Buying for gym lovers is surprisingly hard. They’re picky about fit, obsessed with comfort, and always know exactly what they like… or don’t. Whether they lift, run 5Ks on the regular, or follow a hybrid training plan, fitness lovers want gifts that feel good, perform well, and look even better.
That’s why this guide exists. Curated by people who train regularly, these picks work for every type of athlete: beginners, gym rats, group-class enthusiasts, treadmill dabblers, and anyone who lives in activewear. It’s not runner-specific or weightlifter-specific (we have dedicated guides for that). This one is for the general fitness fan - the person who loves the gym, loves feeling good, and loves great activewear.
It’s the best gift guide for Christmas, birthdays, new-year fitness kicks, graduations, and those “saw this and thought of you” motivation boosts. Here’s our roundup of the best gifts for athletes and gym lovers in 2025.
What Are The Best Gifts for a Gym lover?
With all the hard work and long hours they put into training, the gym rats in your life deserve the best gifts you can get your hands on this season. Your gifts for athletes don't need to be overly flashy or expensive, but something practical and functional that supports their fitness goals and shows them that you've gone the extra mile.
Ideal options include:
High-quality activewear: Such as performance baselayers or supportive sports bras.
Lifestyle essentials: Such as comfy tracksuits and everyday athleisure staples.
Fitness accessories: Such as resistance bands or fitness trackers.
Recovery tools: Such as yoga mats, massage balls, and ice roller balls.
With our well-curated list of gifts for athletes, the fitness enthusiasts in your life can reap the benefits and maybe hit a PB or two with these gift ideas.
Gym Clothes They’ll Actually Wear Daily
Is their drying rack overflowing with activewear and worn-out sports socks? Now every gym lover has a rotation of favourites, pieces they’ll reach for without even thinking. Soft, supportive, sweat-ready staples that they can wear for lifting days, treadmill days, and everything in between. These are the practical, stylish gym clothes they’ll actually wear.
Essential clothing gifts
Seamless leggings
Our seamless leggings offer a performance-driven design, combining support and style for fitness lovers of all levels. Leggings like the Adapt, Vital, and Apex provide high coverage for high-intensity, cold-weather training while allowing freedom of movement. Perfect for everything from weightlifting to yoga, they’ll help your loved one focus on their goals, whether it's powering through a tough leg-day workout or stretching it out in a cool-down session.
Not sure what legging will be right for them? Check out our guide to The Best Workout Leggings For Women as a starting point.
Matching sets
A matching set (leggings/shorts + sports bra/matching top) takes the guesswork out of getting ready and can be the perfect gift for a beginner in the gym. They’re flattering, coordinated, and made to perform, and each piece can be worn separately for more styling versatility. It’s the kind of outfit that boosts confidence before the warm-up even starts, a perfect choice for the gym lover who loves to look good while training hard.
Oversized tees & pump covers
Most gym-goers know that some days call for working out in a comfy baggy tee. It’s either that or throwing on an inconspicuous pump cover to power through your workout. Whatever it is, a soft, breathable, oversized top is suitable for every type of gym goer. They’re easy to throw on over a sports bra, compression tank, or gym set, ideal for everything from warm-ups to cooldowns, or for anyone who loves a comfy, relaxed training fit.
Everyday training essentials
Their gym essentials are the pieces they reach for every training day. Think staple gym tops made from performance fabrics, shorts that work for any workout, and leggings that stay up through every kettlebell swing, burpee, and box-jump. Sweat-wicking tech is a non-negotiable here! These essentials are built for durability, versatility, and comfort through every rep, making them the perfect practical gifts that will always get worn.
Baselayers
Training in winter can be tough… it’s dark, it’s cold, and it can be hard to find the motivation to get outside. That’s where a quality base layer comes in, tackling these pain points head-on. Our base layer tops and leggings are designed not just to provide warmth, but also to enhance support during high-impact movements. The snug fit helps stabilize muscles and reduce fatigue, allowing athletes to push through their workouts even when the temperature drops.
Crafted from premium materials, an insulating base layer ensures comfort and flexibility, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to stay active all winter long.
Supportive sports bras
Purposeful training requires the right amount of support, and this is where your gifting skills come in.
For some reason, a well-fitting, supportive bra is often an item amiss in many fitness lovers' wardrobes, so it makes sense to gift this to an athlete who you know plays high-impact sports or trains for many hours at a time. Supportive and breathable, our sports bras mould comfortably to the body, allowing for full focus during the training session - an ideal fitness gift for women.
Everyday Training Accessories
If you’re shopping for someone and don’t know their size, accessories are the easiest win - and make for a great stocking stuffer too. Everyone uses them, every training style, every level, every gym routine. You can’t go wrong with a small and thoughtful fitness gift.
Fitness accessories
Fitness Tracker
A fitness tracker, such as a WHOOP band or smartwatch, is the ultimate companion for athletes who love to analyze their performance and health data.
These devices monitor sleep, recovery, heart rate, and even workout intensity. With continuous tracking, an athlete can optimize their training, stay on top of their goals, and even prevent overtraining. It’s the gift that keeps on giving by enhancing their performance day by day.
Phone Strap
Getting in the zone for training most often starts with a motivational playlist full of their favorite songs, right? So why not make their practice sessions easier with a phone strap that wraps around their arm and features a functional touch screen, allowing them to easily skip or repeat songs and keep their head in the game.
Water Bottles & Shaker Bottles
Any serious fitness aficionado takes their protein intake very seriously. Meaning if you ever see them red-faced and sweat-clad post-workout, they'll more than likely have a protein shake in hand. Before their training sessions, your athlete friends may get a boost of energy from a pre-workout, and our shaker bottles are the perfect accompaniment to shake up all their supplements of choice.
As well as their protein intake... it's important to stay hydrated during activity, and honestly, and it's all made a lot easier when you have a water bottle you love. We have a number of water bottles (even ones with straws) - large and small, for whatever activity. The bright colors available help when it comes to getting bottles mixed u,p too!
Small Gym Holdall Bag
Now, what's to hold all these new accessories they've received? A holdall bag, of course. A durable holdall bag is essential for packing all their gear, and it makes for a fantastic gift for athletes who train regularly.
We've got plenty of colors to choose from in our Everyday Gym Holdall Bag so you can tailor your gift to your person's style and preferences.
Socks
For those cozy rest days, chunky socks are the ultimate gift. These thick, plush socks offer warmth and comfort, especially after intense training or competitions. They’ll keep their feet warm and cozy during recovery days spent lounging at home or just relaxing after a workout. This is a gift for athletes who enjoy some home comforts, and want their downtime to feel as good as their active sessions.
Towel
It's not the most glamorous of gifts, but a soft and lightweight terry cotton Gymshark Towel is an essential for the sweatiest workout sessions. It’s rolls up easily into our large Everyday Holdall Bag, and still leaves room for any workout kit or change of clothes. Or snacks, or shakes.
Hair Accessories
If you've stood on the sidelines watching their games before and noticed their hair flailing in their face mid-action, you probably felt an immediate urge to help. Well, now you can.
Minimize distractions for your giftee with our Diffuse Headband that pushes stray hairs off the face and keeps everything in place. Now for a little aesthetic moment, our scrunchies make a great gift for athletes with long locks when they want to tie their hair up but make it look cute.
Athleisure Gifts
Gym lovers don’t just train, they live in activewear. These pieces blur the line between workouts and weekend plans, making them ideal gifting options for airport outfits, coffee runs, cozy season layering, and everything in between.
Rest day pieces
Cozy tracksuits
Oversized tracksuits are the definition of cozy-meets-cool. Soft, slouchy, and perfect for throwing on after a tough workout, they make every rest day feel intentional, and nice enough to wear out the house. Whether your giftee loves a fresh outfit when they go travelling, a comfy commute fit, or just appreciates anything that feels like a warm hug, an oversized tracksuit is the kind of gift they’ll wear constantly. It’s effortless, stylish, and always a safe bet.
Oversized tees
If there’s one thing every gym lover appreciates, it’s a great oversized tee. They’re breathable, relaxed, and ridiculously easy to style, making them perfect for a chilled-out gym ‘fit or just existing comfortably. They’re the shirts that somehow end up being worn three days in a row because they go with absolutely everything: leggings, shorts, joggers, you name it. It’s a guaranteed win for literally anyone who trains.
Fitted basics
Think ribbed tanks, clean long-sleeve tops, and sleek, minimal pieces they can wear in the gym and out of it. Fitted basics are those simple items they reach for again and again because they’re flattering, comfy, and ideal for layering under hoodies or pairing with their favourite leggings. They’re the type of gift that instantly elevates everyday athleisure outfits without trying too hard.
Caps & beanies
Caps and beanies are the ultimate “you can’t go wrong” gift. Perfect for bad hair days, early-morning sessions, winter walks, or just adding a bit of vibe to an outfit. Whether they’re into sleek sporty caps or soft, cozy beanies, these accessories pull together any athleisure look while being genuinely practical. It’s a small gift that feels thoughtful, and gets worn way more than you’d expect.
Workout Equipment
Whether your friend is a YouTube workout enthusiast or bringing their training home, an extra piece of workout kit is bound to enhance their training regimes.
Whether your friend is a YouTube workout enthusiast or is bringing their training home with them, an extra bit of workout kit is bound to please their training regimes.
Handy gym equipment
Jump Rope
Jump ropes... don't underestimate how serious of a workout you can get from one! While a nostalgic memoir of childhood for some, the athletes in your life no doubt know the benefits of skipping as an effective full-body cardio workout.
So why not gift them a new jump rope so they can mix things up and have a little bit of fun with their training!
Adjustable Dumbbells
For athletes who like to strength train at home, adjustable dumbbells are a game-changer. Instead of cluttering their space with multiple sets, adjustable dumbbells offer a range of weights in one compact design. With a quick turn of a dial, they can change the weight mid-session, making it a versatile gift that accommodates any workout, from heavy lifting to hybrid training. Plus, they save space and are perfect for athletes with limited home gym setups.
Resistance Band Sets
Resistance bands are a must-have for athletes of all kinds. These versatile, space-saving tools are ideal for warm-ups, strength training, and injury prevention. A full set includes various resistance levels, allowing athletes to adjust the intensity based on their workout. From enhancing mobility and flexibility to providing resistance for strength exercises, these bands can do it all and fit easily into any gym bag.
Pull Up Bar
Gift your athlete a pull-up bar to install at home so they never have to miss out on training sessions. If they're aiming to improve strength by mastering pull-ups and chin-ups, then why not help them build a pull-up bar unit in the comfort of their own home? Our favorite options are pull-up bars that can be hooked right into a door frame for easy installation and even easier reps.
Recovery & Wellbeing Gifts
Even the most dedicated athlete you know needs days off, so recovery gifts are a guaranteed win. They help them warm up, cool down, and look after their body between sessions.
Recovery tools
Yoga mats
A cushioned, non-slip yoga mat makes it easier to commit to a stretching routine, show up for yoga, and those much-needed cool-down sessions. It’s a perfect fitness gift for anyone who values recovery as much as training.
Massage tools
Small but powerful, these tools help relieve tension in tight spots after a big session. Think psoas muscle* releasing tools, massage balls for sore backs, or trigger point massagers for tight traps. A thoughtful (and temporarily painful) gift for athletes who train hard and want quick recovery boosts.
*The psoas muscles are found on each side of your lower spine and wrap around down to your pelvis. They help you stand upright and play a key role in spinal stability and any hip flexing movements (walking, running, climbing stairs). Pain from this muscle can be found deep in the groin or lower back.
Muscle & Joint Roll-On
A muscle and joint roll-on is a portable, mess-free solution for soothing sore muscles after tough training sessions or using as an accessory pre-workout prep.
Usually infused with cooling ingredients like menthol or eucalyptus, and magnesium, it works to reduce inflammation ease aches and pains. Perfect for targeting specific problem areas, the roll-on design allows athletes to apply pressure directly to tense spots.
It’s a great gift for athletes looking for immediate relief after workouts, whether they're hitting the gym, track, or playing field.
Ice Roller Ball
An ice roller ball is an innovative recovery tool that combines the benefits of cold therapy and massage - designed to roll over muscles, reducing inflammation and relieving muscle tension after workouts.
Athletes can store it in the freezer for a cold massage that helps speed up recovery, decrease soreness, and soothe tired muscles. This tool is perfect for pinpointing tight areas or soothing larger muscle groups, making it a versatile recovery gift.
Recovery Bath Salts
Nothing says relaxation quite like a warm bath after a long training session, and recovery bath salts can enhance that experience.
Usually made with Epsom salts and essential oils, these salts help to soothe sore muscles, reduce inflammation, and provide relaxation. They’re the perfect gift for athletes who deserve some pampering and time to unwind after a hard day of workouts or competitions.
Gift Bundles
Consider creating custom gift bundles for the fitness enthusiast in your life. Whether it's under £60 or £100, these bundles will combine the best of fitness and recovery essentials, perfect for any athlete.
Gift Bundles Under £50
Combine smaller accessories like a water bottle, sport cap, and pair of socks for a thoughtful, budget-friendly gift.
Gift Bundles Under £100
Elevate the gifting experience with items like Rest Day Slides, Gym Bag and an Oversized Hoodie.
Get Your Gifts For Gym Lovers Right
What should I get someone who loves fitness?
For someone passionate about fitness, gifts that improve their workouts or recovery are best. Consider gym essentials like moisture-wicking activewear, a durable gym bag, or a new pair of workout shoes. You can also opt for home-gym equipment like a jump rope, resistance bands or pull-up bar. Recovery tools such as muscle relief rubs, bath salts, or recovery slides are also excellent choices to help them relax after tough workouts. Gift the gift of longevity with a techy gift like a fitness tracker or fitness app subscription to provide ongoing support for their fitness journey.
What gear do athletes use?
Athletes rely on a variety of gear to optimize their training and recovery. This includes sport-specific footwear, moisture-wicking activewear, and baselayers for cold-weather training. Resistance bands and set of weights are a great gift for strength workouts, while jump ropes and TRX suspension systems are versatile tools for the bodyweight fiend. For recovery, athletes often use foam rollers, massage guns, compression gear, and yoga mats for stretching or low-impact exercises. Smartwatches or fitness trackers are also used to monitor heart rate, sleep, and overall fitness progress.
What recovery tools do athletes appreciate?
Athletes highly appreciate tools that aid in muscle recovery and relieve soreness after intense workouts. Popular recovery gifts include massage guns, which help break down muscle tension, and foam rollers, which assist in self-myofascial release. Ice roller balls provide localized cold therapy to reduce inflammation, while muscle and joint roll-ons containing soothing ingredients like menthol or arnica offer quick relief from aches and pains. Epsom salt bath soaks, compression socks, and recovery slides are also great for supporting muscle recovery and overall comfort.
Are pumper pants, Power t-shirts, or Vital leggings on your loved one's wishlist? Well, you can shop all the latest product releases and trending collections when you download the Gymshark App below.











