My Top 5 Health and Fitness Gift Picks for Christmas or Black Friday

As someone who’s committed to a balanced and active lifestyle, I know how game-changing the right tools and gear can be. That’s why I’ve put together a list of my personal favourite health and fitness gifts that I use daily and fully stand by. Each of these items has made a noticeable difference in my own journey, and I’m confident they’ll do the same for anyone on your gift list this holiday season.

1. Oura Ring

I wear my Oura Ring every day, and it’s my go-to tool for tracking sleep, activity, and overall recovery. This little ring is packed with tech that helps me stay in tune with my body, guiding me to make smarter choices about rest and activity. If you know someone who loves optimising their wellness with a scientific edge, this is the gift that keeps on giving.

Bonus – I think the feature I love most about the Oura ring is its ability to accurately track Heart Rate Variability. HRV offers key insights into overall health and resilience by assessing the balance between the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) nervous systems. Higher HRV is generally a sign of good cardiovascular fitness and stress resilience, while lower HRV may indicate stress, fatigue, or overtraining. I honestly think that HRV tracking will be what Doctors will use in the future as a measuring tool for wellness.

2. Squatty Potty

This might seem like a quirky gift, but trust me—it’s a game-changer for digestive health. Using the Squatty Potty has honestly improved my daily routine, making things feel way more natural and comfortable. It’s a small but powerful way to support gut health, and it’s one of those things you never knew you needed until you tried it.

Bonus – What can I say but trust me on this one. We are fundamentally designed to squat. Squatting allows us to unwind and relax our colons which prevents straining. 

Having tried a few different styles, I can say that you really don’t need to buy the super expensive ones. 

Here is My pick

3. Garmin Watch

For anyone who loves tracking fitness progress, a Garmin watch is unbeatable. My Garmin has become a core part of my training, offering detailed insights into heart rate, GPS tracking, and advanced metrics for running and workouts. The battery life is phenomenal, too, so there’s no constant recharging. It’s the perfect pick for anyone who’s serious about taking their performance to the next level.

Bonus – I have used just about every optical heart rate monitor (wrist tracking) and I can say that none of them are even close to being accurate. At best if you’re doing let’s say a rhythmic run you might find your watch is a few beats out. But take your optical watch to the gym for some strength training and it’s not even close. A watch such as Garmin or Polar that has the ability to attach a HR chest strap is about the only way you’re going to get an accurate reading. 

There are tons of different styles and price ranges to suit all your needs.

4. Vivobarefoot Shoes

Just some of the new stock

I’m a big believer in the benefits of natural movement, and Vivobarefoot shoes have changed the way I think about footwear. They’re designed to let your feet move as they were meant to, strengthening muscles and improving balance. Whether I’m out for a run or just wearing them around town, I feel more connected to the ground and comfortable. These are perfect for anyone who’s into minimalist or natural-style training.

Bonus – Since wearing my vivo’s my foot control and dexterity have significantly improved. Our feet for most part are the only parts of our bodies that are in constant contact to the ground. This means that it’s our feets job to provide the best information it can to the brain. So that the brain can provide the best information it can back to the body. 

Shop now  – as always. Find the style you like and I will provide you with a special code for the best price in NZ

5. Kettlebell

A kettlebell is a must-have for anyone looking to add strength and conditioning training to their routine. I use mine for everything from swings to squats to core work. The versatility of a kettlebell workout is unmatched, and it’s one of the simplest ways to get a full-body workout at home. If you know someone who loves a good challenge or is building a home gym, this is the perfect gift.

Bonus – I have access to a whole gym but for most part I just use one kettlebell. 90% of my training is done with one kettlebell and I truly believe that the right programming with just one kettlebell will be far more effective than what most people are doing at the gym. As I mentioned, one kettlebell is all you need to become super strong and gain android-like conditioning. 

Final Thoughts..

These are my personal favourites and have been staples in my own fitness and health routine. Each one is an investment in wellness, whether it’s tracking progress, improving gut health, or building strength. If you’re looking to gift something meaningful and genuinely useful, these picks are sure to make a lasting impression. Here’s to a healthier, fitter 2025 for you and your loved ones!