On the 12th day of Fit Gifts my true love gave to me: a fitness-and-healthy-eating plan I can actually stick with.
 What it is: Fitbook fitness and nutrition journal.
Why it’s cool: Keeping close tabs on what you eat is one of the best ways to lose weight, according to a recent study. But for those of us who can’t quite make the food-tracker-app thing stick, there’s this: the Fitbook, a 12-week total fitness and nutrition system that gives you the tools to set (and achieve!) realistic get-fit goals. It includes a fitness planner so you can map out your workouts ahead of time, and prompts you to set weekly nutrition and fitness goals. From there, you’ll keep track of your workouts and meals and how they make you feel so you can easily see what’s working and what’s not. Here’s the best part: there’s space to jot down the goals you’ve accomplished and a built-in reward system to keep you motivated. The book, which is just five-and-a-half-inches square, can easily fit in a purse or gym bag and comes with a pen so you’re always ready to record.
Who it’s for: You know the person on your list who’s always making New Year’s resolutions but never sticking with them? Yeah. Her.
Cost: $22.95 at getfitbook.com.
>> For the past 12 days, we rolled out our best buys for fitness gifts! To see them all in one place, head to the archive.
|
On the 11th day of Fit Gifts my true love gave to me: gloves that'll make wintertime runs so much more enjoyable.
 What: Nike Elite Storm-Fit Tech Run Glove.
Why it’s cool: This glove may be a mouthful, but that’s only because it does it all. Not only is it water resistant, super warm and ventilated, it also has an adjustable cuff to block out the cold. The gloves are touchscreen compatible, too, and have a key pocket for storage. The reflective details boost visibility in low-light conditions. Check, check, check and check.
Who it’s for: Runners, of course, but these gloves are so versatile, we think anyone on your list will love ‘em.
Cost: $35 at Philadelphia Runner; locations in Center City, University City and Glen Mills.
>> Through December 18th, we’re rolling out our best buys for fitness gifts! Check back every day for new gift ideas for everyone on your list. To see them all in one place, head to the archive.
|
On the 10th day of Fit Gifts my true love gave to me: a gym bag I'm not embarrassed to lug to the office every day (and it holds my yoga mat, too!)
 What: Daily Om Duffel Bag
Why it’s cool: This is the perfect bag for on-the-go yogis. There are removable external straps for your yoga mat, plus it’s big enough for your daily swag and purse items but compact enough for you to travel with ease. There’s a chic and sleek cross-body, hands-free option, too.
Who it’s for: Yogis with space issues.
Cost: $128 at Lululemon; stores in Philadelphia, King of Prussia, Wayne and Ardmore.
>> Through December 18th, we’re rolling out our best buys for fitness gifts! Check back every day for new gift ideas for everyone on your list. To see them all in one place, head to the archive.
|
On the ninth day of Fit Gifts my true love gave to me: a steep-on-the-go mug that'll make my a.m. routine an absolute breeze.
 What: Clean & Green Gift Set (organic tea included!)
Why it’s cool: The set includes an eight-ounce, double-walled glass thermos with a bamboo lid; a white ceramic canister with bamboo top for tea storage; and two ounces of tea, your choice from Premium Steap’s extensive collection. Don’t underestimate the eye-candy factor of this gift—the clear glass thermos is absolutely beautiful. And it’s functional, too: it has removable stainless steel tea strainer, keeps beverages hot or cold for longer, and is comfortable to the touch.
Who it’s for: Have a coffee addict in your life? Give him a gentle nudge toward the green-tea train, which has shown promise in fighting cancer and heart disease, among other health benefits.
Cost: $48 at Premium Steap, 111 South 18th Street, Philadelphia.
>> Through December 18th, we’re rolling out our best buys for fitness gifts! Check back every day for new gift ideas for everyone on your list. To see them all in one place, head to the archive.
|
On the eighth day of Fit Gifts my true love gave to me: a super shimmery yoga tank I can wear from the studio to date night.
 What: Lucky Star Cami at Athleta.
Why it’s cool: The photos don’t do this adorable tank justice. The pretty shimmery fabric makes just the right statement—that yoga is beautiful and so are you—while the design is exactly what you’ve been looking for: ruching at the bust and sides for give and stretch with a semi-fitted silhouette to minimize clinging. The best part: you can totally throw a cardigan over top for your post-yoga date. (We won’t tell.)
Who it’s for: The multitasking yogi (or yoga instructor) who lives in spandex but doesn’t need another boring black basic.
Cost: $59 at Athleta, 1722 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, and in the King of Prussia Mall.
>> Through December 18th, we’re rolling out our best buys for fitness gifts! Check back every day for new gift ideas for everyone on your list. To see them all in one place, head to the archive.
|
On the seventh day of Fit Gifts my true love gave to me: a how-to guide for saving seasonal flavors.
 What: Food in Jars: Preservation in Small Batches Year-Round by Marisa McClellan.
Why it’s cool: Sure, you can always buy a jar of strawberry jam or pickled green beans, but where’s the fun in that? Philly blogger (and Best of Be Well Philly expert!) Marisa McClellan takes the guesswork out of canning and preserving with her very first cookbook, Food in Jars. It includes easy-to-follow how-tos for staples like jellies and jams, plus some surprises, such as nut butters, seasonings, tomato sauces and chutneys. And you don’t have to have a spare pantry to store your creations: the recipes are for small batches (duh, just look at the book’s title), which means they’re perfect for even the most space-starved home cook.
Who it’s for: Your cooking-blog-obsessed sister-in-law, or that coworker who’s always bringing his latest kitchen confection for you to sample.
Cost: $15.43 at Amazon.
>> Through December 18th, we’re rolling out our best buys for fitness gifts! Check back every day for new gift ideas for everyone on your list. To see them all in one place, head to the archive.
|
On the sixth day of Fit Gifts my true love gave to me: a cool new watch guaranteed to help me PR.
 What: Garmin Forerunner 10
Why it’s cool: Garmin’s newest GPS watch, the Forerunner 10, is a hot item this holiday season. Why? Because it’s a great bargain in the running-watch world at just over $100. The Forerunner 10 is tailor made for beginner runners, as it’s extremely simple to use and much smaller than previous Garmin watches. Basic features include pace, total distance, and calorie burn, and the watch carries a water resistance up of up to 50 meters. Bonus: these watches come in cool colors, too.
Who it’s for: Know anyone who’s downloaded the Couch-to-5K app recently? There’s your lucky Forerunner 10 recipient.
Cost: $129 at Philadelphia Runner, 1601 Sansom Streem, Philadelphia.
>> Through December 18th, we’re rolling out our best buys for fitness gifts! Check back every day for new gift ideas for everyone on your list. To see them all in one place, head to the archive.
|
On the fifth day of Fit Gifts my true love gave to me: organic, vegan treats I can make myself.
 What: PS Macaroon Kit
Cost: $25
Why it’s cool: Not only are these Philly-made macaroons melt-in-your-mouth delicious (especially when right out of the oven), they’re also made from organic, gluten-free, vegan and kosher batter—suitable for even the strictest of diets. You can gift the kit as-is, or make the macaroons and give the cookies; you can go ahead and say they’re homemade—we won’t tell. Each kit contains a Weck jar filled with batter, toppings, and instructions for making 21 mini macaroons. There’s also a dry-mix option for those who prefer to use their sweetener of choice.
Who it’s for: Office Secret Santa, perhaps?
Where to get it: Order on PureSweets.com for delivery or pick up at the Pure Sweets kitchen, 3580 Indian Queen Lane, Philadelphia.
>> For the next 12 days, we’re rolling out our best buys for fitness gifts! Check back every day through December 18th for gift ideas for everyone on your list. To see them all in one place, head to the archive.
|
On the fourth day of Fit Gifts by true love gave to me: a relaxing, antioxidant-rich facial.
 Photograph by Whitney Hubbard What: Gift card for Moko’s Smashing Pumpkin Mask
Why it’s cool: I think we can all agree that any recipe featuring pumpkin is going to be awesome, but there’s more to this festive squash than meets the eye … or tongue. Pumpkins are also chock-full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and natural exfoliants that are great for your skin during the dry, cold winter. Moko’s Smashing Pumpkin Mask is made entirely of locally-sourced, organic, gluten-free ingredients. The service includes a warm skin cleanse and hand massage with warm jojoba oil, making it the perfect restorative and relaxing gift.
Who it’s for: Ladies and gents who love a little pampering.
Cost: $65 at Moko Organic Beauty Studio, 55 North Third Street, Philadelphia.
>> For 12 days this December, we’re rolling out our best buys for fitness gifts! Check back every day through December 18th for gift ideas for everyone on your list. To see them all in one place, head to the archive.
|
On the third day of Fit Gifts my true love gave to me: a totally awesome, super reflective, über breathable outer layer.
 What: Asics Reflector Jacket
Why it’s cool: This really cool piece of fitness apparel is lightweight, very reflective and highly water- and wind-resistant. The feature that caught my eye (ha): it blinks if you want extra visibility, an awesome feature for all you night runners out there. Plus, it comes in several bright colors and has a hood that can be completely tucked away into the collar of the jacket.
Who it’s for: Runners for whom neither rain nor sleet nor gloom of night will keep them from the roads.
Cost: $90 at Philadelphia Runner, locations in Center City, University City and Glen Mills.
>> For the next 12 days, we’re rolling out our best buys for fitness gifts! Check back every day through December 18th for gift ideas for everyone on your list. To see them all in one place, head to the archive.
|
