness is that on vacation I know we’re going to be active. That means a lot of walking around and for both of us that means trying to find shoes that look nice, but also feel great.

Breathable with new materials, antimicrobial mesh, light in weight, and their famous speed lacing system that makes it easy to just slip these on and go.

Vegan leather, with their trademark cushioning and old school style create a shoe that will be comfortable for everyday.

Gifts for Weightlifters

What to get a gym rat for Christmas?? For all your strength training and weight-lifting friends out there, these gifts will make their day! All are incredibly versatile and will make working out even more fun for them.

12. Adjustable Dumbbells – Bowflex 552 Adjustable Dumbbells ($429)

Best gift for: anyone working on building their strength

Can we be honest and say this is really a gift that I want us to have?? We went with a different brand and quickly found they are much harder to adjust, lesson learned.

If you know any fitness lover that’s looking to build a home gym, then this has got to be the best gift you can get them! Having tested out a few different brands, this is the one we recommend.

This particular set is really nice for a few reasons:

• Each dumbbell can be adjusted from 5 to 52lbs
• Saves a ton of space
• I like the rubber in the middle of the handle
• Currently includes a 1-year membership to their online platform to give you tons of workouts

They’re really high-quality, making them a great gift even for Christmas. These adjustable dumbbells will truly be the perfect addition to anyone’s home gym, especially those looking to do some strength training to build muscles.

13. Heavy Lifting – Quick Locking Weight Lifting Belt ($29)

There are a ton of workout gifts for him that could fall in to this heavy lifting category, including gloves, wrist straps and knee sleeves. But this is a great place to start!

This is going to provide that additional core and lower back support for olympic lifting. Plus the neoprene is comfortable and with the quick lock it’s easy to use, so there’s no excuses to skip putting it on. Available in a variety of colors and from XS to XXL, you’ll be able to find the right fit.

14. Cross Training Workouts – Slam Ball ($18-50)

Unlike medicine balls, slam balls are designed for throwing or slamming in to the ground. They allow us to have a combo strength and high intensity workout session.

Available in a variety of weights to suit the user, these area durable rubber ball filled with sand or gel.

Shoot you may just want one for days where you have some leftover work frustrations to workout.

15. Liven Up Party Time –  Kettlebell Bottle Opener ($27)

Fitness gifts for men don’t all have to be used in the gym. This on is just a fun idea for something different!

It may cost as much as some of the pieces of workout equipment listed, but might bring a bigger smile. So really it’s all about the end goal of your gift. :)

You can even level it up by getting it personalized for another $13.

16. Gym Bag – Patagonia Black Hole Duffle ($159)

With all the things he needs to not just lift, but change from work or to head out, a gym bag is always a go to gift.  I know it’s pricey, but this bag has been consistently rated one of the top choices. Plus we know that Patagonia gear literally will last until he decides to stop going to the gym all together!

Made of recycled materials, the padded straps also allow it to be worn as a backpack and I’ve found many friends who end up using it as their travel bag.

With a zippered pocket for shoes or sweaty gear it helps keeps things separated and clean.

Available in 3 sizes, the largest is shown above, but unnecessary for most gym lovers.

17. Efficient Cardio – Rechargeable Cordless Jump rope ($18)

I selected this one specifically because you can use it with or without the actual rope. There are so many benefits to jumping roping for quick cardio, but tripping and falling is our least favorite. Plus sometimes you don’t want to hear that slap of the rope, so now you can do the workout sans rope.

The handles are designed to count the jumps and all data goes in to an app for review. So you can have it set to a timer, to count up or to count down.

18. Post Workout Fuel – Core Power ($43 for a pack of 12)

No shaker cup needed!!!  This is our go to for travel and trail days because it doesn’t need to be refrigerated and is already mixed. No chalky taste, it’s really like the chocolate milk so many love for recovery.

Core Power’s protein comes from ultra-filtered milk, which gives you the high-quality, complete protein you need to support recovery. This ready-to-drink vanilla protein shake has 26 (or 42) grams of high-quality protein without any powders added so the texture is smooth and creamy.

It’s lactose free, which makes it a big win for my stomach. And especially during the summer, I’ll go through one of the 42 gram elite drinks per day as I drink some post run and use more in my cereal for an evening snack. It’s a delicious way to get in my protein!!

Gifts For Hikers (and Trail Runners)

All right my outdoorsy friends, let’s keep going with our ideas for what to get the guy who never wants anything. Many of these would apply to trail runners and mountain bikers as well. Fitness is a cross over!

19. Hydration Pack – Ultimate Direction Men’s Mountain Vest 5.0 ($156)

Best gift for: Spending long amount of time outdoors hiking, biking or running

If you know someone who’s into fitness, then you know that they need to stay hydrated during those sweaty workout sessions. This is especially true for runners, cyclists, or anyone that’s out and about for hours!

That’s where a hydration pack comes in handy! And it’s the perfect gift for any marathon runner you know.

This vest doesn’t initially come with a hydration bladder, but any UD bladder works so after adding that it’s made for a great day hiking pack. Instead, this one includes two hydration flasks which I like because you can put water in one and electrolytes in the other!

Just enough room for a couple of layers, the iPhone for Instagram sharing, Kind bars, Perky jerky, and any other essentials you’ll ever need.  This also has good holders for poles or ice picks for you more adventurous types.

Check out my complete list of hydration pack recommendations to find other options.

20. CEP Cold Weather Pants – ($99)

Snowshoeing has become one of our favorite things to do in the Colorado Winters, but that has also meant adding some gear to our wardrobe. So whether you’re just out for some cold weather hikes or are looking for something for winter fun, these have been a great addition.

They are both water repellent and wind resistant, which makes them more comfortable in a variety of conditions. Plus they’re wicking while remaining plenty warm.

Full disclosure these are waiting to be wrapped and I’m just hoping he hasn’t seen this article!

21. Workout Socks – Injinji Trail Socks ($17)

Best gift for: anyone who deals with blisters, trail runners or mountain bikers

Turns out David and I are both very picky sock people. I can’t abide any seams along my toes and he can’t stand socks that let pebbles in while he’s on the trails. And that’s where Injinji comes in!

Injinji is an incredible company based in California that has the best, most comfortable, and unique five-toe sock design on the market!

The five-toe design helps in many ways but the main benefit is that your toes can naturally spread out as a result, giving you stability and a sure footing on any uneven ground you come across.

David also discovered that these toe socks help to prevent blisters by putting a little more cushion between each toe.

So whether that special man in your life is a runner, hiker, or adventure enthusiast, they’re going to absolutely love these socks!

22. Plant Based Protein Bars – Aloha Bars

Listen we gotta keep that hydration pack stocked to avoid energy crashes and hunger! This option avoids any allergies and tastes soooooo good.

One of my favorite bar brands is the plant-based Aloha Bar. These bars are nutrient-dense with at least 14 grams of protein and healthy fats to help fuel your body. The bars are low in sugar, gluten-free, certified vegan, USDA Organic, and Non-GMO Project verified. Another plus is the sheer number of flavors.

The plant-based protein is a blend of brown rice protein and pumpkin seed protein. The bars are also dairy- and soy-free.

If you’ve never had these before, I suggest the sample pack where you can select 6 flavors to try. You’ll get 2 of each flavor for a 12-bar package.

Aloha also offers mini bars with 6 grams of protein, protein drinks with 20 grams of protein and prebiotics, and protein powders with 18 grams of protein. You can bundle and save with packages of drinks and bars.

Cycling Gifts for Him

I could have labeled this gifts for mountain bikers because that’s what we have a lot of around this house. But I do hereby swear most are good for all cyclists.

23. Best Bike Rack for those Expensive Bikes  – Thule T 2 Pro ($799)

Know someone who loves cycling? Then they’ve probably mentioned to you how tricky it can be to transport your bike! And when that much cash has been laid down for a bike, you absolutely don’t want to see if flying off the back ans you motor down the highway.

Our new SUV needed a rack so we could stop throwing the bike in the back and this one wins the day!

David did a ton of research and while this rack is more than others, it ensures that our bikes aren’t banging into each other, it’s stable and feels secure for long hauls to new trails.

We’ve now used it for a few years and it’s held up extremely well and kept that very expensive mountain bike in good shape. So I’ll highly recommend it as the perfect birthday or Christmas gift for the cyclist in your life.

24. MTB Cycling Shoes – Pearl Izumi Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes ($150)

Best gift for: Mountain bikers

Speaking of cycling, for mountain bikers, these are absolutely the best clip-in shoes! Which means they can go faster, having more power in every pedal stroke.

The clips are level with the bottom of the shoe, making it easy to walk around in these, unlike a regular road cycling shoe.

David also isn’t the spandex-wearing rider, so this is more in line with his personal style while still having all the functions of being lightweight, comfortable, and breathable.

25. Entry Level Bike Computer – Bryton Rider 420E ($160)

Best gift for: any cyclist

Easily mounting to the handle bars this cyclometer doesn’t just show distance, it also allows you to import a map for navigation!!!

Since David is still learning the trails out here, we have a lot of hour long detours where I’m running around wondering where he’s at…no more! Data can also be quickly synced to Strava for keeping track of rides and of course a little competition.

His favorite feature I was informed of at the moment is seeing the elevation, then he knows how much further he has to ride up before he gets to tear down!

26. Best Data Tracker – Garmin Edge 840 ($449)

It’s not surprise that my running brain would want to find a way to track data about cycling. But what I have actually found more interesting about this set up is the ability to use maps.

The 2.6 inch touchscreen is really easy to see and use.

Whether you’re road or trail biking, it’s a huge help to have a screen in front of you helping to point the way so you don’t have to stop as frequently for wayfinding. The bright colorful screen is easy to read and you can download courses ahead of time to ensure the data is most up to date.

Whether you want to look at power and watts or things like total air time, this device has you covered!!

The Edge 540 is a few dollars cheaper because it is not touchscreen, but that’s about the only difference. Meanwhile the 1040 is  a little pricier with a much bigger screen and longer battery life.

 

Yoga Gifts for Him

If he’s not already in to yoga, this might be the year that you convince him. As more of my friends (and husband) hit their 40’s they’ve realized that some time spent working on flexibility and balance is a must to avoid injury.

27. Yoga Mat – Manduka Yoga Mat ($108)

Best for: anyone into yoga (or needing to stretch more!)

If you have a yogi in your life, then this is going to be one of the best gifts you can ever give them. Manduka is an incredible brand that’s truly top-notch, making it a great option for gifts.

The yoga mat offers incredible traction and quality that will last for decades. It’s truly something you invest in once and reap the rewards for years to come. It provides exceptional comfort and stability while doing yoga, making it a cult favorite.

Chances are that your yoga friend has heard of Manduka and probably has it on their wish list already! It’s seriously so durable they’ll never get rid of it.

28. Meditation- Headspace App Subscription ($6 per month)

If you want the perfect wellness gift that helps build healthy habits with a focus on mental clarity, this is the gift you’re looking for. When it comes to guided meditation, no app beats Headspace on the market.

Have a super stressed-out loved one in your life? I do. He has major sleep issues and that concerns me on so many levels, which is why I have loved having a subscription to Headspace.

Not only does it have guided meditations, but it has them for a variety of topics. Meditation has been proven to have a ton of health benefits, and I’ve found that from experience too.

I realize I simply feel more productive if I’m selecting one that’s about work productivity or mental thoughts for athletic performance. And as noted they also have a number designed around sleep which can help when you wake up with that racing mind.

29. Sweat Collection – Nomadix Yoga Towel ($39)

A yoga towel makes an excellent gift for yoga practitioners due to its versatility and practical benefits. These towels enhance hygiene by acting as a barrier between the practitioner and the yoga mat, making them particularly useful in shared studio settings.

They also offer improved grip and sweat absorption, ensuring stability and comfort during the practice. Yoga towels are easy to clean, portable, and often come in various stylish designs, allowing for personalization.

Moreover, they can be used for other purposes, such as a travel or beach towel, making them a valuable and thoughtful gift for yoga enthusiasts of all levels.

Gifts for Swimmers

For all the swimmers out there, this section is absolutely perfect for each one of them! These are also great gifts for runners looking into cross-training by swimming!

Maybe we want to swim because it’s amazing exercise or because we’re getting ready for a triathlon. Or perhaps because we fall into that injured runner category and it’s a great way to save our sanity.

Regardless of the reason, if you know someone who’s into swimming, they’ll definitely appreciate these great gifts:

30. Best Waterproof Headphones – Aftershokz Open Swim ($149)

You might be considering gifting a friend some Apple AirPods, but those aren’t the best for swimming. In fact, very few of us have earbuds that are truly made for swimming.

We might sweat in them A LOT, but that’s different than being submerged. Luckily these will meet that demand and be great for running and biking!! The bone conduction means our ears aren’t blocked, so we can always hear what’s happening around us.

They are not however Bluetooth compatible! So I would probably only use them to swim as you have to load what you want to hear onto them.

But since they can be fully submerged and are waterproof, these are truly incredible and will make just about any swimmer super happy!

Bonus points because you can still wear them for running, biking and other activities!

31. Aqua Jogging – Swim Tether ($49)

Whether you have an injured runner who is itching to get moving or a swimmer looking to take things up a notch, pool running can be an intense workout. And yet, allows for lower impact to protect those prone to injury.

If you just need the belt this is a super cheap gift, but if you need a full set up for at home use it’s going to go up to $200.

A swim tether, also known as a swim bungee or swim resistance band, is a versatile piece of swim training equipment that offers numerous advantages for swimmers. It provides a stationary anchor point for swimmers to practice stationary swimming, allowing them to focus on refining their stroke technique, building strength, and enhancing endurance.

Furthermore, they are a convenient and cost-effective option for home training, making them accessible to a wide range of swimmers, including those without access to a full-sized pool.

 

More Workout Gifts for Him

• Gifts under $20 for runners
• Fitness gadget gifts -When They Love Tech!
• Trail Runner Gift Ideas
• 35 Best Fitness Gifts for Her

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