It's that time of year again... With less than 30 days to go until Christmas (eek!) I'm sharing my round up of fantastic outdoor and fitness gifts to grab for those people who love to get outside and work up a sweat!
I have to say, I think I've got a pretty awesome selection of present suggestions this year! Hopefully, whether you're shopping for your friend, partner, grandma or dropping a not-so-subtle hint for yourself, there will be something that takes your fancy.
Christmas Gift Guide for Outdoor and Fitness Lovers
1. Ordnance Survey Trek Towels - These fantastic printed map towels from Ordnance Survey are super soft and lightweight, and dry eight times faster than a normal towel. They're ideal to take on camping trips, to the beach, on holiday - with their Polygieneยฎ permanent odour control you can even use to dry a wet dog! I love the different map designs, and although you technically aren't supposed to use for navigation, it's pretty cool to take a shower at your campsite in the Lake District and dry yourself with a Scafell Pike towel!
2. Great British Adventure Map - Love adventure? You'll love the ultimate adventure map of Britain. Featuring the best wild places, islands, mountains, beaches, waterways, viewpoints, routes and eccentric events, this is the ideal gift for someone looking for inspiration for their next challenge. You can buy it folded or flat and framed, which would be great to put up on your wall and tick off your different adventures.
3. 100 percent Eyewear Brisker cycling gloves - With the weather getting colder, gloves are essential winter cycling gear and this insulated pair is super cosy and warm. They have a microfibre moisture-wicking lining, reflective graphics on the top and silicon grip on the palm. I love the quote as well - "How much effort do you give" - inspiration for those days when your ride is tough-going.
4. B'Twin cycling arm warmers - For those days where its not quite cold enough for a long sleeved jersey or jacket, but too cold to just wear a short-sleeved top, arm warmers are the ideal cycling accessory! These Decathlon ones are really affordable and come in four different colours, including neon pink and lime green so you'll also be visible in low light as well.
5. MK Marathon Weekend - A race entry is always a fantastic Christmas present, especially if you tend to enter a lot of events - race fees can be expensive! Having a goal to aim towards is great after the excitement and over-indulgence of the festive season as well. My next big race is the MK Half Marathon, part of the MK Marathon Weekend, over the May Bank Holiday. I'm doing the Rocket 5k and the Half Marathon which means I'll actually get three medals - perfect for someone who loves bling! You can get 15% off your entry if you fancy joining me - use the code MKAMBVIP3434.
6. 1000 Mile Ultra Performance walking socks - I love the design and feel of these socks, they're so comfortable! They have extra padding under your toes and the ball of your foot, as well as your heel, and additional compression around the arch and heel to stop them slipping and causing blisters. Added to which the fabric has copper woven through it to prevent bacteria and foot odour, these probably are socks you could walk in for 1000 miles!
7. Osprey Axis backpack - I'm the BIGGEST fan of Osprey backpacks, we have so many its ridiculous, but I've honestly never found another brand that manages to squeeze in so much awesomeness into one bag! The Axis is actually part of the Everyday 24/Seven range, and could be used for commuting or hiking trips. It has a padded laptop section which doubles as a hydration sleeve for on the trail, three zipped pockets and a bungee cord on the outside to stow a jacket or bike helmet. Its also really lightweight, with padded straps and a mesh back-panel so you don't get hot and sweaty with a bag on your back, and the usual emergency whistle, reflective graphics and key clip that Osprey tend to include - definitely one to put on your Christmas list!
8. KEEN Terradorra Wintershell boots - Another must for any wintery adventures, the KEEN Terradora Wintershell boots are definitely going to be on my packing list for our Lake District trip next month. These are a premium winter performance boot which have a waterproof, breathable membrane to keep out slush and snow, while the lightweight insulation keeps your feet warm in sub-zero temperatures allowing you to focus on the view rather than how cold your toes are! They are snowshoe compatible, and have a rubber sole offering plenty of protection, traction and flexibility on slippery, cold surfaces.
9. Kalenji running gilet - Designed for windy runs or bike rides, this gilet is great to throw on for an extra layer of warmth over your core, especially as an asthmatic! It's really lightweight and packs away into its own little zipped pocket, which you can then carry or stuff in a cycling jersey pocket. I like the detail of the contrasting colour zip, as well as the mesh panels and reflective strips on the side and back.
10. Deep Heat Muscle Massage Roll-on Lotion - If you do a lot of exercise or complete some epic challenges this winter, chances are you'll struggle with achey muscles. The Deep Heat Roll-On is a small deodorant sized product, perfect to throw in your bag - it can be used to loosen and soften muscles, so that they move and stretch more easily before you exercise. Or you can roll it on after exercise to ease sore stiff muscles that have worked hard! The roll-on is such a handy way to apply the product as well so you don't get it all over your hands or clothes.
11. BUFF knitted hat - I have quite a few BUFF neckwarmers, they're particularly good if you struggle with your breathing when it gets cold. You can wear them over your mouth, or as scarves, or even as headbands. The BUFF hats are equally good quality, and with most designed to be worn in temperatures as cold as -10, they have a fleece band around the inside and are so cosy and warm. They're great for hiking or camping adventures and I love all the beautiful patterns and designs!
12. Marmot baselayer - One of the key pieces of advice when taking on any challenge in this country, whether running, cycling or hiking, is to wear layers! These mean you can adjust your temperature with the changeable British weather and ensure you stay warm or cool enough for whatever activity you're undertaking. This Marmot baselayer is made from moisture-wicking, quick drying fabric and is lightweight and flexible so that you can layer up under an insulated jacket or waterproof shell and still be able to move freely. The funky Aztec-style patterns brighten up an outfit too!
Anything here you might be putting on your Christmas list?
Beki x
NB: All the items in this guide were sent to me for review, but as always all opinions are my own. I have tested each product and would honestly recommend them as gifts for outdoor adventurers.