1. APPLE WATCH
Yes, I know. This is an expensive gift, for sure. BUT, I did see Target is going to have it on sale for Black Friday....AND this is an easy way for me to give you my review of the watch for you. (I'm asked a LOT what I think about it)
Pros: My favorite thing about it is that it's basically a mini phone on my wrist. For me, that means I don't always have to have my phone beside me. My phone can be put up (hello phone free hours) and my watch will notify me of texts and calls. I can see if it's important or not on my watch without having to stop what I'm doing to run to see my phone. I answer calls on it, use Siri to help with texts/calls/alarms. I also check the weather several times a day because I have that on my watch's face. (I like knowing the temps when I'm going to be outside) I trained for my half marathon with the watch and ran my race with it. I never ran into any issues. The Fitness Activity tracker/app is great and I like that I can pull up the app on my phone and see more details. I also really like how easy it is to change songs or volume when listening to music on my phone. One of my favorite things, during my half marathon race, was the notifications sent right to my watch through the tracking app the race used. I loved getting updates on my watch and notifications while I was running.
Cons: I have the 1st generation watch and it's not water proof. You're ok washing your hands with it on, but it isn't meant to get wet. Now, however, I know some of the newer releases of the watch are water proof. It's fine for me that it isn't, but it would be nice to keep it on in the shower. The watch/tracker I wore before my watch (Garmin Vivosmart) was 100% water proof and that was a change at first to get used to. Another con for me is that I can't sleep in it without the battery dying. My battery only lasts about a day. I just charge it while I sleep. There's times I'd like to be able to keep it on and use it for my alarm. I like how some watches will buzz you awake without waking up your husband beside you! :) I answer calls on my watch often, but you can't talk for long. The quality isn't good. I just use my watch to answer and then run to grab my phone. I'm always saying "Hey, you're on my watch. Hold on, let me find my phone!"
If you have any specific Apple Watch questions for me, let me know!
2. QALO RING
I feel like one of the OGs with my Qalo ring because I've had mine FOREVER. Like 3-4 years. I got mine back when you only had 2 different shapes/designs to choose from. Now, there are really pretty rings and designs and sizes. Mine is just a thick red one. I love the thinner ones they have now. I love that the Qalo rings are affordable and keep your pretty engagement and wedding rings scratch free while you exercise! I wear my Qalo ring anytime I workout. I even like wearing it running because it's just less to worry about. I bought Ben one last year for Christmas to use in his woodworking shop and in the garage. It keeps his ring scratch free, but it's also safer. If your gold rings get stuck on something, you're at higher risk to injure your finger (remember when Jimmy Fallon did this earlier this year?!) With a Qalo ring, you wouldn't have that problem because it's silicone and it'd give (or break) more.
You don't have to be a runner to benefit from a running belt. Obviously, it's key for runners to carry fuel, your phone, your keys, etc. I have two kinds: one that just has a pouch for my phone and key, and another one that has a phone pouch AND 2 water holders. I wore the water one during my half marathon race! If you aren't a runner, a running belt might be beneficial if you're wanting to keep things on you during your workout. If you don't want to lay your phone down, or wear it on your arm, the running belt is perfect. Again, like the headphones, I got both my running belts on Amazon and just picked ones that fit my iPhone, budget, and had good reviews.
4. ROAD ID
I bought my first Road ID bracelet like 8 years ago. No kidding. I even bought my boss at the time one, too. Road IDs have really improved quite a bit over time. So many awesome variations you can choose from. They even have a little clip you can clip on most fitness trackers too! Genius! You personalize the ID and help keep your friend or loved one safe in case anything was to happen to them while running or biking! They even have a kid line which is awesome for kids with allergies, medical needs, or just for vacations (Hello Disney World)!!
5. WIRELESS HEADPHONES
These are a MUST now a days. Now that I have wireless earbuds, I think "how did I run/workout with a cord?!" LOL #firstworldproblems I don't have a super fancy pair, I just got a pair on Amazon that was like $20-25. They've worked great for me. I trained for my half marathon with them, ran my race, and still use them every time I workout! My Mom even got a pair for my Dad because he likes listening to music while he's doing things at work (walking around/etc). I've usually always got my phone with me so I'm not 100% sure the range I can go before the Bluetooth acts up. But at the gym, I can have it in my bag on the side of the room and it still connects.
6. MACE & PERSONAL ALARM
This is another must for runners in your life. I just recently got some new mace and went with a really pretty pink canister that came with a finger strap so it's easy for me to hold while I run. Or strap onto my running belt. I also bought a little personal alarm keychain that emits a SUPER LOUD alarm sound when you push certain buttons. As with most things, Amazon saved the day and I just bought one that fit my needs and budget, with good reviews!
Gift cards: Music & Books
An inexpensive gift for fitness fanatics is a gift card for Music or Audio Books. iTunes gift cards are some of my favorite. I listen to my books on Amazon's Audible app and would love gift cards for that too! I'm not 100% sure if Amazon giftcards work for Audible, or if you have to have an Audible specific gift card. Either way, it's a great gift idea for fitness lovers! It's obviously a great idea for runners, but anybody who wears earbuds and exercises can benefit from them too!
Seasonal Clothing/Gear
I realize clothing can be tough to find, but maybe you could get a giftcard to a clothing store. Lululemon, Athleta, Calia by Carrie Underwood, and Fabletics are good options. Even Gap, Target and Old Navy have great fitness lines! Everybody needs more sports bras, yoga pants, workout tops, and shorts! Plus, seasonal gear is always a good bet for runners. Running jackets, shirts, hats, gloves, socks, reflective gear, etc. All great ideas for those runners in your life!