Last-Minute Gift Ideas For The Triathlete In Your Life

Non-boring gifts for your favorite triathlete. And they’re cheap (but we won’t tell).

See also: 2011 Triathlete Holiday Gift Guide

Rundies, For the Badass On Your List

Really, who defines their days as Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday anymore? Tempo, fartlek, easy 6 and the all-important rest (or is that all-important long run?) is more like it. Help your favorite tri girl stay on track with the genius 7-pack of Rundies by Oiselle. Or finally have something to wear in the ubiquitous underwear runs. $65.

For the Athlete Who Wants to Be Seen

When two students at NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program got tired of the near misses on their bike commute, they designed these tees “because you shouldn’t have to choose between looking like a crossing guard and wearing safer clothing.” And you shouldn’t have to carry a change of clothes, either. We-Flashy tees, $55.

For the All-Important Post-Ride Brew

Sure, this bike glassware from Fish’s Eddy would hold a recovery beverage. But we recommend you serve it up with a cool microbrew and this tagline from Trophy Bikes in Philadelphia: “It’s not just beer. It’s bicycle fuel.” Another reason we heart these: The design is by Brooklyn artist Taliah Lempert, who also sells a big selection of original bicycle paintings and drawings. Set of 4 glasses, $24.

For the Eco-Fabulous

Keep your toolkit, or at least a couple of bucks and your license, in this well-constructed bike-jersey pouch made of recycled innertubes and you’ll never see a flat the same way again. By Green Guru, $7.95.

For the One Who Took The Off-Season Too Seriously

When you really need to get those extra reps in, put this shirt on and look in the mirror. These shirts by Iammai are reverse-printed so you get the message loud and clear. Who needs a trainer? Made in both men’s and women’s designs (prices vary). Men’s tee as shown: $40.

For the One Who Needs to Lose the Race Tee

Sure, it was “free,” but some nights, it’s worth getting out of that XL race tee she’s wearing as pajamas. Try this Contrast Bow Romper from the Gap. Not a bit of spandex in sight. Gap.com; $39.95.

For Your Favorite Swimmer

Whether you want to swim like a mermaid or meet one (who wants to meet a mermaid?), these plastic drink markers are worth keeping around (for your margarita or even your post-swim body lotion). And especially since you get a whole swim team full of them – 72! – for less than eight bucks. From tikizone, $7.99.

For the One Who Went Paleo

Let ‘em go nuts over this selection of roasted cashews, pistachios and more from Dean & DeLuca. It’s even packed up in sustainable wood. $40.


For your Christmas-Loving Lane Mate

These $6.95 holiday swim caps are a perfect way for your triathlete to show their Christmas spirit, even while swimming laps. There are also a couple options for your Jewish friends! Swimoutlet.com typically ships fast, so you could still get it in time to gift as a stocking stuffer. $6.95

Marty Munson is founder of TriEverything.net and her work has appeared in publications including Triathlete, Active.com, RealAge.com, Marie Claire, and Prevention.

Mimi Kolb is a designer and black-belt shopper who curates gifts of all kinds into bento-style boxes for her company, BentoBoxGifts.com.