Sarah Wasilak's Shopping Editor Gift Ideas
A Shopping Director's Guide to "New Year, New Me" Fitness Gifts
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As a shopping editor, I'm well-versed in everything from viral products like the lymphatic drainage catsuit to Taylor Swift's posture-correcting sports bra, so I know what's actually worth the purchase. When it comes to buying fitness gifts for the loved ones in your life, you want to ensure that they're more classic than momentarily on-trend — that's how you'll become the gift-giver who's thanked endlessly for years to come.
When shopping, think of iconic brands like Therabody, Lululemon, and Alo Yoga — all of which offer products versatile enough for anyone's arsenal. When I'm recommending workout gear, it'll likely be something from a well-established brand I've tested that also holds up and looks good.
For 2026, I'm being thoughtful about the fitness products I'm giving and buying for myself. I tend to ask myself what everyday essentials I couldn't possibly live without, and then I consider the people in my life who would benefit from them, too. Ahead, you can scroll through the gifts I'm giving others and myself.
The Best New Year, New Me Fitness Gifts
- For soothing pain relief at all times: Treefrog Topical Pain Relief at $40
- For a fitness watch that's perfect for runners: Samsung Galaxy Watch8 at $350
- The best compression socks of all time: Bombas Performance Compression Sock 3-Pack at $120
- Entryway running sneakers that marathoners love too: Saucony Ride 19 at $145
- For those seeking ultimate compression: Heat Healer Activated Lymphatic Onesie at $148, originally $198
- A post-workout vibrating massage for muscles and joints: Theragun Therabody Wave Roller at $180
- Taylor Swift's beloved posture-correcting sports bra: Forme Revive Bra at $192
- Compression sleeves that improve circulation: Quinear Air Compression Recovery System at $300
Treefrog Topical Pain Relief ($40)
Through the years, I've suffered from knee pain (as so many runners do), along with plantar fasciitis in my right foot that was nearly debilitating at times. Finding a topical pain relief that works for you is key. I've tested many products, but I love that this gel is all natural. It comes in a 4-ounce tub from Costa Rica, where it's packaged with eco-friendly materials. All you do is take a bit on your fingertips and rub it onto your problem area, then enjoy the soothing sensation while you recover.
Samsung Galaxy Watch8 ($350)
Most runners know that going on a run sans tracking device is possible, but not always enjoyable. Metrics can make all the difference, and not just for your peace of mind. It helps to analyze everything from cadence to pace after a workout, which couldn't be easier with Samsung Galaxy Watch8. I've tried plenty of fitness watches, and I'm really impressed by how thin and lightweight this one feels on my wrist. It has a cushioned, minimalist design that's both comfortable and durable, and of course keeps you connected to the Samsung Health app so that your heart rate and every step goes well documented.
Bombas Performance Compression Sock 3-Pack ($120)
No matter how hard they work out, anyone will appreciate these quality compression socks. I love that they climb all the way up to the knee and provide support with a maximum squeeze all day long post-run. I tend to slip them on after a long run, right before rolling out and stretching. At the end of the day, when I take them off, I feel as though I've just released my calves from a 12-hour massage.
Saucony Ride 19 ($145)
Whether you're gifting or self-gifting, I couldn't recommend Saucony enough as an entryway brand for runners. The shoes are particularly lightweight, providing that spring in your step that works just as well on HIIT runs as it does when you're racking up the miles. This new model that the brand just released has a new and improved cushion with increased energy return and mesh that stretches with your foot. You can shop the shoe in regular or wide and choose from so many different colorways. If you'd like to see more in this department, check out our guide to the best running shoes.
Heat Healer Activated Lymphatic Onesie ($148, originally $198)
This onesie is described as a "wearable lymphatic massage," and it's one of the most-used pieces in my athletic wardrobe. Designed to support circulation, enhance lymphatic flow, reduce fluid retention, and promote recovery, you can wear it to lounge or work out — it even has four-way stretch, in case you were worried about movability. It should be worn for six hours a day to sense the results and start to see long-term benefits. I wear it under everything. Read my Heat Healer Activated Lymphatic onesie review for more information.
Editor Quote: "I've worn the onesie both during activity and afterwards, for recovery, and find both situations to be beneficial. When I'm walking, I feel like my steps are lighter and more fluid, and my knees don't feel as strained. And when I'm recovering or working from home, I feel more energized to sit up straight in my chair and focus on my alignment. At the end of the day when I take it off, my skin feels firmer and more toned." — Sarah Wasilak, shopping director
Theragun Therabody Wave Roller ($180)
Foam rolling is equally as important as stretching after a workout, because it allows you to relieve muscle tension and soreness on an even deeper level. The Wave Roller is a slightly more advanced product because it vibrates to assist in the process and the texture carved into the foam adds extra dimension to help you massage your body at varied angles, while also providing traction. You can read my full review of the Therabody Wave Roller for more information, which is where I compare it to my longer blue Melt Method model that you see in the above photo — a softer roller that has a bit more space for working both legs at once.
Forme Revive Bra ($192)
As so many people know, Taylor Swift wears this posture-correcting sports bra when she rehearses. It may cost a pretty penny, but it works. I find that ever since I've started to run in this posture-correcting sports bra, I pay more attention to my form, stand up straighter, and tuck in my pelvis, all of which may help with injury prevention long-term. The bra is designed to immediately improve upper-body alignment and body foundation, according to the brand. Designed by an orthopedic surgeon, it uses tension fabrics and panels to apply pressure to key areas, but don't mistake that to mean it feels tight. If anything, I feel light compression when I'm wearing it, but it's not restrictive and it certainly doesn't affect my mobility. You can read more about the bra that's also worn by Taylor Swift in our editor's Forme Power Sports Bra review.
Editor quote: "In addition to providing a little nudge to stand up straighter, the style also works just as well as a normal sports bra. Its wireless design is supremely comfortable and has a compressive nature that helps to keep everything pulled in and together — with no fear of slippage during an intense workout or yoga session.
It's hard to quantify, but I suspect the bra helped improve the quality of my workouts, especially my yoga sessions or back exercises. Because the style is designed to support good posture, I feel comfortable exerting more energy in my stretches and reps; I'm not so worried about slipping into bad form." — Kyley Warren, former assistant shopping editor
Quinear Air Compression Recovery System ($300, originally $360)
Many runners tend to invest in compression sleeves that offer heated massage therapy and aim to increase blood circulation post-run. I've personally experienced peripheral neuropathy (numbness in my fingers and toes) in the past and have Raynaud's syndrome, so stimulating blood circulation is particularly important for me in the colder months. Sure, these are more of a splurge-worthy gift, but they're totally worth it. This particular set is even FSA- and HSA-eligible.
Therabody Theragun Sense Percussion Massage Gun ($300)
The Theragun Sense is an easy gifting answer for anyone who works out. It offers 12mm percussive massage therapy with five speeds to choose from and four different attachments. Not only does it have an LCD screen that allows for easy control and programming, it has a biometric sensor for heart rate readings and a bluetooth connection so you can work your device alongside the app. My personal favorite reason for gifting this product? It's great for people who may not be total gym buffs, but appreciate breathwork sessions. There are a whole slew of meditative sessions to choose from. Read my full Therabody Theragun Sense massage gun review for more.
Editor Quote: "What makes the Therabody Theragun Sense different from all other massage guns on the market is the ability to practice breathwork through guided sessions on the app. The Sense uses vibration cues to guide you through the breathwork sessions, and will show your minimum heart rate post-session to show you how much you relaxed. The breathwork is particularly great for those of us who easily get distracted while meditating. It removes the stress of having to close your eyes and block out the rest of the world, which, personally, put me more at ease." — Sarah Wasilak, shopping director
Sarah Wasilak (she/her) is the PS Shopping Director. With plenty of experience in the fashion industry and over 11 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing and creating social videos across the lifestyle, health, and fitness categories. She is the host of the "Dinner for Shoes" podcast and has bylines at InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit.
