Thursday, December 10, 2015

Tri Stuff I Want To Give and Get - December 2015 Christmas Edition

Instead of just showcasing what I want this month, I thought I would feature some gift ideas that I wouldn't mind getting. :)

1. Socks - No, I don't mean the six-pack of white cotton socks from Target. There are a ton of comfortable and technical socks out there. For the runner in your life, you can't go wrong with compression socks. Smashfest Queen has a pair on sale right now that I've been eyeing. If no-show is more your thing, I swear by Bombas' ankle socks. I recently found that CEP's running socks are amazing for cycling, and they are my current go-to. I've been scoping the merino wool version for men and womenVelocio also has some great socks - I'm a fan of their wool ones on my brisk morning rides.

2. Water Bottles - If you're a triathlete, cleaning water bottles can be a massive undertaking. When it's hot out, ice preservation is key, so insulated water bottles are your best friend. I love Camelbak's Big Chill bottle, as well as Polar Bottle's insulated bottle. The Nathan Fire and Ice Bottle has piqued my interest lately. When it's cold out, Purist bottles are my go-to. I've been eyeing this Smashfest Queen Purist bottle. For around the house and at work, Hydro Flasks are the way to go. The Camelbak Chute is also a great option.

3. Nutrition - I'm a huge fan of The Feed. If the triathlete in your life has food allergies or dietary preferences, you can easily sort based on their limitations. There are also custom boxes, and you can never go wrong with a gift certificate. :) If your special triathlete is also into making their own food, I would recommend Skratch Labs' Feed Zone Portables cookbook. I also love their Hydration Mix and Fruit Drops

4. Gear - This is an area that is highly personal, so if you don't know exactly (and I mean 100%, down to color and size) what the triathlete in your life wants, you are probably better off just getting them a gift card. Nytro Multisport has a great selection if you have absolutely no clue what they want. Amazon gift cards are also a good bet, especially for the triathlete that already has everything. I personally always welcome Smash Cash from Smashfest Queen. If you know they want bike gear, Performance Bike has a great selection and their prices are hard to beat. Swim Outlet is my go-to for swim gear, but they also carry a decent selection of triathlon gear. Road Runner Sports' selection of running shoes, clothing, and gear is really hard to beat. As for me, I'd really love a pair of the Garmin Vector Pedals - it doesn't even need to be the more expensive pair that measure power on each leg. A Marc Pro Recovery Device would also be fantastic. However, given that I got a bike for my birthday, I'm thinking Santa won't be in much of a giving mood. :)

5. Cute Kits - Once again, I'll give a word of caution that triathlon kits typically run small. Make sure to check the return policy so the recipient isn't stuck with something that doesn't fit correctly! Nytro Multisport has a flashy Betty Designs tri top and bottom set that I love. For men, Smashfest Queen's Off the Front tri top and bottom set is a little more subdued, though by no means boring. I've been eyeing their Sakura Sun Trisuit, as well as their Attack tri shorts with the new yoga waistband (with the matching top, of course). If perhaps a cycling kit was what you had in mind, you can't go wrong with anything Velocio. I know I mentioned this last month, but I am in love with Machines for Freedom's Horizons Print jersey and bibs! If you're a little more budget-minded, you really can't beat Performance Bike's line of cycling clothing.

6. Loungewear - What triathlete doesn't love to get all warm and cozy after a long brick in the cold? I love UGG's Moccasins for men and women. I ended up getting a second pair so I could have one for around the house and one to wear outside! I've also heard great things about UGG's robes for men and women. This UGG one-piece for women is also adorable! These lounge pants for men also look super comfortable, as does this pajama set for women. If you're not looking to break the bank, Target always has cute, budget-friendly options. For women, this robe looks cute and warm, as does this sleep set. I'm loving this robe and this sleep set for men. 

7. Gifts for the Triathlete Who Already Has Everything - We all have that person who is super hard to shop for because they just buy themselves everything they want. This is where buying an experience is your best bet, as you can't buy time with loved ones! If time and/or money is constraint, why not find an amazing hike near you? I've been loving AllTrails' app. Let's say you have some cash and time to burn - then definitely look into Trek Travel and REI Adventures. I've heard great things about both! If you do want something they can unwrap, coffee that you know they've never had is always a good bet. We discovered Blue Bottle Coffee while in San Francisco and are huge fans. A lot of our friends really like Stumptown Coffee, and if you really want to go for the "wow" (or gross, depending on how you look at it) factor, there's the "monkey poop" coffee. Candles are also something fun that most people don't think to buy themselves. Bliss has a new line of candles, and the Grapefruit & Currant flavor looks promising. Retwined also has amazing-smelling candles, and I've heard great things about Nest candles. 

I hope you enjoyed my monthly picks! Please note that all these links are for products that I just happen to think are pretty cool. There are a few Amazon Affiliate links, but I am not compensated by the companies for featuring their product(s).

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