Gifting activewear is easy to get wrong, so every pick here is a real, comfortable piece from Nike, Athleta, Aerie or Madewell with a list price of $100 or less, mixing leggings, hoodies, socks, beanies and bags. These are the soft, flattering pieces...
If I had to pick one legging to gift, this is it. The Powervita fabric feels buttery without being see-through, the waistband stays put, and there is a drop-in back pocket for a key. List price is $89.
Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise 7/8 Legging
A longline bra with medium to high support that still feels soft against skin, which is a rare combo. It comes in a bunch of colors, so you can match her favorite one. I wear this style under hoodies all fall. List price $54.95.
Aerie Real Me XTRA Hold Up! Push Up Sports Bra
Stretchy, thin enough to wear under a hood and warm enough for chilly morning walks. The reflective bits are a nice safety touch if she walks at dawn or dusk. At $30 it makes a perfect stocking stuffer.
Nike Peak Dri-FIT Cuffed Running Beanie
Club Fleece is Nike's classic brushed fleece and these hold their shape wash after wash. They fit relaxed without looking sloppy, and the pockets are deep enough for a phone. List price is $65 and they run true to size.
Nike Sportswear Club Fleece Women's Mid-Rise Joggers
Gift socks are underrated, and these have plush terry under the heel and ball of the foot, so they feel like a treat inside sneakers. They are only $14 a pair, so buy two colors and tuck them in a stocking.
Athleta Everyday Crew Sock
A clean retro sneaker that works with leggings, jeans or joggers. The leather-look upper stiffens at first and then softens, and Nike says it fits large, so go a half size down. List price is $85.
Nike Court Vision Low Next Nature Women's Shoes
The waffle texture makes this lighter than a regular fleece hoodie but still cozy. It has a longer, oversized fit that looks great over leggings. List price is $54.95, and Aerie often runs sales on it.
Aerie OFFLINE Wow! Waffle Hoodie
These sit right between a legging and a jogger, with four-way stretch and a smooth, sweat-wicking feel. They look polished enough for travel days and errands. List price is $89.50, so they stay under $100 even before a sale.
Madewell MWL Flex Skinny Joggers
A hands-free bag that holds a phone, keys and a card case without bulk. It has two zip pockets, so nothing floats around. At $37 list, it is an easy add-on for a gym or walking gift.
Nike Elemental Premium Crossbody Bag (4L)
Midweight plush fleece with a brushed inside, and it layers over anything. It also matches the Forever Fleece jogger below for a cozy set. The list price is $99, right at the top of this guide's budget.
Athleta Forever Fleece Full Zip Sweatshirt
Goals is Aerie's smooth, slick, higher-support fabric, and it feels supportive for a sweaty workout. The legging holds its shape with no see-through issue. List price is $54.95 and it comes in short, regular and long inseams.
Aerie OFFLINE Goals High Waisted Legging
A three-pack with extra cushion under the heel and forefoot plus a snug arch band, so they stay put in sneakers. They are practical, which is exactly what a gym-goer wants. List price is $22.
Nike Everyday Plus Cushioned Training No-Show Socks (3 Pairs)
A soft cotton-blend beanie that works for commuting, hiking or travel. The ribbing is gentle on the forehead, so it does not leave a mark. List price is $45, and the neutral color goes with everything.
Athleta Upslope Beanie
A fitted layer that is thicker and smoother than classic Nike Pro, so it works as a base layer on cold days. It has a smoothing feel and the Swoosh panels add a little style. List price is $75.
Nike Pro Sculpt Women's Dri-FIT Long-Sleeve Top
A shrunken hoodie in brushed organic cotton and recycled poly that feels cozy without bulk. It looks cute with high-waisted leggings, and Madewell often marks it down. List price is $65.
Madewell MWL Betterterry Hoodie Sweatshirt
This tote folds into its own pouch, which then wears as a crossbody. It is ideal for a gym bag, a weekend trip or a carry-on backup. It feels ultralight, and the list price is $89.
Athleta Anytime Packable Tote
The padding is sewn in and does not shift, and the racerback gives good coverage for medium-impact workouts. Reviewers say it fits small, so size up before gifting. List price is $63.
Nike Swoosh Women's Medium-Support Padded Sports Bra Tank
A structured beanie in the same waffle texture as the hoodie, so the two make a perfect gift pair. It sits nicely on the head without slouching, and at $19.95 it keeps a bundle well under budget.
Aerie OFFLINE Waffle Beanie
These are soft plush stretch fleece with a brushed inside, designed for lounging and everyday movement. Pair them with the Forever Fleece zip for a cozy set. List price is $89 and they come in Regular and Tall.
Athleta Forever Fleece High Rise Jogger
Built with a tall foam stack and a rocker sole, these are made for long walks and long days on your feet. They look sporty without being loud, and they come in black, white and soft pink. List price is $70.
Nike Promina Women's Walking Shoes
Cloud Fleece is Aerie's plush brushed fleece, and this has an oversized fit with longer length. It is the type of pullover she will reach for first on a cold day. List price is $69.95.
Aerie OFFLINE Cloud Fleece Quarter Zip Sweatshirt
Aerie socks are cozy, come in fun colors and textures, and run about $10 to $13 a pair on the list. Buy two or three to slip into a stocking or a gift bag next to a beanie, and the bundle still stays cheap.
Aerie OFFLINE Crew Socks
Sheer panels down the legs and a crossover waistband give these a flattering shape, and the back pocket fits most phones. The midweight fabric is peachy-soft and dries quickly. List price is $70.
Nike One Women's High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings
A lightweight, breathable running shoe with soft foam that suits beginners and daily walkers. It comes in lots of colors, so you can pick her favorite, and a wide fit is available too. List price is $75.