NOTE: Unlike a lot of gift guides you might read that are heavily weighted toward paid placement or sponsors, this one is not. We purposefully avoid professional relationships that might influence our recommendations to athletes. Thus, you can trust that the items we list here are there at face value. These are cool things that our coaches like and that might make good gifts.
The holidays are just around the corner, and we’ve run across a bunch of cool stuff that might make great gifts for the climber, athlete, or friend on your list. We polled our coaching team and asked them for their favorite things. There were no constraints, but we ended up with a fun list of items from very inexpensive and tiny to big purchases. These range from training tools, to gear, to clothes, and more. We hope you enjoy this wide-ranging list and remember that special climbing coach when you’re shopping :).
Less Than $20
Adjustable Gripper from Chrissy Vadovszki
I love that it’s adjustable and just super easy to use anywhere. :)
Iron Mind: Expand Your Hand Bands from Micah Elconin
Finger extensions are one of my go-to exercises for finger, hand, and wrist health. They're as easy as anything to integrate into things. Normal rubber bands work ok for pure rehab or warm ups, but for anything even approaching strength training, you'll need something a bit more beefy (PSA: And if you don't, that's a pretty good indicator that you're lacking some important strength). Not to worry, per the usual, Iron Mind is not screwing around. These bands will cover all your needs no matter how strong you are.
High Quality Nail Clippers from Eric Krumland
Don't just stop at nail clippers, but build a whole skin care kit. I have one that permanently lives in each climbing bag so I never forget it. Think about including, tape, a sanding tool, tweezers, antiseptic ointment, alcohol wipes, and if you are a guy who really want show up as an unexpected hero put a tampon in there. They are great for nose bleeds and if your partner or friend ever has an unexpected need you'll look like the most thoughtful person at the crag. Thank me later.
Phone Tripod Holder from Jacob Carr
This tool actually makes me film myself and send film to my coach. Just the act of putting it into my pack makes me think about recording my climbing and training. This enables me to learn from my movement and allows me to get feedback from my coach. It is an invaluable tool in my skill development.
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Less Than $50
Tension Block from Liz Chapleau
Tension's block is one of the most useful training tools that I own. It's classic, compact, and useful in a variety of different situations. I love using the block to warm up. It's super easy to carry around and has a great variety of edges and pockets that make is suitable for almost any crag.
I've paired it with a Tindeq as a tool to rehab injuries and measure progress. I can throw the cord around my foot to do some light pulls, or attach the block to something sturdy to do one-arm max pull testing.
Most recently, I've been using the block as a way to bypass an abdominal injury that prevents me from hangboarding. I can easily attach the block to a cable machine and do some one-arm pulls as a way to stay fit while working around an injury. The block is also great for weighted pick-ups.
I almost didn't want to talk about this product, because it seems like everybody already has one. It’s just that good. But if you have a climber on your shopping list that doesn't have one yet- this is an easy favorite to "pick up" for them. Pun intended.
Mini Compressed Air Fan from Graham Kolb
Brushes are so 2024. This thing works to cool hands, clean loose chalk off holds, or even blow leaves off a dirty top out or dirt off a route.
Unlevel Edge No-Hang Device from Sara McFadden
I'm always hesitant to recommend newer training tools for folks because there is so much out there these days that just won't stand the test of time. Often there is something that has been around for much longer that is more versatile, cheaper, sturdier and does the same job. When Tyler Nelson first popularized the unlevel hangboard edge a few years ago, I loved the idea and immediately bought one and started testing it. All these years later I now own maybe 4 of them and have used them extensively and I'm convinced that they are an amazing supplement to a standard hangboard.
Rhino Skin Solutions: Spit from Ken Klein
Cold temps in Colorado bring great conditions for sending but also an enormous amount of dry firing if you have dry, calloused skin. Rhino spit allows me to actually grip the granite and is my absolute go to in late fall and winter!
Second Ascent Holds from Rachel Speer
My friend started this company, turning old plastic trash into new climbing holds and training tools. They turn your idea into reality, saving the planet in the process. I love pinch blocks for my own personal training, and this one that Lex made for me looks absolutely amazing. Each hold is unique because of all the different plastics that go into each one. If you have an idea for a hold for your climbing wall or want a pinch training block that actually fits your hand, send them an email and see what magic they can make happen.
Spire Rowing Grips from Joel
If you’re using a rower to build your aerobic capacity, Spire’s Rowing Grips are a game changer. These grips slide onto a Concept 2 handle and give you a 20 mm edge to pull on, which not only increases comfort but also helps you sustain longer, steady-state rowing sessions. The lightly textured, skin-friendly surface gives you secure contact without shredding your hands, making them perfect for endurance training.
Expensive Enough To Show How Much You Really Care
Puffy Belay Pants from Ty Mack
You can't underestimate how important it is to stay warm between burns when climbing on chilly days. Get some puffy pants, fill a thermos with a hot beverage, and send your project!
Mountain Hardwear: Kor Airshell Jacket from Steve Bechtel
I remember when I was a young kid spending time out at the crag for the first time. I always took my "fleece," a Latok synthetic pullover, and wore it most days of the year. That pullover is still in my closet, and now sits beside at least ten other warm shirts I use for various activities.
It wasn't until last year that I found another garment that I wear as often and take almost every day I go out. The Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell Jacket fits in your pocket, is totally windproof, and breathes well enough to hike or ski in. Many days, I wear it over a tee shirt. In the mountains, I layer it with an insulating pullover. In the Wyoming wind, it's a perfect layer, most of the year.
If I had to pick only one garment to wear into the mountains, you can bet it would be this one... I’d choose it ahead of socks, or gloves, or even pants!
Donuts from Amanda Sempert
Look, I could tell you that climbers need fancy chalk, high-tech harnesses, or expensive shoes. But let's be honest—the real MVP of any climbing session is the donut.
Pre-Climb Preparation: Carbs are fuel, and what's more aerodynamic than a circle? That's just science. Plus, the hole in the middle reduces weight. Elite performance right there.
Mid-Climb Motivation: Nothing says "you can crush this route" like knowing there's a box of glazed goodness waiting at the bottom. It's basically a delicious safety net.
Post-Climb Celebration: Sent your project? Congratulations, you've earned every sprinkle on that donut. Didn't make it? Well, at least you've got donuts to soften the fall (emotionally speaking).
The Hype Factor: Ever seen someone frown while holding a donut? Exactly. Instant mood boost. Better beta comes from happy climbers, and happy climbers come from donuts.
Why It's the Perfect Gift: Climbing gear is expensive and complicated. Donuts are universally loved, require zero sizing charts, and never get recalled for safety issues. Plus, they pair beautifully with post-climb coffee and bragging rights.
Bottom line: Donuts make everything better—even that 5.12 project you've been failing on for three months.
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Gift Cards
Climb Strong now has gift cards for Coaching Services available in our online store! Choose from the pre-built pricing options or reach out to create a custom gift amount. These are a great way to get a friend or family member into training with a CS Coach, and can also be applied to current athletes.