The Runner In Your Life Is Secretly Dying For These Gifts This Year
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The Runner In Your Life Is Secretly Dying For These Gifts This Year
Runners are truly a breed of their own. Not only are they incredibly disciplined, they are super dedicated to their sport. Even during the snowy, below freezing temperatures during Christmas time, dedicated runners will get in their miles regardless of the conditions. Call them crazy, but there are things few and far between that can keep them from getting that runner's high.
Which is why if you have a dear person in your life who is obsessed with running, it only makes sense you should gift them something that will benefit their passion during the holidays. Even if you don't know much about running yourself, we've got you covered with this curated list that won't leave you racing-to-the-finish-line to finish your holiday shopping list. (You're welcome in advance!)
There are so many gifts the runner in your life will love. Whether they're a distance devotee, a Turkey Trot fan, or lives for treadmill sprints at the gym, they'll thank you time and time again for these thoughtful and inspirational running gifts. This list has everything: from the best running watches, foam rollers, leggings, jackets, reflective gear, inspirational running books, and more, there's something special for the mile-shredding athlete in your life.
The jogger or marathoner in your life will totally thank you for helping them cut a few seconds off their times or just become a healthier, better athlete. Click through to see 50 of the best holiday gifts for runners in 2021.Hearst Owned - 2/51
1) Marathon Pint Glass
uncommongoods.com
$20.00
Oh yeah, we’re feeling sentimental now. Engraved with a marathon map from Boston to Honolulu, this pint glass will remind your marathoner of her athletic feat—and strength—with every sip.
Who wouldn't feel inspired?
uncommongoods.com - 3/51
2) No-Bounce Waist Bag
E Tronic Edge
amazon.com
$12.97
This lil guy is roomy enough to fit keys, cards, and a phone (ya know, the essentials), but sleek enough to feel unobtrusive.
No matter the runner’s gait, this pouch stays securely in place around their waist.
amazon.com - 4/51
3) Fleece Ponytail Hat
TrailHeads
amazon.com
$64.50
This hat is a 2-in-1 that keeps the sun and wind out of your face and your ears warm during chilly runs.
The fleece drop down also covers the back of your neck, so you'll never freeze on a winter run again.
amazon.com - 5/51
4) Runner's World 2022 Wall Calendar
Runner's World
amazon.com
$15.95
So the runner in your life can map out her training calendar and goal races for the entire year.
Plus, it features inspirational tips, tricks, and advice from the mag's trusted running experts who will motivate her to get her butt out of bed and hit the streets for that five-miler.
amazon.com - 6/51
5) Sports Medal Holder
Urban Active Sports
amazon.com
$21.95
If your friend likes to hold on to race medals as mementos, this medal holder will let your friend display their accomplishments in a neat, organized manner.
amazon.com - 7/51
6) Therapy Massage Ball
Epitomie Fitness
amazon.com
$23.86
Fans of the foam roller, especially those living in tight-spaces (think: city apartments) will love this compact massager.
With this handy ball lying around, it’ll be like she has an in-house masseuse digging into her toughest knots and sore spots.
amazon.com - 8/51
7) Ankle Socks
BOMBAS
amazon.com
$22.99
Whoever said socks are a lame gift clearly never tried Bombas. These high-performance socks are made with hex construction to optimize breathability in the most common hot spots.
Plus, the signature tab on the back will keep blisters at bay. What's more, for every pair of socks purchased, Bombas donates a pair to homeless shelters.
amazon.com - 9/51
8) Polarized Sports Sunglasses
TOREGE
amazon.com
$25.99
Polarized sunglasses for just $26? Yep, that's right! These budget-friendly shades were designed with runners in mind, thanks to the no-slip grip coating and lightweight frame.
amazon.com - 10/51
9) HOKA Trainers
HOKA ONE ONE
amazon.com
$150.89
These shoes were designed for logging long miles. They're loaded with plenty of PROFLYâ„¢ cushioning to protect your joints as you pound the pavement.
amazon.com - 11/51
10) Running Shorts
G Gradual
amazon.com
$25.99
You can't go wrong with these running shorts. They're not too long and not too short, and have a secure zippered back pocket to store your cash and keys.
amazon.com - 12/51
11) OWYN 100% Plant-Based Protein Shakes
OWYN Only What You Need
amazon.com
$32.99
If the runner in your life has gone plant-based, they will love these vegan protein shakes. The protein comes from pea and pumpkin seeds.
amazon.com - 13/51
12) Yoga and Pilates Mat
Manduka
$110.00
Runners are notorious for having tight hamstrings and IT bands, but this cushioned mat will encourage your marathon-obsessed sister to loosen up on the reg.
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13) Running Mini Backpack Vest
Runtasty
amazon.com
$28.95
If you're not a fan of running belts, this bounce-free mini backpack is perfect for storing gear on your runs.
It's also highly reflective, and can be seen for 360 degrees to keep you safe.
amazon.com - 15/51
14) Hemp Cream
New Age
amazon.com
$24.95
This vitamin-packed lotion features hemp oil, turmeric and aloe vera to help soothe sore muscles. If you're feeling sore after your run, this is sure to soothe.
amazon.com - 16/51
15) A Beautiful Work In Progress
Mirna Valerio
amazon.com
$8.93
Runner Mirna Valerio is an advocate for the inclusion of all races, sizes, genders, and backgrounds in the running community.
And in her book, she shares her journey about how she broke running stereotypes herself as a plus-size runner.
amazon.com - 17/51
16) Tinted Sunscreen
Unsun Cosmetics
amazon.com
$29.00
Don't let the runner in your life skip sunscreen! This lightweight mineral sunscreen is slightly tinted and will help protect their skin from damaging UV rays.
amazon.com - 18/51
17) Non-Slip Headband
Tread Bands
amazon.com
17.99
Hair wisps flying in your face mid-run is beyond annoying. The solution? A colorful headband that actually does its job.
This option ties in the back for a perfect fit and is outfitted with a soft rubber strip so it won’t fall off, no matter how hard she goes.
amazon.com - 19/51
18) Strong: A Runner's Guide to Boosting Confidence and Becoming the Best Version of You
Kara Goucher
amazon.com
$13.95
This book shares insight from Olympic marathoner Kara Goucher, along with guided confidence-boosting activities your workout buddy can incorporate into her daily routine.
amazon.com - 20/51
19) Bravey: Chasing Dreams, Befriending Pain, and Other Big Ideas
The Dial Press
amazon.com
$19.79
This memoir by Olympic runner Alexi Pappas shares what she’s learned about confidence, self-reliance, mental health, and embracing pain.
amazon.com - 21/51
20) Alo Yoga Eternal Hoodie Sweatshirt
Alo Yoga
amazon.com
$88.02
Every runner needs a solid hoodie for chilly runs or to throw on post-workout. And this one has a unique high neck to keep you extra warm.
amazon.com - 23/51
22) Hustle Clean Unscented Face Wipe
Hustle Clean
amazon.com
$13.49
If your runner likes to squeeze in workouts during their lunch break, try gifting them a set of these gentle face wipes.
Skincare is important, and we can't have your runner clogging their pores when they don't have to.
amazon.com - 24/51
23) Sun Serum SPF 35
EleVen by Venus Williams
amazon.com
$50.00
By now, you know no matter what the weather looks like out there, sunscreen is a non-negotiable. Following the lead of queen Venus Williams herself, this lightweight serum (read: won’t melt off your face!) offers broad-spectrum sun protection and hydration.
Double the fun.
amazon.com - 25/51
24) BSEEN LED Armbands
BSEEN
amazon.com
$10.59
Keep the runner in your life safe with these LED armbands. It will make them visible in dark conditions, especially in the winter when daylight is more sparse.
amazon.com - 26/51
25) Beyond Yoga Spacedye Truly Tank
Beyond Yoga
amazon.com
$68.00
This tank from Beyond Yoga is made of the brand's super soft Spacedye fabric. It's a little bit longer, and has a comfy shelf bra for plenty of support.
Plus, you can snag the matching leggings for a cute set.
amazon.com - 27/51
26) Run Fast. Eat Slow.
Shalane Flanagan
amazon.com
$22.45
Now she can whip up the same flavorful meals Shalane Flanagan ate while training for—and winning—the 2017 New York City marathon.
Amazon - 28/51
27) Waterproof Earbuds
Jaybird
amazon.com
$130.68
Give the gift of music with these headphones that will stay in her ears, no matter how fast her pace, thanks to interchangeable silicon ear gels. (Check out more great wireless headphones here.)
amazon.com - 29/51
28) Foam Roller
Trigger Point Performance
amazon.com
$29.60
Foam rolling is crucial for runners, and this TriggerPoint roller comes with free online instructions so your pal can hit all the right spots.
With nearly 13,000 Amazon ratings and 4.5 stars, you really can't go wrong.
amazon.com - 30/51
29) 26 Marathons: What I Learned About Faith, Identity, Running, and Life from My Marathon Career By Meb Keflezighi
Meb Keflezighi
amazon.com
$17.25
If your loved one is all set on gear, consider gifting an inspirational running book.
This one is about legendary marathoner Meb Keflezighi's, and the lessons he's learned through the 26 (!) marathons in his running career.
amazon.com - 31/51
30) Garmin Heart Rate Monitor
Garmin
amazon.com
$118.67
This chest strap will help the runner in your life track their run data and heart rate. If they love keeping track of stats, this is a must.
amazon.com - 32/51
31) New Apple Watch Series 6
Apple
amazon.com
$479.99
What’s that you said? Your running buddy does not have an Apple Watch but you know she wants one? She'll be straight-up obsessed with this tracker's ability to monitor her heart rate, distance, and progress.
amazon.com - 33/51
32) Electrolyte Tablets
Nuun
amazon.com
$17.37
Any runner will be stoked to get a new tube of hydrating electrolytes in her stocking.
These contain a blend of antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, vitamins, and minerals to help her recover from a tough workout—and keep her from catching Aunt Mary’s cold.
amazon.com - 34/51
33) Fitbit Tracker
Fitbit
amazon.com
$148.95
With a sensor that automatically detects a workout, period tracking technology, and a battery life that lasts up to a week, this fitness tracker won’t ever leave her wrist—even after clocking all of those miles during that long-distance run.
amazon.com - 35/51
34) Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel
GU Energy Labs
amazon.com
$32.97
Sometimes the most practical presents are the best types of presents, especially when there are 22 different Gu gel packs under all that wrapping paper.
Want to give a little something to everyone in your running group but not sure what exactly? Break up the box to create mini assortments for each distance runner.
amazon.com - 36/51
35) Merino Reversible Beanie
Smartwool
amazon.com
$30.00
This windproof hat will keep her cozy no matter what Mother Nature throws at her, thanks to the warm, breathable merino wool that's perfect for working out in colder temps.
amazon.com - 37/51
36) WH Bandana
womenshealthmag.com
$12.00
This cute bandana can be used to help keep the sweat off her face, or act as a face mask in a pinch if she's running in a crowded space.
womenshealthmag.com - 38/51
37) Satin Skinnies
Kristin Ess
target.com
$9.99
These scrunchies are like a 2-in-1 hair tie that will help keep your hair out of your face, but are also an upgrade from a boring rubberband.
target.com - 39/51
38) Women's Reflective Gloves
Nathan
nathansports.com
$25.00
Obviously in the winter your runner is going to need an awesome pair of gloves, especially if they hate sporting a pair of cold hands.
Opt for a pair that's warm and boosts visibility. Win-win.
nathansports.com - 40/51
39) Carbonite Jacket
Brooks
brooksrunning.com
$180.00
When daylight hours are shorter, she’ll want to layer up in an insulated jacket. This one is also body-mapped with reflectivity so she'll be visible even in low-light conditions.
brooksrunning.com - 41/51
40) Sore Muscle Soak
Milk + Honey
ulta.com
$28.00
We can’t forget about post-run goodies. A blend of Epsom salt, sea salt, and essential oils offers a relaxing soak that might even help soothe inflammation and muscle soreness.
ulta.com - 42/51
41) eos Natural SPF 30 Lip Balm Stick
eos
target.com
$2.99
The runner in your life will love this lip balm thanks to its SPF30. Bonus, it smells like yummy coconut.
target.com - 43/51
42) Power 7/8 Workout Leggings
Sweaty Betty
sweatybetty.com
$100.00
When the ~colder~ months come around, it's no surprise that your runner will need to slip into some warmer gear.
These leggings are totally sweat-wicking so they won't be stuck with the chills, but they'll also keep them insulated enough that they'll feel nice and warm.
sweatybetty.com - 44/51
43) 2-in-1 Shorts
Halara
thehalara.com
$29.95
These shorts have a super high (and soft) waistband with a hidden pocket at the back to store your running gels.
Plus, they come in nine pretty colors.
thehalara.com - 45/51
44) Alala City Puffer Jacket
Alala
alala.com
$365.00
This sporty puffer jacket will keep you warm during cold runs thanks to a nylon front zipper with storm flap to block out wind.
Plus, it has thumb holes.
alala.com - 46/51
45) Sweat Changes Everything Tote
womenshealthmag.com
$28.00
Sometimes you just gotta sweat it out. I mean, helloooo endorphins!
womenshealthmag.com - 47/51
46) Theragun Mini
Theragun
theragun.com
$199.00
When it comes to percussive massagers, nothing quite beats a Theragun. The mini version is not only less expensive than its predecessors—it’s also portable and still wildly effective at working out minor muscle aches and pains from hitting the pavement.
A worthy investment in your runner’s arsenal.
theragun.com - 48/51
47) Masti Shorts
Rochelle Porter
etsy.com
$42.00
This bright and bold pattern will be the energy boost your runner needs to power through that last mile.
etsy.com - 49/51
48) Halter Keyhole Sports Bra
Lydia Endora
lydiaendora.com
$29.00
This high-neck sports bra is longer line for more coverage, so it doubles as a tank. It also has removable pads, so you can choose to keep or take them out.
lydiaendora.com - 50/51
49) Oat Milk Thai Coffee Latte
by-emshika.com
$27.00
If the runner in your life loves coffee and oat milk, these will be a hit.
It's made with Thai coffee (which has notes of brown sugar and cardamom) that she can grab one of these dairy-free lattes on the go before a run.
by-emshika.com - 51/51
50) Women’s Flight Jacket
The North Face
thenorthface.com
$300.00
This lightweight jacket is shockingly warm, without feeling stuffy, thanks to a unique nano-spinning technology that keeps water out and lets air in.
It's the perfect layer for outdoor runs in the fall or winter months.
thenorthface.com