2015 Runners Holiday Gift Guide
The Active Guy 2015 Holiday Gift Guide
Every year companies like Garmin wait until the holiday season to release new products. This is a great way to
get people excited for those hard to find products. One of those items is the Garmin Forerunner 235, which was released on December 3rd. With all these cool things being introduced for the holiday season, I wanted to put together a holiday guide for the active people in your life.
I was asked what I wanted for Christmas last week and this prompted me to do some research and try to find out new items that I thought would be great to receive this holiday season.
Top 5 holiday gifts for for runners, cyclists, and active people.
The proper running, cycling, and any outdoor gear makes activities more enjoyable, more comfortable, and allow you to capture data and learn when and how to adjust your workouts so you can perform your best.
Below are my top 5 gifts for the 2015 holiday season.
1. Garmin Forerunner 235 (GPS running watch)![Garmin Forerunner 235](https://i0.wp.com/www.theactiveguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/garmin-forerunner-235.jpg?resize=120%2C178)
If you are a runner or cyclist, then you already know how great Garmin Forerunners are. They offer so much information during and after those workouts when you want to analyze your performance.
Of all of the watches I looked at, the Garmin Forerunner 235 had the most features at the best price along with others in the running community praising this new watch.
This watch has so many incredible features like heart rate and estimates VO2 max, recovery time and race times for several distances. It can also be used for a daily activity tracker, keeping track of steps, calories, and more.
This watch also allows you to see incoming emails, text messages, call alerts, calendar reminders and more from your smartphone. I can view these now from my Garmin Vivosmart, but really like the fact this watch can perform as a fitness watch and activity tracker.
This watch takes the top spot as it provides the most value for your money. A top rated gps fitness watch combined with daily tracker functionality, make this a watch anyone will love getting this holiday season.
Where to Buy: Amazon.com | REI.com | Road Runner Sports
Similar Items: Garmin Forerunner 630, Garmin Forerunner 230, Garmin Forerunner 225, Suunto Ambit2, Polar M400 GPS
2. Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 XL (sunglasses)
I’m not sure about you, but I really don’t like squinting when I am running or cycling. A few years back I picked up the Oakley Half Jacket XL sunglasses and have since worn these during every race and bike ride.
Over the past few years, I have tried so many sunglasses from brands like Nike, Native, Tifosi, and Suncloud. After it was all said and done, I ended up staying with Oakley for a few reasons.
These glasses have a slightly larger lense which is great for cycling and running. I would recommend getting the polarized lenses as they make a huge difference, especially when cycling.
The Oakley Half Jacket XL are sunglasses designed for comfort and performance with a new dimension of style. This interchangeable lens design lets you adapt your vision. The high definition optics give the exceptional clarity you would expect from Oakley.
If these are out of your price range, check out some of the other options below.
Where to Buy: Amazon.com | TriVillage.com (use code ‘ORDER100-10’) | Sport Chalet | Jenson USA | Holabird Sports | Moosejaw
Similar Items: Tifosi Tyrant (other Tifosi glasses) | Nike Road Machine (other Nike glasses) | Nike Tailwind
3. Road ID Band/ID (safety gear)![RoadID Logo](http://i0.wp.com/theactiveguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/RoadID1-300x218.jpg?resize=184%2C133)
If you run or cycle, you need a Road ID. A Road ID is a bracelet type that has contact and health information that emergency responders can use to treat you if something were to happen to you.
I often tweet Road ID deals because I firmly believe in the product and the importance of being safe for less than $20. They also look pretty cool as well. Below is the Road ID model I wear along with a link to extra bands.
- Road ID Wrist ID Slim – a slick-looking bracelet that I wear everyday
- Road ID Slim Bands – I like to mix up band colors so I don’t get bored
If you ever needed someone to help you while being active, this will be the best $20 you ever spent.
Where to Buy: RoadID.com
Similar Items: Reflective Vests, Running and Cycling Lights
4. Triggerpoint Foam Roller (recovery item)
Another simple and great gift for a runner is a nice foam roller. My favorite is the Triggerpoint grid foam roller. Not only does this offer me the optimal recovery, but it is reasonably priced.
There are different sizes to choose from, but I would recommend the original firmness in 13″ length, typically orange.
One of the main reaons I prefer this foam roller over others is that this brand tends to last longer than the basic styofrom. These are a little more expensive, but you pay for what you get. If you run or cycle and want to improve recovery, check this out.
Where to Buy: Amazon.com | REI.com | Sport Chalet | Eastern Mtn Sports
Similar Items: Foam Rollers on Amazon.com
5. Nike Shield Flash Jacket (winter running jacket)
I really wish I liked running on the treadmill or riding on the bike trainer. Unfortunately I do not enjoy either, but will do it as a last resort. Luckily Nike has a jacket that will perform in all winter conditions.
This awesome jacket is water-resistant and has ultra bright reflectivity that will make you be seen while running during the winter months.
This jacket is a little pricey, but well worth it. Below are a few other options that are cheaper and give similar protection and reflectivity. If I had to choose a 2nd place jacket, I would pick the Saucony EXO Jacket based on performance and fit for me.
Where to Buy: Amazon.com | Road Runner Sports | Nike US Track & Field
Similar Items: Saucony EXO Jacket | North Animagi Jacket | North Face Lite Jacket | Winter Running Jackets
What items are you looking forward to getting this holiday season?
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I would LOVE a new Garmin! I have an antique model 😉 great items for the runners Christmas wish list!!
Which one are you looking at? Let me know if I can help! I need to get a new one too. The 235 is sharp.