The triathlete in your life probably has one interest – triathlon. Naturally, for the holidays or birthdays, you want to buy them a gift that helps fuel their passion. You’ve probably found that buying for the serious triathlete can be problematic for several reasons:
- They are very picky about high-end equipment.
- They are even more picky about the fit and feel of clothing and shoes.
- Most equipment is expensive and specialized – requiring significant research and money.
As an athlete I can tell you that I don’t like other people picking out clothing, bikes or other specialized equipment for me. However, there are many items that any triathlete would love, and even better, they won’t destroy your budget. Here’s our list of Gift Ideas for Triathletes.
1. Leg & Arm Warmers
This is something that everyone who rides a bike needs. I own the Pearl Izumi Thermal Arm and Leg Warmers and I love them. Don’t be deceived by the fact that these are “warmers.” Your triathlete will use them throughout the year. The best part is that they can be put on or taken off, on the fly. I would recommend black ones – they match everything. Cost: $$$
2. Race Entrance Fee or Annual License
This could be a very expensive gift, if Ironman is on list. There are many local races that start selling slots now. This can be tricky, because you don’t want to mess up their training plan, but if you know a race they want to do, or if there’s an organization that holds multiple races and sells gift cards. Another option would be to buy them a racing license for USA Triathlon or USA Cycling, which most races require. Cost: $ – $$$$$
3. Compression Wear
One of the biggest fades in triathlon right now is compression. It’s everywhere. And I think every triathlete wants to try it for her/himself. You can read my review about 2XU Compression – which is one of the best. Compression can be expensive, so look at getting them a calf sleeve or compression socks which seem to be really hot right now. Cost: $$$$
4. Training Books
If you know your triathlete well, you know how much they probably obsess about every aspects of their sport. There are many great training books that explain a variety of topics. A few of the best are Racing Weight, The Triathletes Training Bible, and Weight Training for Cyclists. I like to order these books from Amazon. Cost: $ (per book)
5. Road ID
This gift could be one of the most important. Whether on a run or a bike ride, if something were to happen to your triathlete, they need one of these. Exercising with a driver’s license is lame, and if their phone has a pass code on it – as most do – no one can get an emergency contact. Get a Road ID and make sure they wear it. I purchased the Wrist ID Elite, but they have many products. This is a present that could save a life. Cost: $$$
6. Water Bottles – The Good Kind
A triathlete can never have enough Water Bottles. Camelback has taken the water bottle to a new level with their Podium Ice Water Bottles. These little gems keep hots hot and colds cold. They are the perfect gift to keep your triathlete hydrated. A word of caution: They will make her/him loath their other water bottles. Cost: $ (per bottle)
7. Workout DVDs for the Trainer
You’re probably jealous of the amount of time your triathlete spends with the trainer. Be the bigger person, and get them some good workout DVDs to make the experience less miserable. Then, they’ll be more happy when they’re spending time with you. There are a number of programs made – most of them make the trainer a less painful experience. Cost: $$
8. DZ Nuts Products
These products are equivalent to the luxurious soaps at Bath & Body Works. Every triathlete wants to try DZ Nuts Chamois Cream (Bliss for the Ladies) The Shaving Cream DZ Nuts Bald is also a shaving cream that is wicked good. I would stay away from the embrocation Creams for triathletes – they probably wouldn’t use them much. We reviewed DZ Nuts Chamois Cream a while ago. Cost: $$ (per bottle)
9. Head Band or Running Visor
It’s not the eighties, but believe it or not a head band for biking, or a visor for running, makes training so much better. These items will keep the sweat our of their eyes and make you the hero. Halo and Pearl Izumi both make great head bands that are reasonably priced. For a great running visor look at Head Sweats they make one of the best visors on the market. Cost: $
10. Bike Thong
Now don’t think your buying your triathlete a sexy gift here. This item will make their trainer time much easier and it will save your good towels from ruin. The bike thong is a long narrow towel that attaches to the bike and protects it from sweat. You can read my review, and then pick one up from Cycleops. Cost: $$
Hopefully these items help demystify shopping for your triathlete, and take away the price-tag sting that most items in Triathlon have. Any of these items would make a triathlete happy and they are a lot more thoughtful than gift cards.
