The Absolute Best Gift Ideas for the Runner in Your Life

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There are many occasions when you might want to treat your favorite running buddy to an awesome gift. Whether it’s a milestone birthday, a graduation gift, or a present to celebrate an elusive PR, having the right item to show you care is always greatly appreciated.

Because buying for another runner can sometimes be a challenge (you know what you like, but how do you know what features your runner wants in a GPS watch?), we’re here to help. We’ve compiled some of the most popular items that we’ve tested and reviewed recently. Many of these are being worn and used by Runner’s World editors daily.

We’ll add more road-tested favorites throughout the year and refresh the list when items are updated.

For such a simple sport, there is no shortage of “equipment” runners can get excited about. Whether you’re trying to drop not-so-subtle hints about your Christmas wishlist or are looking for the perfect gift for the running friend who has it all, we guarantee you’ll be able to find a thoughtful present that won’t disappoint.

We’ve compiled an, ahem, running list of some of our favorite products that we’ve personally tested or those that come highly recommended from trustworthy fellow enthusiasts. From top tier recovery tools to stocking-stuffer-worthy nutrition to the best shoes on the market, these are the best gifts for runners. We promise, there's something for every type of runner on this list.

For more great gifts for your favorite runner, check out the best gifts for fitness lovers, self-care gift ideas, and the best running products on Amazon!

Blister Resist No Show Socks For Men and Women

Socks are always a great gift for runners. Blister-resistant and super comfortable, these Balegas will last your giftee pretty much forever. Plus, they help prevent chafing and rubbing even on long runs.

Looking for more great sock options? Check out these Balegas on sale at Amazon right now.

BFF Puffer Vest

It can be difficult to figure out just how to dress in the winter, but a vest is a staple piece of running gear that everyone should have. This one is down filled and super warm, plus it is made with a slightly stretchy material so it moves with them instead of feeling constricting. We also love that it has a slight taper to the waist for a flattering appearance.

Swank Sunglasses

These sunglasses are great for casual wear or running thanks to their simple classic style paired with technical features like scratch resistant lenses and lightweight frame, They also come in a bunch of great color options, so you can pick the one that best fits the aesthetic of your favorite runner.

Organic Lip Balm 6-Pack

This lip balm comes in 6 different flavors, and is made with organic, nourishing ingredients like beeswax, coconut oil, and vitamin E which helps to moisturize, renew, and repair lips. These are great as a single gift, or to split up for stocking stuffers.

Glowscreen SPF 40

Everyone could use a little extra glow in the winter time, and this facial sunscreen not only gives their skin a healthy glowy look, but also helps protect it when running or just out and about. It is super lightweight and leaves the face feeling soft and smooth.

Humidifying Face Cream

This face cream is fragrance-free, gentle on sensitive skin and incredibly hydrating. It has ingredients like squalane and hyaluronic acid which helps to moisturize the skin and lock it in. It is also a sustainable choice since it has refills which detach from the external shell and are fully recyclable.

Men's Nano Puff® Jacket

Patagonia's Nano Puff reigns king when it comes to puffer jackets. It's lightweight yet durable, packs up easily, and will keep you warm, too. It comes in many colors to satisfy any runner's style.

Home Cook Duo

Chances are you have seen these pots and pans all over Instagram and TikTok. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they are also made from nontoxic materials, and are designed to replace everything from frying pan to steamer. They are also available separately if you don't wish to buy the pair.

R8 Roller

This roller gets deep into their tissue without having to work for it. The design squeezes and kneads tight muscles and knots and all they have to do is gently guide it along.

Restore Alarm Clock

This little gadget is a lot of things in one including a sound machine, alarm clock, reading light and more. You can set the lights to mimic sunrise and sunset which helps create a more stable sleep schedule—even during daylight savings.

Compression Run Socks

Compression socks are great for increasing circulation, and speeding up recovery. These are snug but still comfortable, and even have extra padding on the underfoot.

Shower Steamers

Just because they don't have a bathtub doesn't mean that washing up after a run can't be therapeutic. These shower steamers are filled with dried plants and essential oils which give a relaxing aromatherapy session through their whole shower.

Hypervolt 2

For the runner who's always tight, this massage tool is cheaper than monthly massages, and it can get deep into the tissue without tiring. It comes with five heads, and has a rechargeable battery that can last up to 3 hours.

SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub

This inflatable hot tub makes winter training recovery less frightful and more delightful. It can fit up to four people and can be used both indoors and out—though it does need to be 39 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer outside.

Class Pass Gift Card

Class Pass allows you to book workout classes, hair and nail appointments, and spa treatments with ease. It is great for those who travel frequently or are always looking for a new workout experience.

7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

Training takes up a lot of time, and often doesn't leave room for cooking—even though we all know how important fueling is! To help make cooking faster, easier, and more delicious, get them this Instant Pot, which has seven different easy-to-use cooking functions.

BKT Hat

Not only does this bucket hat look cute, but it's also super comfortable and won't fall off. It's made from incredibly lightweight, moisture-wicking material, and it comes in both basic and fun colors. If you prefer a more traditional style cap, they also have a ton more options here.

Run Fast. Eat Slow.: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes: A Cookbook

Calling all foodies! This cookbook, designed by pro runner Shalane Flanagan, focuses on the best foods to fuel your performance. With recipes ranging from smoothies to sandwiches to pasta to cookies, it has everything you need to nourish a hard-working body. Plus, the dishes are delicious and will leave even your non-runner friends coming back for seconds.

Elastic No Tie Shoe Laces

Great for triathletes, kids, or people who hate tying their shoes, these Lock Laces allow you to slip on your running shoes and still have them stay secure and supportive on your feet. They also come in 13 different colors, which gives you a bunch of options if you are trying to match a particular pair of shoes.

Phone Armband

A lot of phone holders can be bulky and annoying, but this design by Sprigs feels like a second skin. Rubber nubs on the inside of the sleeve ensure that it doesn't slip, and since it's made from stretchy fabric, it can fit any size phone.

For more great ways to tote your tech, check out our coverage of the best phone holders for runners.

Believe Training Journal

Writing down your training can be both therapeutic and can help you keep better track of your progress. This journal, designed by pro Lauren Fleshman, helps keep track of weekly training, gives tips on how to improve, and even has exercises to help you asses where you are in terms of your overall fitness progress.

Electrolyte Drink Tablets

Ditch the sugary sports drinks in favor of these Nuun tablets. They help replenish salt and electrolytes lost after working out, and they are free of artificial flavoring. These come in four great flavors that will leave you feeling hydrated and refreshed.

Race Day Performance Running Hat

It's not always easy to find running hats that are comfortable and will actually stay on your head while you move, but this one is a great option. It's lightweight, breathable, and has a super customizable fit for all head sizes.

The Runner’s World Vegetarian Cookbook by Heather Mayer Irvine

Regardless of whether you or your friend is a vegetarian or not, this cookbook promises to inspire day after day of delicious meals, thanks to its 150 exciting new recipes. It's not just main courses you'll find in this cookbook, though—it's also loaded with recipes for desserts and side dishes, and buyers rave that the dishes can be prepared with foods readily available in most grocery stores.

‘Zátopek’ by Jan Novák

Famed Czech runner and five-time Olympic medalist Emil Zátopek is best known for saying, “Men, today we die a little.” This new graphic novel tells the incredible story of Zátopek like you’ve never heard, er, seen it before.

Strava Map Mug

Do you have a run/race that you were super proud of? Does your friend want to show off their PR? This mug allows you to print a custom Strava post showing the map, pace, distance, and time. This is a great option for commemorating a lesser-known race that might not have memorabilia.

Harrier Long Sleeve

Tracksmith’s newest collection of gorgeous high-performance gear is all about fall distance running. However, this cozy merino blend top will keep you comfortable all year, whether you're heading out for a winter morning run or need something to stay warm in on a chilly summer evening.

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Pulse 2.0 Leg Recovery System

NormaTec's Pulse 2.0 is admittedly expensive, but it is also a game changer when it comes to recovery. If you have an amateur athlete in your life, this can help them recover faster, experience less inflammation, and reach their peak performance.

Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel

Know an endurance athlete? There's a good chance that they already use GU to help them get through their toughest workouts and longest races—and that makes it a great gift idea, since you know it won't go to waste.

Wrist iD Sport

Keep your loved ones safe, no matter where their runs take them. This bracelet contains crucial information that can help your favorite runner were to become injured. You can choose what you would like to include on the bracelet, including their name, address, allergies, and the phone numbers of their emergency contacts.

GRID Foam Roller

This essential tool might just give you the most affordable massage you'll ever get. This foam roller gets deep in your most stubborn knots, but it's easy to control, which makes it ideal for beginners.

Bounce Free Sports Bra

This bra is designed to be super supportive and bounce free. You can customize the fit at the bust, band, and shoulders, which allows for a personalized fit every time. It also utilizes compression to ensure that you are extra secure for high intensity workouts.

Forerunner 35

For beginners or younger runners, this Garmin has all the basics you need at an affordable price. It tracks distance, pace, and heart rate, and it has a sleeker design than most Garmins, making it a great choice for smaller wrists.

The Milk Maker

If you don’t drink cow’s milk, you have probably found yourself switching to non-dairy options that are more expensive and have some less than savory—and often inflammatory—ingredients.

The Almond Cow, on the other hand, allows you to make your own nut, seed, and grain milk in a matter of minutes. Not only does it allow you to control exactly what goes into your milk, but it also cuts down on waste.

Sustain Tritan BPA-Free Water Bottle

When searching for a gift for the runner in your life, you can't go wrong with a classic Nalgene. While it isn't insulated, it has the benefit of being lighter and more durable than insulated bottles. This model comes in 11 different colors, and makes a great hiking water bottle.

Thick Yoga Mat Fitness & Exercise Mat

This mat comes in nine stylish color options and it's particularly thick—great for yoga, stretching, and core exercises. Plus, it has a strap that makes it super portable.

Complete Beer Making 2-Gallon Starter Kit

If you're shopping for a beer lover, they're sure to love the experience of making their own home brew. This one makes a golden ale, and it takes only 30 minutes to brew. The final product is ready within 3-4 weeks, and it makes a total of 2 gallons of beer.

Ghost 14

The new and improved Ghost features a bit more cushion, and a higher arch, but it has the same "perfect fit" feel that the shoe is known for. This shoe is great for everything from speed work to long runs, and is truly a workhorse that can find a spot in anyone's shoe rotation.

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ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2

These Next%s are ready for race season. Whether that means 5Ks, marathons, or some hardcore speed work, these Nikes are some of the most popular shoes on every start line. They are carbon-plated, comfortable, and designed to ensure a solid, comfortable run every time.

BES870XL Barista Espresso Machine

When it comes to making delicious espresso at home, there's no beating a Breville. This espresso machine can make the perfect morning latte, and the shiny stainless steel exterior makes for great counter candy.

World Coffee Tour

We know that coffee is a staple of many runners' diets, so why not let the person you're buying for try out some fancy new beans? This box has 16 different whole bean coffees from around the world, and each bag makes a little over two cups.

More: Check Out Other Great Gift Ideas for Coffee Lovers

MultiBev Water Bottle

CamelBak, a hydration company runners have come to love and trust, recently introduced this innovative bottle/mug/snack cup. The stainless steel bottle comes with a detachable travel mug, so you can have your cold water and hot coffee, too. Hungry? The cap can store trail mix or other on-the-go essentials.

RunPro Dynamic Insoles

These comfortable inserts can help prolong the life of your shoes, and give some arch support, too. They come in three different arch heights—low, medium, and high—and are a great insert to start with if you haven't used insoles before.

BL660 Professional Countertop Blender

For your favorite smoothie lover, this blender can handle frozen fruit, ice, etc., and it even comes with two personal-smoothie-sized blending cups. We also heard it makes an awesome frozen margarita on rest days!

Epsom Salt Bundle

Bath bombs aren't always the best for your skin—and they can be expensive, too. If you want the spa-like feeling with the additional advantage of muscle relaxation, this trio of Dr. Teal's bath salts is a great—and affordable—option.

‘Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon’ by Simran Jeet Singh

This gorgeously illustrated children’s book will inspire people of all ages with the story of the world’s oldest marathoner who overcame incredible odds.

Runner’s World+ All-Access

Don’t let your loved ones miss out on all things Runner’s World with our all-access subscription. The All-Access subscription includes the print mag they know and love, unlimited digital access to inspiring stories, training plans, access to experts, and even more.

Skillmill Connect Non-Motorized Treadmill

For that really special, dedicated runner in your life, check out this top-of-the-line non-motorized treadmill, which more closely mimics outdoor running than traditional 'mills. People may be avoiding gyms this winter, but with an at-home treadmill, their training doesn’t have to suffer.

For more great ways to get in a workout at home, check out our picks for the best treadmills for every type of runner!

Bataan Fanny Pack

This one-of-a-kind (really!) pack will hold all of your essentials (and lots of snacks!) for your next trail-running adventure. The Cotopaxi Bataan fanny pack is part of the company’s (Re)Purpose Collection, which uses fabric left over from other companies’ items, making it a good-for-the-environment gift, too.

Instant Photo Books

Quickly compile your favorite runner’s race photos into a gorgeous mini-size photo book for a keepsake that weighs much less than dozens of medals. You can even customize the look of the book for a personalized present they'll treasure for years.

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