Andy Toth
With the holidays coming up, finding the right gift can be tricky, especially for those who love fitness and working out at home. But if you’re shopping for a calisthenics fan or someone keen on getting stronger using just their body weight, you’re in luck!
Gifts that will help achieve their fitness goals
There’s a wide array of affordable, practical, and portable gifts under $50 that could make their day. Unlike larger gym equipment, these items are small enough to carry in hand and will be the perfect addition to their home workout setup. Whether the person you’re shopping for is just starting or already a seasoned calisthenics enthusiast, these gifts offer something fun and functional to enhance their training.
Gifting calisthenics-related books and equipment has two fantastic benefits. For beginners, it can open up a world of fitness that doesn’t require a gym membership—just some know-how and maybe a few pieces of versatile equipment. For the more experienced athlete, thoughtful additions like specialized gear or useful accessories can help them push their limits and bring more variety to their training. From mastering the fundamentals to advancing skills, these gifts will show you’ve put real thought into finding something they’ll actually use and appreciate. So, here’s my list of holiday gift ideas for anyone who wants to make the most of their bodyweight workouts!
1. Overcoming Gravity by Steven Low
When people call Overcoming Gravity the “bodyweight bible,” they aren’t exaggerating. Written by Steven Low, this book breaks down everything about strength training with bodyweight exercises in a way that’s informative yet approachable. This book covers so many aspects of training, from programming and technique to understanding how your body responds to exercise. It’s packed with illustrations and straightforward explanations, making it a great resource for beginners who want to dive into calisthenics as well as for advanced athletes looking to deepen their understanding.
Average Rating: 4.7
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- High quality writing and structure
- Thorough and thoughtful
- Customizable programs
- Solid progressions system
- Not ideal for beginners
Pros & Cons
Pros
- This book is highly detailed, covering everything needed for bodyweight and gymnastics-based strength training, including program construction, movement progressions, and exercise descriptions with illustrations.
- Instead of providing a set workout plan, the book teaches readers how to create their own progressive workout programs, tailored to their specific goals, fitness levels, and preferences. It encourages self-sufficiency in designing programs.
- The book explains how to progress from basic to advanced exercises (e.g., achieving ring muscle-ups), with plenty of illustrations and descriptions to support this process.
- The author delves deep into programming, training principles, and goal-setting, offering guidance that can be applied to various fitness goals.
- The book is well-organized, with no fluff, providing precise, systematic advice that is applicable to both exercise and life.
Cons
- Some of the starting exercises are difficult for complete beginners, and the book may be overwhelming without prior experience in calisthenics or basic fitness.
- The book demands time and mental investment to read, understand, and apply the principles; it’s not a quick-and-easy guide.
Bottom Line
Gifting this book shows you want to help someone learn, not just lift. It’s a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves working out at home because it empowers them to set realistic goals and train effectively on their terms. Plus, it’s portable and makes an excellent reference they can keep revisiting as they progress. For more book ideas here is our full list of the best calisthenics books.
2. Gymnastics Rings
Gymnastics rings might look simple, but they can turn a standard workout into a whole new challenge. For under $50, you can find high-quality wooden rings that are durable and suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Rings add an element of instability to bodyweight exercises, making basic movements like push-ups, dips, and rows much harder—and more effective. They’re also lightweight and portable, so your friend or family member can set them up at home or bring them to the park.
Premium Wooden Gymnastics Rings
*alternative buying options:
- PULLUP&DIP (DE) use code CALIS10 for 10% off
- GORNATION (UK&EU) use code CS10 for 10% off
- Made of high quality birch wood
- Olympic standard sizing
- Extra wide straps with numbered length markings for easy adjustment
- Quick release buckles for increased safety
This gift isn’t just for seasoned athletes either. Beginners can use them to learn basic holds and build stability and balance while more advanced users can try more challenging moves like muscle-ups or front levers. Gymnastics rings can turn any place into a mini workout studio and are a gift that adds versatility to any workout routine.
3. Push-Up Bars
Push-up bars are a simple yet effective tool for anyone looking to improve their push-ups. They allow for a greater range of motion, which makes the exercise more challenging and effective for building chest, shoulder, and tricep strength. They’re also gentler on the wrists, so they’re ideal for people who experience discomfort from traditional push-ups on flat ground.
Wooden Push-Up Bars
*alternative buying options:
- PULLUP&DIP (DE) use code CALIS10 for 10% off
- GORNATION (UK&EU) use code CS10 for 10% off
- Made of high quality steel and birch wood
- Very stable design
- Comfortable grip
Small, portable, and affordable, push-up bars are a perfect gift for beginners learning form and wanting to protect their wrists or experienced athletes wanting to take their push-ups to the next level. Plus, they’re easy to store and can be used anywhere, making them an ideal addition to any home gym setup.
4. Dip Belt
A dip belt is a great gift for someone who wants to add some weight to their bodyweight exercises. With this belt, they can attach weights to intensify exercises like pull-ups and dips, allowing them to progress in strength and muscle growth. It’s small enough to carry around, but it can make a huge difference for anyone ready to take their training to the next level.
Weight belt / Dip belt
*alternative buying options:
- PULLUP&DIP (DE) use code CALIS10 for 10% off
- GORNATION (UK&EU) use code CS10 for 10% off
- Essential for weighted pull-ups and dips
- High quality durable fabric with padded design
- Includes 3 carabiners and a unique flap for better fit
- Stainless steel chain with high load bearing
This belt is especially good for someone who has mastered basic bodyweight exercises and is looking for a new challenge. It’s durable, secure, and adds so much versatility to a workout routine that it’s a favorite for advanced athletes, but it’s also a fun idea for beginners to aspire to as they grow stronger.
5. Workout Gloves
Workout gloves are a thoughtful, practical gift that can make bodyweight exercises more comfortable. Whether the recipient does a lot of pull-ups, rows, or ring exercises, these gloves help protect their hands from calluses and blisters. Plus, they add a bit of grip, which is helpful for sweaty hands during intense sessions.
Heavy Duty Workout Gloves
*alternative buying options:
- ROGUE - choose this for dynamic exercises like muscle-ups
- Sturdy comfortable design
- Breathable material
- Reduces the risk of calluses
This is a simple yet useful gift for anyone serious about calisthenics. It’s also a thoughtful gift for someone who’s just starting out and wants to avoid discomfort while getting used to new exercises. Plus, they’re small, affordable, and easy to carry around or stash in a workout bag.
6. Set of Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a must-have for any home workout enthusiast. They’re lightweight, versatile, and can be used for warm-ups, strength training, and even mobility exercises. For under $50, you can get a set with different resistance levels, which is perfect for both beginners and experienced athletes.
Resistance Bands
*alternative buying options:
- PULLUP&DIP (DE) use code CALIS10 for 10% off
- GORNATION (UK&EU) use code CS10 for 10% off
- High quality natural latex
- Multiple sizes: great for beginners and advanced
- Inlcudes a door anchor for standalone exercises
Bands are great for targeting muscles that might be harder to reach with bodyweight alone, and they’re perfect for building strength, endurance, and flexibility. Plus, they’re super easy to carry and store, so anyone can use them anywhere, making them a fantastic gift for both at-home and on-the-go workouts.
7. Wrist Wraps
Wrist wraps are an ideal gift for anyone who does a lot of bodyweight exercises that put strain on the wrists, like push-ups, handstands, and planches. These wraps provide extra support and help prevent strain, which is especially helpful for people who train regularly or want to progress in strength without risking injury.
Wrist Wraps
*alternative buying options:
- PULLUP&DIP (DE) use code CALIS10 for 10% off
- GORNATION (UK&EU) use code CS10 for 10% off
- Stability & safety during training
- One size fits all
- High wearing comfort without scratching
- Adjustable level of support
Wrist wraps are compact, easy to use, and can be a game-changer for wrist-heavy movements. It’s a thoughtful gift for both beginners who may need the extra support and advanced athletes who push their limits. Plus, they’re affordable and small enough to fit in any stocking!
8. Liquid Chalk
Liquid chalk might seem like a niche gift, but for anyone who trains at home or in a shared space, it’s incredibly practical. Unlike traditional chalk, liquid chalk is mess-free and doesn’t leave powder everywhere. It helps improve grip, which is perfect for exercises like pull-ups, rows, and ring work.
Liquid Chalk
*alternative buying options:
- PULLUP&DIP (DE) use code CALIS10 for 10% off
- GORNATION (UK&EU) use code CS10 for 10% off
- Extremely strong non-slip grip
- Improves performance during workout
- Pleasant smell
- Easy to wash off
This is a great gift for someone who trains seriously and wants a convenient, effective way to improve their grip. It’s easy to pack, affordable, and a little goes a long way, making it a long-lasting, useful addition to their routine.
9. Dynamometer (Grip Strength Tester)
A dynamometer, or grip strength tester, is a fun and functional gift that lets someone measure and track their grip strength. Grip strength is an important aspect of overall fitness, especially for calisthenics enthusiasts who rely on grip strength for pull-ups, hangs, and holds.
Dynamometer
- Precision grip strength measurement
- Measures up to 265 lbs (120kg) with 0.2 lbs (0.1kg) divisions
- 19 profile tracking
- Efficient and easy to use
- Sturdy and long lasting
This tool is affordable, easy to carry, and can offer a way for athletes to gauge their progress over time. It’s also just a fun, motivating gadget that many people wouldn’t think to buy for themselves.
10. Bodyweight Stack Exercise Card Game
This exercise card game is a unique, interactive gift idea that adds some fun to a workout routine. Each card has a different exercise or workout, so users can shuffle and create a varied workout each time. This deck is perfect for beginners who want to explore new exercises and for experienced athletes looking for a fun way to mix up their routine.
This gift is a creative way to make workouts feel fresh and challenging. It’s compact, affordable, and can be used solo or with a friend, adding a social element to training too!
Choosing the Perfect Gift
Now that you have these ideas, think about the person you’re shopping for: if they love learning and training technique, the Overcoming Gravity book might be ideal. If they’re more into practical gear, a set of resistance bands or push-up bars could be perfect. For the creative workout fan, the card game or gymnastic rings could be a real hit. With any of these gifts, you’re giving more than just equipment—you’re showing you understand their passion and want to help them reach their goals.
