The holidays are fast approaching, and it’s time to find that perfect gift! Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned skater, a lifelong fan, or someone lacing up their skates for the first time, this holiday gift guide has something for everyone. From practical essentials to personalized favorites, meaningful experiences, and opportunities to give back, here are my top picks to make any skater’s season sparkle. Let’s jump in!

1. Gifts for Inspiration

Books to Spark Motivation:

• One Jump at a Time by Nathan Chen: An inspiring and realistic look into an elite figure skaters journey, from his first steps on the ice to the Beijing Olympics.
• Gracie Gold’s Book: an honest and moving memoir detailing her battles and victories both on and off the ice. (Recommendation: the audiobook, read by Gracie herself)
• The Book of Figure Skating by Johanna Allik: A gorgeous collection featuring interviews with some of the sports biggest names, skater insights, and stunning photography—a perfect coffee table addition.

2. Support Small Businesses

Etsy Favorites:

• Custom Soakers – a fun idea to dress up and personalize your skates.
• Cute microfiber towels – to keep those blades clean & dry (and put a smile on your face)

Personalized Accessories:

• The perfect travel mug – because you need a way to transport those lattes to the rink. Extra credit? These come in super fun colors and are designed so you never need to remove your gloves to take sip.
• Personalized rink side bag – a small bag to store those rink side necessities or to organize small items in your skate bag such as Bunga pads, gloves, lip balm, etc.

3. Last-Minute Essentials

No time to shop? These practical picks are easy to grab and always appreciated.

• Leg Warmers: tested by yours truly to fit over your skates, stay up, and keep you toasty warm.
• Gloves: warm, phone friendly, padded for those unexpected falls and tough enough to withstand all those catch foot positions the require grabbing the blades.

4. High-Low Gifting Options

Splurge-Worthy Favorites:

• Lululemon Jackets or Leggings – Buttery soft, always stay in place, long lasting and very chic looking.
• DIY Gift Basket Idea: Fill with snacks, recovery gear, and rink essentials.

Budget-Friendly Picks:

• Quince Jackets or Leggings: These ‘look familiar’ finds are also buttery soft, always stay in place, long lasting and price friendly chic!
• DIY Gift Basket Idea: Fill with snacks, recovery gear, and rink essentials.

5. Gifts That Give Back

Celebrate the spirit of the season by giving back:

• Donate to organizations like the U.S. Figure Skating Memorial Fund which has provided more than $20 million in financial support to athletes for skating-related and academic expenses. The Memorial Fund acts as a living legacy to the lives lost on Flight 548.
• Help support an organisation like Elevate Figure Skating Club co-founded by Michael Phaneuf, who partners with Boston schools and the broader community to offer inclusive Learn to Skate USA programs. By removing financial barriers, Elevate is making the sport accessible to all and fostering a welcoming environment for skaters of every background.

6. Experience-Based Gifts

Create lasting memories with these thoughtful experiences:

• Learn-to-Skate Classes: A perfect introduction for beginners or a fun way to sharpen skills for those returning to the sport.
• Skating Camps or Clinics: Help them level up their abilities while making new friends on the ice.

From inspiring books to meaningful experiences and charitable giving, these thoughtful gift ideas celebrate every facet of skating. Whether you’re adding a touch of magic to their time on the ice or bringing joy off it, you’re sure to make your favorite skater’s holiday unforgettable. Happy shopping—and happy skating!