Are you searching for the perfect holiday gift for the runner in your life? Look no further, because I’ve got your back! Here are my top 10 choices for gifts – plus a bonus list of last-minute stocking stuffers.
1. Running lights
Any time your runner is out there after dark, she needs to be highly visible to traffic AND she needs to see where she is going! So grab her a headlamp and a blinking light that will accomplish both.
2. Race fees
A great way to show your runner some love and support is to treat her to some race fees! Especially if there’s a race she wants to do but hasn’t signed up due to the cost. Lots of races will let you purchase a gift entry, and if they won’t, you can always surprise your runner with a Visa gift card for the exact amount of the race, that she can use to sign herself up.
3. Running calendar
Help your runner stay motivated year round with a calendar that gives them beautiful scenery, inspirational quotes, and training advice. My favorite is the Runner’s World calendar.
4. Medal rack
Best. Present. Ever! Let your runner show off her accomplishments by getting her a medal rack to show off all her hard work!
5. EZ laces
Stretchy laces may seem weird for running shoes, but I can assure you they are amazing! Originally designed for triathletes to allow a quick transition between the bike and run, they allow you to slip into your running shoes without having to tie them, and keep them at just the right tension for running. When you’re done, it’s easy-peasy to slip your shoes right back off. Check out my favorite kind HERE.
6. GPS watch
If you really, really, really want to make an impression on your runner, a GPS watch is a wonderful gift! They range in price from $100 to $500, and come with all different kinds of features. Check out a great middle of the road option HERE.
7. Wireless sports earbuds
Earbuds rock. Long tangled cords suck. Give your runner the gift of running cord-free with a pair of wireless sports earbuds! My fave are Powerbeats (in purple, natch)
8. Pace bands
These might be the coolest thing ever. A band you wear during your race that has your times listed for each mile so you know whether you’re on pace or not. Genius! They come in distances from 5K through full marathon, in a wide range of paces. Get yours here: www.pacebands.com
9. RooSport running pocket
Sometimes a runner needs to carry more than a set of keys, but most running tights don’t have pockets big enough for that. And if you’re like me, any ‘around the waist’ carriers tend to fit strangely and end up being really uncomfortable. Enter the RooSport running pocket. It tucks inside the waistband of your tights, accommodates most phones, and even has a zipper to keep your stuff safe while you run. Take a look HERE.
10. Gift cert to the NYAR store!
I may be biased, but I think this is the perfect gift – because your runner can use it for virtual race fees, online running courses, t-shirts, decals, and more! Get one HERE.
Now…for those of you that are reading this 2 days before Christmas and don’t have time to shop online, here are some last minute stocking stuffer ideas that you can get almost anywhere – including Walmart or Target:
- Bodyglide
- iTunes or Google Play gift card
- Headbands
- Expensive running socks they would not splurge on themselves
- Chapstick
So – what are your favorite runner gifts? Share in the comments!
(All Amazon links in the post are affiliate links.)