Every year, my family and friends tell me how difficult it is to offer me a gift as they think I already have everything. The first time I heard it, I was pretty surprised, but I quickly understood why.
I don’t recommend offering specific gear like a saddle, a set of aero bars, or a tri suit, except if you know exactly which model the triathlete wants. Chances are high that he already knows exactly what he wants. He just didn’t have the money to buy it yet.
The perfect gift is something not too specific but still useful. I compiled eleven gift ideas, which I am sure are perfect for triathletes of any level.
Disclaimer: The Triathlon Tips of My Tri World are reader-supported. When you buy through links, I may earn an affiliate commission.
1. A PAIR OF RECOVERY FLIP-FLOPS
OOFOS OOriginal Sandal (Amazon Affiliate link) – That’s the exact model I received a couple of years ago. I didn’t know recovery flip-flops even existed at that time. After each long-run workout, I can’t wait to remove my shoes and put those on.
2. A TRIATHLON SERIES BOARD GAME
(link to their website)
It is currently the only triathlon board game I heard of. Would I buy it myself? Probably not. But if someone from my family is reading this article, I would love to have it 😉
Update: I did receive the game from my family for my birthday 😀 It is fun to play, and there is no need to be a triathlete to understand it.
3. 1-1 SWIM LESSONS
The cool thing about swimming is that we never stop learning. You could offer a book about swimming, but the best option is to offer 1-1 swim lessons. Lookup for someone locally who is also doing video analysis. That’s always an eye-opening moment.
There are two big international swim schools. If you have the chance to find a coach or camp nearby, I would really recommend that. I had training from both schools and enjoyed them:
4. AN ONLINE SWIM MEMBERSHIP
Another swim-related gift is a subscription to effortless swimming (link to their website, no affiliation). It gives access to different training programs.
I did his eight weeks freestyle where you get videos+training plan each week. I like the way he explains and decomposes the stroke. My wife also looked at his videos, and we are now able to correct each other’s strokes.
5. A BIKE FIT
On the more expensive side, a bike fit is a great gift option. Don’t worry if you think he already had one. Some coaches recommend doing it yearly. I was surprised by how the small changes I made during the bike fit changed my next ride’s comfort.
If you want to make it a total surprise and go there directly with your friend, make sure that he takes his bike, of course, but also his entire triathlon equipment.
6. A MASSAGE
We can’t get enough of them 🙂
7. A FRAMED PICTURE OF A PREVIOUS RACE
Most of the big events have professional photographers. You probably already know the last big race your friend made (the one he mentioned every time you met), then head on to their website and buy the digital photos. It costs between $5 to $10 per photo. Then, frame it nicely – you made an amazing gift!
8. PARTICIPATE IN A BIGGER PURCHASE
As triathletes, we always have a next big purchase in mind. It can be a new bike, a set of wheels, or a new wetsuit. You can propose to participate in this big purchase. You will anyway hear about it, so the sooner your friend can afford it, the better 😀
9. A TRIATHLON TV OR MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION
Strangely, many triathletes still don’t know that watching many triathlons on TV is possible. The main diffuser is Triathlon live, where you access live and replay the races of short-distance pro triathletes.
Another option is a subscription to a triathlon magazine. Depending on your country, there might be a local one. Otherwise, the main ones are Triathlete (US-based) and 220 Triathlon (UK based). They have a digital option, and the latter ship pretty much anywhere in the world.
10. A RACE ENTRY
Paying for the entire race entry or a part of it is a great gift. But before writing it down on a gift card, be aware of the cost. It ranges between $50 to $800 for the biggest events.
If you want to offer that, simply state the exact amount you will give, so that it is clear from the beginning.
11. A GIFT CARD
If you run short on time or ideas, you cannot go wrong with a gift card. He will definitely use it. The two main online platforms are Amazon for generic equipment and Wiggle for specific triathlon gear.
