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Unique fitness and outdoor holiday gifts for active friends and family

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Unique fitness and outdoor holiday gifts for active friends and family

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For the athletes, adventure lovers and outdoorsy free spirits in your life, few gifts hit the mark quite like gear that supports their passions. This fitness and outdoor holiday gift guide pulls together some of the most unique, innovative and joy-sparking finds of the season — from pickleball paddles and golf apparel to safety kits, biodegradable ski gear and portable cardio systems made for real-life Southwest adventures.


Need more? Read more: The best self-care gifts she’ll actually use (and love) this holiday season


Holiday sports gifts for athletes and adventurers

Whether your giftee is a pickleball fanatic, a gym devotee, a skier, a golfer, or just someone who lives for fresh air and movement, these picks are functional, meaningful and built to elevate every outing, from the slopes to the fairway to the backyard workout.

Four 4Joy Pickleball Padles with various bright designs on a pickleball court.
Photo courtesy of 4Joy Pickleball Paddles

4Joy (4Joy Pickleball Paddles)

Why have a boring pickleball paddle when you could have one that brings you joy AND comfort? 4Joy pickleball has a smooth and polished design with a soft faux-leather grip and an elongated handle for fierce 2-handed backhands. The eight designs of the Premio paddle selection are lively and fun — our “Sunset” paddle — fittingly — has a very Southwest, vibrant color scheme.  It’s a wonderful gift for the pickleballer or a wannabe player in your life. 

BOSWow factor: We don’t just adore the smart design of 4-Joy pickleball paddles; we are inspired that the product was born from Stacey Cleary, founder of 4Joy Sports, after she wanted to reconnect with her family and community after brain tumor surgery.

Buy it here? Website: amazon.com/dp/B0DY2M5VZN?th=1

A Breakwater Supply waterproof first aid kit in a bag.
Photo courtesy of Breakwater Supply

Breakwater Supply (First Aid Kit)

There you and your buddy or family member — or God forbid boss — are, paddle boarding, river rafting, kayaking or hiking and an injury occurs. The great outdoors does not easily accommodate an emergency, especially one associated with a water sport. But, thankfully, Breakaway’s Waterproof Survival First Aid Kit does. We love that this ingenious, easy-to-carry (and pack) first-aid bundle contains 101 first aid and emergency supplies, tucked conveniently inside a floating dry bag. 

BOSW favorite detail? For being full of essentials, Breakaway’s Waterproof Survival First Aid Kit is easily transportable and something your outdoor-enthusiast giftee can stow in their care in between adventures. 

Website: breakwatersupply.com/product/breakwater-supply-survival-first-aid-kit/

A woman wears a teal Honey Golf Alice Short Sleeve Bodysuit) with tennis shoes.
Photo courtesy of Honey Golf

Honey Golf (Alice Short Sleeve Bodysuit)

If you have a golfer in your life who seeks a sleek, attractive and comfortable look on the greens, Honey Golf makes the perfect gift this holiday season. Company founders Marissa, Catherine and Ellen may have started their athletic legacies on the University of North Carolina field hockey team, but post-college, their passion for sport led them to golf. Their pursuit for apparel with modern design that’s both polished yet functional, stylish yet respectful is evident in the brand. 

BOSWow factor: We got our hands on the Alice Short Sleeve Bodysuit. It’s a snug fit, without being constrictive and we’re also fans of the Betty Two-Tone Hat. 

Purchase here: honeygolf.com

A woman stretches her arms while wearing an Army green Genesis Hoodie from Riseabove Apparel.
Photo courtesy of Riseabove Apparel

Riseabove Apparel (Genesis Hoodies Collection)

Some athletic pieces look good. Others feel good. But Riseabove Apparel’s Genesis Hoodies do both, and carry a powerful story behind them. Inspired by the founder’s battle with cancer and renewed passion for fitness, this collection symbolizes strength, resilience and fresh starts. Available in both men’s and women’s quarter-zip styles, these hoodies are lightweight, flexible and perfect for training days, outdoor adventures or cozy recovery sessions. I have the army green one and it’s such a great workout staple — soft, breathable and ideal for chilly morning runs or layering up at the gym.

BOSWow factor: The thoughtful design details set these apart: secure zipper pockets for essentials, a high neck for wind protection and an adjustable waist for a custom fit. It’s the kind of hoodie that moves with you and motivates you. It’s a meaningful gift for anyone embracing growth, healing or a new fitness chapter.

Purchase here: riseabove.org/collections/genesis-hoodies

A person holds a HupSix weight pack.
Photo courtesy of HupSix

HupSix (Portable Cardio Training System)

If you love the idea of a full cardio workout but not the idea of treadmills, pounding pavement or bulky machines taking over your home, HupSix is about to be your new favorite fitness companion. Think of it as the TRX of cardio — a patented, 100% USA-made training system that delivers 40–50-plus minutes of cardio credit in just 30 minutes. The workout includes six quick, music-driven rounds. It builds endurance, agility and reaction time without putting stress on your joints, making it perfect for busy Southwest lifestyles where workouts need to be efficient, portable and adaptable. This makes for a optimal gift for the athletic junkie or just-getting-started-with-fitness friend.

BOSWow factor: I love that this pack fits in small spaces, works for all fitness levels and is fun whether you’re training solo or turning it into a family challenge. The videos are fun and engaging and I can work up a good sweat.

Purchase here: hupsix.com

Several brightly-colored Stoke Tracks Biodegradable Ski Pole Baskets with paw prints line the snow.
Photo courtesy of Stoke Tracks

Stoke Tracks (Biodegradable Ski Pole Baskets — Paw Print Edition)

If you want a gift that’s adorable, eco-friendly and guaranteed to make every skier smile, Stoke Tracks is it. Founded by UCSD professor Derek Brown and his wife Vanessa after a family ski trip with their five boys, the brand was born from one big realization: traditional ski pole baskets shed microplastics with every turn, and never break down. The result: a fully biodegradable alternative made from algae and plant materials. The best part? These baskets leave paw prints in the snow with every step.

BOSWow factor: I skied for the first time last year and LOVED it… now I can hardly wait for my next snowy adventure so I can make my own little paw prints down the mountain. These are the kind of gifts that spark joy and stewardship all at once, and that’s why it’s a 2025 Bestie Holiday Gift.

Purchase here: stoketracks.com

A person models a side by side demo of how to wrap the Mozy Wearable Outdoor Thermal Wrap to use outdoors.
Photo courtesy of Mozy

Mozy (Wearable Outdoor Thermal Wrap)

For the outdoor lover who never lets cold weather win, Mozy is the ultimate cozy gift. This patented thermal wrap delivers over 500% more warmth than a regular blanket by trapping and reflecting body heat; no plugs, no batteries, just instant comfort. It’s windproof, water-resistant, flame-resistant and warms you in under 30 seconds, making it perfect for camping, après-ski, tailgating or winter sports. Durable, machine-washable and backed by a 5-year warranty, it’s built for real adventure.

BOSWow factor: This is 100% a “how did I live without this?” gift for anyone who braves the cold for winter sports and chilly outdoor events. It’s surprisingly light for as insulating as it is. It’s super easy to roll out for use and roll up when it’s done wrapping you in snug.

Purchase here: getthemozy.com and Amazon

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