A Comprehensive Review of the Top 45 Lululemon Gifts for 2023

21 December 2023 1749
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As an ex-group fitness coach, prior marathon runner, and current remote worker, I can confidently assert that I live in activewear. Even though I am a fan of exercise dresses and frequently don my Nike workout outfits, the allure of Lululemon has a unique charm that encourages me to disregard my credit card limit, even when buying gifts for others. After all, there's no harm in treating oneself along the way, right?

In my endeavor to aid your shopping process for sportswear enthusiasts, fitness studio regulars, or anyone who prefers comfortable wear on your gift list, I have sought help from my fellow Shape editors and perused the Lululemon site to conglomerate a list of the top Lululemon gift suggestions for the holiday season. Feel free to snag something extra for yourself as a little reward for completing your festive shopping; we are all for it.

Please note: Lululemon's shipping cutoff date to ensure delivery before December 24 is December 20. So, make sure your shopping carts are ready.

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Believe it or not, but perfect running leggings do indeed exist, all thanks to one magical word, Pockets. Seven pockets to be precise - two deep side pockets for your phone and five smaller pockets within the waistband for keys, gels, and headphones. What's more, the four-way stretch fabric accompanies your stride instead of restricting it.

Read our comprehensive review: The Top Lululemon Leggings of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

A little-known fact among runners is that trail running shoes are excellent for winter running, even in a sprawling metropolis. The additional tread provides good grip on sidewalks during icy or wet conditions. Lululemon's brand-new blissful trail shoe is versatile enough for both road and trail running. Consider picking up a pair for the runner in your life who is up for a new adventure in 2024.

Check out our thorough review: The Top Trail Running Shoes for All Your Outdoor Activities

We declared this the best running jacket of 2023 and we’d recommend it for any runner you know, particularly those training for a spring run. Equipped with numerous pockets, a waterproof shell, and comfy fleece lining, this jacket is a requirement for every runner, although they might hesitate to buy it for themselves. An advisory: it fits rather snugly, so it's better to opt for a size larger.

See our complete review: The 13 Premier Running Jackets of 2023, Tested & Reviewed

This exercise mat was our top pick in the list of best yoga mats, and for good reason. The raised design offers excellent grip and the 71″ length feels spacious. It's ideal for low-impact activities such as Pilates, barre, and yoga, and even for various workouts given its durable texture which can endure both bare feet and shoes.

Take a look at our extensive review: The Finest Yoga Mats of 2023, Thoroughly Tested and Reviewed

This trio of fabric resistance bands is a necessity for anyone serious about enhancing their glute strength. We concluded after rigorous testing that this set offers the best grip among all resistance bands for exercises like squatting, deadlifts, clamshells, among others - they simply won't move or slip.

Read our complete review: The 10 Supreme Resistance Bands for Your Home Workouts, Thoroughly Tested & Reviewed

This item is perfect for someone like your mother-in-law or best friend who deserves all the warm and stylish vibes. The sweatshirt comes in gorgeous muted earth tones, has an oversized yet slightly cropped fit to avoid looking sloppy, and is available in sizes XS/S, M/L, and XL/XXL. It also feats a clever design element: The elastic on the zipper pull can function as an emergency hair tie.

See our complete review: The 17 Most Impressive Lululemon Products of 2023, Carefully Tested & Reviewed

Shape’s Senior Commerce Editor Shannon Bauer served as the tester for the Mist Over Windbreaker and dubbed it as “the finest rain jacket she's ever run in.” The stretchy fabric moves with the body, rather than forming an unyielding layer around it. This jacket, with its body-skimming fit, various pockets, hood, and overall water-repellent material, makes a stellar gift for every runner, walker, or hiker on your list.

You can never have too many long-sleeved running shirts, especially when they are as comfy as this one. With minimal seams to prevent chafing and the incorporation of silver threads to control odor-causing bacteria, it's a perfect addition to anyone's activewear collection.

This slim running belt can pack surprisingly a lot of items – from a full-sized phone to IDs to a convenient key hook. Your runner will be happy to note that it doesn't bounce, allowing them to focus on their stride.

All runners have experienced chafing at some point. However, these Lululemon running shorts can be confidently declared chafe-proof. The broad leg holes provide ample space for your thighs and quads to move. Additional ventilation is provided by mesh panels on the sides.

The Align V-Neck Bra can cause some confusion. Is it a sports bra, or is it a crop top? Regardless of how you categorize it, it's assured to capture attention once it is revealed. Its lengthier design offers more coverage, making it adaptable from the studio to brunch. The comfort of the Align fabric is unmatched.

The high-rise Align fabric pants are recommended for Pilates enthusiasts who are not quite ready to embrace the full flare leggings trend. These pants are more functional for the mat due to their less dramatic flare. The wide, high waistband doesn't squeeze the midsection, providing a breathable and nearly weightless feel.

These skinny scrunchies are perfect for post-workout selfies. They won't harm your hair and can fit perfectly in a white elephant gift exchange or as a present for your favorite workout instructor.

This jacket embodies the essence of yoga transitions. It's ideal for warming up and cooling down after a workout. The clever vent in the jacket's back facilitates air circulation as your body cools down after an intense yoga session.

The goal for many is to create a feeling of not wearing a bra. The Like a Cloud Bra excels in offering this barely-there feel that doesn't distract during workouts. The ribbed fabric not only adds a little visual texture but also helps avoid wardrobe malfunctions when performing certain exercises.

The Ribbed Align leggings are the perfect addition for those with numerous Align leggings. The subtle ribbing adds texture without compromising on functionality. Features like four-way stretch, a non-digging waistband, and a breathable fabric add to their appeal.

These adorable little claw clips can make for great stocking stuffers or White Elephant gifts. Their square form stands out, and the storm teal and silver clip is particularly popular.

Kristen Geil, Shape’s Senior Commerce Editor, uses this mini-backpack for a lesser-known but important daily necessity; it's ideal for holding her dog's tennis ball on walks to and from the park. This would make a great gift for a new pet owner.

These slightly loose, cargo-inspired pants are perfect for dancers or Zumba enthusiasts. They are comfortable, adaptable, and offer a funky silhouette.

This cross-trainer is loved for its adaptability. With a cushioned sole for absorbing impact and extra outer grip for lateral support, it is both stable and resilient. It is particularly ideal for those who attend Barry's or Orangetheory regularly.

The Energy Bra has been named our best Lululemon sports bra overall due to its medium support and versatility. It's like the Tom Hanks of sports bras, with a 100% approval rating, making it ideal for all workouts.

For those who give their all in every workout, the Wunder Train High-Rise Tights are recommended. They are appreciated for their quick drying properties during intense workouts, making them perfect for those who like to push their boundaries.

This training top is a gym wardrobe staple. It is versatile enough to pair with various bottoms and follows a body's natural shape without compression. The built-in bra also provides just the right level of support for training.

There's no such thing as too many socks, making these the perfect stocking stuffer. They come with round-the-foot arch support and are specifically designed for each foot to ensure a comfortable and blister-free fit.

The active woman on the move, frequently jumping from gym classes to friends’ catch-ups, can greatly benefit from a compact wallet like the dual pouch wristlet. Its ease-of-use, either attaching to a gym bag or worn on the wrist, ensures essential items are always within reach. The two-tone design supports organization, preventing a frantic search for a metro card or an accidental production of an ID card.

This crewneck, with no unnecessary adornments, gives the wearer a composed look, yet provides the same comfort as a hoodie. Described as being "peach-fuzz soft", the relaxed fit on the shoulders, and a waistband that sits just above the waist adds to its methodically casual style.

The house pants, aptly appropriate for outdoor wear, offer the liberty to engage in low-profile outdoor activities like dog walks. The combination of four-way stretch and a relaxed fit has appeal. Pairing it with the corresponding Softstreme Crew results in a monochrome ensemble that is subtly lavish.

Align pants make the perfect gift for those difficult to shop for, be it your mother-in-law, a friend expecting a baby, or your best friend's teenage daughter. The soft fabric that stretches for an intimate fit is what, in our opinion, makes them the top-ranked leggings from Lululemon. This gift certainly won't need a receipt for returning or exchanging.

Read our comprehensive review: The 15 Top Lululemon Leggings of 2023, Tested & Reviewed

Lululemon now offers an exercise dress. It ingeniously couples built-in shorts with an open-back waistband, making bathroom visits easier without stripping down. Suitable for those who enjoy hiking, music festivals, tennis, or those in search of the ideal exercise dress.

This attractive and frequently sold-out belt bag can help cement your status as the best gift-giver. Thanks to its resilient exterior, smart pockets, and abundant storage capability, it can serve as a gift suitable for anyone. You might want to grab two.

Read our comprehensive review: Hurry! The Continually Out-of-Stock Lululemon Belt Bag is Now Available

Pamper the fitness devotee with plush recovery slides. This version of fuzzy slippers designed for fitness enthusiasts features monochromatic slides with two layers of dense cushioning for supreme comfort. With its single upper strap, it offers comfort and prevents blisters. For those in between sizes, we advise ordering a size larger.

It's almost impossible to have too many hats. This wool-blend fabric beanie, with its soft and cozy feel, is our current favorite.

If your gift recipient is still a fan of the Everywear Belt Bag (we relate), consider gifting the winter version with a cozy exterior fleece and the same practical internal pockets. It’s available in three colors: Pink Mist, White Opal, and Black.

The flare-lovers on your list may appreciate the Nulu fabric's Groove Super High-Rise Flared Pants. Designed for both yoga sessions and couch lounging, these pants offer a pleasant shape. The leg opening is slightly wider compared to the Align Mini Flare.

A perfect gift for a mother-in-law or another important female in your life could be this cozily oversized hoodie. The velvet-corduroy finish gives it a homely vibe, perfect for enjoying a holiday movie marathon.

On the first glance, these pants could be mistaken for ones from Aritizia or other non-activewear stores. They could easily serve as the base for a holiday party outfit. They are gentle to the touch and have an elastic waistband.

The Wundermost bodysuit is the perfect alternative for those who favor gym clothes for their comfort. It is as cozy as athleisure wear and flatters any curve. If unsure of sizes, it's safer to opt for a larger one due to its body-hugging nature.

Men who struggle to let go of their worn-out high school sweatpants could benefit from the ultra-soft adult version. These jogger pants are also a hit with fathers, notoriously known for sticking to their old clothes annually. Gift wrap these and see their faces light up after experiencing the high quality of these joggers.

This minimalist sweatshirt is oversized enough to be comfortable, but chic enough to pass muster at dinner. Grab it for the little brother who’s due for a style upgrade.

From pickup basketball to lifting sessions, this do-it-all training shirt is perfect for your guy. Our favorite touch: The silver threads eliminate odor-causing bacteria for a stink-free closet.

For any guy who’s convinced that comfortable “real” pants don’t exist, we present the ABC Pull-On Pant. The relaxed, tapered gift gives extra room in the thighs and butt area, then slims down toward the ankles for a look that’s office-appropriate (plus wrinkle-resistant and extra-stretchy).

These shorts are as tough as he is, thanks to abrasion-resistant fabric that can stand up to turf, weight-lifting, and yes, kids crawling on his lap. The streamlined, sweat-wicking fabric is a major upgrade over the oversized basketball shorts he usually trains in.  We’re shopping these shorts for the guy who’s loving his new workout routine (or maybe one who needs a little nudge to start).

Got a beach trip on the horizon? Your guy might be surprised to know that Lululemon makes swimsuits — and even more surprised at how great they are. The 5” inseam is the choice, for sure, but they also come in a 7” length for the more modest men.

The basic golf polo just got an upgrade. The seamless construction means no chafing, ever, and Lululemon’s Silverescent tech helps prevent odor-causing bacteria from settling in (but that’s really more of a gift for you, not him).

Not sure exactly what to get a guy? Been there. In these times, a gift card is the best way to go so they can choose the Lululemon gift that speaks to them.

Kristen Geil is a senior commerce editor on Shape who's visited Luluemon headquarters in Vancouver and tried nearly every one of their best-selling leggings. From running to tennis to strength training, she's worn Lululemon gear for almost every type of workout there is, and she has firsthand insights on what's actually worth buying. For this Lululemon gift guide, she huddled with Lululemon insiders and fellow Shape editors to decide what activewear, workout gear, and accessories make the best gifts from Lululemon. The manager of her local Lululemon lives in her building and they frequently chat about the brand's latest and greatest offers.


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