Valentines Day Gifts for The Runner

Running has gotten a bit popular over the past decade- perhaps you have heard it talked of once or twice, or, maybe that running bug has bitten you as well. It sure has got me and, chances are, it has gotten you significant other as well.

If you are in that group of the running elite known as marathoners, half marathoners (I will be soon!!), ultra marathoners, triathletes, and the like, you know there are a few products that life can simply not go on without. Of course, some of those have made it to our Valentines Day list, but some of these are also great gifts that your runner will squeal for joy over, but may not necessarily buy for themselves.

Garmin Forerunner 110 GPS Watch

This is a bit like the 405, if the 405 went on a bit of a diet and got way better at understanding where you are- even in tree cover. I will be getting one of these quite soon and would recommend every other runner or newbie outdoor runner do the same. It has better reviews than any Tom Tom, a large display, and shows you your pace compared to your goal. Too bad it does not come with the HRM strap, that is the only downside. Of course, you could always go a little crazy and buy this one instead :)

Runner's Rule Book

Every runner enjoys reading about other runner's running experiences, right? Well then, your runner will enjoy knowing all those running do's and dont's. Because, no one wants to be a rude runner.

Run The Extra Mile

It is artwork and it is encouraging. This is sure to tick two of the many boxes of the things your runner enjoys! It is also so cute and chalk-like, I just love it and would like one now to put in my office. Yes, that would be perfect.

Compression Leggings

It may not seem romantic, but this says you care about them on a logical level. Compression leggings, sicks, and the like help reduce water retention, muscle soreness by reducing lactic acid build-up, and could actually help you finish that race a little faster!

Dry Shampoo- God's Gift to Women Who Sweat

That is a fact. After he rested a bit on Sunday, he woke up Monday and created this. The. Best. Thing. Ever. Get it for your running buddy, significant other, hot yoga neighbor/instructor, or anyone else because everyone will love this.

Running Chronicles Bib Holder

How cute is this, right?! It holds all your bibs so you can look back and think of all those race memories. I simply love this idea and think it is perfect for any scrap booker or insane memory maker out there.

Chocolate Truffles

Last, but certainly not least is the needed chocolate truffles. I got these for a treat at a recent volunteer meeting and they were a hit! And yes, you do need the giant, 36-count box. Also, chocolate is great for increasing race times, stopping all joint and muscle pain, improving running complexion, and making everything not hurt. Science.

Valentines Day Gifts for the Yogi You Love

Did you know that Valentines Day is only 10 days away?!? There are plenty of us out there still scrambling for that perfect last minute gift. If that is you and you also have a fitness loving significant other, your are in luck. We will be going through a giant list of all the things your fitness loving friend will go crazy for come Valentines day. Everything is also linked and able to be to you in time for the 14th. I know, so great!

But, where do we start? Why, with the yogi, of course! Oh the peaceful, calm, and kind yogi; one of the newer fitness loving groups. These fitness lovers tend to be oh-so chiseled, especially since they do the equivalent of rolling around on a mat 3+ times per week. Yogis can be some of the easiest people to buy gifts for, and some of the most difficult. Thankfully, your yogi is guaranteed to like one, or all, of the things on this list!

1. Men's Yoga Bracelet. These are great for guys and gals and come in way more colors than you will ever need. It is also a cheap, cute gift for only $12.
2. Have you seen anything cute than this Onzie yoga outfit?! I think not. I also think your yogi will be feeling the same when they open this next Saturday! At $56 for the top and $65 for the bottom, it is also something they may not just buy themselves any old day of the week.
3. Manduka yoga mats are pretty well known for being the best thing to touch the feet of yogis ever. If your yogi does not have one, they will love it and their yogi respect for you will go up by mounds too! I should probably also mention the price- $118!
4. I Bend so I Don't Break is just a pretty, inexpensive top that any yogi would love to wear for their morning Vinyasa. It is simple and only costs $26. Fantastic!
5. Gold and Red Lotus Bracelet. One time the hubs got me a lotus bracelet out of the blue and it was the best day ever. He got it because he knew I loved yoga and because I like pretty things. It was a win-win and possibly the best gift ever. And did I mention is it only $20? Buy it.
6. Yoga Toes. Do your toes slip and slide one the mat? Mine do! These yoga toes will make down dog slippage a thing of the past. You can also where them to Pure Barr if you are in to that sort of thing! Oh, and they are Calvin Klein and less than the ones Pure Barr sells. Just sayin'.
7. Skidless Mat. The best thing ever. Your yogi's mat will not slip and neither will their toes! It is huge, machine washable, and only $68.
8. Hair Ties that will make your hair look trendy when up and kink free when put back down. It is all in the little things and this little thing says "Your hair is so pretty, only the prettiest of hair bands is worthy to be stretched around it." Yes, that is actually what these say.
9. Quartz Calmness Bracelet. Because it is Valentines day and we do like shiny things. Oh, and because it is less that $50.
10. Goddess Ribbed Yoga Pants are so pretty, I just want to wear them right now. They also come in plenty of different colors, all of which keep the two-tone effect. My favorites are these crazy bright yellow ones for $92!

The Best Gifts for Anyone Ever

There are a few gifts that I have found in my search that are simply the best gifts for anyone, ever. These gifts run the gambit, from kids, to great-grandparents, there is something for everyone. And, since we missed Wednesday (so sorry about that), I will be adding a few things to this list from that post as well- all about gifts that give back. It may also be it's own post next week, I have not quite decided yet.

Baby Feet ($19.10)

Ok, this sounds weird, but I am legitimately interested. Apparently, you put these booties on for the night and them take off and discard. Five days later your skin starts shedding and what is left underneath is super soft, feet like a baby's. Sounds crazy, right? Crazy enough to be that perfect gift for your best friend who you share everything with!

The Best Sleepover EVER! ($145)

I want to do this. Unfortunately, it is only for kids. For a mere $145 you can give your kids a real night at the museum! That is right, the American Museum of Natural History has become a ten year-old girl and started hosting sleep-overs!!! Every child is given a sleeping bag, flashlight, and an adventure that they will always remember. It will also give you cred as being the best parent ever in existence.

Kids get to go on adventures throughout the museum, see a live animal presentation, watch the new shark movie in their 3D theater, then sleep under the giant blue whale. Sounds incredible, right? Ages 6-13 are able to go on this adventure.

A Necklace that Give Two Gifts ($78)

This necklace was handmade in Cambodia and stands for compassion and wisdom. All of the products from the Brave Collection were made by fair trade artisans and help those in human trafficking. Most of the employees are women with children or disabilities. All of the products are made using a traditional Cambodian style and all materials are from the country. 10% of what you give also goes to end human trafficking in Cambodia.

You can read about their story here.

Gifts for the Fit Friend Who Has Everything

We all know them, see them, and have them as friends and if you don't, chances are you're that friend. The girl (or guy) who is a super fit junkie but seems to have everything days, no, months before everyone else. These people are the hardest to find gifts for, but fear not, getting them the perfect gift is totally in your ability.

To start off this week's gift giving theme, we have gifts for that fit person who has it all. These gifts run the gambit of prices from $20 to $200 and more. The nice thing is, there is something on this list that will be a fit for that fitness junkie in your life.

Ballet Beautiful Classes- $35 each

Mary Helen Bowers is the founder of Ballet Beautiful and the [almost] official trainer for Victoria's Secret models everywhere. She is also the one who trained Natalie Portman for her role in Black Swan. Needless to say she has it going on. Her classes use her ballet background to form intense, lean muscle toning workouts that will give you the body of a prima ballerina.

Ballet Beautiful has a few studios in NYC but, she has online classes throughout the week that you can sign up for and take via the internet! These classes are not run-of-the mill streaming recordings of previous lessons, no, these are classes with MHB where you can see her and SHE CAN SEE YOU. What!?! Yes. Just yes. If you have yogi friends, Pure Barr fanatics, and previous dancers, let me introduce you to the best Christmas gift ever. This is something that almost any girl would flip for and can be added to a bundle with a few of her CD's to really get them prepped. Seriously, Christmas win.

Oh, and I am pretty sure this picture was taken like right after having her first child. Whhaatt?!?!?!

Fabletics $49.95 Monthly

Fabletics is a great clothing distribution site that Kate Hudson helped found. It is a bit like a cheese of the month club, but instead of cheese, you get credits towards fitness apparel and reduced prices to boot. I must admit that when I first started Fabletics, I thought it was awful. But, then I found my right size and, boy, has my tune changed.

This can be a wonderful gift for the fit friends who always looks great does not seem to need help in the wardrobe department. New clothes come out monthly and are chosen from a fit style test taken when your account is started.  This is the type of gift that will go well beyond the holiday season.

If a year membership is not something your wallet wants to give, you can always do a month or two, then let your friend decide if they want to keep it going. This just might be the gift of choice for a few people on my list!

Tory Burch for Fitbit $175-$195

Chances are pretty high that your fit friend also has a Fitbit attached to them almost everywhere they go. Give them the gift of healthy glam this holiday season with Tory Burch's line of Fitbit holding accessories. These beauties come in rose gold, gold, and silver and are made to hold the Fitbit Flex. Personally, I like the necklace ($175) a bit more than the bracelet ($195), but each are quite pretty!

This may not be the best gift for those friends who are biding their time until the Apple Watch comes out, but for all those other fitnessistas, it is perfect!

Sweaty Betty

It is like we went from one day of not hearing Sweaty Betty anywhere to it being all we talk about the next. If you have not heard about Sweaty Betty, they are a fitness line based out of the UK with ridiculously great workout clothes and Lululemon prices to go along with it. No, you may not be able to afford a complete workout ensemble, but a gift card to Sweaty Betty will go a long way in your fit friend's eyes!

Of course, if you know the activities said friend enjoys, their size, and style, you can always pick something out for them instead. It is hard not to love everything on the site so good luck just picking one item.

Here are a few great gifts under $50!