Welcome to Metropolitan Mama’s Christmas Gift Guide for Athletes (young & old). Below you will find clothes, shoes, toys, gear, games, and accessories that athletes are bound to love for Christmas 2022.
Whether your gift recipient plays team sports (soccer, basketball, volleyball, etc) or enjoys pursuing solitary athletic endeavors (swimming, cycling, running, hiking, etc), you're bound to find great gift ideas below.
Brooks Running has been a family favorite in recent years for well-made, comfortable, and stylish athletic apparel. If you are looking for a gift for a runner, browse the new arrivals at Brooks. From cushioned shoes to running tees in exactly the right material to shorts at exactly the right length, Brooks has all of this and more.
Pictured: Distance Graphic Short Sleeve (Golden Hour) with Chaser 5" 2-in-1 Short. You'll also want to peek at other best-sellers: Dare Crossback Run Bra 2.0 and Moment 5" Short.
Whatever kind of runner you are, you can find comfortable, supportive shoes at Brooks. Use Brooks' Shoe Finder tool to find the perfect shoe for your style of running (trail, pavement, treadmill, etc) and your running goal (quick jogs around the neighborhood, marathon, gym class, etc).
Pictured: Cascadia 16, Glycerin StealthFit 20, Levitate StealthFit 5.
Our family has been using doTERRA oils for over a decade and I'm a believer in their use for first aid, skin care, and as tools to help with a variety of issues. In fact, there have been many times when we have avoided prescription medications altogether and used doTERRA products instead.
Any serious athlete on your gift list will be grateful for doTERRA's thoughtfully curated Athlete's Kit (which includes the famed Deep Blue Rub for muscle aches & pains - the girls on my daughter's volleyball team love using this stuff for after tournaments!). Teen athletes will also appreciate the HD Clear Facial Kit, which will help cleanse and purify skin without harsh chemicals.
* Don't forget to stuff stockings with Peppermint Beadlets (the best breath fresheners!).
Pickleball is all the rage and courts are popping up everywhere in city parks, recreation centers, and resorts! My husband and I recently went to a beginner's pickleball clinic and found it be a fun and fast-paced sport. The best way I can describe it is that it is a mix between tennis and ping pong. Designed to be played with 2 to 4 players, pickleball is a great sport for couples or families to try with a small investment. Head over to Franklin Sports to pick up a paddle and some balls!
Pictured (left to right): Women's Everyday T-Shirt, Jet 4-Player Pickleball Paddle Set, Franklin Signature Pickleball Paddle.
Need an innovative gift for a professional who is also a dedicated athlete? The High Rise Balance Ball Stool by Gaiam will draw accolades and oohs and aahs this holiday season. Adjustable from 23” to 33” to fit most regular and standing desks, it encourages micro-movements to help firm your core and improve your circulation and posture. Lightweight and compact, this swiveling desk chair will be the talk of the town and will improve your fitness level at the same time. Gaiam also offers cushioned fitness mats in gorgeous colors at an affordable pricepoint.
Golf clothes are one of the best investments you can make in your wardrobe. They are typically made from premium, soft, stretchable, and luxurious materials that are flattering and easy to move in. Plus, they tend to be stylish and versatile enough to wear on the golf course, on the tennis (or pickleball!) court, out to tea, or even to the park with your kids. Greg Norman Collection is one of our go-to golf clothing brands for classic pieces that make amazing gifts.
Pictured (left to right): Crossover Flounce Pull-On Skort, Sleeveless Freedom Micro Pique Stretch Polo, Whist Polo, ML75 Microlux Pant, One Size Fits All Leather Belt.
For durable shoes and outdoor clothing for the whole family, head over to Merrell! They have rugged shoes, adorable sweatshirts, and GORE-TEX sneakers for all kinds of adventures.
Pictured (left to right): Big Kid's Altalight Low Shoe, Big Kid's Moab Flight Low A/C, Women's Natural Beauty Crew Neck Fleece, Big Kid Nova 2 Sneaker.
Nathan Sports began debuting clothes several years ago - in addition to their amazing hydration and lighting accessories for runners - and their pieces do not disappoint. As a trusted brand for all things running, Nathan Sports offers sporty, lightweight, high-quality outdoors attire for running, hiking, biking, climbing, or working out in any kind of weather.
Pictured (left to right): Men's Vamos Track Jacket, Women's Rise Long Sleeve Tee 2.0, Dash Short Sleeve Shirt 2.0.
I played soccer for seven years in my childhood and my husband played at both the high school and collegiate level. We now have several kids who love soccer and I couldn't help but admire the new PUMA x LIBERTY Ultra FG/AG Women's Soccer Cleats. Ultra-light with a 4-way stretch that reduces weight and friction, these cleats are built for athletes looking to increase speed and strength. The lovely floral design - along with pink, red, and cream accents - makes this a standout cleat option for female soccer players.
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Some of the products in the list below were sent to us to try. Other products are ones that we purchased ourselves or were given by family members and friends. Know that I will always provide both the pros and cons of each featured product. You are welcome to send any follow-up questions to me via twitter (I’m @stephsheaffer).