Great Gifts for Athletes #DMHoliday2015

It is no secret that we are excited about fitness and athletics here at Daily Mom. We’ve all been benefiting from our Get Fit Initiative and we hope you have as well. With that passion in mind, this gift guide is packed full of the best gifts for athletes. Whether you have a seasoned, hard core athlete in your life or a mom who just joined the YMCA to start getting in shape, these gift ideas are perfect. In fact, a gift to help with fitness is really timely at the holidays with so many people making it their New Year’s resolution to get in shape!

Louisville Slugger Z4000 by Louisville Slugger

About Louisville Slugger

In the minds of most players there is only one true bat: the Louisville Slugger. Who could have known that 120 years after Bud Hillerich crafted his very first bat for Pete Browning that his company would still be making the bats that hit home runs. By selling more than 100 MILLION bats, Louisville Slugger has earned its title as the most popular bat company in baseball history.

Product

Whether your softball league follows ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISF or ISF standards, the Louisville Slugger Z4000 line of bats has your bases covered! Using a patented TRU3 connection system locking the barrel and handle together their innovative design brings you top level performance and dramatically reduced vibrations. Combined with their PURE360 composite (a carbon fiber material engineered to deliver exceptional performance and durability) this bat becomes a formidable weapon in the hands of every player.

Balanced vs. End Loaded

Read moreSexy Halloween Costumes Based on Children's Stories: Yay or Nay?

Everyone looking to purchase a Louisville Slugger Z4000 is going to come up with the same question eventually: Balanced vs. End Loaded? However, answering that question is extremely difficult because as a softball game progresses a batter’s needs change. One inning a batter will find themselves with two outs and bases loaded. What they need now is the raw power of the End Loaded bat. Later in the game a batter may see that the smart play is to drop it in front of the right fielder who is playing just a little too far back. That is why the only true answer to this question is that if you are truly dedicated to your game you simply have to have both.

Features You Will LOVE

• 100% Pure 360 Composite Design
• TRU3 – EXPLOSIVE Power Transfer
• 3-Piece Bat Construction
• End Load or Balanced swing weight
• 12 Inch Barrel
• 7/8 Inch Tapered Handle
• ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISF and ISF approved
• Available in 26oz, 27oz, 28oz and 30oz weight
• 1-year Manufacturer Warranty

Perfect For

With bat weights ranging from 26oz through 30oz the Louisville Slugger Z4000 is for teens and adults who are ready to take their game to the next level.

Ride Along Bike Seat by Thule

About Thule

Thule was founded in Sweden in 1942, and ever since then they have been on a mission to bring people closer to the world and to their passion for life. Their passion is going out of their way to help active families and outdoor enthusiasts. As a company they firmly believe in the importance of an active life. Their mission and passion has led them to developing products that help families transport anything they care for safely, easily, and in style so that they are free to live the active life that they want.

“Whatever your passion, whatever your pursuit. Wherever you’re going, whatever you’re bringing. With Thule, you’re free to live your active life to the full.”

Product

Love to get out and bike as a family but need a way to tote along your little one? Thule offers you an amazing (and safe) bike seat option. The Thule Ride Along is an intuitive, safe and easy-to-use rear child bike seat. Its smart design includes a single-hand adjustable foot strap and foot rests as well as a universal quick release bracket that allows the seat to mount/dismount from the bike in seconds. In addition there is a quick release bracket that’s lockable to prevent the seat from being removed when locked.

Read moreHow Breathing Exercises for Anxiety Can Help You (and Your Kids) Destress

For as fun as the ride will be for the parents, it is equally as comfortable for your little one. The seat offers an adjustable fully padded 3 point harness that provides maximum child safety as well as comfort. The DualBeam suspension system absorbs road shock which ensures a smooth, comfortable trip for your passenger. With the one-hand tilt function there are five different reclining options. Easy and quick one-hand tilt function of up to 20° allows for five different reclining options so you are sure to find the proper position.

The Thule Ride Along meets stringent safety standards and is designed and tested for children from 9 months to 6 years old. In addition to meeting all safety standards it has some other great features! The fabric is removable and water repellent as well as reversible, and the large childproof safety buckles are quick and easy to get you out and on the road and enjoying what nature has to offer with your active family. 

Features You Will LOVE

Perfect For

Ever feel like since you welcomed children into this world your family just hasn’t been able to be quite as active? And chasing your three year old around the house trying to dress them hardly counts. Well, The Thule Ride along is the perfect gift for the family that loves to get out and lead an active lifestyle, all with kids in tow.

Backbeat Fit by Plantronics

About Plantronics

Plantronics was founded in 1961 in Santa Cruz, California. It started in a garage when two airline pilots set out to invent an alternative to the conventional headsets of commercial aviation. Courtney Graham and Keith Larkin then created what was more than just the world’s first lightweight headset. It was the beginning of Plantronics, and the first of a half-century of breakthroughs in communications. From there they transformed the business environment by providing ultra lightweight in-ear phone models followed by cordless and hands free designs. Now they have evolved into a company that is obsessed (in a great way) with perfect sound in the name of communication.

Product

The perfect workout partner has arrived, in style nonetheless. Plantronics BackBeat FIT wireless stereo headphones are designed to withstand all workouts at your pace, without the mess of cords. They are meant to work hard for you under any conditions including rain and sweat. These wireless headphones are designed with P2i nano-technology. This means that a P2i nano-coating was applied during the manufacturing process which results in these bad boys having invisible liquid repellent properties. No need to worry about all that sweat ruining a great pair of headphones.

Features You Will LOVE

• Wireless headphones built specifically for your workout
• Thin, flexible design means NO pinching
• Powerful speakers for best sound
• P2i nano-technology repels liquids
• On ear controls allow you to control your music and your calls
• Comfortable, stable and built for action
• Safety-oriented eartip design allows you to safely hear what is going on outside of the headphones
• Echo cancellation reduces echo during calls
• Digital Audio equalization filters out background noise
• Neoprene armband allows you to store your phone, credit card and a key easily

Perfect For

Read moreFAVORITE FASHION BRANDS FOR 2017

Do you need a gift for someone who enjoys a good workout but insists they have music blasting in their ears the whole time? Then the Backbeat FIT is the perfect gift for them! These wireless headphones are great for any athlete that likes to get their beat on while getting their workout in. Long runs? No problem. Whatever the workout it can stand up to it without the mess of hanging wires. It is also great for those who need a wireless headset or would enjoy no cords while listening to music.

Running Apparel by Brooks 

About Brooks

A company that knows running, Brooks designs and produces running gear with the goal of producing “the best running experience on the planet”! The company boasts a team of over 500 runners that incorporate smart technology and high-tech materials in every item. From shoes to clothing to accessories, Brooks’ combines art and science to ensure that their products will offer the support and function necessary for every run to be a “happy run”. 

Product

The Brooks Women’s Drift 1/2 Zip is the ultimate zip up when it comes to comfort and function. The jacket’s DriLayer Turbine fabric is windproof and water-resistant, and also boasts thumbhole cuffs, a back pocket, and a notched zipper to keep headphones in place. Not only is the jacket’s function impeccable, but we love the overall fit as well!

We love the double duty of the Women’s Greenlight Tight SE! The reversible tight can be worn in warm weather to wick moisture and regulate body temperature, or reverse for a warmer feel during your cold winter runs. Either way, the slimming waist band and precise fit makes for outstanding mobility, never needing to pull up the tights throughout your long runs. 

Women’s Greenlight Headband is a reversible headband made to keep sweat out of your eyes and hair out of your face. Choose the silky side for warmer runs, while a brushed side adds warmth during cooler months.

Women’s Dash Arm Warmer is perfect for weather that’s neither too cold for a jacket and not quite yet warm enough for short sleeves. Wear the Dash Arm Warmer as you run when you want to cover up, and roll it down towards your wrists when your run gets warm. 

Brooks Men’s Joyride Sweatshirt is sure to keep you dry and odor-free as the wool-blend is specially designed to wick moisture, inhibit body odors, and help regulate body temperature.

The Men’s Greenlight Glove features moisture-wicking fabric that keeps hands dry, while the tech tip thumb and index finger makes for easy screen access without taking off your gloves.

Features You Will LOVE

Women’s Drift 1/2 Zip

• DriLayer Turbine Fabric
• Thumbhole Cuffs
• Windproof
• Water-resistant
• Semi-Fitted
• Retroreflectivity on both the front and back

Women’s Greenlight Tight SE

• Reversible: Print on one side, Solid on the other
• Slimming mid-rise waist
• Form Fitting
• Chafe-free seams
• Two Pockets
• Ruched side hems

Women’s Dash Arm Warmer

• Sillicone gripper to keep in place
• Reflective details
• Exciting patterns

Women’s Greenlight Headband

• Reversible
• DriLayer Fabric
• Reflective details in front and back
• Covers the ears

Men’s Joyride Sweatshirt

• Semi-fitted
• Grommeted underarm ventilation
• Soft interior
• Thumbhole Cuffs
• Moisture and odor wicking
• Subtle design

Men’s Greenlight Glove

• Tech tip thumb and index finger
• Envelope pocket on the palm
• Reflective details
• Range of colors

Perfect For

Brooks running apparel and accessories are the perfect gift this holiday season for the avid runner, beginner runner, and all those in between! With expert technology and great design, Brooks apparel is sure to make every run happy!

 Activewear by Onzie

About Onzie

Based in Venice, CA, Onzie (pronounced Own-Zee) is an active apparel brand founded in 2010 by a 20 year Bikram Yogi veteran. Taking the best of traditional yoga apparel and mixing it with innovative and whimsical material, Onzie’’s philosophy can be summed up in one single message: “keep your practice challenging and your wardrobe simple!” With that in mind, Onzie produces functional and appealing active apparel using innovative technology that’’s comfortable to wear, leaves room for your skin to breathe, dries faster and lasts longer, while flattering your figure all at the same time. Whether it’’s yoga, swimming, surfing, running or spinning, Onzie’s pieces are ideal for any daily activity, allowing your body to feel secure, cool, dry and perfectly comfortable.

Product

Onzie’’s Youth Collection is a wonderful line of activewear especially created with kids in mind. With a wide range of bottoms and tops, energetic kids will absolutely love the freedom and comfort Onzie apparel provides. The designs of the Onzie Youth Collection were created to appeal to active youngsters, so they can feel cool and engaged during your joint active practices together. With these kid-loving designs, your kid couldn’’t be happier to come along and join you on your next yoga session!

Features You Will LOVE

• Free-Flow Fabric Technology
• Durable, breathable and fast-drying material
• Functional, flattering and flexible activewear
• Full support and comfort in any situation
• Perfect for all active and leisure activities
• Unique and whimsical designs
• Tumble or hang dry
• 100% made in the USA

Perfect For

Onzie’’s Youth Collection is the perfect gift for your energetic kid or tween no matter if it’’s a yoga session with mom, running outside, swimming or just wanting to wear something comfortable and flexible during the day.

Star.21 Fitness Band + LifeBalanz App by Oaxis

About Oaxis

Oaxis believes in great design and technology that helps you set small goals to improve your life day by day. Every Oaxis product aims to bring you closer and closer to your new health goals. Oaxis helps bring technology and your everyday life together to help you quantify your lifestyle, giving insight into your daily life.

Product

Oaxis LifeBalanz is a companion for Star.21 Fitness Band + LifeBalanz App. It helps you quantity your lifestyle, giving insight to your daily life. We are all creature of habits. Good habits, bad habits; habits guide us through our repetitive actions in our daily lives unconsciously, allowing us to accomplish recurring tasks effortlessly. As we get comfortable with our habits, good habits continually shape us into our better selves while bad habits keep us from reaching our fullest potential. Oaxis Star.21 believes long lasting changes comes from within. Finding the right motivation to start a fitness plan is easy, keeping to it has always been the difficult part.

Features You Will LOVE

• All Day Activity Tracking: Automatically keeps track of your steps, distance and calories burned, keeping you informed of your activity level while you go about your daily life.
• Sleep Monitoring: Gives you insights to your sleep pattern and helps you improve your sleep routine.
• Calories Burned: Calculate calories burned based on activity level and individual metabolism derived from age, weight, height and gender.
• Visualize your Progress: Easy to read charts and graphs help you visual your progress right from your smartphone.
• Silent Alarm & Sleep Reminder: The smart silent alarm wakes you up gently in the morning and reminds you to go to bed on time.
• Make Your Goal a Game: Set and achieve personalized fitness goals aligned with daily milestones in the in-app game.

Perfect For

Perfect for anyone who wants to keep track of their calories burned, their daily activities, and basal activity level. The Oaxis Star.21 fitness band & app generates your activity level for you without you having to spend your whole day focusing on your calories…. allowing you to focus on more important things in your life. “Research has shown that if you want to stick to a new habit, monitoring is one of the best ways to make a change,” says Joshua Klapow, Ph.D., clinical psychologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Let the Oaxis Star.21 fitness band help you take the first healthy step in the right direction.

Activewear by Pearl Izumi

About Pearl Izumi

More than 50 years ago in Tokyo, a father produced Japan’s first bicycle racing apparel for his son, a promising racer. Today, Pearl Izumi USA, Inc. has evolved into the world’s foremost line of technical-performing and quality manufactured sports apparel. The name Pearl Izumi USA, Inc. is derived from the gem “pearl” and an area of Japan known for its clear water “Izumi”. Literally translated, their name means, “fountain of pearls”. The line has been distributed in the United States since 1981. The focus of the Pearl Izumi USA, Inc. line remains dedicated to meeting the needs of the serious sport enthusiast. The company’s long-term plan for the Pearl Izumi USA, Inc. brand has been to strengthen its position in cycling and apply the same formula for quality, innovation and technical performance into other sport categories. These categories now successfully include cross-country skiing, triathlon, duathlon, running and other outdoor sport activities.

Product

Women’s E:MOTION ROAD N1 v2 Shoes are lightweight and buttery smooth under foot. The new E:MOTION® Road N1 v2 is the perfect running shoe for a race day or tempo workout. Pearl Izumi fine tunes the feel by boosting flexibility and adding a full blown rubber forefoot to promote a smooth and quick running sensation giving you the responsiveness you need for maximum speed.

The Women’s Flash Jacket shows the weather who is boss. Wind and water resistant, The Women’s Flash Jacket will keep your core warm and dry even if you can’t dodge the downpour. Lacy mesh inserts provide effortless style and provide optimal temperature regulation. Thumb-holes help keep sleeves down.

The W Flash 3/4 Tight Print‘s versatility is key in a woman’s wardrobe. This printed 3/4 tight offers endless style that can transition from the road to the studio. With the printed transfer fabric combined with lacy mesh on the back of the calf for ventilation, you will be the envy on every block! Features one non-zipper key pocket and a flattering wide waistband.

The Women’s Infinity Trail Socks feature full Merino Wool cushioning underfoot that makes you crave a few extra miles on short and long trail runs alike. These socks are the perfect combination of comfort and style. Featuring Drynamix moisture management fibers and Balega’s rapid moisture evaporation system, these socks will keep you cool and dry during raising temperatures.

The Men’s E:MOTION TRAIL M2 v2 Shoes combines bi-lateral mid-foot positioning with a snug-fitting Seamless Upper and heightened out-sole traction in a rugged yet fast footwear package. Awesome adventure is literally at your feet with this shoe’s unmatched blend of nimble security, stability and comfort on even the most daunting technical trails.

The Men’s MTB WRX Jacket is a semi-form fitting jacket with wind and water-resistant material. This lightweight and packable mountain bike shell offers core protection from the elements.

The Men’s Flash Shorts are not your traditional running shorts. The style and aesthetic is guaranteed to make you look current and amp up your cool factor. The fabric is as smooth as it is weightless providing an unforgettable running experience. These will be your go-to running shorts.

Features You Will LOVE

Women’s E: MOTION ROAD N1 v2 Shoes

• New 3-D Seamless Print Upper Technology adds lightweight structure and upper integrity
• Transfer dry spacer mesh keeps feet cool and dry
• New dynamic offset-shaped E:MOTION® midsole on this running shoe is bio-mechanically tuned for a neutral to supinator running gait
• 1:1 Energy Foam in forefoot cushions upon impact and returns energy back to the runner during propulsion
• Blown rubber in the forefoot and carbon rubber in the crash pad combine for great cushioning and abrasion resistance
• Dynamic offset: 1 mm at initial contact to 4.5 mm at mid-stance
• Running shoe heel stack height: 19 mm (includes midsole and outsole)

• Barrier fabric is wind and water-resistant
• Lace-looking mesh panels for ventilation where you need it
• Zippered hand pockets to warm your hands up and to store all your running needs
• Thumb-holes helps keep sleeves down
• Light weight
• Semi-form Fitting

W Flash 3/4 Tight Print

• One non-zippered key pocket
• Transfer Dry fabric provides superior moisture transfer and warmth
• Flattering wide waistband with flat stretch drawstring for superior comfort

Women’s Infinity Trail Sock

• ELITE Transfer Merino Wool yarns provide superior moisture transfer and insulate when wet
• Strategic cushioning under foot
• Ultra-smooth toe design provides superior comfort
• Anatomic arch compression for a performance fit
• Mesh ventilation over top of foot
• Standard cuff height
• 73% merino wool/ 26% nylon/1% Lycra®
• Made in USA

Men’s E: MOTION TRAIL M2 v2 Shoes

• New Seamless Upper creates a supple and supportive fit for technical trail running
• Dynamic offset-shaped E:MOTION TM midsole is bio-mechanically tuned for a mid-foot pronation running gait
• Bi-lateral mid-foot posts are trail-tuned to keep feet on top of the midsole platforms in technical terrain
• 1:1 Energy Foam in forefoot cushions upon impact and returns energy back to the runner during propulsion
• ESS Forefoot rock plate protects feet against stone bruising and rock push-through
• New Aggressive, multi-directional Carbon Rubber outsole offers superb traction and abrasion resistance
• Heel Stack Height: 24.5 mm (includes midsole and outsole)

Men’s MTB WRX Jacket

• MTB Barrier fabric sets the benchmark in wind and water protection with abrasion resistance
• Full-length internal draft flap with zipper garage seals in warmth
• Hood fits over a trail bike helmet
• Elbow pad compatible fit
• Armpit and hood vent

Men’s Flash Shorts

• Transfer Dry 4-way stretch fabric provides optimal moisture transfer and stretch with superior hand feel
• Zippered back pocket to store your keys, food or smartphone
• Transfer Dry built-in liner

Perfect For

These items are perfect for men and women wanting to live a healthier lifestyle, whether you want to just look cute at the gym or if you’re training for a serious competition.

Activewear By Capezio

 About Capezio

Dancers are known for their strength and beauty while pulling off amazing performances. When a brand that has been focused on dancers for over 100 years creates activewear, you get pieces that are built for performance but still beautiful and feminine at the same time. Capezio has done just that with their activewear line inspired by dance. With so many types of exercise like barre classes and Zumba that are also dance inspired, this is a brand you need to know about. This dance brand offers activewear for everyone that includes, tops, bottoms, bras and outerwear/coverups. Women should feel beautiful and powerful when they work out and with Capezio this is now possible.

Product

The Dance Active Jacket will be well loved and well worn by any woman. This is not some slouchy sweatshirt to wear to the gym. This jacket has a stylish cut that is form fitting and sexy. The design contains mesh inserts that are slightly shear, allowing the jacket to breath, and the jacket is made with Capezio’s Studio Dry performance material to wick away moisture. The asymetrical zipper adds a nice fashionable twist. Busy women often end up running errands or meeting someone for a meal when they leave the gym. This jacket looks great with a pair of jeans as well, so it can do double duty when a woman is on the go.

Capezio has truly mastered the art of the perfect legging. This black Low Rise Legging is soft and comfortable but stays in place whether you are running around after a toddler or getting in your yoga practice for the day. The low rise hits just below the belly button but is not so low that your booty ends up making an unwanted appearance. This legging is lightweight and breathable, making it a piece that can be worn year round. Any woman who owns a pair will want another because she won’t want to take them off!

 Features You Will LOVE

Dance Active Jacket

• Stylish design that looks great at the gym or with jeans
• Machine Washable
• Has 2 zippered pockets and thumbhole cuff
• Breathable and stays dry

Low Rise Legging

• Falls just below the bellybutton with a comfortable 1 inch waistband
• Machine Washable
• Stays in place during a hard workout but comfortable enough to wear all day
• Made of extra soft cotton and lycra

Perfect For

These pieces are perfect for any woman who needs to be able to hit the gym and then go on with her day. Both pieces are classically black and match anything. They are designed to look beautiful on active women.

Women’s Workout Apparel by Fabletics

About Fabletics

Kate Hudson, co-founder of Fabletics, wanted to bring a unique experience to the way women shop for activewear; a way to bypass the crowded retail stores, a way to make quality workout apparel affordable, and a way to make shopping convenient, custom, and most of all, fun! By providing their customers with a lifestyle quiz so their personal style can be discovered and outfits chosen based on their results, Fabletics offers lots of different styles and designs that are both functional and fashionable while working out or lounging around. And with two easy ways to purchase, you can buy the cutest, most well made activewear out there for a fraction of the price you would find elsewhere.

Product

For those who workout year round, they are always in need of updated workout wear, so for whoever is on your Christmas list this year that loves to look fabulous while breaking a sweat, load them up with a new activewear wardrobe. With all Fabletics items super affordable, it’s easy to look like you spent a million bucks!

The simple Aventura Tank comes in a wide variety of colors and designs, and is a bit roomy for breathing room, while also being super soft against your skin. Layer the Snapdragon Reversible Bra under the tank for light to moderate support for your girls, and enjoy the two-in-one design, making this a cute, versatile bra to add to your collection. Complete this workout outfit with a pair of Salar Capris. Again, available in many colors and designs, you can find the perfect pair to match the personality for that special athlete you’re buying for.

Features You Will LOVE

Aventura Tank

• 60% cotton/40% viscose
• Curved hem
• Dropped armhole
• Can wear fitted or slouchy (based on size chosen)

Reversible Bra

• Sweat wicking
• Racerback straps
• Reversible design
• Lightly lined

Salar Capris

• Smooth, chafe-resistant
• Hidden pocket
• Moisture wicking
• Four way stretch

Perfect For

Fabletic’s outfits are great for any female athlete who loves playing hard while looking fabulous at the same time. For those who crave a good deal, who love styles custom chosen for them, and who enjoy bright colors and trendy designs, Fabletics is the new go-to for everything activewear!

Ellie Lounge Pant by Mika Yoga

About Mika Yoga

Founded in 2010, Mika Yoga was designed with yogis, dancers and fitness junkies in mind. Designed for movement inspired by yoga and dance, creating the ideal activewear for women. Their product line includes pants, shorts, tees, tanks, long-sleeves and other fun accessories to compliment any workout. They cater to many different people, and their fun and colorful designs make them a must-have for your workout wardrobe.

Product

The Ellie Lounge Pants are both comfortable and sexy. They feel amazing because of the luxurious Pima Cotton from Peru for added softness and durability. Wear them around the house on a lazy weekend morning or wear them during your workout. These are the ultimate lounge pants, and once you put them on, you won’t want to take them off.

Features You Will LOVE

• Flattering flared hem
• Super soft and silky
• Perfect for lounging or after workout comfort
• Durable Peru Pima cotton
• Spandex waistband to fit your body
• Colors available: cloud, black, rain forest, mulberry

Perfect For

Mika Yoga has products for everyone. Ideal for the athlete in your life or those who love loungewear, these Ellie Lounge Pants are perfect for their needs. Whether you’re seeking comfortable and soft pants, tanks, tees, shorts and other items, Mika Yoga is the one-stop-shop for your workout wear needs.

Men’s Soulmate Shoes by 361 Degrees 

About 361

361 Degrees USA is fairly new to the USA athletic shoe market. However, this company knows how to make incredible shoes. 361 Degrees is the second largest footwear company in China. 361 Degrees shoes are specially designed for different types of athletics. They offer shoes for running, training and basketball. In 2016, 361 Degrees will be an official sponsor of the 2016 Olympics and Paralympic Games. They are a leader in performance wear and well loved by serious athletes all over the world.

Product

The Soulmate by 361 Degrees is a versatile training shoe. Wear this functional shoe for running and in-club exercise. This shoe is crafted to meet a man’s athletic needs. It is designed with a balance of stability and comfort cushioning. High impact running and exercise will not be a problem in 361 Degrees.

Features You Will LOVE

• Lightweight
• Designed for stability and cushion comfort
• Fashionably dark grey
• Equipped with gripping teeth stabilizers and 361’s Quickfoam

Perfect For

The Soulmate is perfect for high impact workouts and running. Give this shoe to any man in your life who loves to hit the ground running or hit the gym. Perfect to help someone jumpstart their New Year’s resolution of getting in shape.