1. The Basics: iPod nano or iPod Shuffle
image copyright Apple inc.
Before any of the other gift ideas make sense, be sure that your recipient has an iPod. For people in energetic activities, you'll want to consider a small, light iPod like the nano or Shuffle. The iPod nano or iPod Shuffle are great gifts for enthusiasts of sports like:
- Running
- Bicycling
- Rock climbing
If you're buying for a runner, give extra attention to the iPod nano, which can be used with the Nike + iPod kit to track things like heart rate and mileage. More on that below.
For people with more stationary pursuits, like weight lifting, the larger, slightly heavier iPod touch might be fine.
2. iPod Sports Case
image copyright DLO
Everyone needs a case to hold their iPod, especially exercisers. Getting an exerciser a good iPod sports case can help them keep the iPod close their body, dry when it rains (or if there's a lot of sweat), and make it easier to carry on their workouts.
Pay particular attention to sports cases with armbands. Cases with armbands are great, since they free the hands during exercise.
iPod nano sports case review | iPod Shuffle sports case review
3. Nike+iPod Kit
image copyright Nike Inc.
4. An Underwater iPod Case
image copyright H20 Audio
Just because they're underwater and electronics hate water doesn't mean swimmers should be left out of the fun. Thanks to a selection of underwater iPod cases, swimmers can now take their tunes with them beneath the waves.
These watertight cases keep the iPod safe underwater and pump music through headphones designed for safe use in the drink. Competitive swimmers may find the cases add too much drag to their workout, but casual swimmers may enjoy the musical accompaniment.
H20 Audio Case for iPod review | H20 Audio Case for iPod nano review
5. iTunes Gift Card or eMusic Subscription
image copyright Apple Inc.
No matter what kind of iPod people have or what sort of exercise they prefer, they always need a good soundtrack. Help them get that soundtrack by keeping them in good music that they'll love with an iTunes Gift Card or eMusic subscripton. EMusic delivers more songs for the money, but has a smaller selection, so you might want to check out their offerings before giving to someone whose musical tastes you don't know very well.
6. iPod Exericse Videos and Podcasts
If you're giving an iPod to an exerciser, consider loading it up with some exercise-related content for them. This can be a little tricky if you're using different computers, since the iPod set-up process ties the iPod to the computer it's set up on, but if you're giving within a family that lives in the same house, this can be a good idea.
There are a number of websites that offer free podcasts or videos related to exercise. Podcasts will work on all iPods, while you'll need a video-capable iPod (the iPod Classic, third-generation nano or newer, or touch) to play the movies.
Here are a few sites that offer this kind of content:
Videos
Train With Me
SomaType
Podcasts
Train With Me
