Gift giving can be a process fraught with uncertainty. Many of us admit failure and dole out cash or gift cards out of fear of disappointing our friends, family and coworkers. This is why we at Fit is a Feminist Issue are here to offer you our version of the seasonal gift list. Our mission is to wade into the deep-end of the internet shopping pool, so that you don’t have to.
In keeping with our general theme of feminist wellness and activity swag, here are a few items that caught our notice, with varied price points.
Does anyone on your list already have an ice roller? I doubt it. There are lots of ice rollers to choose from, in many shapes and sizes. Each one comes with detailed instructions. I’ll say this for them: they’re cheap (the one below retails for $8.99 USD) On the other hand, a DIY ice cube is cheaper. But who am I to judge? Take a look for yourselves.
If you love love love the concept of the ice roller, but are looking for something a bit more upscale, theres a set of Cryo Sticks that retails for $134. Yes, they’re a bit pricey. But in return for all that cash you’re laying out, they have clearly employed someone who spent one semester as a physics major to write their marketing copy. To wit:
Made of stainless steel, Biologique Recherche Cryo Sticks work as conductors, storing thermal energy. By storing the Cryo Sticks in ice or the refrigerator and applying them to the skin, the cold energy is transferred to the skin.
Yep, thermodynamics in action.
Continuing in the ersatz recovery gift category, have you considered compression boots for recovery after exercise for that special someone? Here is a pair from the fine folks at Normatec, on sale for $699 USD.
Hmmm. What are these things for, exactly? And do they actually work? Here’s what Normatec has to say:
But, if you aren’t content to rely on self-reports, here’s the 4-1-1 on them, courtesy of our investigative journalist friends at GQ.
The idea behind compression boots is to facilitate flow of fluids through the legs to reduce swelling and after-workout soreness… One 2014 study … concluded that these devices are promising at accelerating and enhancing recovery following a rigorous training program.
However, other studies suspect that these devices might be .. [a] placebo. For example, a 2022 literature review found that compression had little effect on delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and a 2021 study found that they may provide short-term… but not continued relief from muscle damage.
If you have expendable income and want a passive recovery tool that you can wear while you wind down in the evening, compression boots do offer a lot of benefits… But there are also much cheaper ways to drive out swelling, like active recovery. “You know what also drives out swelling?” Longworth says, “Muscles contracting. Movement.”
Yeah, ’nuff said.
Sometimes it’s easier to go practical on gift-giving. And what’s more practical for your ball-sports-playing besties than gear, plain and simple. But sometimes plain and simple just won’t do. In which case, check out these tempting offerings:
Prada tennis ball case— with a can of Prada tennis balls (included, I think) for $480 (*cough, sputter, cough*)
You can also get a Prada basketball (with its own harness carrier) for $925 USD or a splurge on a Prada volleyball (same harness setup) for $1200 USD (I wasn’t brave enough to do the calculation for cost in Canadian dollars).
I know– as appealing as these high-end accessories are, sometimes a basic and low-cost gift is better all around. Lululemon has just the thing: the (small) towel, for $18.
Not that there’s anything wrong with (small) towels, but 1) it is very likely that your proposed giftee already has a bunch of (small to medium) towels hanging around; and 2) if you want to buy them a new hand towell, this one from Land’s End looks much nicer, is on sale for $8.97 and comes in many colors, including a non-adaptive pink shade.
Holiday shopping is hard. So I hope this gift guide will be useful, at least inasmuch as you know what to avoid. Honestly, if you’re stuck for what to buy, I think a pretty scarf is always welcome.
