• Like bikes?  Know someone who does?
• Do your resolutions include adding bike fitness to your day?
• Want to avoid congestion and bike to work?
• Got a kiddo that likes to bike?

Locally-available, bike-related gifts that won’t break the bank!

Being seen is being safe!

(The images below are not endorsements.  They are pictures to provide context.)

Front and rear lights:  Can’t have too many of these!  One can be recharging while the other is in use.  Also, if you are going to bike while on vacation, the easy on/off lights will take safety on the road with you. These lights are more for improving your visibility than for lighting your route, and are handy on Juneau’s misty days.  Remember:  White in front, red in back.

Headlight:  Mmmmmm….maybe.  If you plan to bike in summer, route illumination may not be needed.  If any of the items on this list will break the bank, this one comes closest.  HOWEVER, if you will be out at night, a headlight is your best friend at avoiding potholes and tire hazards. And, it will fit in a stocking.

Wheel lights:  You’ll see these all over Seattle, where being seen in heavy traffic is critical.  This elf had them on my bike at one point.  They are sturdy enough to withstand mountain biking.  However, if you are looping your bike lock cable around them, they tend to give up pretty fast.  For this elf, they were a novelty, more fun than productive, but isn’t fun what stocking stuffers are about?  ROLLING JOY!

Reflective vest:  The elastic ones are nice because you can swap them between weather outfits.  They go over rain gear or over a t shirt.  They are stocking-size!  But there is a reflective vest for every style maven, from conservative boardroom to beach bum.  Then, there are the light-weight reflective jackets which DEFY drivers trying to ignore them.  Depending on the quality, they may be too big for the stocking, but worth mentioning.

Arm and ankle reflector bands:  Again, adaptable to all weather outfits.

Bike repair kit:  One of those things that it is nice to have and you pray you’ll never need.  Fixing a tire in the rain…ugh.  Keep it stocking-size!  You’ll see large, elaborate kits out there that are just too heavy to lug around for the odd disaster.  Many kits are designed to fit under the seat or strap in an out-of-the-way place on the bike frame.

Bike gloves:  They provide padding for the palm of your hand, protection from weather, and can improve visibility.  What stuffs your stocking may depend on the sort of riding you do and your tolerance for cold.  If you are riding a mountain bike, gloves can help keep those pesky trail-side devils club at bay.  Not ready to commit?  I’ve found tool gloves with padded palms work just as well.  On a cold, rainy day, nothing is more wonderful than a poofy hi-vis glove with reflectors, keeping your hands snuggly and dry.