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To help make finding that perfect gift easy, we put together our staff's favorite items to give runners any time of the year. Whether it’s a race day or a rest day, hydration is often a runner’s top priority. Our water-bottle guide features a meticulously researched selection. And this one from Takeya emerged as being among the most versatile—not too clunky, small, or riddled with fussy parts. The spout has a twist-on flip cap, so sips are simple and spill-free, even if you’re slamming around on a treadmill. The silicone rubber base prevents this model from slipping or making noise on hard surfaces, and this bottle comes in an array of Instagram-worthy colors.
Yet socks can make a big impact or, at the very least, mean the difference between a comfortable jog and one plagued by slipping, sweating, and blisters. I polled my colleagues for their favorites, and the Run Lightweight No-Show toe socks are stunningly popular. True, toe socks look outlandishly silly, but they’re worth the private humiliation. Since each toe is ensconced in fabric, there’s no chance of skin-on-skin friction. A heel tab protects the backs of the ankles, and a band surrounds the midfoot for steady arch support. The socks are also lightweight and machine-washable, and they come in four sizes.
He Sees You When You're Running, He Knows When You Lift Weights Holiday Workout Crewneck Sweatshirt
SPF is non-negotiable, but it’s especially important for outdoor runners. Luckily, this broad spectrum sunscreen set is easy to throw in a gym bag or purse for everyday wear and lasting protection. These shoes feel like a literal dream on your feet thanks to the Zoom X cushioning that offer extra comfort with every stride. Every running milestone calls for a little celebration, and a bottle of low-sugar bubbly is the perfect toast.
Nathan marathon trains, and he praises this band’s sweat-wicking, quick-drying abilities, which keep his eyes clear even at the 26-mile mark. The Halo Sweatband comes in dozens of colors and patterns, plus, it’s flat enough to be worn comfortably under a hat. I’m a life-long runner—first as a member of my middle-school cross-country team, later as a form of ballet cross-training, and now as a civilian with a cherished daily practice. Throughout the years, I’ve met many other runners, from avid marathoners to casual joggers to newbies kicking off their first Couch to 5K. Whichever type of runner is on your list, they’ll likely appreciate something practical, to aid conditioning or recovery, or something jovial, to celebrate the practice itself. A top gift pick for runners of all levels is the Garmin Forerunner 245 Smartwatch for its reliable GPS and data tracking.
Ben Schoon's favorite gear
Similarly, someone who trains on wooded trails has different needs than someone who runs their neighborhood sidewalks. When evaluating gifts for our list, we considered cost, overall value, the type of running the gift supports, and the type of location the gift is good for. If you're looking for a unique and practical gift, Injinji socks are where it's at. These performance toe socks keep each individual toe cocooned in fabric, which actually helps prevent skin-on-skin rubbing. Plus, the socks are made from sweat-wicking material with strategic mesh paneling to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
When you don’t need to carry water while on the move but still need to store your essentials, this Amphipod belt goes the distance and stands the test of time. This newer model allows you to clip a race bib to the belt, which is unnecessary and a little goofy, we think. It’s lightweight but stretches four times its size to fit your smartphone, credit cards, keys, and fuel. For minimal interference and comfort, wear the pouch on your lower back.
Runderful Slate Coaster - Available in matt and gloss - Funny Running Gift
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. 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. It is super lightweight and leaves the face feeling soft and smooth.
When it comes to running and performance, sometimes the little things can make a BIG difference. So treat your runner to any of these small but meaningful gifts they will use year-round. From soft, moisture-wicking socks to sun-protective shades, these gifts are universally loved by all runners. The humble sock is usually the last sartorial item one thinks about.
Plus, this 245 model has music streaming capabilities, so there’s no need to bring your phone along if you want to listen to tunes while you run. 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 tool achieves this with interchangeable hot and cold inserts the user can swap out in just seconds. Chances are low your runner already has this unique version of the tool — and high they'll love the type 2 fun of using it. Although fanny packs are cool again, they're verypractical for runners. This technical sling bag has 2-liters worth of room for fuel, hydration flasks, and extra layers, in addition to essentials like a phone and keys. Women's Health participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.
Writing down your training can be both therapeutic and can help you keep better track of your progress. 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. A smartwatch is one of the best gifts out there, and there are two solid options for any Android user. The Elite Active 75ts come with three different sizes of ear inserts and the actual shape of the bud contours fit snugly in anyone's ear.
But moreover, when used after a run, they help reduce muscle tightness, thereby making you less sore and less tight. Every runner needs some extra fuel, and this cacao protein powder does not sacrifice on taste. It’s made without preservatives or added sugar, and she can toss it into a protein shake or even mix it into coffee before or after a run. She’ll enjoy her post-run recovery with this luxe essential oils kit. The sleek diffuser comes with 10 pure oils that will help soothe, relax, and destress. And in her book, she shares her journey to breaking running stereotypes herself as a plus-size runner.
Made with clean ingredients and no additives, this sparkling wine makes the best celebratory gift. 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 on your list. These high-performance socks are made with hex construction to optimize breathability in the most common hot spots. What's more, for every pair of socks purchased, Bombas donates a pair to homeless shelters.
Every runner would love to be equipped with their carb-infused energy gels and hydration mix before, during, or after their run for optimal fueling. Dried fruits and meats pack more calories than their fully hydrated counterparts. This is vital for those who are about to burn mega-calories on a run.
If you know your recipient’s favorite flavor, you could also send them a pack of any type you choose. For going on runs or just looking like you plan to, leggings are a great sartorial choice. My favorite of Wirecutter’s rigorously researched recommendations is the Compressive High-Rise Legging from Girlfriend Collective.
