by Mollie Millington | Nov 24, 2023 | gift guide, outdoors, product review, travel
Are you looking for the perfect gift to give the travel and outdoor enthusiast in your life? Whether they love hiking, camping, running, or exploring, we have a variety of gifts at different price points to help you tick their name off of your nice list. For this Black Friday blog post, I have tried to feature British small businesses, as well as those with a sustainability-focus. Remember that you vote with your GBP (or dollars) so be mindful when shopping. Support small businesses, knowing your purchase will directly help someone and their family. Below, you will find gadgets, ways to relax, cozy apparel, travel accessories, and supplements in this gift guide, we have something for everyone! If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your loved one who loves to travel and be outdoors, keeping reading. You will also spot a discount code to Deakin & Blue.
Gadgets
Body Lite Gear’s Night Vision LED Belt is perfect for those who like to walk or run no matter what time of day (including dog walks!). It features a small amount of storage, so you can pack your keys or fuel. Only 90 grams of weight so you will barely notice it when you wear it.
Lumi Mini is a must if you are missing natural sunshine during the winter months. I have a large seasonal affect disorder (SAD) lamp and it takes up a lot of space when I am using it and when I am storing it in the summer. Using the Mini will help boost your mood, alertness, and daytime energy by emitting 10,000 lux at a distance of 12 cm. Have it shining when you eat your breakfast or while reading a book to make the winter months more bearable.
Travel
El Camino bracelet* is something I am super excited about. My bracelet is waiting for me back in the UK. I am telling my ‘running in every country’ story with large and small steps on my El Camino bracelet. You can also customize the steps to commemorate adventures and achievements that you are proud of. The bracelets are designed to be durable, which means I don’t have to take mine off to run, swim or work. Each one is unique to the wearer and I cannot wait to show you mine (so far!).
Your Family Travel Wallet is a PU leather wallet comes that comes in both teal and tan Colours. It can hold everyone’s passports (up to 7) and other important travel documents, such as plane tickets. The handy wrist strap will ensure you don’t drop or loose it as you make your way from check in to security to the gate.
D-Robe roll up rucksack is 35 liters of storage (including a laptop sleeve). The material is durable, waterproof, recyclable and biodegradable TPU, which means the bag can take a beating and still keep your gear dry. The thing that I think makes it unique is the air valve to compress the bag down (and make it fit in the overhead bin!). Internal storage pockets also make it easy to stay organized while traveling.
Outdoors
Amazing Jame thermal half zip is thermal lined, making it versatile for both autumn and winter depending on whether you want to layer it. The fabric is sweat-wicking and stretched four ways while compressing. There are thumb holes, hidden pockets, and a shaped hem for a flattering hem. Did I mention it is named after Mary Earps?
D-Robe Beaufort Outdoor Robe is something you will never want to take off. I wear my outdoor robe at home while on the couch instead of turning up the heat. I take it camping to stay warm around the campfire, during an early morning dog walk and if the temperatures dip overnight. If you like being warm, dry, and/or cosy, this jacket should be at the top of your list.
Deakin & Blue long sleeve swim suit comes in three styles: Hendricks (shown here), Monroe, and Hepburn. Covering your arms may help keep you a bit warmer and reduce risk of sunburn (still wear sunscreen, ok?). There is built in bust support and a back zip to make it easier to put on and take off. If you are an open water swimmer, why not grab a 2litre dry bag too (in pink or blue) to store your wet stuff after your dip? Deakin & Blue have kindly given my readers a special 10% discount off full price items using the code MOLLIEPT. Enjoy!
EcoSki is a platform that allows you to rent, buy, or repair outdoor clothes. What a fantastic way to be sustainable as you hit the slopes this winter. EcoSki makes an effort to feature sustainable brands and sells pre-loved kit too. Another selling point for me is the size inclusivity. The site offers skiwear sized from XXXS to 4XL for women and from XS to 4XL for men. The platform is also stocking a range of kit for skiers and snowboarders who prefer a longer or shorter cut in the leg or arm. So if you struggle to find outdoor gear that fits your body, definitely have a look. The Halti Planker Jacket and pants are what you see here.
1000 Mile’s fusion double layer socks are always the perfect stocking stuffer. This padded sock offers reduced friction and blister protection, making it perfect for long hikes or runs. I personally love how the design protects the Achilles, which is something I definitely need. The ventilation zones helps to keep the foot cool meaning you can stay out all day without issue.
Relax
Amazing Jane tie dye pajamas are a great option when taking a day or two to recharge at home. Designed and manufactured in the England but a female owned business, you can wear in bed or as loungewear. The relaxed fit with a brushed fabric make these both comfy and cosy.
Earth’s Secret sleep mask* will help you block out light when sleeping at home or when traveling. I have been using it at my mom’s and will be trying it on my overnight flight home. The eyes are cupped so you don’t need to worry about your eyelashes as you sleep. The fabric is breathable and you can adjust the band, as well as cup placement.
The Munros: The complete collection of maps from HARVEY maps looks great on your coffee table and can help you plan your next Scottish adventure. For those who don’t know, a Munro is a hill over 3000 feet. Not only can you use the book as inspiration, but you can also use it to capture memories for the hills you have climbed.
Supplements
Osavi joint and bones collagen* has been my favorite collagen product to try this year (and one of these days, I will tell you about them all). The powder is taste-free so I add it to my juice, yogurt, porridge, whatever I am having for breakfast. The bioactive collagen peptides have helped relieve me of my mystery shoulder pain that I have attributed to perimenopause. My hair quality has also improved (according to my hair dresser). I have also tried tendons and ligaments and am currently making my way through hair and nails (which I won as a prize).
Planthaya Lion’s Mane* I have been taking on and off all year. These 1000mg capsules help improve cognitive function (something I have been struggling with is brain fog) as well as promoting a calm and relaxed mood. I am hoping to be diligent with these for the rest of the year to help me cut back on caffeine consumption. It is time I kicked that habit!
I have written several gift guides over the years and know that there are plenty of other things out there that my readers would like. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please leave a comment below and let me know. Or come back after Christmas and let me know what Santa brought you.
* Item was kindly gifted to me as a PR sample. All opinions are honest and my own.
by Mollie Millington | May 23, 2023 | beauty, health, product review
My friends from Boston University came for a visit in March. It was years ago the three of us were together and we packed a lot into a weeklong visit. Now that we are all in our 40’s, there were many discussions about skin care, body aches and pains, and perimenopause (we sure know how to rock and roll!). We also discussed vitamins and supplements we take now that we are older (top tip: don’t get old). Eryn swore by collagen, which she has been taking since November. She saw her finger nails become stronger and experienced less aches and pains.
I decided to see what all the fuss was about for collagen. Like many supplements, most brands state that it takes 30 days+ to see an difference. This makes a lot of sense in terms of hair and nail growth. It also seems to be very much a trending supplement, much like menopause products which are also gaining momentum. The Global Collagen Report started that the collagen market is worth $9.1 billion in 2022 (which is approximately £7 billion), making it quite lucrative.
What do the professionals think about collagen supplements? Dr. Hana Patel, GP specialist in womens and mental health and GP Expert Witness, told me the NHS does not recommend patients take collagen as there isn’t enough evidence to support its effectiveness. Dr. Patel went on to say that are many studies, however, that show that taking up to 10 grams a day, may help with skin health, joint health, bone density and muscle mass.
How to choose a collagen supplement
I know I was overwhelmed with choice as I started to look into it. Eryn takes Beyond Collagen Multi Collagen for Women (which Oprah also recommends) which is a powder but I could not find it in the UK. Dr. Patel shared that although collagen can be absorbed in all forms, studies show that more is absorbed per gram in the powder form, as there are not other additional substances added to it. You may want to take this into account when choosing a collagen product. Other factors to consider are ease of administration (do you want to be able to swallow a pill or make a drink) and if what kind of collagen you want. For example, Type I collagen typically is move from bovine (cow) or porcine (pig) or even bones. It can be found in your body in skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Type II collagen can also be found in the body in your cartilage, bones, and connective tissue. Type II collagen often is made from chickens. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Holland and Barret have an informative summary over on their site if you would like to learn more.
So I put some feelers out on Twitter to see what people would recommend. A few people responded with Arbonne Skin Elixir Collagen Booster. I already have an Arbonne consultant and she takes it too. As it is vegan, it doesn’t contain any collagen but instead encourages your body to make more.
Stacey, founder of Planthaya, contacted me to try out her Glow Natural Collagen Support, which is also vegan. Its three key ingredients help promote your body’s natural production of collagen, which will improve skin elasticity. The instructions recommend taking on an empty stomach for best results.
Osavi is a brand I had not heard of before and are health, nutrition, and food supplements company who focus on creating supplements which are high quality and pure. They just launched two different collagen formulas, one for tendons and ligaments* and another for joints and bones*. These products use collagen peptides (the collagen protein has been hydrolysed). Osavi also shared with me that their Tendons & Ligaments collagen is formulated using patented TENDOFORTE® bovine[i] bioactive collagen peptides, made by world-leading producer Gelita[ii], which are optimised to stimulate the production of collagen in the body. TENDOFORTE stimulates the biosynthesis of new extracellular matrix molecules, reducing the risk of injuries and rupture of ligaments and tendons. TENDOFORTE® is clinically proven to increase tendon strength and flexibility, reduce the risk of injury and result in a faster return to training. I was impressed by the clinical trial results they shared with me that highlighted the effectiveness of TENDOFORTE®. I have high hopes for this one because as a runner, I am always getting injured!
Lastly, I went to MyProtein to see what they had to offer because they always have sales and who isn’t trying to save money these days? I bought their collagen capsules and also was intrigued by their collagen gummies so I bought both (on sale).
Whenever I try a product for review, I make sure to test it for a while before passing judgement and my opinions on to you. With collagen, it is a bit tricky because I wasn’t expecting to see any effects within the first 30 days. I decided to start with Arbonne Skin Elixir because I bought it and it came with a 30 day guarantee. It was one of the few products I was testing that had a flavor, acai, which is very mild. I have the Skin Elixir with my breakfast and had initially had trouble getting it to dissolve in about 400 ml of water. It is easier if you add the sachet to the glass, THEN the water. Who knew? Having an extra glass of water to start my day helped wake me up a bit. It has now been 30 days and unfortunately, I have not noticed any difference. This is to be expected, however, and if I didn’t have so many other products to try, I would stick with it for another month. Arbonne have me a second box as a free gift with my order, so I am saving it for the end of all this product testing. If you would like to try it, you can use the code ARBONNE10 for 10% off your purchase.
This week, I started taking both Osavi products which will give me the recommended 10g a day, per Dr. Patel. I was told I can take a serving of each type every day. This morning, I added one to my porridge and this evening, I added the other to my coconut yogurt. It truly does not have a taste and I didn’t notice any changes in the food texture either. So far, that is a good start!
How do they compare?
Below is a chart I made to summarize the major differences between all the products I will be testing (please note the pricing is from April 2023 and may have changed since publication). Dr. Patel shared that although there are no specific trials to support added ingredients in collagen supplements, in the body, lysine and vitamin C work together with collagen to help keep connective tissue and joints strong and healthy. Therefore, they might be something to look for on the label. You will have to keep checking back to this post to see how the other products compare as I try each one for 30 days.
Finally, Dr. Patel said that collagen can be absorbed in all forms, but studies show that more is absorbed per gram in the powder form, as there are not other additional substances added to it. There seems to be a variety of ingredients in the products I am trying, as you can see above. The convenience of a capsule or gummy appeals to me, but if something works there is no reason not to be able to stick with it. Dissolving a powder into a glass of water doesn’t take too much time.
What are you thoughts on collagen supplements? How long did it take you to see a noticeable result? Which form do you prefer (powder, capsule, other)? Leave a comment below and let me know.
*Thanks to Planthaya and Osavi for the complimentary samples. All opinion are honest and my own.
[i] Osavi’s Bovine collagens are clinically tested collagen peptides that target specific needs, which are kosher, and halal certified.
[ii] TENDOFORTE® is made by Gelita. Gelita is a German producer that is the world’s leading supplier of collagen proteins for the food, medical and pharmaceutical industries. The brand works in the market since 1875, currently having factories on five continents, more than 20 plants production and 2.8 thousand employees all over the world.
by Mollie Millington | Jul 8, 2022 | product review, spinning
Indoor cycling will always be my first fitness love. I started indoor cycling regularly during graduate school as a way to fit fit throughout the year (winters in Michigan are no joke!) and around my work and class schedule. After a brief stint in Connecticut, I moved back to Michigan and decided to become a Spinning (R) certified instructor. It was so much fun putting together playlists and leading classes at the university I worked at. I also taught classes at the local YMCA, which allowed me to meet people not affiliated with the university (which tended to be an academic bubble). Since becoming certified, I have been fortunate enough to find indoor cycling classes to teach. Nothing beats being paid to workout! In all seriousness, the aspect I love most about teaching fitness classes is meeting new people.
The pandemic sadly ended my indoor cycling career. Both the gyms I taught at in 2020 closed during the first national lockdown. One re-opened but they changed their staffing structure to utilize only full-time staff. Many of my indoor cycling clients jumped on the Peloton bandwagon while we were stuck home, but I couldn’t justify the money or space for a bike. Bike commuting during the pandemic gave me a smaller cycling fix, but didn’t have the same vibe as a dark studio with tunes pumping. I started researching other brands of bikes for home use and learned that it is best for the bike to have at least a 18kg fly wheel. This seems to help with stability, noise levels, and the general feel of the ride. Over 18kg, the ride will feel more like what you would experience in a spin studio or on a bike outdoors.
When I saw that Bluefin Fitness, a British home exercise equipment online store, sold indoor cycling bikes, I was very excited to see that they had three different models, with varying fly wheel weights, to choose from. Two of the three are able to connect to a training app, which is very useful for people not as familiar with indoor cycling. Their Tour SP bike looked best to me, based on flywheel weight; the Kinomap fitness app for live video streaming, video coaching and training; and design most similar to the indoor cycling bikes I normally ride in the studio. The seat and handlebars heights are adjustable and it is easy to move with wheels on the front.
Kinomap is €11.99/month for one person or €89.99 for a year. There are family options too and even a lifetime member one-off fee for €269.99. There is a 14 day free trial to see if you like what it has to offer. For now, I am sticking to my own playlists and routines, but I might give this platform a try later this summer.
In terms of the bike, it took me a few rides to get the settings perfect for me. I took a photo of each one (seat height, handlebar height, and how far forward/back the seat is) in case my husband decides to give the bike a try. So far, the tri bars have been really useful as my arms feel a little bit too short. Since it has been two years since my last time indoor cycling, I know it will take some time to get my body used the positioning again. I find the seat very comfortable but know that I can invest in a removable padded seat cover for longer rides if I don’t want to wear a chamois. The other tweak I will probably make is to replace the pedals (that came with toe baskets) with SPD clips. Wearing cycling shoes make the ride more effective on the pull up as well as the push down during the pedal stroke. Finally, I have to get used to having less space in the living room to put my rucksack and clean laundry!
Keep an eye on Bluefit Fitness’s Instagram account as I created two video tutorials for them, one on how to properly set up the bike and the other is a cool down stretch. If you have any questions about indoor cycling or the Tour SP bike, please leave a comment below. I will be following up in a few months with my thoughts on bike and how my aerobic base building is going.
Thanks for Bluefin Fitness for the complimentary Tour SP bike. All opinions are honest and my own.
by Mollie Millington | Jun 30, 2022 | product review, running
Since 2020, I have been been much more conscious of how much I cough when I run. I have also noticed that the coughing more often than not now involves stress incontinence. If you have been visiting the blog for a while, or following me on social media, you would have read my posts talking about this (going all the way back to 2018!). I don’t want stress inconvenience to be a reason why women stop exercising so I am sharing my story with info on what I am trying that helps me keep on running.
At the National Running Show in 2021, I made friends with the team at Efemia bladder support. It was so refreshing to be able to speak about the issues I had been having with stress incontinence and feel understood. The Efemia is a silicone devise that applies pressure mid-urethra, making it a different type of support than pessaries. The Efemia comes in three different sizes and can be worn all day or just when exercising. It is also available on NHS Prescription services if the cost of the start pack (£59 for three devices, one of each size) is outside of your budget. When I was speaking to the Efemia team, they said you can start with the smallest size and see if that helps improve your condition. Often times, all three sizes will be effective. One device will last 90 days if worn full time, after which point the medical-grade silicone may start to degrade.
The reason it has taken me so long to post this review is because I was struggling to get the Efemia to work for me. When I review a product here on the blog, I try it a few times to ensure I have an understanding of how it works and what the bells and whistles are. At first, I struggled to insert the Efemia and had a call with the support line at Efemia. They gave me a few tips, which seemed to work. I was aware that the Efemia was ‘there’ and that was because by the end of my 5K runs, the Efemia would be slightly dislodged. I decided to book a doctor appointment because I thought there must be an anatomical reason for this. Delays in obtaining appointments on the NHS due to Covid means it took me until February of this year to see a gynecologist. She confirmed I have a cystocele, which means my supportive tissues have stretched and left with with a little bulge. The good news is that following on from this appointment, I have receiving pelvic floor physiotherapy from the NHS. The bad news is that the Efemia isn’t the correct product for me. It really is a shame because the product is easy to clean, discreet to transport, and simple to insert and remove ( The devise is often compared to an oddly-shaped tampon in terms of insertion and removal). Check out the reviews on their website to see how the product has successfully helped other women of various ages and conditions.
You should try Efemia if you:
- Are tired of worrying about stress incontinence (you can wear all the time or just when exercising)
- Are waiting for pelvis floor physiotherapy sessions to start or for your kegels to take effect (can take up to 12 weeks)
- Are elderly and are starting to suffer from incontinence
While I am disappointed Efemia didn’t work for me, it did motivate me to see a doctor and get the help I needed. Having just started my physiotherapy journey, I will check back with an update and let you know how I get on.
*Thanks to Efemia for the complimentary sample. All opinions are honest and my own.
by Mollie Millington | Jun 15, 2022 | health, product review
The availability of at-home health tests has made it much easier for me to check in with my body. While I am grateful for the NHS, it isn’t designed to provide tests for every ache and pain I experience. The US system (which is by no means better) is about profit and therefore allows for blood work and other diagnostic tests much more easily.
Writing this blog has allowed me to try at home testing with Fitness Genes DNA analysis and have a food intolerance test. The explosion of Covid has also made home testing much more common place, with both rapid rests and popping a blood sample in the post. I had Covid antibody test in 2020 to be confident I had not contracted Covid yet. After two years of weight gain and poor sleep, both of which we blamed on getting a puppy, I felt it was time to look into a menopause diagnosis after having my period four times in two months. Period cycles can also be affected by stress, which has also been omnipresent since the pandemic started so it hard to determine what was going on with my body. (I have always had trouble regulating my body temperature too.) I recently learned that brain fog is another symptom of menopause.
When I heard about Forth, I knew it was exactly what I was looking for. They offer different types of home tests in the following categories:
- Wellness
- Nutrition
- Hormone tests
- Mental health
- Sports tests
I went for the women’s hormone check which includes a written report and a private call with the endocrinologist that leads Forth’s research program. It took a few days to find a time when Dr. Nicky was available, as she had a few deadlines to meet. We talked for nearly an hour, both to review my personal report and to discuss all things hormones. I highly recommend taking advantage of this aspect of Forth’s kits. You would pay on average about £300 for an initial consultation with an endocrinologist (that is before you even have blood work done) where with the £129 fee for the advanced perimenopause test included a 1-2-1- call with Dr. Nicky. And Dr. Nicky wants to hear from her Forth patients more.
Dr. Nicky used her 30 years of experience in the field to help design the report you receive with the advanced perimenopausal test. The report includes graphics to show average test results and where you fall on them, plus written descriptions of how to interpret the results. Dr. Nicky is so passionate about Forth’s services, she reviews every report before it is sent to ensure that the automated suggestions also take into account the lifestyle factors submitted by the patient.
On our call, I briefly explained to Dr. Nicky the symptoms that caused my interest in the test (I also submitted these when registering my kit). She agreed that the patterns I was seeing could be do to stress (thanks Covid), in which case the brain elicits a certain response, or the ovaries are not working properly. My low progesterone score indicates my ovaries were not working. If my FSH and LH were low, it would indicate that my brain is signalling to my pituitary gland to switch off. However, my FSH is high which indicates my brain is switched on. Therefore my ovaries are slacking. Dr. Nicky concluded that I am perimenopausal.
Menopause is defined by absence of periods for a year, which then lead to the start of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It typically starts when a women is between 45-55 years of age. Nowadays, HRT is often started before this clinical definition. Dr. Nicky feels there is no need for women to suffer when treatment is available. HRT can help ease uncomfortable symptoms often associated with menopause. It is important to discuss risk factors and medical history with your GP when choosing the best type of HRT (transdermal vs tablets). I have a blood clotting disorder which prevented me from taking hormonal birth control. Therefore, I need to ensure my GP and I research what the best option is for me (probably transdermal). There is an increased risk of breast cancer when taking HRT, which studies have shown can be decreased by exercised two and a half hours per week.
Dr. Nicky said that lifestyle factors have affect your score with the Forth test and can help manage your symptoms too. Exercise, nutrition, and sleep quality are very important in all aspects of your health and wellbeing. She is advocating as a member of the British Menopause Society to help educate the public and GPs more on menopause, symptoms, and treatment options. I actually have a call with my doctor today to discuss the Forth report and see if I can start HRT soon. In July, I will have more time to regular exercise too, including weight training. These should help boost my metabolism to help with weight loss. I hope exercise will also help me fall asleep faster and improve my sleep quality. To be thorough, I also made an appointment with my GP to enquire about HRT. The doctor was not convinced at first based on my presenting symptoms and age bracket. However, after sending my Forth report, I have a referral for bloodwork to be done.
The Forth at home test for perimenopause has been eye opening for me. It has been the catalyst to have blood work done by the NHS. I hope by sharing my story, we can remove some of the stigma around menopause and learn more about the journey together.
Thanks to Forth Life for the complimentary test kit. All opinions are honest and my own.
by Mollie Millington | Feb 1, 2022 | affiliate, fashion, gift guide, outdoors, product review
Can you believe it is already February? Your Christmas decorations may be packed away by now but it is time to do a bit of shopping again. While I understand that some people may think Valentine’s Day is a marketing ploy to sell flowers, wine and chocolates, I love a day that gives me an excuse show people that I love them. There is nothing like choosing the perfect item that makes your bestie smile! The list below includes gifts for people who love the outdoors, whether that is while running, hiking, camping, swimming, or relaxing. I chose items that are under £40 to keep it affordable too. These Valentine’s Day ideas are for men, women, friends, and family. Some of these I have tried myself (*gifted PR product) and others I like the looks of. If you have any other Valentine’s Day gift ideas, please leave a comment below.
For those who run commute: Nuasan Active Body Wipes* are my workplace essential. I can freshen up my face if my mask gets too hot or do a quick wipe down after a run (£13.26).
For the chocoholic: 80Noir Ultra dark chocolate was designed for your recovery and wellbeing. With a UK-based female-founder, this small business is one you should support (spices start at £2.00, chocolate at £5.50).
For al fresco lovers: The Hydro Flask Wine Bottle* has been on my wish list for a while. Perfect to avoid glass on the trial and to keep your wine at the perfect temperature (£35.00). The wine tumbler* can be used on the go, at work, and around the campfire too (£24.00). (Wine sadly not included)
For dog walkers and campers: SealSkinz has an amazing waterproof LED beanie* that is perfect for early morning dog walks and year-round camping. No more searching in the tent for a head torch. The built-in light has 240 hours of battery life and visibility of up to 500m (£35.00).
For those who live far away: Monty & Ridge letterbox gifts are the perfect care package for the adventurer in your life. With over a dozen themed-boxes to choose from, you can’t go wrong (from £17.95).
For those who lift: Grass-fed and additive free, the Organic Protein Company’s Strawberry, Elderberry, and Beetroot bag* is a fun pink whey protein powder to try this Valentine’s Day. It tastes good too! (£24.00).
For the impossible to buy for: Sport Pursuit offers short-term deals on all the outdoor kit you didn’t know you needed. Clothes, trainers, SUP boards, sleeping bags, protein bars, and more from the brands you know and love. They don’t offer gift vouchers but have a look for the perfect gift anyways.
For those looking for health and happiness: My book, 52 Weekend Challenges, is available on Kindle or as a printed paperback. Each week there is a small goal to achieve to help you step outside your comfort zone to find something you love. Available on your local Amazon site (£15.85).
For those who can’t sleep/need to relax: R3ST 500mg CBD spray* from R3 CBD is something I have been using since the 2020 Running Show South. I spray it under my tongue after I brush my teeth to help me relax a bit before bed. CBD also helps some athletes with recovery (£24.99).
For those who work for the NHS: Donate to Duty To Care in their name. Duty to Care provides free wellbeing services to anyone with a NHS email address. From counselling, to yoga, to physiotherapy, to personal training with me, I am so grateful that Duty to Care is helping those who need it most.
For those who are environmentally conscious: dewerstone Chunky Knitted Beanie hat will keep you up on the bobble hat trend while doing good for the planet. dewerstone takes part in 1% for the Planet where 1% of their annual revenue goes directly to non-profit environmental action groups. Plus their products are Climate Neutral Certified and for every product they manufacture, they plant a tree (£19.95).
For those who want to run faster: Superfeet carbon insoles make the idea of using carbon technology to improve your performance without a hefty price tag (£40).
For those who always have cold feet: Rab Cirrus Hut Slippers look like small sleeping bag shoes, don’t they? Filled with recycled PrimaLoft Luxe synthetic insulation that comes from post-consumer waste, this material retains twice the loft of down when wet, breathes, has no allergens and retains warmth when wet. Available through specialist outdoor retailer, Trekitt (£36).
For those who cold water swim: Zone3 Neoprene Heat-Tec Warmth Swim Socks have a titanium lining on top of being 3.5mm thick. There are no more excuses to avoid open water swimming in the winter (£39.00).
For those with a ponytail: MAAREE Secret Pocket scrunchie two-pack in red and pink have clever little zip pocket to stash your locker key (£12).
For those who don’t wear sunglasses: On Cloud Lightweight unisex cap with laser-cut ventilation is lightweight, breathable, and comes in several different colors (£32).
For those who like to pack light: Paramo neck warmer is multi-functional and comes in a variety of colours. It will keep you warm or cool due to the Parameta G (R) fabric, depending on what you need, because it is fast drying and moisture wicking (£20.00).
For those who love pink: Designed By Sport Pink Amnesia leggings will make you smile each time you put them on. Featuring both thigh and waistband pockets, these high-waisted leggings are also squat proof (£39.99).
For those who love fun socks: Thought’s Heck Athlete socks are made from bamboo and come in a little gift bag. Patterns range from runners, to bicycles, to pugs, to robots, to polar bears. There is something for everyone (£7.99).
For those who need more support when train: Crossfly Men’s Performance Underwear can help men by offering additional support where they need it. The unique design of 3D breathable, fast-drying panels and a 7″ inseam plus anti-microbial fabric means you will be returning your cotton pants for good (£24.99).
For those who like to have their phone handy: Ultimate Performance Ridgeway phone holder arm band is a low-tech and comfortable solution for carrying a phone while on the move (£15.99).
I had a few other ideas I wanted to list, but they cost more than £40. Let me know if you would be interested in more gift guides here on the blog. There are already a few, which you can find here. Hope this list gave you a few more Valentine’s day gift ideas.
*Thanks to the brands for sending complimentary samples. All opinions are honest and my own. This post contains affiliate links which doesn’t cost you anything additional. I receive a small fee for each purchase to help cover the costs of running this website.
Recent Comments