What do you buy for a triathlete that isn't going to cost you a second mortgage? A lot of the gear and equipment required often comes in at way over the 3 figure mark, if not 4. What if you are looking for something that's not going to break the bank? A stocking filler or a Secret Santa gift for example? Well look no further as I have listed 10 gifts for under £50 that would be most appreciated by every thankful triathlete in your life.
Let's start with the obvious - a Training T-shirt or Top. Search through their race photos or social media accounts and you will soon spot what they like to wear when training. Stick it in google images and you now have the brand and a link to their website. A spare t-shirt or top never goes a miss. FYI Shop around though, and don't be afraid to check out the sale sections.
Swim Cap and Goggles. This might be a tricky one but again, it's a gift and it's the thought that counts. You can secretly try to quiz them on what goggles they use or you can do a quick google on 'top goggles under £x'. Goggles don't last forever and it's not uncommon for triathletes to need a new pair for every long distance race they do. It's the same with a swim cap - these can disintegrate and rip. Top tip though - if your triathlete is bald and never wears a swim cap, probably not worth buying them one.
Foam Roller. There is every chance your triathlete has a foam roller but a spare never goes a miss. It can be kept in the car, at work, even at their parents house if they often drop the kids there so they can work out and then can stretch and roll after.
Race Belt. Never have I ever been to a race where there hasn't been at least one person who has forgotten their race bel. A spare is a great gift. (A race belt is a belt you attach your race number on - an essential piece of equipment as some races won't let you participate if you don't have one.)
Hydration Belt. Much alike to the race belt, this one allows you to attach water bottles to it. Of course not every triathlete or runner likes these - I personally prefer a hydration vest but my other half uses the belt - but it's a gift, they should be grateful not picky. And you never know when it might come in handy.
Sweat towel. Genuinely one of the most useful gifts I have ever received. They come in all sorts of designs and you can even design your own or have one embroidered with a funny slogan. I have one next to my turbo, in my car, in my bag, next to my treadmill, at work. A great gift this one.
A Training Journal. Now this doesn't have to be an all singing all dancing, multiple sectioned, record every minute of the day note book. It can be - just a notebook. One thing every triathlete has in common is a thing for detail. Whether that's what sessions they like or don't like, what nutrition they have had, somewhere that lists the pool opening times - they love the detail.
Nutrition pack. Again this one might take a little prying but what triathlete doesn't like to talk shop? We go through an insane amount of food to keep our engines moving so the gift of food will never be turned down! I even have my own box of nutrition at my parents house as a back up. (Can't keep nuts in it though, or my dad steals them).
Sports Massage Gift Certificate. If they have a big race next year then this is a perfect gift! It will also most likely help support a local business. You don't have to buy the full price of the massage if it is out with your budget - contributing towards it is just as helpful. I would put an anonymous post on a local Facebook page asking for recommendations and then look at the reviews.
And lastly, Flip Flops, or Sliders. No I'm not kidding. Our feet go through a lot when we are training and racing. Walking bare foot to go for a swim ,crammed in to our bikes shoes and then shoved in to our running trainers. Our feet put up with a great deal! So a comfy pair of flip flops or sliders are amazing! I recently discovered an incredibly comfy pair in Primark (and by discovered I mean I stole my daughters). I also have a great pair of Havanas which are my lucky pair.
So there you have it. 10 gift ideas for the triathlete in your life that won't you cost you an arm and a leg but will be gratefully received. Happy shopping.
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