Seven gift ideas and what we love about each item.

Ideas for selecting the perfect gift for everyone on your list.

Thinking about the perfect gift for everyone on your list can be daunting especially if you still have deadlines that need to be met before year end. So we did a little shopping to help spark your imagination and give you some ideas. Select a gift that they might like given what they do or might like to do.

You can get everything on our list from Sports Basement. If you haven’t been in one of their stores in a while, things have changed. They now have all the latest brands, gear and styles for every sport or workout under one roof or on one site if you prefer to shop online. At least that makes the task easier.

Seven [7] gift ideas and why the items made our list this year

1/ Day hiking packs with essentials.

We love these little day hiking packs because they are just large enough for water, snacks, sunscreen, phone + keys and an extra layer. If you have someone on your list who is into hiking or wants to start hiking, it’s perfect. Stuff one with a few of the essentials and add a few maps of parks and trails you want to explore in 2019.

2/ Workout outfit and classes.

We love this women’s workout outfit from adidas for the subtle details, fabric and fit. However, there are so many more brands and styles to choose from for both men and women. You’re sure to find a winner for the fitness enthusiast or fitness newbie on your list. Purchase a class pack for their favorite studio or for a workout you think they will enjoy.

3/ Bags for traveling with sporting gear.

We have been eyeing these travel bags for a long time because they fold down to almost nothing but expand to carry a lot of stuff. Perfect if someone on your list who loves to travel with ski and snowboard gear, frequently buys more than their suitcase holds or needs to move bulky stuff from Point A to Point B regularly. There are lots of sizes to choose from so there is likely a good solution for whatever the need.

4/ Helmet with MIP.

If you have someone on your list who loves to push the envelope, a helmet with MIPS will surely be appreciated and used. Helmets need to be replaced after a bad fall or every few years for the latest protection. Make it personal by choosing a color that reflects their personality. For someone who loves to ski or snowboard, it never hurts to have more than one helmet.

5/ Winter cycling essentials.

We love Castelli cycling gear because the clothing is about fit and function not the label. Treat the cycling enthusiast on your list to a new base layer, thermal jersey or wool socks and booties. According to the pros in the cycle shop, men layer much the same way women do. So you can’t go wrong with these basics for any cold weather rider on your list. Just note, Castelli runs smaller than American brands so size up.

6/ Sleep and undies.

Who doesn’t like pretty undies that feel good too. The Beyond Yoga robe had us at first touch. It’s incredibly soft and cozy yet stylish enough to also be worn as a sweater. The under layers are as soft and beautiful whether for lounging or sleeping. Under Armour undies seem to be a favorite with the guys and from a female perspective, look nice too. You can’t go wrong with a few luxe every day items.

7/ Book bag with iconic San Francisco landmarks.

These bags from Rickshaw Bagworks are eye catching and perfect for a teenager whether to use as a book bag or a beach bag. Pick the bag with the motif that reflects their personality and fill it with a few items [ie. healthy snacks, novels, workout gear, sweatshirt, beach towel] they will use and enjoy.

Best advice

Start by thinking about the person on your list and what they like to do or want to do. If there is anything that we learned in talking with some of the experts at Sports Basement, it’s not about purchasing a lot of stuff or spending a lot of money but rather picking something that will get used and enjoyed.