Gifts for Active Women

1. Hand Warmers

I'm always cold and I notice that a lot of women have the same problem. If the woman in your life is like me, she'll love these hand warmers for outdoor exercise, especially if she's a skier or snowboarder. These hand warmers heat up quickly and easily fit inside gloves or pockets. The package directions suggest they last 7 hours, but I've found the heat starts to peeter out after about 5 to 6 hours. This is a great stocking-stuffer idea for a co-worker or a friend who always has icy fingers.

2. Cabela's Women's Fleece Slipper Socks

While these fleece socks aren't ideal for exercise, they are the perfect post-workout indulgence. I have a pair of these and I pretty much live in them during the winter. In fact, I could use another pair. But, enough about me. If cold feet are a problem in your house, she'll enjoy these. They're soft and warm and, best of all, they have little rubber nubs on the bottom so she doesn't slip when walking around the house.

3. Burt's Bees Hand Salve

Dry skin is often a problem in winter, especially for women who exercise outdoors. The dry, cold air can really zap moisture from her skin, leaving her chapped and itchy. Burt's Bees Hand Salve is one of the better choices for protecting the skin from the elements and one of my all-time favorites. She'll really appreciate how it soothes and heals both before and after a cold winter walk.

4. L.L.Bean Wind Challenger Fleece Headband

If she's an outdoorsy kind of woman but isn't crazy about having hat-hair, she might appreciate this fleece headband. I like this L.L. Bean headband because it fits snugly (great if you have a small head), it doesn't get stretched out and it offers great protection from the wind without messing up the hairdo.

5. Omron HJ-720ITC Pocket Pedometer

Lots of great pedometers are out there (and you'll find our Walking Guide, Wendy, has some great reviews to help you out), but the Omron Pocket Pedometer is a favorite of mine. Like many pedometers, it measures regular steps and aerobic steps as well as distance, length and calories. What I like is that it keeps 7 days of history so you can compare your workouts from day to day, which is something I love to do. You can also attach the pedometer to your computer to download workout information. If she tends to be a high-tech exerciser, she might enjoy something like this.

6. Apple Nike + iPod Sports Kit

This great sports kit is one of the better ideas I've seen this year and perfect for the new (or veteran) runner in your life. It includes a sensor that the runner puts on her shoe and it also includes a receiver she plugs into her iPod Nano. The sensor sends information to the Nano about pace, speed, distance, calories burned and more. This one doesn't include the Nano, but just the sensor and the receiver, so she'll need on of her own. They do sell kits that include the Nano. This is the perfect gift for the woman who loves to walk or run, listen to music and track her workouts.

7. Ropeless Jump Rope

This is another great idea for the fitness enthusiast who always needs a backup plan. Jumping rope is great exercise. But it's hard to find space to do it and it can be frustrating tripping over the rope. This ropeless jump rope consists of two handles, one of which tracks calories burned, jumps and length of the workout. The handles include 'tails' that move and snap as you twirl them, which makes them sound just like a jump rope. This is also a good idea for travelers because they're light and fit easily inside a suitcase. The kit includes an instructional DVD that offers workout guidance.

8. WWW Gym Bag

This is one of my favorite gym bags because it's the perfect size -- not too big, not too small. She can take it to the gym, complete with a change of clothes and toiletries. There are also separate compartments for sweaty clothes and shoes, which is a major plus, as any gym-goer can tell you. It has lots of pockets and a place for her water bottle. This is great for the gym enthusiast in your life.

9. Pilates Class

If the woman in your life is itching to try something new, sign her up for Pilates -- a dynamic exercise that will help her reduce stress and work on her abs. This website offers several options for finding classes and studios in your area. She can join a regular class or get one-to-one training to learn the basics of this incredible exercise. If she's a little intimidated, you might get her one-on-one sessions or even go with her to test things out.

10. Spa Wish Gift Certificates

I know that giving massages or other spa treatments seems a little obvious these days (or maybe lazy?). But I don't care how many times someone gives me a gift certificate for a massage -- I never get tired of it. Chances are, the woman in your life barely slows down and doesn't take much time to pamper herself. If that's the case, SpaFinder allows you to give gift certificates for a massage, spa day, facial and other luxurious treatments.