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 2019.
First, we're pleased to feature gift pick for adult athletes. These are people who play sports (soccer, basketball, volleyball, etc) or pursue solitary athletic endeavors (swimming, cycling, running, etc).
GIFTS FOR ADULT ATHLETES
Brooks has been in the footwear business since 1914 so it's no surprise that the company continues to be a brand of choice for athletes - both amateur and professional. Headquartered in Seattle, the company's claim is an audacious one: "we make the best running gear on earth."
This year, we're featuring two pairs of road running shoes - the Glycerin 17 for women and the Ghost 12 for men. Both shoes offer exclusive DNA LOFT cushioning, which "provides a soft, luxurious feeling underfoot without losing responsiveness or durability." In other words, they're plush, stretchable, and breathable - while still offering the support you need when running on tracks and trails.
For men & women who spend time on the golf course, Greg Norman Collection is a well-known and well-loved brand for high-end attire that is breathable, lightweight, and moves with you. Each season, you'll find new colors and designs in the most modern aesthetics. The sophisticated styles and silky soft materials are sure to be appreciated by active men and women all yearlong. Although Greg Norman's collection is specifically created for golfers, their pieces work equally well for tennis, walking, and business casual functions.
Pictured Above: Chevron Quilted Cire Jacket, Short Sleeve Play Dry Protek Micro Pique Polo, Glacier Polo, and Microlux Stretch Short.
For a splurge this holiday season, take a look at the H5 Women's Active Hooded Jacket by Gore Wear. Designed for Fast Hiking, this light-as-a-feather jacket is excellent for the seasoned traveler, hiker, climber, or backpacker. Because it is made with GORE-TEX Active material, it is (a) fully waterproof, (b) super lightweight and packable, and (c) it barely takes up any space in your suitcase or hiking daypack.
Runners will thank you times a thousand for thinking of this super practical stocking stuffer! SportShield is an easy-slide product in a convenient roll-on tube that prevents blisters and chafing. Perfect for short & long runs, walking, biking, and hiking. You can use this slide-on solution to keep irritation at bay anywhere on your body. 2Toms offers a traditional tube as well as a specially designed formula for women, which includes aloe & shea butter to moisturize and natural extracts which are safe for sensitive areas. Both the roll-on and the travel size packs are the right size for stuffing a stocking. Note that 2Toms also makes Stink Free Detergent (which eliminates odor from sports clothing and gear!) in 30 oz jugs and 2 oz trial packets.
------------
Now, we'll transition to showcase gift picks for kids who love sports of all kinds. Whether your child enjoys baseball, basketball, golf, gymnastics, soccer, tennis, or volleyball, you're sure to find creative and unique gift ideas on this list.
GIFTS FOR YOUNG ATHLETES
An attractive insulated water bottle is a surefire gift pick for any young athlete. Takeya's 18oz bottle is exactly the right size for young hands (perfect for elementary students, ages 5-10 or so). The slim BPA-free water bottle offers double-wall vacuum insulation, which keeps water cold for 24 hours.
Takeya bottles are most well-known for their insulated spout lid - which is leak-proof and easy to drink from without spilling. The company touts that their design is "the best lid ever." Takeya bottles also come with an easy-carry handle, which is great for toting the bottle from school to sports activities. Parents will love that the entire top screws off for no-mess and easy ice filling.
If you're purchasing a water bottle for school, I recommend this 18oz size over the somewhat smaller 14oz "kids" bottle that is sold by Takeya because (a) straw lids are a pain to clean and (b) 18 oz is a better water capacity to help kids stay hydrated throughout the day.
For young golfers, consider tailor-made, stylish apparel to help them stay cool and comfortable on the course. Garb, "the original junior golf apparel brand," offers fashionable pieces in silky soft materials. The polos, skirts, shorts, dresses, and pants offer a flattering fit, while also offering enough stretch to be functional as they play. The Garb collection works equally well for tennis, hiking, and vacationing.
Another great thing about Garb that I want to be sure to point out is that they offer golf, tennis, and lifestyle clothing for infants and toddlers too! This Orange Performance Polo caught my eye as being a fun pick for preschool boys who want to "look just like daddy" on the course.
Pictured Above: Girls Golf Polo (Rose), Girls Golf Skort (Maci), and Kenzie Teal Golf Pullover Layering Jacket.
This is an oft-forgotten - but seriously cool! - gift pick! ZippyRooz sells half finger and full finger bike gloves for toddlers, preschoolers, and kids. These comfortable, durable, and easy to wear gloves receive rave reviews from athletic families. The wide-opening makes it easy to put the gloves on and pull loops at the ends of the fingers make them even easier to take off. The palm offers generous padding to reduce impact without compromising grip.
————–
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).