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Finding that perfect gift is always a challenge. Especially for those who seem to have everything. While I could recommend several beautiful new bikes that your loved one would enjoy that might exceed the gift-giving budget. That said, here are some of my favorite cycling and active minded items that will nicely round out anyone’s holiday for under $25. These are in no particular order. Bold fonts contain active product links.

 

• Splats Sunscreen – perfect for those long sunny day rides. These packets fit nicely in any saddlebag. It is SFP29, goes on smoothly without giving you all a sticky mess. I’ve found that one packet is more than enough for one coating. If you have a plastic sandwich bag, you can save for two applications, or better yet, share with your riding partner ($19.99 box of 10).

• Chamois Butt’r® Eurostyle Anti-Chafe chamois cream. This menthol and witch hazel cream is soothing and cooling. It is my go-to product for long days in the saddle. It is available in tubes, jars, and individual packets (much like Splats Sunscreen, one packet is more than enough for one application). I took these on my Haute Route Alpe d’Huez trip and they worked like a charm.

Chamois Butt’r also offer a specific female Her’ Anti-Chafe formula for sensitive skin with ingredients that include aloe vera, tea oil, lavender oil, and shea butter.

• Road iD offers several identification products starting around $15. There is no need for explanation here – having a wrist or shoe ID can come in handy in an emergency. There is plenty of room on the ID to provide emergency contact information and medical information. This is a great gift that will give you peace of mind when your loved one rides.

• Off-season is a great time to catch up on some reading. Here are just a few of my cycling related books that would make great gifts.
  • The Rider by Tim Krabbé – you can pick this up at Amazon for $3.99. This book could be my favorite book of all-time; it is a must read.
  • Gravel: The Ultimate Guide to the Gear, Training, and Grit You Need to Crush it by Selene Yeager. Yeager, known as the Fit Chick and well-decorated superwoman of gravel racing, has published her latest work, another excellent read. Gravel aficionados of all types will enjoy this book. $19.95 at Amazon.
  • The Endurance Diet by Matthew Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is a Sports Nutritionist who spent 20 years studying some of the most successful endurance athletes of our time. The book is loaded with information and eating suggestions for endurance athletes, $16.71 at Amazon.
  • Draft Animals: Living the Pro Cyclist Dream (Once in a While) by Phil Giamon. Giamon, a former World Tour Pro and current Strava KOM king, is an excellent writer and storyteller. All his books are great, but this one is my favorite. $9.89 at Amazon.

• Smartwool® Socks – Marino wool is one of the best things going. Base layers and knee and arm warmers cannot be beat. They wick away moisture and won’t weigh you down like cotton or some synthetics. These cycling socks are a great deal and can be found everywhere. Consider them for hiking and skiing as well! Men’s $20.95 and Women’s $16.95

• UnTapped™ Sample Pack – Made in Vermont, UnTapped provides quality nutrition products using pure Vermont maple syrup. Not only does the stuff taste great, it works! Maple provides natural sugar and is low glycemic, so you avoid that big sugar spike and crash. An organic product that has been used by some of the best in the business, including the company’s owner Ted King. I’m a believer in the Lemon Tea Mapleaid product but love the Coffee UnTapped Gel and Maple Waffle as well. A variety pack for $25 is a steal.

• Month subscription to TrainerRoad or Zwift – with the winter months kicking in, how about a monthly subscription to a training platform? TrainerRoad $19.95 a month or Zwift $14.99 a month virtual training could be a nice gift for that grumpy cyclist sitting around waiting for spring. Give them a gift that will get them a bit of a jump start on next season!

• Buff® – Great for cold days and dusty gravel rides, Buff® Dryflx Multifunctional Headwear comes in handy. When you want to take it off, it easily fits in a jersey pocket. $25 at Buffusa.com

• Dumonde Tech Lite Bicycle Chain Lube – This quality lube last longer than others I have tried. As a gravel rider and someone who can’t stand a noisy drivetrain, this product works exceptionally well. A little more expensive than other brands but well worth it. You can pick up a 4oz bottle on Amazon for $16.92.

• Pactimo Release Changing Kilt– lose the towel when changing outside your rig. This kilt has silicone grippers that keep everything where it is supposed to be. No more flashing the parking lot, you can now change in and out of your kit outside the venue and maintain a bit of privacy. Pactimo is having a Black Friday Deal currently selling this for $12.00.

This is a short list of some of my favorites. If you have any other suggestions, please leave a comment.