As anyone involved in the sport can tell you, gymnastics is a sport that requires a lot of determination and physical effort. Elite competitors at the Olympics may make it look easy, but it is anything but. Competitors are renowned for their physical abilities and mental toughness; if you know a gymnast, you already realize that they are driven to excel. It can be challenging and even a little intimidating to buy a gift for someone whose tenacity you respect so much. Often, elite athletes (even at a much lower level than world-class) can seem like they are performing on a level that ordinary humans can’t comprehend. But remember: That doesn’t mean they AREN’T human. They are people, just like you and me, and like most people, they appreciate it when they receive a thoughtful present.

So how do you make their eyes light up on their birthday (or Christmas, or any other special occasion)? We’ve collected some of our favorite gift ideas for a gymnast below – we’re confident that any one of these presents will make the athlete in your life jump for joy.

Custom Text Tote

As every gymnast can tell you, the sport requires a great deal of equipment. That means that most athletes will have a lot of stuff to lug back and forth from the gym. And if you are close with someone active in gymnastics, you’ll know that encompasses a whole lot of trips! This attractive tote bag can be personalized to the recipient’s taste and is strong and durable enough to withstand the wear and tear the gymnast will put on it. Perfect for carrying gloves, leotards, water bottles, towels, and all of the other gear a gymnast can’t live without.

Gymnastics Mat

As important as it is for any gymnast, regardless of skill level, to spend countless hours in the gym – it’s not always enough. Furthermore, some athletes may struggle to get as much gym time as they need to truly hone their skills. Why not bring the practice home? A good gymnastics mat is a must for any child getting into the sport, and it is the kind of gift that even a well-trained and experienced athlete can appreciate. It is also a versatile gift for your budget – you can spend anywhere from $30 to $250 on a mat, depending on the brand, the size, and the quality. Amazon and several of the top sporting goods stores have loads of mats to choose from, so read reviews carefully and pick one that your recipient will love.

Monogram in Floral Border Notebook

Read any account of a top athlete, and you’re likely to find they have something in common: They kept (and probably still keep) a detailed journal throughout their training and career. These days, it is more important than ever for a gymnast to take a scientific approach to their training, and that can only be done by carefully tracking their own progress. A good notebook can also be used to remember a coach’s advice, track dietary changes, record drills, and keep an account of competition results. And, of course, no one ever said that a journal has to be boring, so why not record all of this in a beautiful, monogrammed notebook? This makes for a thoughtful gift on any occasion!

Books on the Sport

Gymnastics isn’t exactly the kind of sport you can learn from a book, and anyone thinking of getting into the game should definitely start by finding a good class or coach. That said, the prevalence of great gymnastics literature should not be overlooked. From training manuals to strength-enhancing programs to chronicles of the sport, there is a lot of amazing material out there. Books make for excellent gifts, so think about getting the gymnast in your life a tome about their favorite subject. Some of the most recommended books include Overcoming Gravity by Steven Low, Gymnastics: Skills-Techniques-Training by Crowood Sports Guides, Courage to Soar by Olympic record-breaking gymnast Simone Biles, and for a look at the darker side of the sport, Little Girls in Pretty Boxes by Jean Ryan.

Initial in Laurel Wine Tumbler

Hey, even the most dedicated gymnast needs to take time to unwind every now and then. Obviously, this wouldn’t be an appropriate gift for an underage athlete, but if you know a semi-pro or college gymnast who likes to uncork a bottle at the end of a tough day, they’ll love this tumbler. For pete’s sake, it’s called a TUMBLER – how would it not be a perfect gift for a gymnast? And let’s face it, just because this tumbler was designed to hold wine doesn’t mean you can’t use it for other liquids. If you think this gift wouldn’t be quite right for the gymnast in your life, their parents might want it!

Gymnast Wood Sign

We saved the best for last, and we have a feeling that you’ll agree. There’s nothing better than a personalized gift, and this one practically SCREAMS identity. With the image of a gymnast atop the recipient’s name, this sign will easily find a comfortable and long-lasting home in the room of anyone who loves the sport. Available in sizes from 6 inches in width all the way up to 35 inches, this sign can fit into any space. It is available in its natural wood finish or 12 beautiful colors, and it is made from high-quality birch, ensuring a long, durable lifespan. We can’t imagine the gymnast who wouldn’t love to hang this in their favorite room, which is what made it a shoo-in as our favorite gift idea.