Accessories

Western Living’s 2021 Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for the One Who Loves to Sweat it Out

Here's what folks focused on fitness want under the tree.

By Alyssa Hirose /

Check off the gym lovers, mountain conquerors and yoga practicers in your life with these fitness-focused picks.

A Muscle-Soothing Salve

Ease that post-workout pain with Indigenous skincare brand Skwálwen Botanicals€™ Pá7pawtn nettle and arnica sore muscle salve ($18). Peppermint essential oil makes the salve feel all tingly and super soothing. skwalwen.com

A Versatile Belt Bag

We don't know who decided fanny packs were cool again (or who decided to call them €œbelt bags€) but we're loving the hands-free style of the Everywhere belt bag from Lululemon ($38). It's water-repellent and has zippered pockets to keep the essentials safe. lululemon.com

A Sustainable Cork Yoga Mat

The Corq everyday mat ($98) hails from Calgary with cork from Portugal, which is actually harvested without destroying forests (the outer bark is peeled off, and the tree is left to regenerate it). It's also anti-slip, flexible and easy to clean€”so yes, yoga mats do grow on trees. corqyoga.com

A High-Impact Sports Bra

This high-impact sports bra is a godsend for those extra blessed in the chest. The Catalyst ($98) from Toronto-based Knix is extra supportive and breathable: It's up for the challenge. Your move, gravity. knix.ca

A Bring-Everywhere Water Bottle

Vancouver reusable homeware company Better Basics makes hardy essentials made to last for life, like the Ever bottle ($38), a double-insulated stainless steel vessel to keep your giftee hydrated. betterbasics.co

A Warm Toque

Vancouver-based Duer's Performance merino rib-knit toque ($49) will keep the all-weather hiker you've shopping for nice and cozy€”but not too warm. The temperature-regulating merino keeps sheep comfy in hot summers and cold winters (and works the same for humans). It's also odour-controlling, a bonus for the super active. duer.ca

READ MORE: The Best 2021 Holiday Gifts for Design Lovers

Alyssa Hirose

Alyssa Hirose

Alyssa Hirose is a Vancouver-based writer, editor, illustrator and comic artist. Her work has been featured in Vancouver magazine, Western Living, BCBusiness, Avenue, Serviette, Geist, BCLiving, Nuvo, Montecristo, The Georgia Straight and more. Her beats are food, travel, arts and culture, style, interior design and anything dog-related. She publishes a daily autobiographical comic on Instagram at @hialyssacomics.