I never think women are hard to shop for–until I started putting this fitness gift list together. If the female you’re giving to is a fitness enthusiast, that’s one thing. You can pick out just about anything related to the sport or activity of her interest and be pretty safe. But what about the ladies who say they want to get back on the fitness horse? You want to be encouraging, but females tend to be a tad…shall we say…sensitive. I’m not going to buy any woman I know a diet book, a gym membership, or a pair of spandex for fear that I’ll be implying she needs to lose weight vs. just wanting to support what she said she wanted to accomplish. Ah, females…we’re such a fickle bunch (some of us me, anyway).
With that said, I tried to pick gifts that are a nod to being healthy but that don’t necessarily scream, “Hey, Fatty! Do you OWN a scale?” Oh, and a scale…add that to the list of gifts not to buy her.
Dive Into This Sweatshirt: My CrossFit coach has one of these Scuba Hoodie Lululemon sweatshirts and whenever she wears it, I secretly covet it. It looks so warm and cushy cozy. And I love any shirt or jacket with thumb holes (is that weird?)! It comes in all kinds of colors, but my love is for the pinkish one (shown) or the gray one. It’s pricey at $128, but it looks like it’s made to last.
Packed with Hydration: Have I mentioned recently that I love CamelBak? No? Well I do. I love their bottles (adult sippy cups) especially, but their packs are equally amazing. Doing anything physically related while hydrated, as I’ve learned, makes it so much more enjoyable. I have two CamelBak packs, one in a larger size and one in a smaller size. The new Ice Queen 2011 pack is similar to my big pack and holds a lot of water, as well as a helmet, goggles, extra layers, lunch, phone, wallet, keys…and your knitting!$78
Om Fan: The Yoga Fan by Benefit Health Media might be crossing the line on suggesting that the lady in your life needs to get off the couch. However, sometimes it’s all about perspective. Pair this gift up with a stress ball, some relaxing scented oils, and a spa gift certificate, and she’ll think she just needs some pampering. And she does. 
$16
A Light at the End of…Anywhere! I’m not much of a purse carrier, and this recently came up in conversation with some female co-workers. I feel that I’m pretty much set so long as I have pockets, but the ladies to whom I was talking disagreed. This prompted a discussion about what was in said purses. One person mentioned a flashlight. I kind of thought that was ridiculous, but upon further pondering am changing my mind. Still one doesn’t need a purse to have a little light in their life so long as they have a Mini-Clip Microlight. Ha! Take that purse carriers! $39
Calves Wrapped in Cashmere: Whether she’s into Zumba, yoga, dance, or just looking stylish while staying warm, the Allegro Legwarmer looks to be a wonderful gift. These would also look (and feel) great under a pair of dress boots with a skirt–one of my favorite ways to wear knee socks and leg warmers. $58
Salad Lovers Unite: Again, here’s another gift that might needs some perspective. If she’s a salad-lover already, you’re fine. But if she says she wants to eat more salads, this could get tricky. I suggest pairing up the Salad-Bar-A-Go-Go with a cute lunch bag, cloth napkin, washable utensils, and a gift card to a healthy grocery store for a gift that comes off as more Green than Lean. $25
That's me, blinded by the sun reflecting off the snow of the mountains in Jackson Hole.
If You Love Her, Set Her Free: If you’ve got a few buckets of money lying around waiting to be spent on someone super special (I know, it’s unlikely for most of us), I highly recommend a fitness retreat. And no, that is not the same as a Fat Camp. I’m talking about a long weekend or week away where she can learn to surf, tone up at a bikini bootcamp, or work on her downward facing dog with a yoga master. Pick something she’s always dreamed of trying, and go from there. In 2007, I did a week at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Women’s Ski Camp, and loved every second of it. I had not skied since I was in high school, and that was Midwest skiing–a huge difference from mountain skiing. I learned so much and got a ton of individual attention. I also made some new friends. But above all, the experience and memories are priceless. Check out these sites for ideas: Escape to Shape, Girlfriend Fitness Getaways, Las Olas Surf Safaris.
Still need more gift ideas for the ladies? Check out the lists by these lovely ladies:
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