It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Whether you’re organizing your wish list or your gift list, you are probably looking for inspiration for yourself or the runners in your life. While from the outside running can seem like a simple sport, there are plenty of things for us to ask for.
Here is my (non-exhaustive) list of running-related gifts that I will personally vouch for. I tried to think out of the box, and many of these gifts are practical and repeat-friendly.
Note: This list is ordered from (roughly) least to most expensive!
- FOAM ROLLER
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Recovery is something every runner needs, but not every runner does. Foam rolling is a quick, at-home, and cost-effective way to warm up or cool down! It’s good for general maintenance or to focus on a particularly angry spot. I use mine every day!
Foam rollers are available on Amazon for as little as $10. I got one like this a few years ago, which also comes with a hand roller that I take with me when I travel.
- EARWARMERS
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These are one of the first things I add to my running outfits once temperatures start to dip, even if I’m still in shorts. The ones I have are fleece-lined, like this, and have lasted me at least four years at this point.
- SOCKS
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I know socks can come off as a boring gift, but most people never buy these for themselves! Running socks are also different from normal socks. They are made out of non-cotton materials and designed to prevent blisters and sweat buildup. Personally, I recommend the Feetures and Jogology brands. They even have specially designed right- and left-handed socks!
- RUNNING GLOVES
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Sleek, insulated gloves are a staple in winter. While your runner may already have gloves, they could probably use a wash, so a glove rotation would be helpful. It can also be a good idea to have a thin and thicker pair of gloves to rotate based on the weather/how cold it is. These from Tracksmith (or something similar) are a great and versatile option.
- GELS/ELECTROLYTES/NUTRITION
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These things seem little, but over time they add up. Buying your runner nutrition in bulk would be greatly appreciated and would absolutely be used. For gels, Gu and Maurten tend to be the most popular. I also love LMNT electrolytes!
If you don’t know what they like using, one of a few different things could make a great stocking stuffer! I have not used it personally, but The Feed is a website with all sorts of nutrition products (from many brands) for athletes.
- RUN FAST. EAT SLOW.
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These cookbooks by Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky are both beautiful and informative. There are three cookbooks: Run Fast. Eat Slow., Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow., and Rise and Run. Each book has unique and nourishing recipes, including their famous “Superhero Muffins,” and, in Rise and Run, my personal favorite: Crispy Rice Peanut Butter Bars, which I have been making weekly since high school.
The books are more than just recipes, however. They also provide sample training plans and tangible tips for eating enough through a well-rounded diet, something that can be difficult for many runners to achieve.
- CUTE RUNNING SETS
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I feel like this speaks for itself, but I am a firm believer in “look good, feel good” when it comes to running. Sets or pieces from Free People Movement and Lululemon will hit every time.
- RACE ENTRY
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Races can get expensive! Depending on your runner and their goals, this could be an “I owe you” or going ahead with the sign-up in advance. Signing both of you up for a fun run or race (even something as small as a local 5k!) would be a memorable experience and a great, different way to spend time together!
- CARBON-PLATED SHOES
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This is something on my current list. Carbon-plated shoes are all the rage right now, especially in road racing, known for their ability to increase speed without increasing effort. They are a bit pricey, so if you are thinking about racing anytime soon, I recommend adding them to your list!
If you can, try researching or testing a few pairs so you can ask for the right one for you!
Happy shopping!
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