If you are looking for inexpensive gifts or stocking stuffers for the athlete on your gift list, here are a few gift ideas around $30 or less.
1. Running Cap
A lightweight running cap is a perfect gift for any athlete. Most exercisers I know have several caps of various colors, weight and a few with brims and a few without brims to accommodate all different weather conditions and temperatures. You can't go wrong with this gift idea.
2. Jump Rope
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3. Foam Roller
Foam rollers offer many of the same benefits as a sports massage, without the big price tag. The foam roller not only stretches muscles and tendons but it also breaks down soft tissue adhesions and scar tissue. By using your own body weight and a cylindrical foam roller you can perform a self-massage or myofascial release, break up trigger points, and soothe tight fascia while increasing blood flow and circulation to the soft tissues.
4. Running Gloves
A nice pair of running gloves can keep the hands and fingers warm and protected from the wind chill on chilly days. Choose a pair of gloves that offer a breathable, wicking fabric to pull moisture away from the hands and keep them dry.
5. Arm Warmers
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Arm warmers are great for any outdoor activity. Changing temperatures can make for difficult clothing selection, but a tiny pair of arm warmers let's you wear a tee-shirt and still have sleeves if it gets too cold.
6. Door Way Pull Up Bar
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The Iron Gym is a great, basic pull up bar for around $30 and it's worth every penny. I like this bar because you can set it up and take it down in a flash. Pull ups are of the most overlooked exercises for building upper body, back and core strength.
7. The Athlete's Guide to Yoga - Book
This is a great reference book for athletes who are familiar with sme basic yoga and want to use it to improve their flexibility, balance and strength for sports. Including more than 100 poses with full-color photographs and good instructions for some of the most challenging poses. As a bonus, you'll find sample sports-specific training plans and a DVD full of warm-up and cool-down routines. This is a good addition to any athlete's training program.
8. Nuun Active Hydration Tablets
Nuun electrolyte tablets offers athletes a unique carbohydrate-free fluid replacement. Just drop a tablet of nuun into a water bottle and you replace electrolytes without the calories of most other sports drinks.
9. Smartwool Socks
Socks every athlete should have. A cushioned sock with reinforced bottoms for durability and shock absorbency. For off-road runners, skiers, hikers and all types of rigorous activity, these socks maintain optimum body temperature to keep feet dry and comfortable. Will not itch or shrink - guaranteed.
10. The Stick Massager
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A small portable self-massager is a must-have for any athlete who needs a bit of tender loving care on the go. Use it to massage tight, stiff muscles and perform simple myofascial release when using a foam roller is just not practical
