Sprint, Don’t Walk—These Are the 22 Best Gifts for Runners, According to Runners Themselves
Runners can be tricky to shop for. After all, people always say that all you really need in order to run is a good pair of shoes, right? And the best running shoes are super personal to every runner, so unless you already know their fave style, it’s a pretty big gamble to wrap up a pair with a bow and hope for the best.
Don’t worry: If you're, well, running out of ideas for the runner in your life, we’ve got you—no matter what kind of budget you’re working with. Here, you'll find handpicked gift recommendations from runners of all levels, including pro athletes, running coaches, and amateur marathoners who’ve simply logged lots and lots of miles after work.
- Alli Felsenthal, San Diego-based running coach
- Des Linden, Olympian and 2018 Boston Marathon champion
- Janet Chien, a 14-time marathoner from Boston
- Nell Rojas, Nike-sponsored long-distance runner and former triathlete
- Paul Bui, Boston-based marathoner
- Rose Harvey, British Olympic marathon runner
As a certified running coach and longtime running nerd myself, I can tell you firsthand that even though sneakers might be all you really need to run, there’s a lot of great gear out there that can make running a heck of a lot more fun.
The 22 best gifts for runners
For those cold-weather rugs, gloves are an absolute must. These fleece gloves feature Mizuno’s signature Breath Thermo thermal fabric technology, which uses escaping body vapor to generate heat without making you overheat.
When the temps drop, 14-time marathoner Janet Chien from Boston says HotHands are her favorite item “for winter running for hands and feet!” It’s a genius way of providing heat precisely where you need it: Even though a runner’s core will warm up when they’re pushing the pace, their extremities will stay cold when it’s freezing out. So sticking these in their gloves or shoes will fight the chill, allowing your runner to keep racking up their miles no matter what kind of weather Old Man Winter brings.
To treat the runner who might be watching their alcohol intake but still wants to kick back with a cold one at the holiday party, pick up this six-pack. “I’ve been drinking Athletic Light from Athletic Brewing for years,” says Nike-sponsored pro marathoner Nell Rojas. “I love it post-workout or anytime during a marathon cycle when I don’t drink alcohol.” The crisp, refreshing taste hits just right after logging a long run.
Unless they mainly work out on a treadmill, runners can end up spending a lot of time in the sun. To protect them from harmful rays, give your runner this quick-drying, sweat-resistant sunscreen that’s perfect for outdoor athletes. Clocking in at SPF 45, it “lasts forever and doesn’t have a greasy oily feeling,” says Olympian and Boston Marathon champ Des Linden.
Run coaches all over agree that documenting your miles is a smart strategy to help you progress faster. Boston-based marathoner Paul Bui says a training journal tops his list of gift recs. This one is a world-is-your-oyster-type of journal, filled with sheets where you can jot down goals, chronicle your runs, and reminisce about personal bests.
Available sizes: S–L
Colors: 9 options
These lightweight and breathable Stance socks actually, truly help you avoid blisters. I own several pairs, and find they never slip down—and last for a really long time. They’ve got targeted arch support and just a smidgen of cushion to keep your feet feeling cozy. Despite having an overflowing sock drawer, these are the only style I’ll slip on for long runs with double-digit mileage.
Available sizes: Small, normal, huge
Colors: 13 lens options and 13 frame options
San Diego-based running coach Alli Felsenthal highly recommends these fun, affordable sunnies. With polarized lenses and anti-bounce frames, they are some of the most comfortable glasses to run in when the sun’s out. Plus, with colorful styles and names like “Amelia Earhart Ghosted Me” and “Influencers Pay Double,” they embrace the spirit of “party pace.”
Colors: 77 options
These bold, patterned hats have recently become a cult fave among runners. The fun designs are made specifically to help you stand out from the crowd during busy races—while the ventilated, sweat-wicking fabric is ideal for hard efforts. They’re also just a delightful way to showcase some personality on the run. We’re partial to the Polar Plunge pattern for the holidays, but you can also rock turtles, pizzas, and even pickles.
Available sizes: XXS–XXL
Colors: 16 options (women) 4 options (men)
Iconic styles become classics for a reason, and these running shorts—recommended to Well+Good by Rojas—have been beloved by runners for years. With options for both women and men, the stretchy, sweat-wicking fabric stays in place so runners can just focus on their strides instead of having to constantly pull them back into place.
Linden swears by lathering up with AmpHuman’s PR lotion. It’s “a lactic acid buffer that helps you extend your workouts and long runs, and recover quicker,” she says. All you’ve got to do is rub it on your skin to activate the third party–tested formula, which sends electrolytes (namely, sodium bicarbonate) directly to your muscles.
As helpful as running water bottles can be, they can also get very annoying when you end up with water sloshing around on every step. The ExoShot solves this dilemma with a soft flask that collapses as you drink. The outer fabric sleeve and strap sit so comfortably on your hand that you barely feel it, and there’s even a small pocket to slip in a gel or packet of electrolytes. Of the many running water bottles I’ve tried, this one tops them all.
Available sizes: XS–XL
Colors: 1 option
This best-selling sports bra is a go-to for Felsenthal. Its genius design features a drop-in pocket on the back between your shoulder blades for easy access to your phone. Meanwhile, the compression hits an ideal mix of supportive but still comfy. “Nothing beats feeling cute and fast,” Felsenthal says. “Athleisure can be stylish!”
Available sizes: XS–XXL
Colors: 3 options
These undies are designed specifically for athletic performance. Chien calls them “perfect under running tights and compression shorts,” because they’re seamless, don’t show lines, breathe well, dry quickly, stay put, and offer the ideal level of compression. “And they’re pretty!” she says. “I love them.”
Colors: 6 options
The stylish runner can rock this as a cross-body sling bag or a fanny pack. Bui calls it equally “great for travels or long runs.” With multiple pockets, there’s loads of room for stashing fuel, gear, and even a jacket or water bottle. Meanwhile, the lightweight fabric is water repellant and includes reflective features to help runners stand out on dark roads.
Available sizes: 5–16
Colors: 7 options
Running doesn’t end with the cooldown. The Oofos Ooahh slides can help your runner recover from their miles. Engineered with thick foam, these sandals absorb 37 percent more impact than traditional footwear (according to the brand) and cradles the foot’s arch to give your soles a well-deserved mini-massage with every step. Bonus: They’re designed to keep stinky odors at bay.
Available sizes: Regular, large
Colors: 3 options
Smartwatches are helpful for measuring stats like pace and distance, but they’re notoriously unreliable when it comes to measuring heart rate. “I love my Coros Heart Rate armband for accurate heart rate data,” Felsenthal says. For the runner who wants precise measurements to make sure they’re in the right zone on every step, Coros can comfortably—and correctly—track heart rate for up to 38 hours straight (which is super helpful if ultramarathons are their thing).
Available sizes: XS–L (women); S–XL (men)
Colors: 8 options (women); 7 options (men)
As soon as there’s a hint of chill in the air, I pull out my Brighton Base Layer. Warm, but light and super soft, it’s perfect for winter runs. And it’s majorly durable—mine has held up for six years despite lots and lots of wear. The odor-resistant merino fabric makes it great for travel when you don’t want your running gear to stink up your luggage. My husband got so jealous of mine he recently bought the men’s version for himself.
Available sizes: 0-20 (women)
Lengths: 23”, 25”, and 28”
Colors: 5 options depending on length
Runners consistently say that the Fast and Free tights are their fave leggings. I’ve personally tested at least a couple dozen pairs of running tights, and believe these are the best on the market today. They’re silky smooth, move with you without rolling down, and the fabric effectively wicks sweat in even the hottest temps. Best of all, they’re loaded up with five pockets to securely stash your cell phone, keys, and tons of gels.
Colors: 4 options
Chien calls Shokz “perfect” for listening to music while still having the “ability to hear everything around you.” Instead of closing off your ear like typical headphones would, they sit right on the edge of your cheekbones (just next to your ears) so you don’t miss any traffic sneaking up behind you. They stay in place without slipping, stand up to sweat, and offer high-quality audio while keeping you safe.
You won’t find many runners who would say no to an at-home massage. For a real treat, Hyperice’s Normatec Go uses air compression to deliver a targeted massage to the calf muscles, reducing tightness and knots. Light and wire-free, you can even pack them in a suitcase for destination races. Felsenthal says they’re at the top of her wish list this year “to post up and give my legs some R&R after my long runs.”
If your runner is in the market for a smartwatch, Garmin is a sure bet. “I’ve used different models of Garmin watches for years and I always go back to them,” Rojas says. One of Felsenthal’s top picks is the Fenix, a multisport GPS watch with an impressive range of features like suggested daily workouts, pacing guidance, and a race time predictor. The motivated runner can take advantage of helpful insights about their running power and endurance to hit new PRs.
After something that’s more of a splurge? We recommend the Hydragun Supertub Cold Plunge to give your runner the ultimate post-run recovery experience. “I’m really into cold plunges at the moment so it’s a big ask, but an ice bath is on my Christmas list,” British Olympic marathon runner Rose Harvey tells Well+Good. “Probably ambitious for a London garden, but anyway!”
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