Clothing is probably also a bad idea. Sweats might work but who wants to give or get a sweat shirt for Christmas? You may be able to score a few friend points by giving something trendy and fashionable that you know is too small and following it up with a "but you look so much thinner?"

Since you already know that your gift recipient is into fitness then why not get him or her something that is useful and will acutally contribute to your fitness fan's active lifestyle?

When you do the research you will learn that there is a farly long list of fitness training equipment that is neither expensive nor difficult to use. Here is my short list of fitness gifts that I know from experience your fitness friends will be happy to get, and remember you well every time they use them.

The first gift idea is a jump rope. Not a piece of an old clothes line that you found in the bottom of your grandmother's kitchen drawer but a fancy, high-tech jump rope that will make your guy or girl feel and look like an Olympic athlete.

Don't underestimate the fitness value of this gift idea. Jumping exercise is used to its full potential in boxing, wrestling, tennis, and the martial arts. These are tough sports where endurance and quickness are premium attributes - exactly what a jump rope can provide. You can get a premium rope for under $10.00. To be sure your fitness fan will appreciate your gift include a book or DVD on rope training techniques. The endorsements and testimonials from award winning and star athletes will be the clincher.

Gift idea #2 is adjustable ankle weights. This gift idea comes in at under $20.00 for top-of-the-line ankle weights that provide plenty of soft padding and easy velcro closures. The Valeo brand gets good reviews from Amazon customers. No need to fret over getting the right size. Most top brands allow the user to remove or add weights so they can get it exactly right for them.

Gift #3 is something of a cop out because it's not a specific product recommendation. What is it? A gift certificate in the amount you choose to a specific fitness store or to one of the big time online retailers.

When you gift something tangible like a jump rope or ankle weights your recipient knows that you spent some time thinking about it. A gift certificate can, unfairly as it may be, convery the impression that you didn't wnat to be bothered with making any effort to find something nice. Here's the way to fix that.

Include a note with your gift certificate that it should be applied towards a purchase of Brooks walking shoes. You can honestly and safely say that these shoes are the latest in athletic shoe technology and will make their workouts more comfortable and rewarding. That's the kind of personal attention that people love to get.