If there’s a fitness lover on your holiday gift list, whether they work out a few times a week at the gym (or at home!) or go for morning 5K runs, there are wearables that will serve as useful tools towards helping them achieve their fitness goals. With wearables like smartwatches and smart rings, you can stay on track with not only workouts and exercise but also overall health and wellness goals. This could be everything from getting better quality sleep to monitoring heart health.
As someone who works out daily myself and goes for weekend 4K morning walks, I can’t imagine doing it without my smartwatch and smart ring in tow. Not only is the data they capture useful, it’s also motivational. It encourages me to improve and keep up with meeting my daily, weekly, and overall goals. A new wearable is the perfect gift for the fitness, health, and wellness focused person on your list.
Best smartwatch gifts
A new smartwatch or an upgrade to their existing one is a gift that any fitness tech lover will appreciate. The latest models have new tools, health features, and designs that can help them up their game.
Best smartwatch for runners: Garmin Forerunner 265
The Garmin Forerunner 265 isn’t the newest model in Garmin’s line-up for runners, but it’s often cited as being among the best. It’s a mid-model with advanced features runners will appreciate. This includes sensors to keep on top of not only pacing and heart rate but also acceleration, elevation, and distance. It’s useful for any active individual, but the runner-specific features make it one of the best for those who are training.
Runner-up: Garmin Fenix 8 isn’t a dedicated running watch but it’s ideal for those who both run and do other activities, especially adventurers. Those who run in unfamiliar terrain will appreciate satellite and LTE connectivity options along with two-way SOS messaging.
Best smartwatch for gym goers: Google Pixel Watch 4
Compatible with any Android phone, the Google Pixel Watch 4 has tons of features that make it an ideal companion at the gym. You can download music directly to the device to listen while you’re on the treadmill or lifting wights, or stream music from sources like YouTube Music. Lightweight and comfortable, I love the built-in AI tools so you can control it without interrupting your flow.
Runner-up: Apple Watch Series 10 is one of my favourites, even though it’s a generation old. It has many of the same features as the Series 11 and a comparable feature set to the Pixel 4, including simple access to live and downloaded Apple Music playlists.
Best smartwatch for teens: Apple Watch SE 3
Apple Watch SE 3 is that it has premium features without a premium price tag. It’s available for teens who have an iPhone (or to connect to a parent’s iPhone via Family Sharing if they don’t). They can keep track of sports, exercises, sleep, and important notifications. Plus, they can access apps outside out school hours, like Apple Wallet and Music.
Runner-up: Fitbit Versa 4 is an affordable smartwatch that tracks all the basics and even works with Alexa voice commands, making it another of the best smartwatches for teens.
Best smartwatch for sports: Garmin Venu 4
One of the best all-around, brand-agnostic smartwatches you can buy, the Garmin Venu 4 has advanced features, including tons of sport tracking modes. It also offers an incredible 10 days of battery life per charge. The bright colour AMOLED display is easy to use. I love Garmin Coach, which serves as your virtual trainer, regardless of whether you’re running, cycling, or doing strength training, as I often do. Among the 80 built-in sports modes are even ones for wheelchair users.
Runner-up: Amazfit T-Rex 3 is a beast of a smartwatch that, like others in the Amazfit line, is surprisingly affordable and has more than 170 workout modes from which to choose.
Best smartwatch for swimmers: Apple Watch Ultra 3
If swimming is your primary activity, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a great option. It has a 10ATM water-resistance rating and can even function as a dive computer. Ideal for not just swimming but also high-speed water sports, it’s one of the most rugged smartwatches you can buy. Keep in mind, however, that it’s only compatible with iPhone.
Runner-up: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is the Android counterpart to the Apple Watch Ultra, though it pairs best with a Samsung Galaxy phone. I love features like built-in Gemini access, which works like a dream.
Best smartwatch for women: Garmin Lily 2
The Garmin Lily remains one of the best smartwatches for women thanks to its feminine design and features like advanced women’s health tracking. Available in two elegant finishes
—Coconut and Lilac—it tracks all the usuals, offers up to five days battery life per charge, something busy ladies like me can appreciate, and can even handle ovulation and pregnancy tracking.
Runner-up: Garmin Lily 2 Active is a bit more expensive but adds built-in GPS, new sports profiles, an extra button, and increased battery life, among other upgrades.
Best smartwatch for men: Apple Watch Series 11
A good friend of mine whose an avid runner just upgraded his old Apple Watch to the Apple Watch Series 11 and loves it. Not only great for runners, it’s an ideal companion for any iPhone owner who works out. In fact, it’s the watch I sport on my wrist and I absolutely adore the Apple Watch Series 11! You can track every type of workout under the sun, enjoy seamless connectivity to Apple Fitness+, store music for offline listening, access apps on the go, and more. It’s the perfect pairing for an iPhone user.
Runner-up: OnePlus Watch 2 is a generation old but it’s still a solid smartwatch that has a rugged yet refined look, and I’m blown away by the incredible battery life.
Best budget smartwatch: Amazfit Active 2
Amazfit is known for making affordable yet premium smartwatches that work with both iPhone and Android devices. The Amazfit Active 2 is incredibly affordable yet it has everything you need through BioTracker technology. Get heart rate and sleep tracking and leverage the Zepp app for important health and wellness insights.
Runner-up: Ticwatch E3 is an affordable and simple smartwatch with more than 100 workout modes, built-in GPS, 24-hour heart rate tracking, and more.
Best smart ring gifts
Smart rings can be worn on their own for those who want a more passive tracking experience. Or, like me, wear one in conjunction with a smartwatch for complementary tracking.
Best smart ring for overall health: Oura Ring 4
I have been wearing an Oura Ring 4 for the last few months and can’t imagine not wearing it. It’s comfortable (I often forget I’m wearing it!). The battery life is incredibly good (up to about a week per charge) and it tracks plenty of health and wellness metrics with automatic tracking of workouts and activities so you don’t need to manually initiate.
The sensors ensure accurate capture of data, even if you fidget or it moves around on your finger while you sleep. There’s a subscription but it’s nominal and worth it. For a more elegant look, check out the new Ceramic edition. I’d also recommend springing for the new charging case once available for easy charging on the go.
Runner-up: Oura Ring Gen 3 isn’t as advanced but it shares many similarities with the Oura Ring 4 and will save you a bit. Plus, it uses the same app experience. See my comparison of the two smart rings.
Best smart ring alternative with no subscription: Ultrahuman Ring Air
If you want a similar experience to the Oura Ring 4 without the subscription, the Ultrahuman Ring Air is the best you’ll find. I reviewed the Ultrahuman Ring Air earlier in the year and it’s among my favourites. I especially appreciate PowerPlugs in the app, add-ons you can select to personalize the experience and track things like your circadian rhythm, vitamin D exposure, even the best time to consume or stay away from caffeine.
Runner-up: RingConn Gen 2 is relatively affordable with great battery life and comprehensive monitoring without the need for a subscription.
Best smart ring for Samsung phone users: Samsung Galaxy Ring
The Samsung Galaxy Ring is a solid choice though I’d only recommend it for Samsung Galaxy phone owners. It can track alongside your Galaxy Watch but does a fine job on its own, too. Battery life is great, and I love the included adorable charging case. Pop it into your bag to give the ring a boost if the battery is running low while you’re out and about. If you wear it alongside a compatible Galaxy Watch, the app combines the data so it’s tough to know what the ring is tracking versus the watch. But having both ensures 24/7 capture of health and wellness data.
Runner-up: Ultrahuman Ring Air is a solid smart ring for users of any phone type and brand.
Best smart ring on a budget: RingConn Gen 2 Air
The RingConn Gen 2 Air is one of the most affordable smart rings. You get up to 10 days of battery life per charge. It retains premium features like advanced sleep tracking and AI-powered health insights. It’s a step-down from the Gen 2 with stainless steel versus titanium and the inclusion of a charging dock versus case. It also cannot monitor for sleep apnea. But if none of these features matter, it will save you a bundle.
Runner-up: Oura Ring Gen 3 is still a worthwhile option if you’re looking to save with the same app experience as the Oura Ring 4.
Other wearable gifts they’ll love
Wearables aren’t just about smartwatches and smart rings. There are plenty other options to consider.
Most unique wearable: Meta Oakley AI Glasses
Smart glasses are gaining steam right now, and the Meta Oakley AI glasses aren’t just for convenience and hands-free content capture, they’re perfect for athletes, too. Use the integrated speakers for immersive audio while you work out or go for a run. Take photos and videos from your point-of-view as you exercise or participate in an adventure sport. And access Meta AI for answers to questions, like the nutritional value of the protein shake you’re about to consume, or where to find a good running trail nearby. You can even get these in your prescription.
Best distraction-free wearable: Amazfit Helio Strap
Of course, a smart ring is a great distraction-free tracker. But another unique option to consider is this wrist-worn Amazfit Helio strap: it doesn’t have a screen! That’s intentional so you can focus on your exercise and day to day life without becoming obsessed with metrics. At the end of the day, or whenever you want to get some insight on your progress, tap into the app to see all the data captured through the wearable and it’s 24/7 health monitoring.
Best blood pressure monitor: Omron 3 Series
One of the vitals smartwatches can’t yet accurately capture without a supplementary armband is blood pressure. Omron is one of the best brands in the business and this model is a solid and affordable choice that makes it easy to capture blood pressure daily, or on the fly. I love the one-touch design and the fact that the memory can save up to 14 readings. Also useful is the Omron connect app for saving unlimited readings, viewing trends, and being able to show a report to your doctor at the next visit. The large digital screen makes it easy to read results each time.
Best accessory for runners: Garmin HRM-Fit Chest Strap
While smartwatches can capture accurate heart rate data, nothing beats a chest strap. For serious fitness lovers, especially runners, this Garmin chest strap is the perfect accessory to complement their smartwatch during a workout or run. It’s designed for women, able to attach to a sports bra to capture real-time heart rate. Runners will love that it captures running dynamics as well, including vertical ratio, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, and stride length. I like that it’s a soft strap that fits comfortably and it can be cleaned in the washing machine. Powered by an easily purchased CR2032 battery, my favourite aspect is that you don’t need to recharge it: it lasts up to 3.5 years, then just pop in a new battery.
How we decide what’s best
At Best Buy Canada, curating a “Best of” or “Top X” list is a thoughtful and transparent process. We evaluate products based on brand reputation, popularity, customer interest, and relevance within their category. Our bloggers then bring deep product knowledge and hands-on experience to help identify the best options for you.
Testing goes far beyond unboxing—products are used in real-world scenarios, with our bloggers putting themselves in your shoes to better understand how a device or accessory performs day to day and whether it meets expectations. Where possible, they compare similar models and assess key factors such as design, performance, and category-specific features to offer well-rounded, informed recommendations. For niche or new product categories where broader hands-on testing might not be possible within that category as a whole, our skilled bloggers evaluate the products using every objective method they can.
In some cases, a blogger may not have direct experience with a specific product. When that happens, they draw on broader expertise, such as time spent with comparable items, an understanding of the brand’s current lineup, and its overall reputation. We also draw on insights from Best Buy’s in-house category experts and aggregate feedback from both trusted reviewers and customer ratings to make the best selections.
We’ll always be clear about the basis of our recommendations—whether they stem from first-hand testing or extensive research. Authenticity matters to us. Every “Best of” guide is built on objective insights, product knowledge, and a commitment to helping you make confident buying decisions.
Help them celebrate their love of fitness
Whether they have been working out for years or they’re just getting into it or planning a new routine for the new year (resolution, anyone?), wearables are the perfect gift for a fitness tech lover on your list. Sure, you can exercise without tech. But adding wearables to the mix really ups your game. As someone who has been working out for years, I find my smartwatch, smart ring, and workout apps invaluable for motivation. Whether I’m doing strength training, cardio, and other workouts both at home and on the go, I can’t imagine living without them. Someone special on your list might feel the same way, too.
Check out a wide selection of fitness wearables at Best Buy Canada.
