The 30 Best Gifts for the Outdoor Fanatic, Cardio Junkie or Otherwise Active Person

Some people just want to get after it. Here's what to give them.

Updated September 26, 2024 12:51 pm
Whether they're fitness junkies or outdoor freaks, these are the best gifts for the active folk in your life.
Whether they're fitness junkies or outdoor freaks, these are the best gifts for the active folk in your life.
Bala, Therabody, REI, Black Crows, Ibex

Nota bene: All products in this article are independently selected and vetted by InsideHook editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Some people are just weird — err, active. Whether they’re heading to the gym at 10 p.m. to get their lifting routine in or are waking up at 4:30 in the morning to make sure their mileage is top tier — they’re all over the place and constantly imposing their habits on the rest of us. Luckily, this brand of mental illness also makes these individuals extremely easy to track down gifts for: with the various hobbies that fall under the active umbrella come a bevy of gear, garb and paraphernalia specifically designed to collect that sweet, sweet heart rate data, blow up your biceps, nail down the tent in record speed or survive your next Mount Washington speedrun.

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We’re embarrassed to admit that we have this same active bug, and worse, we’re freaks about our gear, too. That unfortunate fate bodes well for you, though, because we’ve put our expert knowledge to work and assembled a list of fitness and outdoor gifts that’ll blow the pants off of any giftee lucky enough to be on your list. There’s gear for the mountain lover, a slew of running accouterments for the marathoner and wellness goodies for the meditative individual. Below, the best fitness and outdoor gifts for the active folks in your life.

Gifts for the Everyday Mover and Shaker

Some of us live for the lactic acid production and the pain of overworked muscles. Some of us, on the other hand, just like to know we’re moving our bodies every day. If you have someone in your life who suits that label then you know they’ll get joy out of receiving something simple like a really great pair of runners or a fitness app subscription. These are the gifts you should hand off to the everyday fit human.

The Peloton App Userface

PELETON

Peleton Subscription

For someone who is looking to up their weekly fitness habits, the Peloton workout app has a range of easy and accessible workouts that allow you to adjust the intensity and frequency of activities at your own pace.

The Volair March 2 Forza Pickleball Paddle

VOLAIR

Mach 2 Forza Pickleball Paddle

Pickleball quickly took the nation by storm, and if you’re one of the many who have taken to playing it year-round or know someone who has, you may want to gift them a paddle or two. 

VUORI

Kore Shorts

These shorts are versatile and can be worn from the beach into the gym. They fall just above the knee and have a breathable boxer-brief lining. Plus, they come in almost 20 different colorways, so there’s something for everyone.

HOKA

Rincon 4

The internet loves Hokas, and for good reason. Whether you’re into their chunky colorful aesthetic or their practical extra-cushioned sole, these shoes are always a crowd-pleaser. 

BALA

Bala Bangles

Did someone say…toned arms alert? Then these will do just the trick. Bala Bangles are a staple for anyone hoping to achieve that long, lean pilates-esque look.

NIKE

Nike Unlimited Dri-FIT 5″ Short

Again. Athleisure rules. Slip these shorts on and be at the ready to hop into any activity the day has to offer.  

Gifts for the Wellness and Recovery Guru

Breathe in….breathe out…. These are the gifts for the person in your life who happens to be meditating at all hours of the day. Or is super into the recovery portion of working out. Either way, we’ve got goodies for both. 

THERABODY

SmartGoggles

For the wellness wind down everyone deserves, these SmartGoggles lead users through relaxation sessions that will leave them singing praise for anyone who gifts this.

UPLIFT

24″ Deep Standing Desk

Because sitting down for eight hours a day is overrated. For the person who complains about back pain and carpal tunnel issues — they’ll thank you.

CASTLEFLEXX

Luxury Edition Stretching Equipment

Stretching is one of the easiest ways someone can stay on top of their movement goal — and this Castleflexx equipment will be much appreciated.

LULULEMON

The (Big) Mat

 A yoga mat is a surefire gift to get someone who leans into the wellness lifestyle — it almost never fails to please.

ALO

Micro Waffle Fast Break Joggers

Because no one hates receiving loungewear. Anyone who receives these Alo Yoga Waffle joggers will be living in them.

Gifts for the Extreme Sports Enthusiast

Know someone who goes from hiking to wakesurfing to scaling rock faces? Spoiler alert: you’re friends with an extreme sport enthusiast. While some of their hobbies may seem out of your reach, a gift to support their adrenaline-seeking nature is not — and we’ve got five of ‘em rounded up for you. 

BLACK CROWS

Octo All Terrain Skiis

In case you don’t know, Black Crows skis are all the rage on the mountain. They’re versatile and can handle powder and carving.

IBIS

DV9 Mountain Bike

The adrenaline junky mountain bikers will thank you for this. Just be sure to grab a good helmet while you’re at it.

WILD COUNTRY

Syncro Chalkbag

Carabiner this, climbing shoes that, get the rock climber in your life a chalk bag if you really want them to feel seen and understood.

PATAGONIA

Men’s R1 Lite Wetsuit Top

If you happen to know and love a surfer or someone who takes to “cold plunging” in the ocean in their spare time — get them a wetsuit top. More specifically this wetsuit top.

VACATION

Classic Lotion Sunscreen

No matter the extreme outdoor activity, sun safety is a consistent must. Make the bland gift of sunscreen a little more interesting with Vacation — some of the best-smelling and best-feeling SPF on the market.

Gifts for the Cardio Junkie

We’ve all faced that critical point in our lives where people are either getting married, having babies or signing up to run marathons. For those who strode down the path of addictive cardiovascular workouts, we’ve rounded up the essentials that they’ll always be happy to receive.

ON

The Cloudsurfer Running Shoe

If you’re gifting to a dedicated runner, get them the pair of running shoes they deserve.

TRACKSMITH

Herrier Tee

An unassuming high-performance garment, the Herrier shirt from Tracksmith is an upgraded version of their famous merino tee.

BANDIT

Lite Run Socks

Everyone needs socks, and while they used to be typecast as a lame gift, we’re certain the runner in your life will thank you. Especially if you get them these.

ON

Explorer Merino Headband

We’re heading into the colder months, so getting ahead of the curve and gifting a winter running headband to your marathoner will be appreciated.

GARMIN

Forerunner 55

If they’re not talking about Strava, they’re talking about their Garmin — and if they don’t have one, they definitely want one.

Gifts for the Outdoor Fanatic

Some people love the warm comfort of their home and others need to feel the soft crunch of pine needles underneath their thermarest and sleeping bag. If you have someone in your life who craves fresh air and little-to-no light pollution, we’ve rounded up five of the most basic but thoughtful gifts you can get ‘em.

IBEX

Wool Aire Hoodie

This Ibex wool hoodie couples durability and style. Made for the most challenging backcountry adventures, this will last you through it all.

THE NORTH FACE

Wawona 6 Tent

Everyone deserves a trusty starter tent for their camping escapades. This is one of the more reliable ones on the market.

ARC’TERYX

Bora 60L Pack

Arc’teryx packs are about as good as it gets for hikers. From their waistband to durable material, no experienced outdoorsman will say no to this.

YETI

26 Oz Water Bottle

Hydration nation is the name when it comes to outdoor activity. So gift someone a water bottle that will withstand the test of time and rigorous hikes.

BALA

Speed Solo Mid Waterproof Hikers

Ankle stability meets lightweight agility. These Merrell hikers were made for the moderate hiker.

Gifts for the Gym Bro

We all know that guy who counts his macros and has a strict lifting regimen. While we may not be able to relate to him, we can give him the gift of understanding. From portable blenders for their endless protein shakes to the perfect lifting tank tops for displaying those biceps, we’ve rounded up five of the best gifts to give the gym rat in your life.   

LULULEMON

License to Train Tank Top

Gym bros need to see progress, and what better way to do that than by lifting in the perfect gym bro tank top? This one from lululemon will do just fine.

BEAST HEALTH

B10 Beast Health Blender

For when they want to have their protein shake ready to go, on the go, the beast blender is portable and easy to use.

AER

Aer Gym Duffel 3

The duffel bag to end all duffel bags with compact ventilated storage for all your clothes and accouterments.

THERABODY

Wave Duo

When they’re not lifting, they’re tending to those bulk muscles, and one of the best ways to do that is with the Therabody Wave Duo. Designed for the ultimate recovery massage, this is a sure gift option. 

ROGUE

Kettlebells

The industry standard kettlebells every lifter deserves. They come in different weight options all the way up to 203 lbs and are great if someone is looking to build out their home gym equipment. .