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Got a fitness-lover as a bestie? Well, you can’t go wrong with thoughtful gifts that nurture the mind, body and soul. Here’s URBANSWEAT’s top picks:

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1) SWEAT IT OUT IN STYLE: Unit Nine Shooting Stars Boxing Gloves ($135)

Unit Nine make beautifully-designed unique high-performance training gear. We love these fun, star-sprinkled, 100% real leather boxing gloves, with velcro wrist wraps for a secure fit. TIP: Buy these a little tighter – the leather will soften and mould to your hands with use. Two colour-ways: black stars on white, white stars on black. Also check out their super-cute snakeskin print gloves.

 

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2) NOT DRINKING IS THE NEW BLACK: Seedlip Non-Alcoholic Liquor ($49.99, 700ml)

The world’s first non-alcoholic distilled botanical spirit – Seedlip tastes exactly like regular gin. Sugar-free, allergen-free, sweetener-free and with no artificial flavours. Choose from two delicious aromatic blends: barks, spices and citrus peel (Spice 94); or home-grown hay with sweet peas, rosemary & thyme (Garden 108). Best served with tonic water and a cheeky garnish. Available at David Jones, Dan Murphy’s and all good bottle shops.

 

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3) GUILT-FREE HOT CHOCOLATE: The Husk Mill 100% Natural Cacao Tea Gift Pack ($35)

This deliciously-rich chocolate-y tea by The Husk Mill is made from cacao husks, which are gently separated from the bean. It tastes like good quality dark chocolate whilst being free of caffeine, artificial flavours and preservatives. Full of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins as well as being sustainably-produced, this treat is 100% guilt-free. This cute gift pack includes 3 x 50g jars of their signature blends. Choose from Original, Coconut, Rose or Chai flavours.

 

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4) YOUR OWN PERSONAL MASSEUSE AT HOME: The Shakti Mat ($69)

The best-selling Shakti Mat is that weird spiky mat you’ve been seeing all over Insta. It’s an acupressure mat based on the traditional Indian bed of nails. Lying on thousands of spiky plastic discs applies pressure to skin and muscles. Reported health benefits include boosting circulation, relaxation, better sleep, mental clarity and improved well-being. With a 60-day money back guarantee you can’t go wrong! Read more in our review.

 

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5) SAVE THE PLANET, ONE COFFEE AT A TIME: Ecoffee Cups (from $16.95)

Made from eco-friendly natural bamboo fibre (the world’s most sustainable crop), the reusable Ecoffee Cup is fully biodegradable – even the silicone lid and outer sleeve are recyclable. While it feels like it’s made of thick cardboard, it’s surprisingly sturdy and dishwasher-safe. The resealable ‘no-drip’ lid is a winner, no spillage whilst running for the train. Lightweight and nice to drink from, with no nasty plastic after-taste. Love that it’s durable so you can just chuck in your handbag along with the rest of your life. With 65+ beautiful modern prints and patterns and 4 cup sizes to choose from, this range is hard to beat. #ButFirstCoffee

 

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6) STRESS LESS & SLEEP DEEPER: Neptune Weighted Blankets (from $159)

Sleep is the best medicine: they say a good night’s sleep is the answer to many of life’s problems and and can fix anything. Neptune Blankets claim to be a non-medicated way to improve sleep, reduce anxiety and induce sensory calmness. These heavy blankets been used for years in the medical community to help people with anxiety and sensory issues such as autism and ADHD. When lying under them, the weighted glass beads or pellets inside create evenly-distributed weight, giving us that soothing feeling of being hugged or cuddled. This sensation releases natural “happiness” chemicals which regulate our mood and produce an overall sense of calm and relaxation. Available in various sizes and styles, choose one which is approximately 10% of your body weight.

 

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7) CHOCOLATE THAT’S GOOD FOR YOU & FOR THE EARTH: Pana Chocolate Christmas Gift Pack ($29.99)

Pana Chocolate has some of the prettiest packaging around: their bold prints are like wrapping paper, just add a ribbon. But did you know they’re also renewable and sustainable, made from 100% recycled cardboard, printed using vegetable inks and have edible glue seals? These raw, organic treats are handmade right here in Australia. Free from dairy, gluten and soy, they are refined sugar-free, vegan, kosher and halal-friendly. Pana’s gift packs contains 4 x 45g chocolate bars, with a small gift card attached. Flavours include Coconut & Goji, Mint, Sixty % and Sour Cherry & Vanilla. Available online, at Myer and all good health food stores.

 

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8) YOGA, BUT MAKE IT CUTE: Yellow Willow Yoga Mat ($109)

Why shouldn’t your mat be as stylish as your workout wardrobe? Australian-made with beautiful colours, prints and designs, Yellow Willow mats are environmentally-friendly, non-toxic and easy to clean. You can actually throw them in the washing machine every few months so it’s like getting a brand new mat each time. Free from PVC, latex, silicone, toxic glue, phthalates and other hidden nasties. They’re also delivered folded, rather than rolled, to save on excess packaging. Designed as a mat and towel combo, the microfibre, suede-like fabric top layer is bonded onto 100% natural tree rubber, making them grippier and softer than traditional yoga mats.

 

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9) A CHIC SHOWER-IN-A-CAN: The Soak Life Instant Shower Face + Body Cleansing Spray ($22.95)

Like a full-body micellar water, this refreshing spray by The Soak Life is an instant shower-in-a-bottle – just in time for summer! Australian-made, 100% natural and cruelty-free with yummy ingredients like cucumber extract and essentials oils. It removes dirt, oil, sweat and other impurities in a flash. Just spray onto skin, wipe off with a cloth or towel (or let it air dry) and you’re clean, refreshed, soothed and hydrated (but never sticky). With no need to rinse-off, it’s perfect for after a workout, a day at the beach, before after-work drinks, while travelling, camping, at festivals or any time you need a shower but one isn’t handy. Game-changer.

 

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10) WEATHERPROOF YOUR WORKOUTS: Plantronics Backbeat Fit 3100 True Wireless Sport Earbuds ($239.99)

Made to withstand water, rain and sweat, these little Plantronics wireless airbuds will survive your most intense workouts. With comfy securely-fitting eartips and soft flexible behind-the-ear loops, what we love most is the Always Aware™ technology which allows you to always hear your surroundings for safer training no matter where you are. Use the on-ear controls or sync with the app on your phone. Go hard with up to 5 hours of wireless power and up to 10 additional hours with the included charge case. No excuses for cutting your workout short now! Damn. 

 

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11) WHAT’S LIFE WITHOUT A LITTLE SPARKLE? SodaStream Spirit Sparkling Water Maker ($109)

Right up there with the Slip ’N’ Slide in the backyard, SodaStreams are the stuff of childhood throwbacks. Well, they’ve had a chic grown-up makeover: meet the new sleek compact SodaStream 2.0. Available in 3 dreamy retro pastels of blush pink, icy blue and sweet lime, these little babies turn regular water into sparkling fizz in seconds. Eco- and budget- friendly, if you love sparkling water just say no to single-use plastic bottles and make your own at home. Comes with a safe reusable BPA-free plastic carbonating bottle, which can save the average family up to 2,190 bottles and cans over the three-year lifespan of the bottle itself.

 

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12) GO GREEN WITH YOUR GROCERY SHOPPINGBiome Zero-Waste Organic Cotton Shopping Bag Set ($139)

We love a practical eco-friendly present and this is one you’ll use daily. BYO your own set of Biome certified organic reusable cotton bags to the supermarket and then glare at everybody still using plastic (heathens!). This 16-piece set will last for years and includes various sizes of durable tote bags, string bags, mesh & fabric bags and lightweight produce bags. They’re great for loose bulk food and fruit & veg. BONUS: the large sturdy totes have handles long enough to wear over your shoulder #winning.

 

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