With the Christmas celebrations hailing, there is nothing more thoughtful than gifting your loved ones a present that represents their interests and hobbies. This will spark joy and uplift the festive mood to the Christmas tree star and beyond back.
For your loved ones who have an avid interest in cycling, as many people do now, choosing a gift that supports their pursuit will put you on their good list.
Cycling socks
Give this timeless Christmas gift a revamp for your cycling enthusiasts by picking a pair of cycling socks.
Look for high-performance ones that will really bring your loved one’s capabilities to the maximum. Waterproof, anti-stain, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying are some features to look out for that make the perfect pair of cycling socks.
For the winter months, merino wool is a great fabric for cycling socks. It easily adapts to temperatures and is also good for longer journeys during touring and bikepacking. If you want to give your gift an extra edge, go for quirky patterns and colours that you’re sure the receiver will love.
No one can have too many socks, and that’s especially true for cyclists who tackle the unbeaten track quite often, so feel free to pick the perfect pair.
Cycling gloves
Keep their hands warm in winter by gifting them the best cycling gloves. The severe and often unfavourable weather can be unkind to their hands so that you can ensure their optimum performance and comfort.
The best pair of gloves would be waterproof with a soft lining and good insulation to provide comfort and warmth. Strategically placed padding and silicone printing on the palm will ensure that the grip remains firm. You can also choose between mitts and full fingers, depending on your loved one’s cycling preferences.
A pair of cycling gloves can genuinely make a biker happy, as it’s always a handful of items to have in their cycling closet.
Cycling gadgets
Who doesn’t love a good gadget? When it comes to cycling, there are lots of gadgets that can make cycling better and more fun.
Let’s start with the most wanted one: a Go Pro. If your loved one doesn’t already have an action camera, then getting them a Go Pro or a cheaper alternative is your best shot.
Bike computers that show speed, distance, and time using a sensor connected to the fork are also sought-after devices you can gift. Bike computers’ prices vary a lot, so you can either splurge or save, depending on your budget.
Other gadgets that the cyclist in your life would love to include Bluetooth earphones so they can listen to music while cruising through the park or commuting to work, a cycling GPS, and remote control bike indicators to ensure their safety on the road.
With so many options, you can choose the best gadget for your cycling enthusiast and make their Christmas better.
A neck warmer
There is nothing more perfect for riding in winter than a neck warmer. For the best insulating quality, opt for a merino wool neck warmer or a thermal one. Moisture-wicking is another great property to look out for.
The best thing about a neck warmer is that it can be worn as part of one’s winter sports gear and can also look great as a winter fashion item, depending on the design.
This multi-purpose item will definitely come in use both on and off the bike, and your loved one will be grateful for it.
A cycling helmet
Do you want to make sure that your loved one is safe while cycling? Then, gift them a helmet that not only guards them against injuries but also looks fashionable.
There are many helmets to choose from, with various technologies and features implemented to boost a cyclist’s performance. Depending on your budget and your loved one’s cycling enthusiasm, you can invest in a next-level mountain bike helmet with MIPS technology that reduces rotational forces in the case of a crash.
For a more amateur cyclist that is just getting into the world of biking, you can opt for a more basic model that still provides a high level of aerodynamic performance and safety while looking stylish.
And, of course, helmets are an excellent gift for the little cycling enthusiasts, so choose a kids’ bike helmet with optimum safety and a fun appearance.
Cycling books
If someone loves cycling, they surely will love being immersed in the world of cycling through a captivating book.
Some of the best titles include:
- The Official History of the Tour de France by Serge Laget – a celebration of the world’s most anticipated cycling event;
- My World by Peter Sagan – the autobiography of / one of the greatest cyclists in history;
- Microadventures: Local Discoveries for Great Escape by Alastair Humphreys – the blogger and micro adventurer Humphreys inspires others to taste the world of micro-adventures – short but exciting journeys close to home;
- End to End by Paul Jones – inspiring stories about chasing the Roads Records Association end-to-end record, which involves riding around 850 miles from Land’s End to John O’ Groats;
- The Cycling Chef: Recipes for Performance and Pleasure by Alan Murchison – nutritionally balanced recipes from a Michelin-starred chef and athlete;
- Cycling and Cinema by Bruce Bennett – an intriguing history of the bicycle in cinema
- The Cycling Cartoonist: An Illustrated Guide to Life on Two Wheels by Dave Walker – an exploration of the habits of cyclists through cartoons.
Having a loved one who’s into cycling is a blessing when it comes to choosing a Christmas gift. There are many ways you can surprise them and put a smile on their face, and hopefully, this guide will help you pick the best gift.