Christmas is around the corner and this post is going to make those last minute gifts for your fit friends (or yourself) a lot less stressful! Thank goodness for Amazon Prime because Drew and I are getting a little dangerous in our last-minute shopping. I always promise myself I won’t do this and then without fail, I always end up waiting until the last minute to buy gifts!
Sometimes you just know you nailed it :)
Shopping is hard for me because I don’t enjoy it, but I get so much joy out of giving unexpected, but well-thought through surprises for my family and friends. Some people just like to make a list and have those items show up under the tree, but I still love the creativity of gifting! When I nail it and see my Mom’s face light up when she gets something she only mentioned in passing months ago it shows that you picked up on the details, remembered and went out of your way to make the gift as special as she is. Now I don’t always “nail it”-- example: I used to be notorious for homemade gifts as a kid and once I gave my brother a stick with some nail holes in the top and told him it was a flute. He asked my mom if he had to keep it and if she could supervise my future gift giving…..brothers are harsh!
All that to say, these gifts below will be received much better than my wooden flute:
Stocking Stuffers:
1. G2Go Protein Bars
I think the odds of my brothers and sisters reading this blog post are low, but they all LOVE the bars (health conscious or not) and it’s an awesome subsitute for the candy that typically comes in stockings.
I have 4 siblings and two in-laws, and you better believe our tastes are not even close to the same. G2Go has variety packs and so many different flavors that I easily picked the ones that fit each person. One sister loves coconut, but isn’t that crazy about peanutbutter so I chose the Almond Coconut. They’re sure to please because they truly do not have that artificial protein taste since they are made with all-natural ingredients. An my family would absolutely let me know if they were not up to taste standards. ("Moves" as a coupon code saves you 20% on purchase)
2. SOCKS
I guess this is the sign that I have crossed over into that boring stage of life that socks are exciting on Christmas. I lose socks like it’s my full-time job. Between packing a bag for the gym, and the black hole that is my dryer, they go fast. A good pack of low-cut athletic socks is just always appreciated.
3. Pre-Workout Pixie Sticks
I posted about this a few days ago, but these are my all-time favorites! Pre-workout is in essence a little hit of energy that gets you into the workout zone. Some pre-workouts are full of stimulants and give you almost a tingly, amplified feeling that I personally do not like. This brand is formulated for women and just gives a little extra clarity and energy on mornings that the idea of working out does not have me hopping out of bed. My personal favorite flavor is the mixed berry, but they are all good! (Madi47) saves you 47% on your purchase and I highly recommend this for anyone setting some fitness-related New Year’s Resolutions
4. Quest Protein Bars and Packets
I think my mom started giving me Questbars in my stocking 3 years ago and now it’s something I look forward to as our little tradition. It started when I was in college and she knew how much I loved them, but didn’t have extra money to be spending. My personal favorite flavors are: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, White Chocolate Raspberry and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. They are a great dessert substitute heated up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. I also love the convenience of the travel size protein powder packs as I just throw them in my lunch box and mix them with cream of wheat for breakfast before school and after the gym (salted caramel is my favorite!) You can buy the bars at Wal-Mart, Publix, Target, etc!
5. Resistance Bands
Don’t ever be fooled by the notion that you need a complete gym to get in a good workouts. Bodyweight can be more difficult than lifting heavy weights if you have a quality workout guide. Bands are an excellent way to make squats, lunges, and plyometrics much more difficult while isolated glute muscles. You can throw them in a bag as your travel and use them anytime for a little workout. This variety pack is under 15$ and has different resistance strengths.
6. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
I’ve posted all about my love for these products before, but Christmas is an excellent time to invest a little extra into someone’s health as they get started on a new year. I truly do not think there is a more quality form of collagen peptide on the market and stand by this recommendation 100%. I’ve noticed benefits in my skin, hair and nails while enjoying the benefit of a pure protein source that can be mixed into smoothies, yogurt, recipes unnoticed. They also have these convenient on-the-go packs that coffee drinkers obsess over!
7. Smashbox Illuminating Primer
Beauty tips should probably come from another blog, but I have loved this as base layer to even out pores, reduce shine and overall help makeup stay put throughout the day. The travel size is available at Ulta and I appreciate not committing to a larger version until I know I love it…..I’ve loved this!
8. Water Bottle
I lose water bottles often, but I’ve found that the cuter the water bottle, the longer they last! I think I’m a little more concerned with keeping tabs on it that way. My absolute favorite is an Under Armour water bottle that I was so attached to in college that I put out a “WANTED” poster in campus and on my Facebook to help me track it down. And I did!
9. Bluetooth Wireless Headphones ($29.99)
I underestimated how much I would enjoy these Senso headphones, but Drew seemed to think I wouldn't go back once I had them, and he was so right. I love not having to think about chords around my neck or hanging around while I'm exercising. They simply stay put with a wire attaching them and I never have to worry about them slipping out (which is rare for me). I know there are much more expensive versions of these, but I have loved mine and at this price point, I won't feel HORRIBLE if I were to lose or break them (have you sensed a them yet?) It's always a risk for me.....
