It's better to receive: make room in your basement—and driveway—for the gear of the year

Men's Fitness, Jan, 2005

There are practical gifts, such as socks, ties, and (yawn) tighty whities. Then there are creative gifts from those relatives and friends who couldn't afford to buy you something so they made you something. But on the other end of the spectrum, you've got the kinds of presents that keep even grown men awake on holiday eves, shaking with anticipation. MF picked out its Favorite gifts of the season. Photocopy the next few pages and mail them to your loved ones--hopefully one of them will take the hint.

KAWASAKI STX-15F

Now you can start your own waterlogged biker gang. This jet ski is powered by a version of the 160-hp Ninja ZX-12R motorcycle engine--and it slices the wind at warp speed. But its reduced noise level and low emissions make it Greenpeace-friendly. Get ready to kick Aquaman's ass. $9,500 @ kawasaki.com

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INTERNATIONAL CXT

The CXT pickup truck craps bigger than most SUVs. The world's largest pickup marries the platform of a dump truck with the all-wheel-drive smoothness of a suburban sport-utility. The interior is pure luxe, with such custom components as leather seating for five, LCD TV screens, and wood trim. Move over Hummer: CXT rules the road. $93,000 @ internationaldelivers.com/cxt

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BLOKART

Satisfy your inner Ahab without the hassle of chasing a white whale--or the inconvenience of a peg leg. This hybrid go-cart and sailboat is fast and agile, and it folds up to fit inside your closet. Attach the ice runners and you can stage your own Winter X Games. (Wind not included.) $3,000, with ice runners @ westmarine.com

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SUUNTO T6

The t6 won't replace a personal trainer, but then again, you can't wear most personal trainers like a watch. This "wrist-top computer" measures your workout: heart and respiratory rates, oxygen intake, and fat burned, $500 @ suunto.com

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GIANT TEMPO

You want that zipping-through-the-Pyrenees feel in a stationary bike, so Giant used high-end outdoor components on the Tempo fitness cycle. Pretend you're racing Lance in France, not just sweating up your basement. $900 @ giantbicycle.com

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KAYAKPRO SPEEDSTROKE

The official kayak ergometer of the 2004 Olympic Games (accept no substitute ergometers), the SpeedStroke is actually landlocked and loaded with a computer that measures distance and rate of performance as you shape your shoulders, chest, and abs. $1,300 @ kayakpro.com

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MARIN VENEZIA

At 22.3 pounds, this bike leaves you light on the road, not light in the wallet. Its carbon-fiber fork, Shimano Sora components, and aluminum main frame are smarter and lighter than HAL 9000's mainframe. $700 @ marinbikes.com

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WILSON NCODE

Roger Federer wielded this weapon as he clinched the U.S. Open championship. It's as light as any carbon-fiber racquet, but this one's cool microscopic particles fill the gaps between the fibers, making it more stable without making it heavier. It won't get you wild-carded into Wimbledon, but it should help you in your local round robin. $200-$300 @ wilson.com

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