How to make a holiday wishlist for your non-cycling family and friends

The holidays are a great time of year to check off a couple of things from your cycling wish list. Family members are exchanging present ideas and you can request all those items for riding that you’ve been wanting. The problem is, your loved ones might not be as familiar with cycling as you are. The differences between road shoes and mountain bike shoes may not be appreciated or that a sports watch doesn’t replace a cycling computer. That could result in disappointment when you unwrap your your gift. While the sentiment and generosity are what really matter, sometimes a little guidance can go a long way to ensuring you get exactly what you want making both you and the gift giver more satisfied. Just remember to be as thoughtful and attentive when these same people give you their wishlist.

1) Be specific

If you want to help potential gift givers out, don’t give vague descriptions of what you want. Be precise that the shoes you want have two Boa dials, and even give the model name and colour to make their shopping for you a little easier. While this is not everyone’s style, it can make sense when directing someone who isn’t familiar with cycling but does want to generously contribute in a meaningful way to your passion.

2) Coordinate with your local bike shop and send them there

If there is something you saw in your local bike shop you think would make a good gift, direct those asking what you want for the holidays there. Maybe give the folks at the shop a heads up that if someone comes in looking for a gift for you to direct them to a certain product or section of the shop. The folks at your local bike shop may know what you want best and be able to advise someone looking for a gift for you.

3) Send a link

The best way to get exactly what you want is the ask for it. While it ruins the surprise and excitement for receiving a gift when you know precisely what’s coming your way, your friends and family may like the certainty of knowing they are getting you the right thing. A link to the product page will eliminate any uncertainty from the gift givers mind when they are spending their hard earned cash for you. A link gives them the easy decision to either go with what you suggested or use another idea they already had.

4) Direct them to your favourite online store

If you don’t know exactly what you want or hope to be surprised consider directing potential gift givers to an online retailer or shop you particularly like. This works very well for apparel where someone elses eye may pick out a nice kit you might overlook. The same goes for other accessories but be careful if you are too vague and are really hoping for some like a multi-tool with 16 bits not the more stylish basic on with seven or eight.

5) Elect a cyclist to be a gift adviser

One of your riding friends may know what cycling swag you’ve been lusting after and be able to help out someone looking for a gift for you. Instead of being too leading with the person you expect will be getting you the gift, drop a hint that one of the friends you ride with may be just the person to consult. If you use this method to receive the perfect gift, consider buying the coffees and pastries when you ride with them next time.