The easy part is that if the gift keeps them cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter, tracks workouts electronically or helps them go faster, they’ll love it.
On the other hand, there are thousands of items on the market to choose from, and to zero in on the perfect gift you may need some professional advice.
To get you that professional help, I reached out to some local bike/run shop owners and also area athletes to get their take on gift ideas at different price points.
Almost everyone responded that in the “Under $20 category”, socks, caps, and gloves are all gifts that would be appreciated.
Debbie Yohman says running socks make a great under-$20 gift. “I like Thorlo socks myself,” says Yohman. “They have cushion in just the right place.”
Long, colorful socks, in particular, seem to be a popular item this year for both cyclists and runners.
Jodi Rector suggests, “for under $20 think about nice water bottles or a protein shaker, and for gifts in the $20-$50 range go with nice workout gloves, ear buds or workout clothing.”
Terry Shaner has a unique gift suggestion, something that was given to him a few years back. “It’s a small hanging rack with multiple clothespins fastened on it,” explained Shaner.
“You use it to hang your sweaty workout clothes outside or in the garage to dry. This keeps the smell of sweaty workout apparel out of the house which makes everyone happy.”
Cindy Simmons suggests one of the small GoPro cameras that mounts on a helmet or handlebars. In her case, she says it would be great “to video when I go onto the wrong trails and fall into cactus like I did recently.”
Randy Rangel, the owner of Randy’s Bike and Run, says “stocking stuffers such as nutrition bars and gels, Halo headbands, shoe pockets, race belts, CO2 cartridges, bike lube and tubes are great low-cost gifts.”
Rangel also suggests “compression apparel such as leg and arm sleeves, socks, shirts and sports bras from $36 to $55, Garmin watches ranging from $130 to $460, lights for biking and running from $11 to $100, winter apparel to include thermal arm warmers, balaclavas, shoe covers, beanies, and gloves that range from $23 to $50.”
“Bike accessories such as phone cases, bike bags, and helmets also make great gifts,” says Rangel.
Justin Smith, store manager at Concho Bike, has some good gift suggestions at different price points.
“Specialized cycling socks range from $10 to $20 and make great gifts,” says Smith. “Other nice ideas would be a Cateye micro wireless cycling computer ($50), specialized cycling jersey ($65-$85), or a Garmin Edge 510 GPS ($330).”
My personal suggestions for athlete Christmas gifts include the following items:
Under $20 — go with a box of energy gels or bars.
In the $20 to $50 price range, buy your favorite runner a pre-paid registration for an upcoming race such as the 2014 Trail Running Series and/or the Crazy Desert Trail Run, or an annual membership in the local cycling or running club.
If you’re spending between $50 and $100, think about a gift certificate for a new pair of cycling or running shoes or possibly a massage for your favorite athlete.
Moving up to the over $100 gift category, a GPS sports watch, GPS bike computer, or a GoPro camera would all be great gifts for the runner or cyclist on your list.
There are several potential categories where gift certificates might be the preferred option.
Shoes for running or cycling and also bicycle seats are highly individual in that what feels good for one person may be terrible for another.
Unless you know exactly what brand, model and size the recipient likes, opt for a gift certificate and let them choose the specific item.
Bicycles need to be treated in much the same manner — just gift-wrap your credit card (or stacks of big denomination bills) together with a “the sky is the limit” note and let the happy cyclist go pick out their new ride from the bike shop display room.
There are two additional gift ideas that might be the best of all for the cyclist, runner or triathlete on your list.
Although many athletes tend to focus on equipment to improve performance, the best “go fast” gift you can give them is a few months or a year of professional coaching.
A simple Google search for cycling, running or multisport coaches in your region will yield a lot of hits for coaches with prices and services listed.
Look for coaches who are experienced athletes and who have certifications in their respective fields such as those provided by USA Cycling, USA triathlon or similar running and swimming organizations.
Most coaches also have plans that enable them to provide coaching serves via the Internet, so they don’t have to be local.
Last of all, the ultimate gift for an aspiring athlete might just be you. “Give yourself” to a friend or family member as a coach, mentor or training partner for the coming year.
That gift just might result in a great 2014 for both the gift recipient and you.
Remember — finding that perfect Christmas gift for an athlete takes some serious thought.
Upcoming Events
Dec. 7: Christmas in Bronte 5K/10K, fbcbronte.com/funrun/
Dec. 8: Ride Through the Lights,anangelobicycleassociation.com
Dec. 14: Run Rudolph Run, angelo.edu/asufit
Dec. 14-15: Tough CX (Fredericksburg), txbra.org
Dec. 8: Ride Through the Lights,anangelobicycleassociation.com
Dec. 14: Run Rudolph Run, angelo.edu/asufit
Dec. 14-15: Tough CX (Fredericksburg), txbra.org
