Let’s be honest, this winter season just feels different. And honestly, at Consummate Athlete HQ, we’ve been prioritizing feely cozy because without much racing happening and the general feel of worldwide anxiety and depression, we need that feeling of comfort. If you have an athlete like this in your life, someone who you know could use a little bit of TLC/self-care/warmth in their lives instead of another cycling jersey or running hat, here are a few of our cozy picks that are still perfect for athletically-inclined individuals.
READ THIS: How to Hygge (as an Athlete)
Weighted Blanket
This is the year of the weighted blanket. When it comes to feeling cozy and less anxious about the world in general, nothing beats a heavy blanket that doesn’t leave you boiling hot after a couple of minutes. I’m a huge fan of a weighted blanket for bedtime, and a cozy afghan or throw blanket for the couch all day, everyday. As an athlete with feet that get cold and stay cold for hours after a ride or run, I need all the blankets in my life.
North Face Booties
Have I put these on the gift guide in past years? Yes. Have I heard from a dozen people that these were the best purchase ever? Also yes. These are kind of the perfect gift for someone who already has pretty much everything and is really picky about their outdoors gear. You don’t want to try to get them, say, a cycling kit—but these booties are perfect for an active person who still wants to be cozy in slippers in the winter. I bought a pair of these after our last cold-weather hike and holy $hit they are a game-changer. I wore them after a race in October and I had 10 different people come up and ask where I got them.
(Also available in men’s)
- Get them here
- $60
Our Consummate Athlete Sweatshirt
Get cozy and support the podcast at the same time! This thing is super warm, really comfortable, and you can opt for the big-and-cozy version or size down for a hipster appeal.
Consummate Athlete Unisex Sweatshirt
http://ConsummateAthlete.com/shop/consummate-athlete-unisex-sweatshirt/
Icebreaker Carrigan Sweater Pants
Merino wool sweatpants? Heck yeah. A little elevated compared to normal sweatpants, but just as comfortable. Great if you’re looking for a gift for someone who trains outside and comes back to a chilly house, or for skiers, cold-weather hikers or people who are often driving to and from rides and runs. Molly is obsessed with her pair–and they can run through the dryer without shrinking!
Get them here (They run a bit big compared to most cycling and running apparel, FYI)
Instant Pot
Cozy stews and soups made simple. We’ve been making ‘kitchen sink’ chicken soup on a weekly basis with our Instant Pot and if you have a lazy athlete you know who needs to up his or her cooking game, this tool is the most helpful thing you can buy. I would 110% buy this for a young person in their first apartment living on their own, especially if they tend to opt for takeout more often than not.
Our favorite books to gift this year
Of course, a book list has to be included in a cozy gift guide, because you can’t beat curling up by the fire and indulging in a good read.
- Becoming A Consummate Athlete by Molly Hurford and Peter Glassford: Of course, we have to put our latest book at the top of this list!
- The Uphill Athlete by Steve House: A good training book that covers many principles that we really believe in at The Consummate Athlete. It’s directed at climbers, alpinists but the theories of training are widely applicable
- Shred Girls: Lindsay’s Joyride and Ali’s Rocky Ride by Molly Hurford: For middle-grade + young adult athletes (or girls who you’re hoping to get excited about sport!), this series is a fun way to introduce riding.
- Fast after 50 by Joe Friel is a favorite that Peter regularly gives to clients and friends after they hit that milestone. (And listen to Joe on the podcast!)
- Movement Matters by Katy Bowman is a favorite of ours! She was on podcast a few years ago and is one of Peter’s favorite episodes. And this is a great book for a non-athlete.
- Little Black Book of Training Wisdom by Dan Cleather: Dan was recently on the podcast and his “Little Black Book of Training Wisdom” is a very good, conscience review of training theory that could be applied at any age and to any sport
