Holiday gift guide: find a present to make a triathlete’s day

The holidays are fast-approaching, which means it’s time to start buying gifts for your friends and family. It can be tricky to find the right present sometimes, but if you’re buying for a triathlete, you’re in luck, because there is so much to choose from. With gear for three sports to cover, triathletes can be easy to buy for, but you have to know at least a bit about what you’re looking for in order to win “best gift-giver” at your holiday party. Take a look at our gift guide to ensure that any triathletes in your life will be over the moon this holiday season.

Goggles

Every triathlete needs goggles, and if you can find a pair that fit your triathlon friend or family member well, you will be their hero, as there is nothing worse than goggles that leak. The best part about goggles is that price doesn’t necessarily dictate quality, so even if you get a less-expensive pair for the gift, they could fit your triathlete friend’s face perfectly.

Fins

You can’t use fins in races, but they are a great training tool for swimmers and triathletes. Fins can be a wide range of prices, but it’s not hard to find an affordable set. All you’ll need to know is what shoe size the triathlete in your life wears and maybe what their favourite colour is so you can get them a pair they’ll love.

Paddles

Paddles are another training aide that can really help triathletes in the pool. They will work to correct a swimmer’s stroke, making the swimmer more efficient and ultimately faster. If you’re going to buy paddles for someone, there are different sizes to choose from. The best choice is likely to select a smaller size, as bigger ones can lead to shoulder injuries if the person using them isn’t used to paddles.

Swim cap

In the market for a triathlon-focused gift that isn’t going to break your bank? A cap is a great option that will please any triathlete. You can go classic with simple colouring or get a little fun with interesting patterns and designs. No matter who you’re buying for, you’ll be able to find a cap that is their style exactly.

Zwift subscription

The holiday season means indoor cycling, and there is nothing worse than riding on your trainer and staring at a wall all winter long. An easy fix for that is to get your triathlete friend a Zwift (or other training app) subscription. This will keep them motivated to train all winter and keep them fit ahead of next triathlon season.

Bike lights

Your triathlete friend might not want a light on their race bike, but they will certainly appreciate a light for training rides. This will keep them safe and visible on the road, ensuring that they make it home from every ride in one piece.

Bottle

Every triathlete needs another bottle. Their family or roommates might disagree (the cupboard is full of them already), but the triathlete will be thrilled to get a new one.

Running hat

Just like bottles, for some reason, triathletes have so many hats but can always use another. You can find running or exercise hats pretty much anywhere, so search for a brand or team that your triathlete friend loves and get a hat with that logo on it. They’re going to love you for it.

Socks

Socks are usually a gift that people roll their eyes at, but for triathletes, a good pair of socks is an amazing present. The last thing a triathlete wants when running is to chafe or blister, and good socks will prevent that from happening. The best part is that socks (even the good ones) aren’t overly expensive, so you’re not going to have to splurge on this gift.

Stocking stuffers

Looking for some small items to toss into your triathlete friend’s stocking? Body glide (as mentioned above, triathletes hate chafing), gels, sunscreen (for warmer training days to come), a race belt, a bike tool, or really any other small gifts are going to be much appreciated. Plus, just because a gift is small or on the cheaper side doesn’t mean it won’t come in handy in training or racing.