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Best Gifts for Athletes 2022: An Ultimate Guide

Best Gifts for Athletes

We’ve compiled a complete list of the best gifts for athletes for 2022. If you need gifts for someone who loves getting after it on courts, fields, trails, or in the gym, we’ve got you covered. This list offers a bunch of great options that will work for upcoming Christmas, holiday, or birthday gifts. 

We’ve rigorously tested all the items on the list and know they perform well. Our team includes many athlete testers who actively participate in multiple sports. We know what’s essential to the athletes in your life. If you have follow up questions about any product on the list, ask us on Twitter

We’ve also reviewed many other products not featured on this page. With that said, let’s unveil our list of the best gifts for athletes.

Last updated 12.12.2022


Best No Show Sock

Bombas Performance Cushioned No Show Socks

Bombas Performance Cushioned No Show Socks

  • A no show sock good enough for sports performance
  • Similar thickness to Bombas main line socks
  • Silicon in the heel to keep the sock on
  • Compression around the arch for a great fit
Buy at Bombas

Price: $16.50 (at time of publication)


Best Smartwatch

Apple Watch Ultra

  • Two days of battery life
  • Biggest, clearest screen among smartwatches
  • Updated running and workout metrics
  • Supports backwoods exploring, diving, and water sports
  • If you use Apple devices, it will fit your life well
Buy at Amazon

Price: $799 (at time of publication)


Best Percussion Massager

Hypervolt Go

Hyperice Hypervolt GO 2

  • Quietest and lightest massage gun
  • Super portable, great for carry-on luggage
  • Doesn’t pack as much punch as other Hypervolt massagers, but it’s more than enough for most people
Buy at Dick's Sporting Goods

Price: $169 $199 (at time of publication)


Best Workout Shorts

On Hybrid Shorts

  • Innovative modular short with detachable inner tight
  • 3 pockets on outer short, two on the inner tight
  • Good length for the gym or water sports
  • Fits a touch small in the waist so go up a size
Buy at On Running

Price: $99 (at time of publication)


Best Compression Sock

Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks

Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks

  • Best-priced compression socks on the market
  • Lots of colors
  • Great calf and foot compression
  • Perfect for wearing after hard workouts, games, or runs
  • Unisex
Buy at Amazon

Price: $18-22 (at time of publication)


Best Belt

Arcade Belts

  • Stretchy belts that look good
  • No holes make it easier to dial in the perfect fit
  • Fun color and material options
  • Machine washable and dryable (always a pleasant surprise)
  • Available in Regular, Youth, Long, and Slim versions
  • Just remember to string the belt using the buckle side to avoid it catching the prongs on your belt loops
Buy at Arcade Belts

Price: $32-43 (at time of publication)


Best Massage Ball

TriggerPoint Textured Massage Ball

TriggerPoint Textured Massage Ball

  • No brainer price of $11
  • Perfect 2-inch diameter for feet and massaging plantar
  • Easy to target pain points in feet, calves, and hands
  • Great option for home treatment of plantar fasciitis
Buy at Amazon

Price: $11 (at time of publication)


Best Rucksack

GoRuck Rucker 3.0

GoRuck Rucker 4.0

  • Weighted backpack perfect for rucking & workouts
  • Helps straighten the spine and prevent back pain
  • Good for desk workers who want to stay in shape
  • Two size options (20L and 25L) to help with fit
Buy at GoRuck

Price: $215 or $235 (at time of publication)


Best Workout Tank

Smartwool Merino Sport Ultralite Tank

  • Lightweight, stretchy Merino wool and Lyocell blend
  • Good length, no showing the belly on lifts
  • Fantastic temperature regulation and quick drying times
  • High-end look and feel
  • Works for basketball, running, or weightlifting in the gym
  • Perfect for taller athletes
Buy at Smartwool

Price: $50 (at time of publication)


Best Mobility Tool

Mobo Board

Mobo Board

  • Cut-out design that emphasizes the big toe is a game changer
  • Excellent build quality and durability
  • Easy to change from left to right foot
  • Perfect for improving foot, ankle, and hip mobility and stability as you watch TV
  • The website includes a ton of different exercises you can do to utilize the board to target your specific imbalances
Buy at Mobo Board

Price: $89.95 (at time of publication)


Other Gift Guides

Need more gift ideas after checking out the best gifts for athletes? Check out our other gift guides:

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