This year for Holiday shopping, Garmin is offering some incredible deals on the exact watches I either currently wear or have worn, including some of their absolute bestsellers. Sales run through December but the Black Friday flash sale ends November 28! There are so many great options, but here are some of my recommendations for everyone on your list:
1. Vivoactive 5, Was: $300, Now: $50 off!
For literally everyone. In my opinion, this is one of the best watches, regardless of your fitness level, for the price. I started with the Vivoactive 3 and upgraded to the 4S (which is still available) just ahead of the 2021 Chicago Marathon. Favorite feature: Download your Spotify playlists, wirelessly connect to your Bluetooth speakers, and you’re off to the races hands-free. Plus, I love the rose gold/white combo that’s stylish enough for everyday wear but there are other colors to choose from as well.
2. Fenix 7 Series, Was: $650-$1000, Now: $200 off all models!
Epix Pro Series, Was: $900-$1000, Now: $200-$300 off all models!
For the serious athlete. When I became a Garmin Ambassador, I upgraded to the Fenix 7S and I have since upgraded again to the Epix Pro. Honestly I was sold by the built in flashlight and the AMOLED display on the Epix which is stunning. Both the Fenix and Epix are truly top of the line as far as fitness watches go. There’s basically nothing these watches can’t do, from grade adjusted pacing guidance, to daily suggested workouts based on your upcoming race and goals, to pre-loaded maps for over 2,000 ski resorts, and even a jet lag advisor function. You can’t go wrong with either and they’re perfect for any fitness fanatic who loves data and has a challenge to tackle. The watches have a fantastic battery life so I never have to bring a charger with on vacation anymore and they’re water rated to 10 ATM making either choice great for anyone who loves swimming or water sports. Again with the love for the gold bezel, but the all black looks equally cool. I also use this Garmin heart rate monitor for more accurate HR data and added running data straight to my watch!
3. Forerunner 265 and 965, Was: $450-$600, Now: $50 off!
For every runner. The Forerunner series has consistently been one of Garmin’s bestsellers for years. When the new AMOLED display came out, I lost it. It is such a game changer, and the 23 days of battery life on the Forerunner 965 is just icing on the cake. Everything you need to train at your best is right on your wrist, including wrist-based running dynamics, suggested workouts, race adaptive training plans, and more plus it’s all wrapped up in a lightweight Titanium bezel. You can’t go wrong with any model from the Forerunner series, including the 245 music which is only $200!
4. D2 Air X10, Was: $550, Now: $50 off!
For the aviator. This smart watch takes things to new heights, literally. With the Garmin Pilot App, you can transfer your flight plan directly to your watch and keep track of all your past flights the same way you would your fitness activities too. Get aviation weather, airport information, direct-to navigation and so much more right on your wrist. You’ll still get all the great fitness features Garmin always offers plus a built-in microphone to place and receive calls, and you can even pay for your Starbucks from your wrist when you forget to pack your wallet.
5. Venu Series, Was: $400-$450, Now: $50 off Venu 3 and $150 off Venu 2 models!
For the workaholic. With the built-in microphone, you’ll have the ability to place and receive calls, utilize your smartphone’s voice assistant and receive notifications all from your wrist. This watch comes in highly customizable options so you can wear it with anything while still getting all the health and fitness monitoring features you could ever want from running, to swimming, to HIIT and gym workouts.
A common question I get is “How do Garmin watches compare to the Apple watches?”. While I haven’t had an Apple watch, I almost made the switch a couple of years ago before upgrading to my second Vivoactive. After doing research online, at local running stores, and by asking fellow runners, the consensus was that if you’re looking for a fitness watch, Garmin is the industry leader especially when it comes to GPS, navigation and fitness data. The Garmin Connect app that pairs with the watches is also unique in that you can connect with other Garmin users and join challenges, seamlessly upload your data to Strava, use your watch to pay wirelessly, and track the mileage on your shoe collection-in addition to so much more!
I have relied on my Garmin watch to keep me on pace with my goals during training and racing since I took on my first marathon back in 2017. Since then I’ve worked hard to achieve four Boston Qualifying times and raced in three Boston Marathons. In 2022, I signed on as a Garmin Ambassador so I can more easily share my love for fitness with all of you! Feel free to comment or message me on Instagram with any specific questions as I love helping others find their perfect watch. If you or someone you know is thinking about buying a Garmin watch, shopping through any of the links posted here or on my Instagram page really helps me out as an ambassador. I appreciate you!
The Plane Kate 