A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Nov. 11, 2024
These gifts for runners go the distance! From socks and shoes to smartwatches and sweat-wicking shorts, here’s what to buy for every type of runner.
Sponsored By: Fourth Frontier
A portion of this piece was created in partnership with Fourth Frontier, a health tech company for monitoring and improving heart health.
If you’re looking for the best gifts for runners—truly special gifts that will actually get used and not end up in the white elephant pile, look no further. Runners come in all shapes and sizes and they have different needs—some are just starting out, while others are packing in serious miles and training for a marathon.
These fitness-focused individuals aren’t impossible to shop for, you just have to know where to look. Start with upgrading their activewear with the best leggings and sports bras. Then check out our list of presents for every sort of runner, at every price point.
There are many fitness trackers out there, but we trust Polar—the original creator of these wearable devices. When it comes to gifts for runners, this smartwatch is a winning pick. In addition to traditional tracking (steps, heart rate, sleep, etc), it also monitors runs for speed, distance and routes with the integrated GPS. A FitSpark training guide provides personalized guidance and on-demand workout suggestions based on current stats and condition.
If you run, you eventually get achy somewhere. Heating pads help with recovery, but they typically have cords, making it hard to use them on the move. This Sunbeam cordless version runs for four hours on a single charge and works on the back, shoulders, arms and any other sore area. The portable pad is perfect for travelers, or as a gift for coworkers who want to use it while commuting (or even in the office).
Some people jog casually, but for others, running is the cornerstone of their long-term health. If you really want to go above and beyond for the serious runner in your life, splurge on this smart heart monitor from Fourth Frontier. Unlike other health trackers that wear like a watch, this monitor secures around the runner’s torso, tracking their heart rate, rhythm and strain.
With a convenient web and mobile app, the monitor also records up to 24 hours of EKG activity, provides vibration alerts to help them train in the safest heart rate zone, identifies changes in cardiac rhythm and creates health events to track their lifestyle changes. They can even wear the monitor when they aren’t running to keep tabs on other critical health factors in their daily routine (like sleep).
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There’s no better feeling than taking a hot shower after a long run and slipping into something comfortable. Joggers are sweatpants’ more stylish cousins, so get your favorite runner a pair they’ll love. This ultra-soft Cozy Earth pick is made from a bamboo-based fabric for enhanced breathability and year-round comfort. Pair with a matching top for a set suited for chilling at home or errands on the town.
P.S. Did you know wearing a sauna suit can help you burn more calories, faster?
Running in high-traffic areas requires extra vigilance of your surroundings, so making it easier for drivers to see you just makes good sense. This Noxgear reflective vest does just that. The lightweight and waterproof design flashes super bright multi-color lights to keep you illuminated on the road. The slim, minimalist design ensures minimal fabric-to-body contact, less sweat-trapping and is fully adjustable to be worn over any ensemble.
Theragun brought percussive therapy devices to the mainstream, and they continue to be leaders in the area. The Theragun Pro offers professional-level healing in an at-home handheld gadget. Notably, it allows runners to provide deep tissue massage on themselves with minimal effort. Feeling generous? Make it a personalized gift with a custom engraving for an extra $50.
Need gifts for runners who live in (or frequently visit) warm-weather locations? Lululemon’s Speed Up high-rise shorts are a top-rated option. They are designed specifically for running and come in a lightweight, quick-dry, four-way stretch fabric that’s perfect for humid conditions or hot summer days. The shorts have a sweat-wicking liner for extra coverage, and a drawstring cord to ensure a perfect fit. Flexible storage options include side pockets, plus a secure zip-closure slot on the back for essentials.
Outdoor Research is a Seattle-based company that’s been making quality outdoor gear since 1981, so it’s fair to say they know a thing or two about rain gear. The Helium jacket is more than just a rain coat, it’ll protect against any element, including wind and snow. It’s rugged but lightweight, and features fully taped seams and elastic cuffs to keep moisture out, and an adjustable hood for added coverage. Women’s sizing is inclusive and goes up to 3X, and there’s a version for men, too.
When getting gifts for runners who push themselves (like, marathoners for example), consider supplements to help them stay healthy and boost performance. Choosing the right one can be tricky, but rest assured, Thorne’s creatine powder is recommend by the National Sports Foundation, and more than 100 professional sports teams use their goods. This particular powder promises to enhance strength, reduce muscle soreness and increase power output. Sounds good to us!
Fingers swell, and a wedding ring that stretches can mean the difference between keeping the ring—and the finger! If your wife or husband runs and doesn’t want to remove their wedding band, then a Groove Life medical-grade silicon ring is an essential present. The company offers an iron-clad 94-year warranty—if the ring stretches, breaks, gets lost or even eaten by a fish, they will replace it every time. There are a variety of sizes and colors to suit any style, making them fashionable and functional gifts for runners.
Some runners like peace and quiet, while others can’t imagine moving without music, podcasts or audiobooks, especially during long training sessions. There are so many wireless headphones these days, but if you’re planning to get them as gifts for runners, it’s important to keep in mind a few factors. The Bose Sport Earbuds are waterproof and sweat-proof, have simple touch controls, a long battery life (with a charging case) and offer a secure and comfortable fit (with three size tips included). They also have more than 20,000 five-star reviews, confirming their status as one of the best gifts on Amazon.
Snow and sleet are no match for serious runners, but they need certain gear to ensure safety in wintry weather. Kahtoola Nanospikes were designed for high-performance road runners to train year-round, but they also work for anyone walking on sidewalks or streets packed with heavy snow or icy conditions. The shoe attachments have 10 spikes per foot that grip slippery surfaces and provide maximum traction and shock absorption.
Headlamps help runners see the road (or trail) in front of them during low-light conditions, but they also ensure cars can see them, too. GearLight’s LED version generate’s super-bright light (in seven different modes, from white strobe to red beam) that lasts for up to 10 hours. The band is water-resistant, shockproof and adjustable to comfortably fit adults and kids. It comes in a set of two, so we suggest giving the second one as a gift to book lovers who like to read at night!
It’s beneficial to eat foods high in magnesium, but did you know that magnesium is also recommended for muscle recovery? Coach Soak’s Muscle Recovery contains fast-absorbing magnesium flakes, mineral-rich Dead Sea salts and Vitamin C crystals; plus pure essential oils of lavender, cooling peppermint, citrus and eucalyptus to reduce inflammation and speed up the recovery process. It’s terrific for baths, or even just foot soaks.
For many experienced long-distance runners, icing is part of their everyday routine. Regular ice works fine, but it can melt fast and be messy. The CryoMax Reusable Cold Pack uses a patented technology that keeps it cold for up to eight hours, and it can be frozen and refrozen thousands of times! Runners love that it’s flexible and easily contours to any part of the body. Get one as a gift for your grandparents to soothe their aching joints.
There are a lot of reasons runners like to go out alone—pacing, route, general quiet—but it’s not always safe. Pop an Apple AirTag in your pocket to give family and friends peace of mind. It allows them to track your exact location, no matter the destination.
It’s slimmer than a fanny pack but offers more storage than a pocket, and it certainly beats tucking cash into your shoe and tying keys to your shoelaces. The FlipBelt fitness band sits flat and securely on hips without bouncing or riding up. There are no buckles, fasteners or tags to pinch or cause uncomfortable chafing. The moisture-wicking belt has four pockets to easily fit all the essentials, and is available in 13 colors.
Consider high-quality socks essential gifts for runners. The Balega socks are are designed with runners in mind and feature plush cushioning in the ball and heel, ventilation panels and a blister-resistant seamless construction. With more than 16,000+ five-star reviews, it’s an Amazon Prime gift you can count on. More to love: It’s a gift that gives back. Balega donates a portion of proceeds to various charities and communities in need.
Caring for kids doesn’t mean you have to stop your favorite pastime. The Thule Urban Glide is an all-terrain stroller perfect for active parents. The three-wheel suspension system provides a smooth ride, and a padded five-point specialty harness keeps little ones safe and secure. A large cargo storage bin lets you bring enough water and snacks for everyone, and at the end of the day it folds in half for easy storage.
Here’s an unavoidable fact: Sometimes running shoes get stinky. Boot Bananas use a powerful combination of natural ingredients, including bamboo charcoal, baking soda and Australian tea tree oil to neutralize extreme odors and absorb moisture caused by sweat—problems that synthetic shoe deodorizers fail to fix. Simply slip them into sneakers to combat funky smells. The banana-shaped accessory lasts up to a year, and a ripeness indicator gradually turns brown to let you know when they are ready to replace.
Have you heard of barefoot running? Some say ditching shoes can help improve your form and prevent injuries. If you’re not ready to go out sans sneakers, the Xero Prio gives you that barely-there feeling with a removable 2MM insole. These vegan-friendly running shoes are so lightweight (7.4 ounces!) and flexible they can actually roll up and fit in a pocket !
Hydration is critical for runners of skill levels. Lmnt powder packets offer a healthy alternative to traditional electrolyte drink mixes to help boost energy and endurance. These keto-friendly and vegan supplements are free from any sugar, gluten and artificial ingredients. The eight-pack sampler includes interesting flavors like as Watermelon Salt, Lemon Habanero and Mango Chili. Easier to carry than Gatorade!
