Guys, we know we can be hard to shop for. What we want, we go out and by ourselves.
But for those who are too busy to shop, are short on cash or just haven’t had time to look up the greatest new products, here’s an elite, top-notch list of amazing gifts you can ask for — or buy for your guy — this holiday season.
Josh Helmuth is the editor of CraveOnline Sports.
Photo: Getty
2015 Sports Gift Guide
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Active Edge Gear
$64.99-$74.99
If you believed the hype with Power Balance bands, why not get something that actually has scientific proof backing it?
Active Edge claims to have the first wearable technology that emulates FDA approved electromagnetic field therapy which can help heal broken bones, tissue swelling and treat pain. How does it work? Supposedly, with tiny magical wizards infused in each fabric. Just kidding ...
Not really sure how it works, but they say the military paracord specially charges up the sympathetic nervous system in the body to help reduce inflammation, increase blood flow and oxygen intake and help improve sleep habits. It's science.
And of course the paracord bracelet unravels for emergency purposes while camping, fishing or hunting.
And if you're an athlete, supposedly the products (which also come in shirts and tanks) also do the following:
- 17% increase in flexibility
- 8% increase in strength
- Increased balance
- Increased endurance
It won't turn into Hulk Hogan (maybe that's a good thing) but it just might help your game ... or prevent you from being that sleep-deprived weekend warrior.
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Power Handz
$69.99
Who knew a sports glove could be a training tool? Well, these aren't just any gloves.
PowerHandz are weighted to give you resistance during your training in order to strengthen your hand and arm muscles. Neat concept.
Hey, they got Big Papi to try 'em. He hit 37 home runs last year. Your turn.
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Blast Motion
$149.95
Touted as the "world’s most accurate and consistent motion-capture technology," Blast Motion allows athletes of all age and skill levels to track and share performance metrics. I've had the luxury of trying the basketball 'Blast' first-hand, and it's pretty incredible.
Available for baseball, golf and action sports as well, my motion sensor captured data from all my jump shots and layups (I can't dunk, otherwise it would capture that as well). The data is in real-time, sent to your smartphone or tablet instantly, automatically capturing things such as height, rotation, speed and direction while creating ready-made sharable videos.
It's essentially like having John Brenkus of 'Sports Science,' in your pocket.
I'm amazed such technology is not only so affordable, but that it's available to anyone who has a smartphone/tablet and some time to work on their game. This is a perfect gift for any young athlete trying to hone their skills and take their craft to the next level.
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Garmin Forerunner 630 GPS watch
$399.99
Now there are plenty of GPS watches out there, but anyone who stays active knows that Garmin has a monopoly on the market if you want true quality. That's the honest truth - so honest in fact, I've run two marathons and still don't own one because the old lady won't let spend that kind of cash on a fancy wrist clock. But hey! If you can afford the convertible, get the convertible! Right??
The Forerunner 630 is the most advanced watch in the Garmin line right now. It is wi-fi enabled, touch screen, tracks stride length (not sure why you'd need that, but it sounds awesome!), ground contact time (diddo!), balance (I know what that is!) , vertical ratio (ok?) , lactate threshold (heh??) stress score (interesting!) and performance condition. And oh ya, boring stuff like pace, speed, distance, time cals burned and sleep (just kidding, it all sounds incredible!)
Don't want the convertible but still something fancy? There are other Garmin Forerunners to choose from.
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Hercules: WAE Outdoor 04Plus Bluetooth Wireless Speaker
$35-$55
It's a long name, but all you have to remember is "Hercules" and "wireless."
Designed specifically for action sports, this thing can take a beating and last in any kind of weather.
Not only is it shock resistant, but it's protected against sand, mud, dust, water, snow, el chupacabra ...
And oh ya, it supposedly sounds awesome. Reviews online are impressive. So hook up your tunes via bluetooth and jam while you ride.
There's only one rule -- No Nickelback.
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Hillflint Collegiate Sweater
$85-$95
Maybe I only love these because I'm a wanne greaser, but if you love old school looks and quality made to last -- and oh ya, college sports -- this is a must-have.
They have several of the major colleges online. If they don't have yours, complain to them about how collegiate rowing deserves more attention and maybe they'll knit one just for you.
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Lumos Bicycle Helmet
$199 (preorder)
Every rider has to be safe, but you also have to ride stylish. You can't do that with reflective tape and lights randomly plastered all over yourself during night rides.
This Lumos helmet has brake lights, turn signals and headlights built in and works with a remote handlebar control. In fact, an accelerometer makes the brake lights automatic. Yup. It's badass.
The only downside is that it's on preorder right now as a Kickstarter campaign.
Wanna do the complete 'badass package?' Pair the helmet with some Garmin Varia Bike Lights. Then your guy will have something to unwrap in December.
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The Mission Belt
$49.95
No doubt you have to have a special kind of personality to pull off a team-colored belt with the logo plastered right on the buckle. But don't you ever get the feeling you don't do enough to help in this world?
I'm not talking about fashion advice. I'm talking about philanthropy. Which is what you'll be involved in with your purchase.
A dollar from every belt sold reportedly goes to fight global hunger and poverty through micro-lending. A dollar ain't much, but it helps.
Now loop on your favorite team and drop by the local Salvation Army bucket!
