As you gear up for gift-giving season, consider buying friends and family presents that will help them stay active this year. What should you buy? For starters, “think ‘atheisure chic,’ activewear that can be worn inside and outside the gym,” according to Mintel.com, a data and analysis company. Schuyler Nunn, owner of Indigo Schuy Activewear in Chestnut Hill, says buy print. “People seem ready and eager to change-up outfits from solids and standard black pants.”
Here are a few of our blood-flowing, joint-stretching, and muscle-moving favorites.
Sports Bra
[Nike Pro Classic Stripe]
Striped for action, this moderate-support bra is ideal for medium-impact activities like dance, training in the gym or exercise classes. For smaller chested women, its compressive fit and under-bust band keeps the girls in place. Flat seams eliminate irritation caused by rubbing, the polyester-spandex blend is soft, but not in the way a cotton T-shirt is. A V-back design makes it easy to put it on and take off. $40
Water Bottle
[S’well Bottle]
Did you know 60 million plastic bottles are used every day? Check out the 18/8 stainless steel S’well bottle. Whether you have iced tea or hot cocoa, these bottles keep hot liquids hot for 12 hours and cold ones cold for 24 hours. Ice cubes fit easily through the wide mouth and S’well sits comfortably in standard cupholders. The designs are catchy; choose from matte, shiny, stone or glitter. A portion of sales goes to their partner charity, WaterAid. $25 to $45
Gym Bag
[Athleta Warm Up Gym Bag]
With a central section for running shoes and two main zip compartment for clean and dirty clothes (or whatever else you haul to and from the gym), the Warm Up bag is a durable nylon but style has a little fashion flair. The bag also has smart little features like an elastic yoga mat strap and an interior fleece lining to protect tablets or Kindles. And, best of all, it’s affordable. $79
Athletic Top
[Title Nine Super Power Full Zip]
If you’re looking to buy bold for someone who can pull of a print and bold colors, this zip-up jacket, made from a “washable Woolicious” wool/poly blend brings a little fun and flair to a run around the lake. The jacket features a hood, two zipper pockets, and hobo mitts.
$119
Sunglasses
[Maui Jim Kanani]
Hawaiian for “the beautiful one,” the Kanani is the latest Maui-artist Charlie Lyon design. These soft, cat-eye frames use PolarizedPlus2 lens technology to keep your peepers safe UV’s harmful rays while being Hawaiian-colorful at same time. Wear these year-round hiking, playing, tennis, golf or sitting poolside. $219
Outdoor Running Tights
[Sugoi MidZero Tights]
“When the weather turns colder, my favorite go-to product is fleece-lined tights,” says Nunn. She loves these super soft, warm, and versatile tights, perfect for work-out and wear-out. The plush-hand finish keeps warmth in and wicks away moisture, keeping you toasty even when temperatures drop. $70
Headphones
[Yurbuds Inspire 200 for Women]
Even though these earbuds were designed with extreme athletes in mind, don’t let that scare you from giving a pair. The “TwistLock Never Fall Out” technology guarantees they stay put. Designed specifically for a woman’s smaller ear, the buds are made of silicone, so they’re comfy and let you hear ambient noise so you can be vigilant about your surroundings. $29.99
Yoga Mat Towel
[Yogitoes Mat]
Knowing this 26” by 69” mat towel is made from eight plastic recycled bottles makes yoga poses flow! The 100% silicone nubs on the bottom eliminate mat slippage and can be used on Pilates machines, yoga mats and other fitness equipment to keep it clean and dry. Yogitoes products are made from recyclable plastic bottles, rubber, repurposed rice husk and EVA foam. $51
Jacket
[NorthFace Osito 2 Jacket]
The bright colors and tailored waist make this 100% polyester high-pile raschel fleece jacket easy to put on and hard to take off. Great for outdoor activities or layering, the cuffs are reinforced with stretch fabric and the high collar will keep the chill of wind off your neck. Lightweight, comfortable with a solid zipper. $99 to $119
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