Holiday Gift Guide: The Best Gear, Gadgets, and Stocking Stuffers

Fitness Finds

This super-smart, super-cute hoodie is perfect for a sporty friend. Good for all seasons, the piece works well as a mid layer on a freezing run or as an outer layer on a chilly jog. The editors at FITNESS love it because it's made from a breathable, moisture-moving fabric and has thumbholes and flip wrist mitts to keep your hands feeling cozy. Available in bright ivy, indigo, and wine; $79.99.

For any overworked person who doesn't always have enough spare time or energy to cook at home, a gift certificate from The Healthy Chef is the answer. The Healthy Chef program includes three meals plus one snack per day, and Chef John Procacci, who is certified in health foods, served as Executive Chef for Chamberlin's Natural Foods and Spa Chef for The Wyndham Palace Resort & Spa at Walt Disney World.

These resistance bands come with reinforced handle grips for no-slip toning. Small and portable, so they're perfect for working out at home or during travel.

Liked the reality show? You might like the workout even more. This DVD features six different programs with personal trainer Bob Harper and contestants from Seasons 1 and 2.

Snicker all you want, but the George Foreman Grill is still an effective, efficient way to cook meats while cutting the fat. The electric grill has 72 square inches of cooking surface -- plenty of space for a hot panini or Boca Burger -- and removable, nonstick grilling plates that are dishwasher safe for quick cleanup.

This catalog-style binder lies flat, allowing you to read your own healthy recipes while in the kitchen. Clear pages allow you to intersperse photos among the recipe cards. Refill pages are also available.

More gift suggestions -- from the editors of FITNESS magazine.

Gadgets Galore

Data dorks on the run! Place wireless sensors inside your Nike+ shoes, and the Sport Kit will measure your distance, pace, and other information on the screen of your iPod nano.

For less than $100, get an easy 4-megapixel point-and-shoot camera that captures every memory perfectly. Ready to adapt to the Kodak printing dock to print photos.

So much more than just a USB port, Mimoco's Mimobots are stylized flash drives that are as much collector's items as functional memory sticks. The current limited edition "Star Wars" character sticks are guaranteed to make any hardcore techie (read: the man in your life who dresses up like Wookie) squeal with glee on Christmas morning. There's also an ongoing monsters and robots collection. Prices start at $44.95 for 256MB.

The "fusion of technology and personality" is a small robot dog that responds to your commands and expresses puppy-like moods. Won't claw your furniture, dig up your rose bushes, or leave unexpected "presents" on your carpet.

The Omron HJ-112 helps you reach your daily fitness goals by tracking your steps, distance traveled, and calories burned. Comes with a one-year warranty.

A stroller pedometer! When taking the baby outside, new moms can do double-duty by strapping this device onto the carriage and watching the miles add up.

This scale calculates not only your weight, but also your body fat and body water percentages, giving you a more accurate read-out on your fitness progress.

House and Home

If your giftee is more the type to go for a glass of pinot noir than eggnog, this set is perfect for wine connoisseurs and wannabe sommeliers. Includes a wine opener, foil cutter, and vacuum pump and stopper to preserve half-full bottles.

For a sweet treat, make your own (healthier) ice cream using the Play & Freeze Ice Cream Ball, which only requires rock salt, ice, and your own blend of ice cream mix (as simple as cream, sugar, and vanilla). While it hardens, roll and toss the ball in your own version of a workout, then have a creamy dessert to celebrate.

Tired of going to the store every time you need a sprig of parsley or thyme? Grow your own. Gourmet Herb Kit provides a continual harvest of cilantro, chives, Italian basil, red robin basil, dill, mint, and parsley.

For the Picky Person

Buy a gift certificate that lets your picky pal custom-build his Nike shoes -- uppers, soles, colors -- right down to the swoosh.

For the discerning diner, Zagat's Guide is a handy annual manual that clearly rates eateries in most metropolitan cities. Get the 2007 guide so they know exactly where to go (or take a friend -- hint, hint) for the best gelato, sirloin steak, or midnight snack.

Stocking Stuffers

Fitness fanatics can keep their iPods in pristine condition while they work out! Stretchy band attaches over the wrist or arm for hands-free movement.

Replace your man's unsightly man-wallet bulge with the double-sided smart money clip, which stores cards and cash with style. Have it engraved for a personal touch.

This 8-ounce natural candle fills the room with lavender scents, and also melts into warm massage oil that moisturizes and softens the skin.

Make Santa's midnight treats with your gal pals or family.

Not necessarily waistline-friendly, but still the perfect gag gift for the person who hasn't been so nice this year. Cinnamon flavor.

Originally published on FitnessMagazine.com, December 2006. Updated November 2008.