Erica Friedman Wellness

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'Tis the Season: 2017 Holiday Gift Guide

The holidays are my favorite time of year. I love cooler temperatures, twinkling holiday lights, the friendliness of fellow shoppers, and my family’s annual Hanukkah celebration. You see, Hanukkah in my house has always been a BIG deal. As a kid we spent hours unwrapping a mountain of presents after lighting the menorah and devouring my mom’s delicious dinner spread. Although not much has changed (my mom is an amazing host), we have shifted the way we approach holiday gift giving.As an eight-year old unwrapping 20+ gifts was the highlight of our Hanukkah extravaganza. I’d sport my new Limited Too outfit, dance to the latest boy band track, and watch my younger brother destroy legos or Stretch Armstrong (remember those!?). Nowadays my family is less focused on the mountain of presents and more focused on family, food, and fun. The highlight is watching my nephew unwrap stuffed animals and run around the house while he attempts to formulate words, “blah blah bucha bucha...daddy!”Inevitably I get the “what do you want” question every year. At thirty-years-old my requests have shifted more towards gift cards for home items, restaurants, and...you guessed it, activewear and healthy living goodies :)Since we’ve passed Thanksgiving and kicked off the holiday gifting countdown, I found it fitting to compile a list of my favorite holiday gift ideas, activewear included. These items are the perfect fitness gifts for gals looking to stay active, comfortable, and well this holiday season.

Sweat Cosmetics

In my teens and twenties I used to wear a ton of makeup. But with age I’ve grown to embrace the freckles and lines and focus more on less is more. In the day-to-day I don’t wear too much, partially because I hadn’t found the right product. I love that Sweat Cosmetics offers products made specifically for active on-the-go women. Olympic athlete tested and approved :)https://www.instagram.com/p/BasSkpuFxe-/?taken-by=sweatcosmetics

Amari Active

AMARI means “strength and beauty.”Amari Active is a San Diego-based women’s activewear line, with the mission of creating the ultimate on-the-go apparel for active women. All of their pieces are designed to help women look good and feel good, from the gym to the studio to running errands. I recently purchased the Phoebe Sweater (pictured below) and the Revive Pull Over. The material is so soft and comfortable. I’m eyeing the Grace Capris for my next purchase (hint hint) :)https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb7SONbg0ED/?taken-by=amariactive

Four Athletics

Four Athletics has completely changed the way activewear is sold. Through their crowdfunding model they can deliver high quality product at a fraction of the cost. Use your dollars to tell Four Athletics if you like the product, and if enough people back a product during the campaign, they produce in larger quantities.I love the Worthy of Love legging, designed in collaboration with Saving Innocence, a nonprofit working to end the exploitation of sex trafficking of minors. For every legging purchased in the campaign, Four Athletics will donate a legging to girls rescued.https://www.instagram.com/p/BcFktRQghqE/?taken-by=fourathleticsFor your next purchase: Use code “sprinklesandsitups15” to receive 15% off your order!

Joules Athletics

Joules Athletics makes clothes for real women. From running to biking to yoga to chasing after kids, their comfy, soft, and versatile pieces are perfect for everyBODY. I love the Kristen Top, featured here on my fab friend Christine. The piece is fashionable and great for errands on-the-go or just hanging around the house with my husband. One of the things I love most about this brand is their messaging. "We want you to feel the strength from our inspirations. We want you to feel empowered. We want you to feel beautiful."https://www.instagram.com/p/BcamVCmjurD/?tagged=joulesathleticsUse code "sweatpinkroules" for 15% off your order.

Beats Headphones

I splurged and got a pair of Beats headphones this year. They are the perfect wireless pair for travel, working, or wearing to the gym. I sync my headphones with my iphone’s bluetooth and access my Spotify account for easy listening.https://www.instagram.com/p/BY9UINHnW0s/?taken-by=beatsbydre

FRÉ Skincare

FRÉ is the first skincare line formulated for women who work out. I’ve been searching for a skincare product that combats the skin damage from my workouts and also fights the signs of aging accelerated by sweat, intense exercise, and the environment. Yes, you read that right. An active lifestyle can cause premature aging and collagen degeneration. What?!Skin care has always been important to me, but recently I’ve been doing a bit more research on a regime that is easy for me to maintain, and a product made from quality ingredients. FRE has come up again and again and has definitely made my list for the holidays.https://www.instagram.com/p/BXOUHPDlbp-/?taken-by=freskincare

Takeya Water Bottle

I was first introduced to Takeya at BlogFest last year in Las Vegas. The water bottle is a game changer and the only one I’ve used since. My husband and I have since each purchased a 32 oz. What makes a Takeya water bottle so different?https://www.instagram.com/p/BXRYkkWjhk1/?taken-by=takeyausa

  • Easy Sip Spout: lets you sip without removing the entire lid. This is so helpful during a fitness class. Removing the lid takes time and I usually spill on myself :)
  • Protective Bumper
  • Easy-Carry Handle: Transportation is easy peasy.
  • Leak-Proof Twist Cap
  • All-day insulation: Takeya insulated bottles keep your water ice cold for 24 hours, or steaming hot for up to 12. I have tested this!

A Takeya water bottle is the perfect gift for the active guy or gal in your life. Stay cool and hydrated pre and post-workout.

Momentum Jewelry

Find your spark with a bracelet from Momentum Jewelry. Momentum isn’t just a jewelry company. Their Motivate Wraps, Footnotes, and SPARKlets are hand-made with love and include motivational sayings like “Be Brave,” “Be YOUtiful,” or “Be Awesome today,” or create your own custom saying. The holidays are also about giving back and I love that 5% of Momentum Jewelry’s products are donated to a organizations that do incredible work with our nation’s youth, such as Girls on the Run.https://www.instagram.com/p/BaO2KC2gdYC/?taken-by=momentumjewelry

Fitlosophy Fitbook

Help your bestie stay on track this holiday season by gifting them a Fitlosophy Fitbook, a handy journal that includes a 12-week goal setting and weekly planning section. It also includes a daily food log to record meals, daily workout pages to track exercise, and weekly wrap-up pages for reflection. I discovered the Fitbook during a recent Target trip, and I loved how everything was broken out. Instead of a standard journal for a food diary, this is a great way to keep everything in one spot. The journals also include fit tips and inspiring quotes.https://www.instagram.com/p/Bapnh4Eluq2/?taken-by=fitbook

Hyperice

As an athlete I’ve spent plenty of time on a foam roller. But the Hyperice VIPER 2.0 is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The product features 3 speeds of high-intensity vibration and a dual-zone smooth and grooved exterior. I typically use the VIPER before and after a high-intensity workout, hitting my IT band, glutes, calves, hamstrings, and back. No joke, it’s a game changer.https://www.instagram.com/p/BXN1AfSFWaL/?taken-by=hyperice

Yellow Willow Yoga

Looking for extra grip from your yoga mat and yoga towel? Forget slipping and sliding in hot yoga with an additional layer of grip from Yellow Willow Yoga mats. The products are made with a blend of silky soft fabric made from recycled bottles and 100% biodegradable tree rubber.The Yellow Will team is passionate about the beauty and performance of yoga, and the mats are beautiful, and inspired by feminine and timeless fashions. I’ll have the best looking mat in the room :)https://www.instagram.com/p/BZz-LZXBmH4/?taken-by=yellow.willow.yoga

Dat Mat Yoga Mat

How fun are these mats? My goal in December and in the new year is to stay consistent in my yoga practice. Why not have a little fun too? A few of Dat Mat Yoga Mats’ designs combine two of my favorite things: food and fitness.Who says you can’t have pizza and yoga at the same time?https://www.instagram.com/p/BN2dokAA2Wl/?taken-by=lookatdatmat

TRX Home Suspension Training System

I love training with the TRX Suspension trainer at studios around San Diego. The at-home system can be anchored almost anywhere--even a doorway or tree. The purchase also includes a one-year subscription to an app with over 80 workouts using the system, designed by world-class coaches. If you have minimal space the TRX suspension trainer is a great and effective piece of equipment. This is the one big piece of equipment missing from our mini home gym...I suspect that won’t be the case for long ;).https://www.instagram.com/p/BbAe8lGjNBJ/?taken-by=trxtraining

Fit Simplicity Exercise Bands

When my husband and I went to London this summer, we packed exercise bands for the trip. Great for travel, exercise bands are versatile and take up minimal space. I love the multiple resistance levels high quality material, and lifetime guarantee available. The perfect addition to your home gym.https://www.instagram.com/p/BU9eSwyBzOH/?taken-by=fitsimplify There are so many unique gift ideas for the fit gal in your life this holiday season. What is a “must try” on your list?