Want to buy a gift for the triathlete in your life that won't require taking out a loan? Here are 10 ideas to help with your holiday shopping. Once again, I asked athletes on my group ride email list what's on their own wish lists, or what they've happily received as gifts in the recent past.
Thank you to Nicole Callan, Ross Livingston, Theo Mioduski, Jennifer Riekenberg, Janet Saxon, Barb Schultz, Ed Shaw, Alan Shenkel and Peter Stackhouse for your ideas.
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Affordable Gifts for Triathletes
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Super Light, Packable Shell
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All triathletes like light gear and the Sugoi Helium Jacket is the perfect solution. This versatile piece can be rolled up to the size of your fist, easily fits into a jersey pocket, and can be had for about $100.
Coffee Cup Holder
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Some triathletes can't make it far without their cup of Joe. This handlebar attachment from Felt keeps your caffeine close by and is only $12.99.
A Box of Gels or Bars
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Any triathlete that uses gels for training and racing enjoys receiving a box of their favorite flavors. Hint: a case of 24 Key Lime Accel Gels can be found for under $40.
DVD on Running Technique
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Triathlon: the Run, featuring highly successful Olympic and international running coach Bobby McGee and USA Triathlon elites, includes discussion and visuals on good run mechanics specific to triathlon. Not only does this DVD offer examples of good form, there are also visual, immediate corrections for errors the athletes make. This is a good tool and a great gift for triathletes. The DVD can be found for around $35.
Mesh Swim Bag Filled With Goodies
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Mesh bags are great for keeping pool toys in one place and for breathable transport. The bags can be found for well under $10. Depending on how much you want to spend, the bag can be filled with a new pull buoy ($5 to $25), a swim-specific snorkel ($40), fins ($25 to $50), a kick board so your triathlete doesn't have to use the gross ones at the pool ($15 to $30), the athlete's favorite goggles ($20), and maybe a swim suit ($45 for men's jammers to $85 for women's training and competition suits).
Recovery Tights
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Some athletes see these tights as essential while others think they are a luxury. In either case, finding a pair beneath the holiday wrapping paper is a nice surprise. The Skins RY400 recovery tight or the 2xU Recovery Compression Tight (MSRP $140 to $160) are both good choices.
Blood Donation
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Give the gift of life. You can donate to someone you know or straight to a local blood bank. This incredibly personal donation can make a real difference in someone else's life, and maybe even your own.
Dirty Girl Gaiters
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For the dirty triathletes, XTERRA racers and trail runners in your life, these stylish and fun gaiters are functional. They keep mud and rocks out of your shoes for under $20.
Continental GP 4000S Clincher Tires
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These tires are great. Even if your triathlete doesn't need a set now, it's really nice to have a pair on hand for when tires do need to be replaced. MSRP is $75 per tire, but can be found for less.
Massage or Spa Treatment
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Who doesn't like to be pampered or enjoy a recovery treatment? A gift certificate to a top-shelf masseuse or a spa can range from around $50 to $200, depending on the city where you're making the purchase. If you don't know of a good masseuse, ask some of your athlete's friends who they would recommend.
Find More Great Gifts for Triathletes
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Check out the new Active GearUp for deep discounts on high-performance gear from your favorite brands.
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