If you’re shopping for gifts for your favorite runner, or you’re a runner who needs to drop some major hints – you’re in the right place. Check out below some of the best runner gift ideas that will put pep in any runner’s step. As an avid runner, and running coach, I’ve had a lot of opportunity to test first hand running-related items. I can help save you a bit of effort and time to pick the best finds.
Best Runner Gifts for Style and Comfort
Raw Threads Gift Card
I wear Raw Thread’s tops for about 90% of my runs (and their skirts, too). It’s a fantastic product on SO many levels. They use a variety of environmentally sustainable fabrics that are PERFECT for runner comfort. In particular, the bamboo cotton blend is highly sweat absorbent, and wicks moisture away from the skin faster, keeping runners drier and more comfortable.
Add to that a HUGE variety of ever changing fun designs, and styles for different body types, activity, and you can’t go wrong. The brand has a large fan base because it allows them to connect to different themes, stories and characters in a fun and original way.
Given the huge variety and individual style they have, a gift card is likely the best gift option for your favorite runner. 😉
Body Glide
Granted, giving a runner some anti-chafing balm may not seem like the best gift for a runner. But it is!
Glide is truly a MUST for every runner. Friction is never a runner’s friend. Especially when it leads to chafing or blisters. Ask any runner how it feels to shower after experiencing chafing on a run. The unanimous answer: “terrible!” Chafing is painful during, AND after a run.
This product is essentially invisible, non-greasy and is appropriate to use on almost any body part that is chafing-prone. Glide helps to prevent chafing by providing a protective barrier from the trifecta of water, moisture and rubbing.
Balega Socks
My favorite ankle length running sock, by far. Trust me, a blister or chafing can sideline a runner,
Thankfully, with these great fitting socks, I’ve never had a blister. Plus, they come in a huge variety of colors. The Balega Hidden Dry version gets my vote (but they have other great options, too). Plus, they hold up to multiple wears and washes, so fantastic durability.
Spibelt
I like the simplicity and ease of the Spibelt. And, it’s at a reasonable price! It’s definitely my go to gear for all runs less than 10 miles. It’s a true non-slip, bounce-free belt, and has the ability to adjust to nearly every body size. Plus, the pocket is made of a stretchy, light spandex material that can accommodate a LOT of stuff.
There’s a variety of options as well: a one, or two pocket option. A smaller, or larger pocket for the ever growing dimensions of smartphones, and even loops to hold items such gels, or other goods you choose to carry on a run. I’ve worn it over and under my clothes; either way, I don’t know it’s there.
Best Runner Gifts Strength & Recovery
Resistance Bands
More and more runners know the importance of strength training, but that doesn’t mean all runners strength train. Whether feeling gym intimidation, the concerns of the current pandemic, or cost of in-home equipment, it’s does get skipped.
With in-home workouts on the rise, resistance bands are a great strength training option. This set is comprehensive, inexpensive, and well made. Plus, it takes minimal space, making them easy to store at home, or take with you in a travel bag, or park.
Their versatility makes it possible to do many different strengthening exercises. And, the bands and loops are color coded based on their resistance.
Foam Roller
A foam roller can be a runner’s best friend, and therefore one of the best gifts for a runner! A great, somewhat simple tool to aid in recovery from running workouts, and it helps to lessen the chances of injury if used consistently. There’s several options available on the market, but my favorite is the Trigger Point 13″ Grid Foam Roller X.
Best Runner Gifts SAFETY
Garmin Watch with Incident Detection
Of course, almost any runner loves a good running watch. But, I’m particularly fond of my Garmin Forerunner 645 Music as it has “incident detection” available, plus a ton of other great features. Note, there are several Garmin watches that provide incident detection at different price points.
I recently had a bad fall during a 21 mile run, and my family received an alert shortly after the fall. You can choose to not send the alert once a fall/change occurs. The feature also allows you to send an alert when you anticipate danger. In both scenarios, the feature tells your chosen contacts your exact location, and if/when you begin to move again.
Road iD
Not all runners will carry their phone or identification when tackling their miles. For peace of mind (yours, and theirs), Road iD is a great gift option for your favorite runner.
I’ve worn a Road iD on my Apple Watch wrist band for many years now. It provides my name, emergency contacts, and a 1-800 number to get more detailed medical info in the event of an emergency. (The 800 number is an additional feature, but at a reasonable price.)
Besides the Apple Watch ID, there’s other wearable options (wrist band, shoe tag, Garmin, Fitbit, etc.) based on the runner’s preference. The brand also offers a lifetime guarantee on the engraving; meaning if it fades, they will replace free of charge. And, their customer service is top notch!
Reflective Gear/Headlamp
It goes without saying you want your favorite runner to stay safe! While safety is always a priority, it becomes even more crucial during fall and winter, where daylight hours are in shorter supply.
There are so many options for reflective/light gear for runners. Two safety items that I believe are a must are a headlamp and a reflective vest. A headlamp allows runner to SEE in darkness, whereas reflective gear allows them to BE SEEN.
I love the Nathan Nebula Fire Runners’ headlamp. I got mine as a gift last year, and it’s one of my favorite gifts I’ve received as a runner. It’s lightweight, has five different light settings, and can be worn on the head, a waist belt, or a hydration vest.
In terms of reflective gear, I use the Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Vest. Inexpensive, gets the job done, and causes zero chafing.