"STEPH IT UP" FOR THAT SPECIAL ATHLETE IN YOUR LIFE WITH MY TOP 10 HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS!

We finally made it to November! This means, for many of us, it's time to start planning our holiday gift giving strategy!

Check out my top 10 - in no particular order and grouped by type - gift ideas (and some honorable mentions) below! I was not influenced or told to include any of these brands in this post - this is all based on my opinion and I own (and love!) every single item in my top 10. I also have at least one product from all of the brands that made the honorable mention section. 

For those of you trying to "shop small" this holiday season, I've added a "Shop Small!" to signify brands with less than 15K followers on Instagram!

Beginning December 1st, I'll be featuring my top 10 as posts on my instagram @stephhh_it_uppp. Stay tuned!

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1. ON RUNNING SHOES

Why I love them?
I discovered On in 2018 and I've been in love ever since! Out of the box, I ran my longest run ever in my first pair of cloudsurfers. I really loved the cushion and bounce they had and my feet were never sore after a run. In 2019, I wore the cloudventures for hundreds of miles of obstacle course races. I wore them through dunk walls and during rainy ultras and never once got a blister from them. I added the cloudstratus, cloudflow and cloudflyer to my running collection and the cloudflyer seems like it has the potential to knock cloudsurfers down as my second favorite model! Since then, I've trained for ninja in the Cloud X, Cloudsurfers and most recently the Cloudflash! 

In addition to having amazing shoes, On has some of the best customer service I've ever experienced. Returns are quick and easy - they're even extending their return policy to 90 days for the holidays!

Why they'll love them?
On is focused on both comfort and style - they also have a variety of models for different types of runners and athletes. If they're looking to PR their next track workout, consider the Cloudflash. If they're looking to keep up their HIIT routine, take a look at the Cloud X. These are running shoes you can wear for a 5k and still look good when you're going out to grab a bagel and coffee after!

Price range?
$130 - $200

​Check out On's website here and be sure to follow them on Instagram! And if you have any questions about the different models of shoes, DM me!

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2. HYPERWEAR WEIGHTED VEST Shop Small!

Why I love it?
The Hyper Vest Elite is the second weight vest I've owned and I absolutely love it. Before purchasing this vest, I had a weight vest that could go from 6lbs to 60lbs via 6lb sandbags. It was very bulky and I was not able to comfortably do burpees or push-ups. I mainly use my weight vest for pull-ups and while it doesn't get heavier than 20lbs, that's the perfect weight for me!

Why they'll love it?
It's form fitting and perfect for any body weight exercise - even burpees and push-ups - since it stays close to the body. For all three of their weighted vests, they have side lacing to guarantee the perfect fit! It's a great way to get to that next level and make bodyweight workouts harder!

Price range?
$90 - $270

Discount Code
Ambassador10 (10% off!)

​Check out Hyperwear's website here and be sure to follow them on Instagram! 

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3. CROSSROPE JUMP ROPES - GET FIT BUNDLE

Why I love them?
The Get Fit bundle has provided me with hours of awesome workouts. There are two lighter ropes, 1/4lb and 1/2lb, and two heavier ropes, 1lb and 2lb. I've completed two of the 21 day challenges on the Crossrope app and a handful of other workouts - some are just jump rope workouts while others incorporate bodyweight moves, too. A 16 minute workout with these ropes has me dripping sweat by the end! I also like that I can jump rope anywhere - I've brought these ropes to a beach, outside my apartment and the gym!

Why they'll love them?
Whether they're looking for a HIIT workout or a strength workout (the 2lb rope will have their shoulders on fire!!!), the Get Fit bundle will cover both! The Crossrope app - there is a free version and paid version - has a variety of easy to follow workouts that can provide an awesome change up to a workout routine that may be getting a bit boring! This is great for someone just beginning their fitness journey or a seasoned athlete who's looking to win their next race or competition!

Price range?
$188 (after the discount)

Discount Code
STEPHB50 ($50 off the Get Fit Bundle)

​Check out the Crossrope website here and be sure to follow them on Instagram! 

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4. BRUTEFORCE SANDBAG

Why I love it?
Just like the jump ropes, I can bring this sandbag anywhere! Earlier this year when gyms were closed, I'd bring my sandbag to the park and do a variety of exercises with it, including lunges, squats, and rows. I would also incorporate sandbag carries in some of my workout to simulate the sandbag carry during spartan races! 

Why they'll love it?
If they're still trying to do more workouts at home or outdoors, this will be an amazing addition to their workout equipment! All sandbags come with at least two inner bags to fill with sand, so it's also pretty easy to adjust the weight of the sandbag if you want to have two set weights. For example, if they want to do heavy carries with a 60lb bag, but only want to do other workouts with 40lbs, they can put the inner bag with 20lbs of sand on top and remove that for the other workouts. Easy!

Price range?
$98 - $200

​Check out Bruteforce's website here and be sure to follow them on Instagram! 

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5. NOXGEAR TRACER360 (visibility vest)

Why I love it?
At this point, almost every piece of running gear I own has at least one reflective strip on it (or in On's case, their tights are COMPLETELY reflective!) so in theory, I thought I'd be fine running in the dark... as long as a car's headlights actually shine toward me with enough time for them to see me. But with the noxgear vest, that's not a question that crosses my mind anymore - even if I was running in a downpour at night, I would still feel safe wearing the noxgear vest. I feel 100% confident that I will be seen by cars or oncoming bikers if I'm on a running / bike path, preventing any potential accident as a result of not being seen. Noxgear gets bonus points for having purple as a color option - my favorite color!

Why they'll love it?
This is really a must have for any runner in your life that may run early in the morning or late in the day when it's dark and visibility isn't great. They'll love it because it's adding to their safety without adding any bulk or bounce (the vest is form fitting and sits close to the body with adjustable straps) and you'll love it because you'll know cars will be more likely to see them as they drive toward them! 

Price range?
$50

​Check out Noxgear's website and be sure to follow them on Instagram! 

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6. LEGENDBORNE CUSTOM JERSEY  SHOP SMALL!

Why I love it?
I feel like a badass when I'm wearing my LegendBorne jerseys! I've worn my LegendBorne Legendary jersey for countless obstacle course races - it's seen barbed wire crawls, muddy dunk walls and it's faced all sorts of elements, but it still looks brand new! I also love the racerback style - I've worn the racerback to my last ninja competition and I must say.. I felt pretty legit wearing it! I also love supporting a veteran owned small business. 

Why they'll love it?
Whether they run road races, obstacle races, or even compete in other competitions, having a jersey with their last name on the back will for sure be an extra confidence boost! They'll look great for the photos, too! If you're not sure what type of design to go with, you can't go wrong with the standard legendary jerseys in different colors. These are enough to make any athlete feel like a legend!

Price range?
$75 - $120

​Check out LegendBorne's website and be sure to follow them on Instagram! ​

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7. T-SPARTAN SPARTAN WARRIOR NECKLACE SHOP SMALL!

Why I love it?
This necklace is beautiful and it's a reminder that I'm a warrior. It's become a symbol of my strength and has given me confidence - I've worn it for my last two ninja competitions and it really is an awesome reminder of all of the work I've put in to be ready for the competitions. It's a unique design and one of the only necklaces I've worn this year!

Why they'll love it?
This necklace is perfect for both men and women - especially if they're into obstacle course racing (it's worth noting they do have necklaces for other athletes, such as crossfitters, too!). With a lack of races in 2020, this gift will definitely help get the fire started - or keep the fire burning - and hype them up for obstacle course racing (and training!) next year!

Price range?
$165

​Check out T-Spartan's website and be sure to follow them on Instagram! ​

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8. COACH SOAK BATH SOAK  SHOP SMALL!

Why I love it?
After a 7+ mile run, there is really nothing better than filling up the tub and soaking! Coach soak has four amazing scents - I've tried all of them except for Citrus - and my favorite part other than soaking is the smell! After putting a scoop of bath soak in the tub, I'll close the door and leave the bathroom as the water is filling up and then when it's almost full, I'll open the door and the smell just hits me - it's the best! I'll also feel a lot less sore the next day after a good soak after a long run!

Why they'll love it?
The runner in your life will thank you for such a thoughtful gift! If you live in an area that gets a little chilly in the winter, they'll be happy to come in after a long run to a warm bath soak. Their legs will thank you, too!

Price range?
$25

​Check out Coach Soak's website and be sure to follow them on Instagram! ​

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9. ALTRED ENDURANCE & RECOVERY SUPPLEMENT SHOP SMALL!

Why I love it?
When I was running more earlier this year, taking an AltRed capsule two hours before each run would help me control my heart rate and feel stronger as I was running. Last year, I took on the Dallas Spartan Ultra in October while I was sick. I 100% do not think I would've been able to complete that course if I didn't take AltRed every two hours that day. It gave me the confidence and strength to not only hit the mileage but to also complete almost every obstacle while I was sick.
** Given COVID-19 concerns, I do not recommend doing any activity in close range of others while you're sick. **

Why they'll love it?
AltRed is a plant-based (AltRed is a 25% betalain extract made from red beets!) pill and helps to increase performance and reduce recovery time. This is a supplement athletes can take daily without needing to cycle off whereas some other supplements lose their effectiveness after repeated use. For an athlete looking to take their training to the next level, AltRed can help them get there - helping them get more out of their training sessions while also speeding up their recovery! 

Price range?
$42.50 (after the discount)

Discount Code
sborowiec-altred (15% off!)

​Check out the AltRed website here and be sure to follow them on Instagram! ​

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10. OOFOS RECOVERY SANDALS

Why I love them?
I completed A LOT of obstacle course races in 2019. The races combined with increasing my running mileage toward the second half of the year led me to oofos. I love slip ons, so these were perfect to change in to immediately after a race and to run errands in after a long run. Walking in these sandals after running felt like a treat for my feet. I even bought a pair for my apartment as slippers - wearing oofos feels better than walking around with bare feet!

Why they'll love them?
If that runner in your life doesn't currently own a pair of recovery sandals or shoes, they are in for a treat. With this gift, they'll be thanking you and saying they can't believe they've made it this long without having a pair of these! And if you're a runner yourself and you don't have these, you might as well buy a pair for yourself as a holiday treat!

Price range?
$50 - $80

​Check out their website and be sure to follow them on Instagram! 

HONORABLE MENTIONS

The following brands didn't have gift ideas that made my top 10 list, but that doesn't mean they don't have amazing gifts! Be sure to check these brands out, too!

Ninja Passport SHOP SMALL!

This is a great gift for an athlete who may be interested in exploring ninja warrior gyms or for a ninja who is planning on doing some travel next year! Check out the gyms that participate in this program to see if this would work as a gift. For all participating gyms, their first visit is free and the second visit is 50% off!

Price:  $44.10 with discount (Use Code STEPH for 10% off a solo adventurer pass)

Instagram: @theninjapassport


​Stronghold SHOP SMALL!

For the ninjas (or other athletes!) who want to work on their grip strength at home, all they need is a pull up bar. Stronghold ninja grips can do the rest! The Big G is making its rounds on Instagram and is giving those with great grip strength a run for their money. I love the bunny ears I bought from them earlier this year!

Price: $40 + 

Instagram: @strongholdninja


Goodr

I love goodr sunglasses - I have too many pairs to count at this point! They have been really great for running - they don't slide or fog up - and they're stylish enough to wear on a day to day basis, too. You're guaranteed to find the perfect pair for that special someone!

Price: $25 +

Instagram: @goodr


JUNK 

Just like my goodr sunglasses, I have way too many headbands to count. I've never had an issue with junk headbands sliding down or falling off and with so many different designs to choose from, I always seem to have a headband to match my outfit! 

Price: $16 +

Instagram: @junkbrands


IWON Organics 

Need a good stocking stuffer? Can't go wrong with these plant-based protein chips! They taste amazing and they're healthier than regular chips. My favorite flavors - Spicy Sweet Peppers, Tapatio Sour Cream, and Cinnamon Churro!

Price: $2.49 per bag (save 25% with code IWONAMB25)

Instagram: @iwonorganics

Did any of your favorite brands make the cut? Am I missing any good ones? Let me know by leaving a comment below!!

​Happy holidays!