Unexpected Must-Haves: December Gear Roundup

Last Updated on November 29, 2025 by Stacey Gross

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

This time of year, everyone’s fully in holiday mode. Shopping, holiday parties, Jingle Jog 5ks, the list goes on. So we kept this month’s round-up simple.

Maybe you’ll spot something perfect for that friend who seems to have everything, or maybe something will catch your eye and become a little treat-yourself moment.

As always, if you’ve tried something we’ve featured, we’d love to hear your feedback. It helps us keep going and decide what to try out next.

Smith Bobcat Sunglasses with Chromapop Rose Gold Mirror Lens

Smith Optics has a wide range of choices among lenses and frames, but my personal favorite lens and frame combo is none other than the Bobcat in Smith’s new Chromopop Rose Gold Mirror. I’ve worn the Bobcat lens exclusively for over a year for all of my running and riding here in San Francisco, usually with the photochromatic lens.

The Bobcat is the perfect pair for anyone with a smaller face or low nose bridge. Many glasses tend to slide down my nose during activity but the Bobcat sits firmly in place, whether I’m running down technical trails or cruising on the pavement. smith bobcat lenses

Smith’s Rose Gold Mirror lens is now an option for many of their frames and is now available for the Bobcat.

The Visible Light Transmission is around a 22, making this lens perfect for very sunny conditions, like those you encounter on the winter ski slopes, but it also makes it perfect for variable light conditions or the fog.

As someone with sensitive eyes, these are my go-to for every season.

Colors: 11
Sizes: medium size frame
Best for: running and biking
Available from Smithoptics.com for $247 (currently onsale for $197)

-Leslie, gear tester

Vineyard Vines Dreamcloth Hoodie

Listen I’m a solid classic kind of gal, so this appeals to me on a lot of levels. But when I pulled it on and felt just how soft the material was, I melted. Technically there are matching pants, but I’ll let you guess about if they were long enough for this leggy gal.

vineyard vine hoodie One of the things we LOVE to see in brands in size inclusivity and they nail it with this set!!

They have a number of other styles with this material and I’m absolutely ready to put them in my closet. This was a new to me brand, but I love so much of what they do. I suppose it could be called “preppy”, but I’ve never been accused of being edgy.

So don’t be surprised when I mention a dress that I’ve also gotten from here in a future gear round up!

XXS to 3X
Grey and red
$138

-Amanda

Tilepix

Have hundreds of race memories just saved in your phone gallery and not sure what to do with them?

Instead of printing everything and then hunting for frames, Tilepix makes it super easy. Just upload your photos to their website, click add to cart, and wait for them to arrive at your door.

I can’t wait to add these tiles to our home gym. It’s such a fun way to celebrate all the different race milestones I’ve collected over the years.

Plus, the frames are designed with a damage-free magnetic back so that it’s perfect for any space. tilepix

Sizes: various options depending on your space
Colors: 3 colors (plus they come in wood and glass options too!)
Frame types: 3
Same-day pick up at Walgreens
Available on Tilepix.com starting at $19.99

-Stacey

Chargel

Chargel is a “gel-drink” designed to provide quick energy before or during exercise. It’s a cross between a beverage and a typical gel. It’s thicker than a sports drink but smoother than a traditional gel. charagel

Chargel is designed to be used as a pre-workout or intra-run fuel.

Since it’s drinkable and hydrating, it can be a good option if you prefer something smoother and more refreshing than standard gels. It could be an alternative to try if standard gels upset your stomach.

When it comes to long runs (> 75 minutes), keeping blood sugar stable and decreasing glycogen depletion is key to a good workout/race and to avoid hitting that infamous “wall”. Chargel offers a quick source of energy that can help maintain pace and mental focus during endurance training.

Caffeine-free: Chargel provides energy from carbohydrates, without caffeine.
Carbohydrate sources: It contains a mix of simple carbs, such as sugar, dextrin, and fruit juice, for fast energy absorption.
B-vitamins: Includes several B-vitamins, such as B6, B12, niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin to support energy metabolism.
Certified plant-based and allergen-friendly: Chargel does not contain the top nine allergens and is gluten-free.
Texture: The consistency is Jell-O-like, making it easier to swallow than a thick sticky gel, which is helpful for athletes who struggle with the texture of traditional energy gels.
Portion size: Each 6.35 oz pouch provides 45 grams of carbohydrates and roughly 60 milligrams of sodium.