There’s no better gift than spending quality time with loved ones during the holidays, except maybe seeing the joy on their face when you know you’ve nailed the perfect gift. But sometimes (and I can attest to this), gift giving can be really stressful! Yeah, it’s the thought that counts so no gift is a bad gift but there’s nothing worse than seeing that frozen smile on someone’s face when they open your present, and say, “Ohhhhhh, how…nice.”
If you’re stumped on gift ideas, and a little worried that it will end up shoved in the back of a closet, keep reading because I’m sharing my top picks for the fitness or cooking enthusiast in your life that will hopefully take the pressure off. These are all products that I personally use and would be thrilled to receive.
Xero Shoes Pro Original
I’ve tried every minimus show brand there is and finally felt like I found “the one” after giving these Xero shoes a try. I now own three pairs and wear them everyday. I’m on my feet all day in the gym and these are the most comfortable minimus shoe, even giving you a little cushion when standing on pavement.
They have everything from runners, trail runners, hiking boots, and even shoes that will work when you have to wear something other than workout shoes.
Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap
The first thing I tell every new client of mine to do, is to buy a Polar heart rate monitor chest strap. It syncs with your phone, tablet or any cardiovascular machine you'll see in a gym. This strap sits on your rib cage, just below your chest and I found it to be the most accurate way to measure your heart rate, unlike the ones you wear on your wrist or bicep. Wearing this heart rate monitor around your chest ensures you’re maximizing your training time instead of just guessing what your heart rate is.
Heart disease is still the number one killer in the US, and cardiovascular training is a crucial piece to improve heart health and longevity, which is why I include it with training for all of my clients. Check out this blog on steady state cardio to see why it all matters and make 2024 the year of heart rate training for someone you love with this gift.
Rogue Echo Bike
Whether you call it an assault bike, fan bike, or “The Crusher of Souls,” there is no better piece of equipment in the gym than the Rogue Echo Bike. This checks every box regardless of it you’re using it for your steady state Zone 2 training or looking to boost that VO2 max. After being in the industry for over 20 years, I can confidently say that Rogue Fitness makes the best equipment period, and if something does go wrong, their customer service will get it fixed ASAP.
Vuori Strato Tech T-Shirts
Even though I wear workout clothes day in and day out (even on date nights), I don’t think I truly appreciated what good quality clothing felt like until I tried Vuori, all because a client gave me a gift card (thanks Mara!)
All of their clothes look super sharp, they have the softest material you’ve ever felt, and they’re reasonably priced compared to other high end athletic leisure wear. My favorite is the Vuori Strato Tech T-Shirts but you can't go wrong with anything you get from there.
I'd recommend signing up on their email list or checking their website during Black Friday because I remember seeing some pretty good discounts last year.
Traeger Pro Pellet Smoker
I’ll be honest, the best thing I’ve purchased this year is a Traeger Pro Pellet Smoker Series 780. Smoking meats and even veggies has expanded my culinary skills and made for some amazing treats for Jen and I to feast on. It’s arguably the easiest way to cook. Just plug it in, load the wood pellets, set the temp, and you’re on your way to being the go-to grilling guy in your neighborhood.
Not sure what to cook? Go to the Traeger website where they have a ton of recipes to get you started. That's where I go and I love how they have recipes organized by what you're cooking.
Al Frugoni Chimichurri Seasoning Mixture
Interesting choice for a gift? Maybe, but it will definitely be unique (and tasty)! If you know me, then you know I’m a sucker for anything vinegar based an Chimichurri's where it's at! Chimichurri is an Argentinian vinegar and fresh herb sauce that usually accompanies cuts of grilled beef. Once I tried it, I couldn’t go without it, it’s SO good! I recommend this Al Frugoni Chimichurri seasoning mixture to whip up a fresh batch with your next grilling session. All you need to do is add olive oil and a little red wine vinegar, and voila… dinner is served!
ThermoPro 4 Probe Digital Cooking Thermometer
I’m guessing you can see a theme here with some of these gift ideas. If you know someone who loves to cook, then you need to gift them a thermometer. And if one thermometer is good, then four must be better! That’s why I love this ThermoPro 4 Probe Digital Cooking Thermometer, it has 4 probes, so you can have 4 different cuts of meats cooking at the same time, and each one will be cooked to the perfect temp. Plus, it connects to your phone via bluetooth so you can continue to entertain guests, watch football, or whatever else you want without overcooking your meat.
Weck Method RMT Ropes
It’s been a little over 5 years since I was introduced to the Weck Method RMT Rope and throughout that time, I have yet to find something that checks so many boxes when it comes to overall wellness.
These ropes are, in my opinion, one of the most addictive and fun ways to move. If you follow my stories on Instagram you'll see me playing around with these all the time and they've quickly become a favorite for my clients.
You may be thinking "how can playing with ropes give you a workout and be fun?" but I can assure you, after just a few minutes of using these, you’ll have a smile on your face and will be grooving to the rhythm of the ropes hitting the ground.
Steals and Deals
Get 10% off when you use code: WMA35
PLUS, I’m throwing in a free video series to show you HOW to use these bad boys.
Click below to grab a pair before they sell out (and they DO sell out!)
BodyHealth Perfect Greens
I’m sure you’ve seen a million ads for green powders lately. Every supplement company out there is slinging this stuff and I get it. Who wants to spend a ton of time and money juicing 50 pounds of fruits and veggies that you then have to make sure you drink it before it goes bad? More power to you if you’re a pro at this but for the rest of us,, there’s BodyHealth Perfect Greens. Our functional medicine doctor recommended this brand and I love that it’s organic, non-GMO, gluten free, dairy free, egg free and vegan.
Jen and I have been using this for the last 6 months and absolutely love it. When you’re sick of drinking plain water all the time, the site of a green juice is amazing, and it tastes good too. A little tip though, the recommended amount is a full scoop but I’d do half with 12 ounces of water. Don’t get me wrong - it tastes great but the full scoop was a wee bit too intense.
ANYTIME, ANYWHERE MOBILITY TRAINING
Looking for a unique gift idea for someone in your life who enjoys being active? Share the gift of an active, pain-free life with any of our online mobility training programs that have helped over 1,000 everyday athletes move, feel and perform at their highest level. Choose from programs designed to target the hips or shoulders, to programs specifically for runners, cyclists or golfers, to so much more. This is a gift that your recipient will thank you for, for years to come.
*A few of these items were found on Amazon so I wanted to be sure to mention that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
ABOUT COACH MATT PIPPIN
Matt is a Strength and Mobility Coach with over 15 years experience in his field and has coached over a thousand professional, collegiate and everyday athletes with the goal to help them move, feel and perform at their highest level. He's incredibly passionate about bringing simple and effective online mobility training programs to everyone who wants to take control of their self care and make lasting change. CLICK HERE to learn more.
Certifications:
NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Level 3: Fascial Stretch Specialist
Level 1: Institute of Motion Health Coach
Certified FRC Mobility Specialist (FRCms)
Level 1 Kinstretch Instructor
Weck Method Qualified