A guide to a healthier holiday haul

Is hauling out the holly and the accompanying arm workout the best part of the holiday season for the folks on your list? Here are some gift ideas for the fitness fan.

For the Running Shoe Snob

Any serious runner will tell you that you should never buy shoes based on how they look. Luckily, the striking Ecco Biom A ($195, for both men and women) is designed to feel just as good. Lightweight with a fit based on the scans of thousands of feet, the shoe is supposed to provide “natural motion.” Think barefoot running but with a little cushioning.

For the Bad Weather Warrior

Wonder why you're strangely attracted to Sugoi's Versa jacket ($120, available for both men and women)? It might be because there are magnets inside that attach the sleeves to the base of the garment. The technology allows the wearer to start out on a chilly morning in a full breathable, water-resistant layer. But it's a cinch to convert into a vest and back, if you decide ditching the sleeves was a mistake. There's also lots of reflective detailing to keep you exercising safer at night.

For the Tricked-Out Triathlete

Santa knows when you're sleeping and awake, but he doesn't know your pace, speed, distance and more like the Timex Ironman Global Trainer GPS watch ($250). The gadget can remember up to 50 custom routes, so you can track your progress as you train for events. If that happens to be a tri, feel free to take a dip it's water resistant to 50 meters. Get it with a heart rate monitor ($300) for even more data.

For the Fashion Plate

Just because you're at Pilates/kickboxing/Zumba doesn't mean you can't dress up for the occasion. The Lole Spirited Tunic ($70) stands out as a shirt that goes out as easily as it works out. The empire-waisted, V-neck top with elbow length-sleeves features fabric with four-way stretch that wicks, dries quickly and has sun protection.

For the Hydration Sensation

Maybe you'll never have the most cut abs, the highest jump or the fastest sprint. But the coolest water bottle is completely attainable (and just $23). Waterbox's artist series of stainless-steel vessels are covered with awesome imagery, so you won't confuse your drink with anyone else's. And if you lose the easy-to-open top? Waterbox will replace it.

For the Perfect Poser

Even the largest purses known to man and much more importantly, to women can't fit a yoga mat. But the Zobha City Bag ($82), made of a heavyweight cotton canvas fabric, can swallow up your Manduka, a water bottle, a change of shoes and whatever else you need to drag to class. There's even a plastic zip pocket inside for clothes that get gross after a particularly sweaty class.

For the Muscle Master

Gyms have gone kettlebell crazy, but if you want to take the fitness fad home, you need to be prepared to use as much money as muscle. A single one of these weights, which look like a cannon ball with a handle, can cost $50 or more. That's why the Powerblock Kettleblock ($100 for 20 pounds, $200 for 40 pounds), which lets you alter the weight of a single unit depending on what exercise you want to do, is a steal. You'll save on space, too.