A pedometer is a great stocking stuffer. But since my eyes started aging, I realize how tiny the print is on the instruction insert. If you are giving a gift pedometer, you might want to look up the instructions online in a print size you or your loved one can actually read. You will need to measure and set your stride length and weight in order to get more accurate readings for distance and calories burned. The weight part should be easy to measure with a scale (although most of us avoid the scales in December!) Measuring your stride is a bit trickier. How to Set Your Pedometer
Photo © Wendy Bumgardner

Have you been procrastinating like me in getting presents or stocking stuffers? Now that Christmas is three days away, the stores will be crowded and it's almost too late for shipping. You can choose to assemble something homemade. You can take the easy way out and buy a gift card or electronic gift card right up till the truly last minute. You still show that you support your walker in his/her active lifestyle, without risking making a bad choice. In these uncertain economic times, be sure to tell your giftee to spend any gift cards immediately, lest the retailer go into bankruptcy.

Walking Gift Cards

• Road Runner Sports: Buy Direct: Great selection of shoes, clothing, and running/walking gadgets. They only offer gift cards by mail, with no electronic gift cards.
• REI: Buy Direct: REI has a fantastic selection of outdoor and fitness clothing, gear, gadgets and more. You can send an E-Gift Card via email for the truly last-minute gift.
• Zappos: Buy Direct: Buy an online gift certificate or a gift card to shop their huge selection of shoes and clothing.

More Gift Ideas for Walkers:

• Gifts for Walking Women
• Gifts for Walking Men
• Walking Gifts Under $25
• Walking Gadgets
• Homemade Gifts for Walkers

Photo © Wendy Bumgardner

It's dark out there. I got a sample of the GoMotion Sport Runner LiteBelt and used it last night on a night walk. I loved being able to see where I was going -- hands-free of having to carry a flashlight and without having to wear a headlamp. The LiteBelt also has a rear flasher and reflective piping for safety. It has small pockets for essentials that will fit a Blackberry and iPod but not a wallet. It also lacks a water carrier. Review of the GoMotion Sport Runner LiteBelt
Photo © 2009 Wendy Bumgardner

Disclosure: A review sample was provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.

I love using a pedometer that uploads my step data, and a site that lets me also track my diet and other exercise. WalkingSpree uses the excellent Omron HJ-720ITC pedometer, which puts it above most of the competition (FitBug also uses that pedometer.) Their web site subscription is a good value to get the food tracker, social interaction, virtual clubs, and exercise tracking. What I like most is that you can use the Omron by itself as a pedometer or with Omron's own computer upload program. If you decide you don't want to use WalkingSpree, you aren't stuck with another useless device.

WalkingSpree Review

Computer-Linked Pedometers

Disclosure: A review sample was provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.

Photo © Wendy Bumgardner - screen shot used with permission of WalkingSpree