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Because supporting their hobby makes a great present
When it comes to gift-giving, we love supporting the hobbies of the recipient, from gifts for golfers to gifts for readers. We know that the present will be appreciated and won't go to waste. If you have someone on your list who loves to run, then it's not hard to find the perfect fitness gift. But if you're not a runner yourself, you may be overwhelmed by all of the products out there. Don't worry, that's where we come in! These are the best gifts to give to runners in 2022. If you are a runner, check out these ideas to add to your holiday wishlist.
Feel free to go the super-practical route with your gift (all runners need more socks), but keep in mind that it's not a great idea to buy a runner a new pair of shoes, unless you know the specific model and size he or she likes. Runners tend to be particular about shoes, so it's best to stick with what they like or go the gift card route. And you can always go with something fun and personalized to commemorate their many miles.
Some of us stomp so hard when we run that, no matter how tightly we tie 'em, those laces just slide right apart. If you know a runner like that, save them some time (and a skinned knee or two) with these reusable elastic laces. They're easy to put in, and they lock tight. No more flying laces!
If your favorite runner doesn't know about this anti-chafing balm, then she needs to. It's just the gift for the new runner who's discovered how painful a post-run shower can be.
We might be biased about our sister brand, but we're not just coworkers—we're also fans (and customers). Runner's World has been helping people start running, avoid injury, and get faster since 1966, and there's arguably nobody doing it better. A gift subscription sets you back $6 a month and nets your runner access to training plans, workout videos, coaching advice, expert gear reviews, and inspiring and motivating stories from and about a worldwide community of runners. That's a lot!
The magazine also offers a wall calendar, filled with inspirational quotes, tips, race dates, and beautiful images.
Leave your phone behind: While you can just download an app and start tracking runs with it, a smartwatch offers a lot of advantages. It's often more accurate (and less likely to crash and/or start updating mid-run). And it's a whole lot lighter. We love this one because it also holds music (yes, even from streaming services) so you can cart your motivation with you as you go!
If your four-legged friend joins you on your runs, a hands-free leash is a great option. This one has shock absorbers to cut down on tugging and a bag that fits your phone and poop bags.
There's nothing like that friend who's always up to log some miles with you. Get her this enamel keychain to show your appreciation.
Meeting friends for an early morning (or post-work) run session? Awesome. Climbing into the car afterward, drenched in sweat? A little gross. This handy car seat cover is sweat-proof and washable, making it easy to toss into the laundry with the rest of your gear, and leaving the car seat sparkling clean.
If your runner has a ponytail, they can never have too many hair ties. This pack of 27 by Terra Ties is biodegradable and plastic free and won't leave creases in the hair. They make a great stocking-stuffer!
Commemorate any marathon or half-marathon with this special personalized gift, complete with a course map, runner's name, and time. For an extra charge, you can add a medal to the display.
I've been wearing a Whoop for several months now, and I can definitely sing its praises. It's a much more detailed tracker than many on the market, giving you insight to your sleep habits, training, recovery, and health metrics (blood oxygen levels, skin temperature, and heart rate). Although not having a clock face took some getting used to, I don't miss the distractions of a smart watch, plus, it's very comfortable. Unlike most trackers, with Whoop, you don't pay for the band itself. Rather, you pay a monthly fee.
This LED baseball cap made Oprah's Favorite Things for 2022. If you're running in the early morning or in the evenings, lights are essential for safety. This comfortable option allows you to see and be seen. The rechargeable light lasts about 8 hours.
Running isn't a sport that demands a ton of investment. You can get away with running in cotton shirts and cheap shorts. You can even run in cheap shoes, as long as they're comfortable. But if you're going to invest in something, make it a few pairs of really good socks. They'll last for years and they'll keep your feet from gathering blisters—or worse. Trust us, they're worth it.
If your runner is finishing races and collecting medals, you don't want to just stuff 'em in a drawer! Show off those hard-won prizes and give the display some personality!
A good running playlist can be incredibly motivating, but you probably don't want to take your everyday headphones out on a run. Over-ear headphones are way too sweaty. Earbuds can slip out. And if you're running on roads you want to make sure you've still got some situational awareness. We can't say enough great things about these—they're lightweight, secure, and they sit outside your ear, so you can enjoy tunes and still hear traffic.
Sure, there are apps to track your runs, but we love keeping up with them the analog way: with this spiral-bound journal. It's been around for 35 years and includes tips for improving your runs.
One of the very best parts of running is the shower you get to take after. And that shower is even better if it comes with a beer.
Running outdoors means running in the sun — and protecting your eyes and skin is important! While sunscreen doesn't make a great gift, a snazzy pair of shades most definitely does. We love aviators because they're typically light, sturdy, and effective.
She can keep track of her best times with this personalized gift. Add her name and distances, and she can write her times in chalk (and then update them when she breaks her PRs, of course!).
Unfortunately, accidents can happen when you're out on the road. This stylish wrist band lets runners keep important info—from names and addresses to phone numbers to allergies and other medical info—visible and available, without having a wallet bouncing around in a pocket.
Cramping happens—and when it does, nothing relieves tight muscles like a little triggerpoint massage. This handy set has a foot roller and a ball roller for pressure points, as well as two firm rollers for ironing out aching calves, glutes, quads, and back muscles. Runners will be glad to have it!
When it comes to running shorts, it's hard to beat the comfort of Lululemon. This style comes in 2.5- or 4-inch length and more than a dozen fun colors.
Now, we don't recommend buying running shoes for an established runner, unless you know the exact model they like. But for a new runner still figuring out her preferences, we love this pair by Brooks. It's a sturdy, neutral support shoe that's big on comfort.
There's possibly nothing more important for runners than staying hydrated, especially on hot days. Sometimes, water just doesn't cut it. Ghost's hydration is packed with taurine, electrolytes, potassium, magnesium, sodium citrate, Himalayan pink sea salt, and vitamin C. We're also fans of their line of whey protein in fun flavors like Chips Ahoy.
All earbuds are not created equal, and when it comes to running, it's best to look for a pair that's waterproof and made for movement. These promise 15 hours of playtime, so you won't run out of battery mid-run (the worst!).
If your favorite runner experiences some aches and pains, this compression sleeve ice pack is a great gift idea. It can easily be used on the knee, elbow, bicep, hamstring, thigh, quad, calf, or ankle.
These durable shoes are made to enhance recovery. They're supportive and cushioned to help feet recover from long runs. Kane makes their shoes, designed with a sports podiatrist, from renewable Brazilian sugarcane.
Forget the golf ball: This arch massager helps alleviate pain associated with plantar fasciitis by breaking down scar tissue and boosts circulation. It comes with a handy how-to guide and 12 weeks of virtual PT.