Weight Loss Gifts for Every Budget

Do you need a gift idea for someone who is trying to lose weight? Weight loss gifts can be hard to find and even harder to give. Some gifts may offend your friend or family member and others might actually make the weight loss process harder.

So try these suggestions. These weight loss gifts for every budget will inspire your loved one on their weight loss journey.

Before You Buy a Weight Loss Gift

If you're not sure what to buy, the best way to start is by asking questions. This may sound like an obvious step, but everyone's weight loss journey is different.

What might seem like a great idea to you might be a terrible gift idea for your loved one. For example, some people may want a new bathroom scale to measure their progress, while others might be completely offended by this gesture.

Ask for help. If you can't find a way to ask your loved one directly, reach out to their support group, exercise buddies, or even their coworkers. Friends can be great sources of information about what to give and what not to give.
Save your receipt. Make sure that whatever you buy is returnable. In the event that your friend or family member doesn't find your weight loss gift as inspiring or useful as you do, you want to make sure that they can return it and get something that will help make their diet or exercise program easier.

Weight Loss Gifts Under $50

You don't have to spend a lot of money to get a great gift for someone who is starting a weight loss journey. Keep in mind, however, that sometimes the best gift for someone who is trying to eat better, exercise more, and lose weight is your love and support.

Pedometer

If you don't have the budget to buy a fitness tracker, consider an old-school pedometer. Usually, these clip-on gadgets cost $15 to 25, and sometimes they are more effective than wrist-worn devices that get in the way when a person is typing or wearing long sleeves. You can visit your local walking store or shop online to find a device.

Cold Weather Fitness Gear

If your loved one strives to complete a daily step count to burn more calories all day or stays active on their bike year-round, then cold weather gear will be greatly appreciated. Small items that will help them stay active during the winter are perfect for December holiday gifts.

The Bontrager Thermal Headband can be worn during a walk, a run, or under a helmet during a ride. Thermal gloves are perfect for an active athlete because they trap heat and wick away moisture. Both items retail for under $20.

Better Sleep

Of course, you can't buy a perfect night's sleep, but you can gift sleep-enhancing products to boost better rest at night.

Humidifiers make restful sleep easier. For example, a humidifier that also diffuses essential oils like the Gurunanda Tower 2 in 1 Humidifier Diffuser can make a sleep environment peaceful and healthy.
Sleep masks promote relaxation. The nodpod weighted sleep mask can help your loved one to feel soothed and calm at night to enhance sleepiness.
White noise machines help create a restful environment to promote sleep. A basic machine is just $20 or so; those with fancier features are priced accordingly (up to $100 or more).

Studies have shown that you are more likely to make better food choices and stay more active during the day when you sleep well, so a product that promotes sleep can be a great (and inexpensive) gift for someone trying to lose weight.

Weight Loss Journal

Almost every health coach and weight loss expert recommends keeping a weight loss journal during the weight loss process. An inexpensive journal makes a thoughtful and inexpensive weight loss gift. It can help your loved one track emotional, environmental, and physical barriers that stand in the way of weight loss success.

Planners and journals by fitlosophy come in a variety of styles and price points ranging from under $20 to over $40. Or you can get creative and make one of your own. Add a set of colored pens or pencils, stickers, and other decorating tools so your loved one is inspired to journal every day.

Bathroom Smart Scale

People who are trying to lose weight benefit from paying more attention to body composition than weight. A bathroom body fat scale will provide both numbers. This can be a tricky gift to give, however. Not everyone will respond well to receiving a scale as a gift. You may want to drop hints or ask a friend to inquire before you invest in this option.

Smart scales that pair with activity trackers like the Polar Balance and Fitbit Aria 2 are likely to be more expensive. However, you can find smartly designed scales by brands like Taylor for under $40.

Digital Scale for the Kitchen

A food scale is also a smart weight loss gift if you are looking for a less expensive option. A counter-top device makes planning and preparing calorie-controlled meals super simple and easy. You'll find plenty of brands available at your local home goods store for $40 or less.

Weight Loss Gifts Under $100

If you have more money to spend on a gift but still want to cap your purchase at $100, try these weight loss gifts.

Slippers

Cozy slippers are a great gift that can actually help your loved one lose weight more effectively. Surprised? Podiatrist Jacqueline Sutera, DPM of Vionic footwear's Innovation Lab says that wearing slippers provides "active recovery" for your feet to help prevent fat pad loss over time. When you have healthy feet, it's easy to stay active all day.

Vionic makes a variety of comfy plush slippers that provide a heel cup and arch support to reduce foot fatigue caused by hard flat floors. Most styles are available for under $100 and can be found in stores or online. You'll also find comfortable slippers in stores and online by brands like Bearpaw and L.L. Bean.

Personal Shopping Services

Has your loved one lost a significant amount of weight? If so, ask your local department store if they provide personal shopping services. A personal style session makes a great weight loss gift.

Make an appointment for your gift recipient to spend an hour or two finding a new wardrobe to complement their new physique. You might even be able to find clothing that motivates your loved one to continue to lose weight if that's their goal.

Metabolic Test

If your loved one has been counting calories and exercising but not seeing results, a metabolic test might be helpful. Many health clubs offer this testing service along with personalized recommendations for caloric intake and exercise training. The test helps people trying to lose weight pinpoint specific heart rate zones that are more effective for burning fat.

The tests may cost $75 or more to perform, but many health clubs offer the test as an introductory service when you sign up for training. If you are not a member of a health club, check out your local community college or university. The exercise physiology departments of many schools do metabolic testing in clinics for a fee.

Spa Treatment

If a diet and exercise-related weight loss gift won’t sit well with your special person, consider getting them a massage, a facial, or haircut at the local spa. Most people enjoy the experience of being pampered and decompressing.

Services like a massage or a facial can even help to boost weight loss progress via a more positive mindset. If you don't have a full-service spa in your area, check out apps like Zeel massage on demand. The app lets you set up appointments in your home or in a location that feels comfortable for your loved one.

Where you live will determine the price you'll pay for a local spa service. But there are many different options. A less expensive service like a pedicure (usually $25 to $50) makes a great gift for anyone. Who doesn't love great foot massage?

Exercise Apparel

Working out is easier when you are confident and comfortable. Ask other friends or family members to find out which brands your loved one prefers and invest in a few pieces of workout attire.

Many brands, such as Nike, Skirt Sports, Athleta, and Girlfriend Collective, make size-inclusive activewear.

Smartwatch or Fitness Tracker

Consider an elegant iTouch smartwatch or one of their smartly designed fitness trackers. The iTouch Sport is waterproof to provide fitness data even if you are running in the rain. The iTouch Air provides notifications along with heart rate and sleep data to keep your health in check. iTouch devices retail for under $100, which is under the price tag of similarly priced devices.

You should also check out the Moov tracker, which is easy to use and ultra-light, and costs just $35—a smart gift for buyers on a budget.

If your loved one already has a fitness tracker, consider getting a new wristband. Many replacement wristbands retail for under $50 and allow your love to personalize their look to make the most of their device.

Weight Loss Gifts Under $300

If you have up to $300 to spend on a weight loss gift for your loved one, consider one of these higher-end gifts to support their journey.

Activity Tracker

Whether your loved one is trying to lose weight or simply trying to improve their health, a fitness tracker will help them reach their goals. There are dozens of brands on the market ranging in price and in style.

Fitbit Charge 4 tracks fitness and nutrition data for less, retailing for $149. Your loved one can track lifestyle habits, calories burned, heart rate, and other relevant data.
Fitbit Versa 2 provides many of the same features but offers Amazon Alexa built-in, new sleep tools and Spotify music. The wide range of band styles makes it easy to wear at work, at the gym, or out on the town. This device retails for about $180.
Garmin is another popular brand that makes a variety of fitness trackers and smartwatches with basic designs that provide data about healthy living or more sophisticated trackers with features for sport-specific training.
Polar Ignite caters to walkers, joggers, and cyclists and comes with wrist-based heart rate tracking and onboard GPS so that you can get pace and distance information without having to carry your smartphone.

Bluetooth Headphones

Many athletes no longer listen to music while tethered to an iPod or smartphone. They prefer Bluetooth headphones that allow them to leave their phone in their pocket or on the weight bench and work out without worrying about cumbersome cords.

Over-the-ear headphones are great for working out in the gym or in cold temperatures because they cover the entire ear and block outside noise. For example, on-ear headphones by Urbanears stay in place and keep your ears warm (great for cold outdoor workouts) and have washable ear cushions.
Earbud-style headphones are ideal for runners. Consider Bluetooth sports headphones by JVC. Choose from a completely wireless earbud-style or the more traditional in-ear style (with a wire connecting the two earpieces). JVC's HA-ET65BV earbuds even provide real-time voice coaching for improving running form to help you run faster and minimize injury.

You might also consider Adidas, which makes over-the-ear and in-ear styles that are durable, versatile, and provide sound quality that rivals high-end stereo equipment. Apple's AirPods are also quite popular among exercisers.

Personal Trainer

A few sessions with a fitness trainer might be just what your loved one needs to revamp their workout program and get results. Seek out a trainer who is certified by the American Council on Exercise, the American College of Sports Medicine, or the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Before signing a contract with the trainer, give your friend or family member a chance to meet with the trainer to discuss their goals. Not every trainer is qualified to help with weight loss. If diet and nutrition are a big part of your loved one's program, then hiring a trainer with a nutritional background will be helpful.

Fees for a trainer vary greatly depending on your area and the trainer's credentials. You can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to over $200 per hour in some locations. But you can often get a break in price if you buy more than one session.

Registered Dietitian or Nutritionist

An appointment with a registered dietitian may boost weight loss progress. An RD can help your loved one design meal plans according to food preferences, lifestyle, and schedule.

Similarly, you might book an appointment with a certified nutritionist who can help your loved one learn to eat the right nutrition to fuel their body type. Look for a nutritionist who has been board certified. You can also opt for a holistic nutritionist who specializes in functional nutrition.

Weight Loss Gifts for the Big Spender

If you wish to splurge on a gift for your loved one, these unique and luxurious gifts are sure to be a hit. Do some research and connect with your loved one's support system to get a sense of whether these gifts are appropriate before you spend the money.

Healthy Vacation or Weight Loss Resort Getaway

Consider gifting a trip to a weight-loss resort or a fitness-centered destination (such as a yoga retreat or hiking trip). Many destination spas and weight loss facilities offer services to accommodate those who are trying to lose weight, improve healthy eating habits, or boost their level of fitness.

You might even opt to join them on the getaway, which is an opportunity for you and your loved one to spend quality time together at destinations ranging from the desert to the beach, and more. The cost of the trip will depend on the location that you choose and the duration of your stay.

An Electric Bike

If your loved one likes to exercise outdoors, or if they are trying to reduce the time they spend in the car, an electric bike is a clever choice—especially if you're a cyclist and are looking for a biking buddy.

Electric bikes by Trek come in a variety of styles for commuters, road bikers, mountain bikers, and more. The bikes provide pedal-assist power rather than a throttle (which works more like a motorcycle) so you need to be actively pedaling—and burning calories— for the electric motor to kick in.

The rider can choose from different levels of assistance based on their preference, road conditions, and circumstances. Prices range based on the bike that you choose but typically fall between $2,500 and $7,000.

Home Workout Equipment

Some people love the social environment of exercise classes. Others enjoy the variety of equipment at their local health club. But not everyone loves the gym. If your loved one prefers to exercise in the privacy of their own home, consider investing in a treadmill, a stationary bike, or some weight training equipment like dumbbells or kettlebells.

Exercise bikes made by Peloton and NordicTrack allow you to interact with fitness instructors in rea -time or choose from a library of classes at any time of day. If your loved one is short on space, consider a Mirror, a stylish device that looks like reflective wall art until you turn it on and select a training session.

A Word From Verywell

Fitness gear, kitchen tools, journal supplies, and tech gadgets all make fantastic weight loss gifts. But remember that the best source of gift ideas may be your loved one. Ask questions and listen for hints to find the best weight loss gift to motivate and inspire your special person on their weight loss journey.

1 Source

Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Health tips for adults.

By Malia Frey, M.A., ACE-CHC, CPT
Malia Frey is a weight loss expert, certified health coach, weight management specialist, personal trainer, and fitness nutrition specialist.

See Our Editorial Process

Meet Our Review Board

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?