The Best Gifts of 2023

25 Gifts for Those Who Live and Breathe Athleisure

athleisure holiday gift guide

Graphic by KCM

Give the priceless gift of being comfy yet ready for anything.

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Athleisure came into our lives in a big way in 2020, and it looks like it’s here to stay. Leggings, sweatsuits, and even sports bras are go-to styles regardless of your destination, and sneakers are as common in the workplace as dress shoes. If you’re looking for a gift someone will actually use, athleisure might be your best bet: While you might feel ridiculous buying yourself yet another pair of leggings, we can pretty much guarantee you’ll appreciate receiving them from someone else. 

Whether you’re shopping for a gym rat or a friend who dresses like they are, we have you covered. We carefully picked 15 athleisure and fitness gifts that will fill the gaps in anyone’s home gym or comfy clothes drawer…which has expanded to fill an entire dresser at this point. 

It’s hard to pick favorites off an already hand-picked list, but there are a few items that rise to the top: For the avid runner, we found a pair of running gloves from Gaiam that keep out the chill but still work with touchscreens. You can’t go wrong with a massage gun for just about anyone, but it’s especially essential for those prone to sore muscles. We also highlighted the perfect belt bag that can carry all the necessities without weighing you down.

Read on for our list of athleisure and workout gifts designed to make life more comfortable, which is basically priceless.

For more gift ideas, visit our complete 2022 holiday gift guide.

Best Athleisure and Workout Gifts

32 Degrees Packable Puffer

32 Degrees

For those who travel often, suitcase space is a precious commodity. This puffer jacket will keep them warm in the coldest of environments, but it can easily be compressed and packed away in a tiny pouch when not in use. Plus, it rings in at under $30, so it’s a great stocking stuffer (literally).

$22 at 32 Degrees

SPI Belt

SPI Belt

Running with your hands full (for exercise or not) is a recipe for disaster. Prevent shattered phone screens and lost items by keeping everything in one place. This expandable belt is small, but the main pocket is stretchy, so it can hold a phone, keys, and other small items without any issues. The belt itself is adjustable, so it can be worn a variety of ways, and it’s made to be bounce-free while running to reduce chafing.

$27 at SPI Belt

Gaiam Running Gloves

Gaiam

First, we applaud those who get out of bed to drag themselves outside for a run in the winter. Second, we fully acknowledge you don’t have to be a runner to don these gloves. They’re on the thinner side, but the plush interior keeps your hands and fingers warm, all while also being touchscreen compatible. You don’t have to take them off to send a text or change a song.

$15 at Gaiam

lululemon Run for It All Earwarmer

lululemon

While beanies are great for covering up a bad hair day, they can also cause one because of how much static they create. This headband keeps your ears warm and protects your hairstyle by not touching much of it. An added plus for runners: It has a hole in the back you can put a ponytail through to help keep it in place.

$28 at lululemon

CALIA Women’s Long Eyelash Cardigan

Calia

If your post-workout plans require something cozy or if there are no workout plans to begin with and you need a big soft sweater for lounging, opt for a loose, soft cardigan instead of a tight, stretchy one. The eyelash yarn of this sweater gives it a fun, whimsical texture and appearance. But it might be the softest sweater that ever grazed your skin.

$89 at dick’s

Megababe Bust Dust

Megababe

Many of us know the torment of boob sweat, especially while working out. This powder, aptly named “Bust Dust,” helps absorb perspiration and odor, so your bosom will feel fresh and sweat-free.

$16 at Megababe

Bumble and Bumble Post-Workout Dry Shampoo

Sephora

Viral on TikTok, this dry shampoo works wonders between wash days and after workouts. Unlike aerosol formulas, this one is a liquid-powder mixture that you shake up before application. It sprays like a normal dry shampoo, but it’s specially formulated to soak up sweat, add volume, and leave behind a light floral scent. Some reviewers say it’s the best dry shampoo they’ve ever tried, saying they’ve gone up to six days between washes.

$31 at Sephora

Mindful Magnesium Bath Soak

Alo

Whether they’re the type to always go, go, go or they’re all about mindfulness, they’ll appreciate this gift. This bath soak will soothe their sore muscles, help them relax, and turn their tub time into a productive recovery session (for those who have a hard time sitting still). By now, you all know the benefits of magnesium when it comes to winding down, so we couldn’t think of a better accessory for those who’ve earned a good rest and reset (all of us).

$33 at Alo

Theragun Mini

Therabody

Perhaps the next best thing to having a massage therapist on demand is this powerful massage gun. Despite its small size, a powerful motor delivers some serious percussive therapy wherever you need it. We highly recommend it after a hard workout or for days when you wake up with a sore neck from sleeping funny — this can help work out knots and limit soreness.

$159 at Therabody

CALIA Women’s Performance Cropped Cardigan

Calia

Now that it’s getting cold in many parts of the country, even working out indoors in a tank is difficult. Let us introduce you to the exercise cardigan. We know, it’s a weird concept. But it just might work! This one from Calia is fitted and stretchy, two qualities that make great exercise apparel. It’s also moisture wicking. What else could you want in a workout top? It might feel weird to cover up in a class with a cardigan, so if anything, this item is the ultimate pre- and post-workout accessory in the winter.

$45 at Dick’s

Oofos OOcoozie Shoe

Oofos

Combine the support of a running shoe and the softness of a slipper, and you get this amazing recovery sneaker. The footbed is made from Oofos’ patented foam, which absorbs more shock than other shoes, keeping your joints happy and your feet happier.

$120 at Oofos

Pattern Claw Clip

Sephora

Sure, holding your hair back during a workout is important, but it’s just as crucial to have it out of your face while you’re watching your favorite show. This claw clip is wider than most, and the teeth are farther apart, meaning it won’t smash your curls and waves, causing flat and lifeless locks.

$8 at Pattern

lululemon The Towel

lululemon

We know — a towel is an odd gift idea. But not this one! Does anyone really have a towel reserved for workouts? No, we use old dingy towels that otherwise collect dust in our linen closet or we risk wearing out a good towel meant for luxuriating in after a shower. This high-tech absorbent microfiber towel is designed for everything. You can take it to class to place on top of the supplied yoga mats instead of lugging your yoga mat around and you can use it to dry off after a good sweat or shower.

$38 at lululemon

Belt Bag

Amazon

Katie loves her lululemon belt bag, but it’s constantly sold out online. This one is nearly identical in style, costs less than half the price, and comes in a variety of colors.

$15 at Amazon

Bala The Power Ring

Bala

Last year the Bala bangles were a popular gift pick. This year, we’re all about the Bala power ring. And if you already gifted your exercise buddy the Bala bangle weights, consider your search for this year’s gift done — gift them (or yourself) the next accessory they need in their collection. According to Bala, the ring is what you’d get if “the kettlebell and the dumbbell had a baby.” Use it as a weight and an exercise ring in weights ranging from 5 to 15 pounds. You can press it, hold it, or swing it to increase strength, agility, endurance, and balance.

From $49 on Bala

Sportsnew Gym Bag

Amazon

Gym bag, weekender, carry-on — the only thing this duffle can’t do for you is a burpee. It boasts a separate compartment for shoes in the bottom, which keeps them from touching clean clothes (and from stinking up your bag), an exterior wet pocket holds damp towels or gear, and there are even elastic cup holders on the side to keep your water safe and secure. There’s a trolley sleeve you can slip over your suitcase handle if you choose to take it on the go, and the roomy interior is large enough to hold a few days worth of clothes.

$18 at Amazon

lululemon Align Leggings with Pockets

lululemon

lululemon’s Align leggings are a cult-favorite because they feel like butter and fit so well. When we thought they couldn’t get much better, the brand added pockets. Turns out the perfect pants do exist — and it’s these.

$128 at lululemon

Cozy Karma Asym Pullover

Athleta

Athleisure is all about embracing the comfort of athletic clothing without sacrificing style, and this asymmetrical sweatshirt embodies all of that. A tulip-style hem adds a flattering wrap detail to this top, and the diagonal zipper at the neckline adds visual interest and ensures you don’t mess up your hair or makeup while pulling this on.

$88 at Athleta

Recess Pickleball Paddle

Recess

It may be too cold to get outside and start a game of pickleball now, but come spring, you’ll want all your friends to join you on the court. Recess creates artsy paddles that you’ll be excited to pull out of your bag and show off during games. This gift isn’t just a piece of equipment, it’s also an invitation to play together.

$86 at Recess

lululemon All Night Festival Bag Micro

lululemon

Sometimes you need just a little more room than a typical belt bag can offer, which is why this fanny pack-crossbody hybrid makes a great gift. It opens similarly to a regular purse, and a fold-down flap offers extra storage for those who tend to overpack.

$68 at lululemon

Lululemon ABC Jogger Warpstreme

lululemon

A pair of tailored joggers can do it all: They’re comfy enough to wear around the house on lazy days, sleek enough to wear out to drinks and date night, and they can easily be worn year-round depending on what shoes you pair with them. This pair from lululemon comes in 11 different hues and three inseam lengths, too.

$128 at lululemon

Ultimate Oarsman Kit 12 Reviews

Oars + Alps

This all-in-one skincare kit is basically a ready-to-go dopp bag. Not only does it come with a carrying case, but it’s filled with skin-loving goodies like a shine-free lip balm, charcoal face wash, energizing eye cream, and more.

$100 at Oars + Alps

Pact Studio Quarter Zip

Pact

We believe a quarter zip sweatshirt looks sleeker than your typical crewneck. This one from Pact is made from organic cotton and produced in a fair trade factory, so you’ll look good and feel good while wearing it.

$67 at Pact

Vuori Seaside Hoodie

Vuori

Upgrade his hole-filled hoodie with something more stylish. This one from Vuori is made in a timeless cut and is lined with brushed fleece to keep him warm.

$148 at Vuori

Vuori Halo Essential Hoodie

Vuori

For days full of lounging, this super soft hoodie will do the trick. It’s made with Vuori’s DreamKnit fabric which feels like a cloud against your skin.

$96 at Vuori

For more gift ideas, visit our complete 2022 holiday gift guide.