The best gifts for runners aren’t always what our friends and family assume….then again sometimes they are. Shoes. We love ’em. This year our team of testers and coaches has come up with a list from cheap to spendy that will help you get us (or ourselves) something that we really want.
While we do love a good GPS watch, sometimes the things that we’re jonesing for just feel like too much to spend on ourselves on a regular basis…even if they aren’t really that expensive! Trust me these gifts for runners are all winners.
Since many of you often ask me what new runners really want whether that’s a birthday gift for runners, Christmas gifts for runners or just because we’re awesome, I’d like to help you out!
I thought I’d share some of the super fancy gizmos we love alongside the surprisingly cheap and easy running gifts that will have us leaping into your arms with a big sweaty hug!
Cheap Gifts for Runners (Under $30)
Click any of the titles below for a link to a product, I’ve tried to think through both the high-end gifts we wouldn’t buy ourselves and the littler items that still mean so much. I know your runner (eh hem you) will love these fun run gifts!
Let’s check out our top picks for the best gifts for runners in 2024.
1. Running Socks
Let’s kick it off with the first surprising item…running socks! Seriously, read on to find out why and which ones.
While this might be targeted at new runners, the truth is these are all the basics that a lot of us need. I know because every time I poll my IG audience for what running gifts would make their day, these are the items repeated over and over.
- gear to make training easier
- tools to help us train
- the gizmos we really want, but won’t buy ourselves
Of all the running gifts for runners, I swear this one sounds silly…but it’s so good.
2. Swiftwick Running Socks ($16 or Pack of 3 for $45)
That’s right we want socks. Good socks, ones that won’t lead to any chafing or blisters, don’t have weird seams, and those that can keep our feet dry and comfy!
This is definitely more expensive than the packs you can buy at Target, but one of the few investments that runners quickly learn is worth every single penny.
These moisture-wicking socks will keep their feet blister-free and provide them with one of the best running experiences ever.
If you have a new runner to buy for this might be something they haven’t treated themselves to yet and you’ll be, truly, changing their lives.
I run in the Performance Zero for that no show look, but I also like the Vibe Zero for just a smidge more cushion.
They are truly a gift of a kind for runners and wicks moisture away seamlessly!
And for the trail runners, you seriously CANNOT beat the Swiftwick National Parks socks! The designs are incredible and the slightly higher sock means less dirt in our shoes. I can safely say bikers love them, as David stole mine the moment they arrived.
3. Cotton Gloves – Race Day Necessity ($17 for a Pack)
It’s true we’d give you a sideways look for buying a cotton running shirt now, but these cheap little gloves are lifesavers on race day!
They allow us to get to the start line feeling toasty, then rip them off as needed to toss in the donation pile without guilt.
Of course, you could also double up and get them both the cheap throw-away gloves alongside a nice pair of running gloves. I’ve got a recommendation for those down below because they tend to be over that $30 mark.
4.Nuun Sport Electrolytes ($25 for 4)
Truly you have no idea how much we spend on running fuel from drinks to energy gels to post workout powders. So 100% good running gifts are often edible.
I recommend the SPORT version for use during workouts. The regular tablets don’t have enough sodium or other electrolytes in them.
If you’re a sparkling water fan, the tablet version will probably be your jam for an any time drink. Flavor is super, super mild and my husband likes this for his bike rides and it’s low in sugar.
It’s available in flavors such as citrus fruit, grape, fruit punch, lemon-lime, orange, strawberry lemonade, and watermelon along with caffeinated flavors too such as cherry limeade, fresh lime, wild berry, and mango orange.
5. Audible Membership ($15-$150)
Turns out that not only do runners love to read about running, but we’ve learned that a great audiobook is a fun way to pass the miles!
So if you have a runner friend or one in the family that regularly goes for long-distance runs, then some long-run entertainment is what they need!
Almost all runners I know would jump at a membership subscription for Audible. You get to choose from thousands of books, and there’s truly something out there for everyone!
6. Body Glide ($19)
Chafing is something all of us runners suffer from at one point or the other, and trust me it’s a big nuisance! So this is another small but non-trivial item we need to have in spades.
We need one in the car, one in our bag, one in our luggage, really we need them everywhere to ensure there’s no chance we miss out on lubing up to avoid the dreaded rub.
If you’re buying for a male runner, surprise them with nipple guards too. It’s not only funny to watch them open the gift but extremely practical as it’s a very common and painful issue for men running with a shirt!
And trust me this is not just a running gift for female runners, the guys deal with it too!
PERSONALLY while Glide is the well known brand name, I really like the Gold Bond option, it’s much smoother to go on.
7. Black Diamond Astro 300 Headlamp ($19)
Keep your runner safe on all those early mornings with this one!!
This headlamp is easy and lightweight to wear at only 1.9 ounces. Its sleek ergonomic design makes it comfortable too.
This isn’t the brightest headlamp on the market, but the brightness and medium battery life are more than sufficient for road running. It’s also a great value compared to other running headlamps as Black Diamond is a high quality brand.
It comes with three light settings including full strength, dimming, and strobe. The brightness memory feature is handy as it allows you to turn it on and off at a chosen brightness setting without reverting it back to full power.
It’s also stormproof with an IPX4 rating, so it can withstand rain and sleet from any angle while you run. An especially good one if you’re looking for gifts for ultra runners.
8.New Balance Breathe Hipster Underwear($15)
That’s right Christmas Gifts for runners have come full circle and we now want socks and underwear. We just want a much more expensive version than we may have received as a kid to help us prevent chafing and other running disasters!
When talking to athletes this is a super common thing they’re trying to find or want to test, but may not spend on themselves. So you’ll be doing them a huge favor!
Once again this is a winner for both gifts for athletic women and gifts for men that run. Trust me, it’s not as personal as you think, when you realize how much we talk about the bathroom and our nether regions.
Cheaper than so many of the other running brand names, a variety of colors and sizes, and no tags to worry about, this seamless underwear is designed to help eliminate odor (a staple I appreciate in all running gear).
✅The NB three pack wins the best value for price award.
9. Sabre Runner Pepper Spray ($12)
This company offers a ton of different options for safety gear, including alarms, small key chain packs of pepper spray and tools to PRACTICE using these. Because that is something we often overlook.
I carry the runner version because there is a handy little hand strap so I don’t have to think about it and it has a flip top, so I’m also not concerned that I will accidentally spray it.
The other thing that appealed to me is this is a spray gel. It will stick to wherever it is sprayed and lessen any blow back on me if I ever need to use it.
10. Coola tinted lip balm SPF for Running ($15)
With SPF 30 Coola is once again also a winner in my book. Love that it’s smooth and with a little tint, maybe you’ll wear it ALL the time for complete protection. Because the truth is most of us need SPF all day, not just on our run.
Runner or not, you know that we can’t live without a chapstick or lip balm of some sort. I’ve tested some really popular brands and honestly the fact that I can TASTE the chemical of the sunscreen while running was just too much of a turn off.
File this under female runner gifts where you don’ t need to know a size or distance preference, we can all use it.
11. Honey Stinger Energy Chews ($12.99 sampler)
What to get a runner for Christmas? As noted fuel is a winning gift for runners!! We often need to try out a variety of options to find the one that works best for our stomach, so you’re saving us some moohlah with offering up a new option.
Honey Stinger chews are a quick energy source designed for the body to easily break down. I recommend this brand frequently for runners who feel like they have trouble with other gels.
The chews are smaller than other chews on the market making them easy to eat and carry. I’ve also found these packages pretty easy for me to rip open with teeth while on the move.
12. Running Beanie with Ponytail Slot ($28)
If you’re runner is spending any time running through cool mornings to cold winters this is going to be a winner! It comes in multiple colors, has reflective points along the front and most importantly it’s going to help with wicking away all that sweat we’re creating!
As noted, combine with the gloves listed below to make us extra winter happy.
13. Epsom Salt Bath Bomb ($19)
OMG my friends this is one of the gifts I got most excited to receive last year. Maybe that says something about my age, but mostly about how my tired legs need some love.
Not only is it a reminder to them to pause and care for themselves, but epsom salts can help tremendously with muscle fatigue! To make it feel a little more like a special treat than a bag of salts, try one of these great bath bombs!
14. Comfytemp USB Heated Neck Wrap for Pain Relief ($23)
Whether you’re shrugging up your shoulders while running and feeling pain due to tension or simply spending a lot of time at the computer, heat is an ideal way to relax muscles.
This is a classic case where heat will do more than ice. For this, look for a heating pad that fits the neck.
This pad by Comfytemp does the job right and comes with three heat settings to allow you to adjust it according to your preferences.
15. Funny Running Mug ($19)
Trust me there’s nothing more that most runners love than making fun of ourselves for picking this crazy sport. Ok we also love a good mantra or motivational running movie.
You can pick from a variety of sayings here to keep your runner fully caffeinated this year. Another fun running gift to remind us, it’s just not that serious.
16. KT Tape for Recovery ($19-30)
As a non-runner you might scratch your head at this one, but anyone who has been around her awhile knows that I think Kinesiology tape is magic for dealing with all kinds of aches, injuries and random pains.
Listen gift ideas for runners just get weird sometimes.
In this case, we’re looking at something that will help when they mention their lower back hurts or their IT Band or they’ve got some knee pain. While we need to fix the root cause, this can often help them keep on moving!
17. Healthy Cookbook – Run Fast. Eat Slow. ($13)
Help runners discover new and delicious recipes that can fuel their training. Look for cookbooks that focus on nutrient-dense meals specifically designed for athletes.
These cookbooks are filled with mouthwatering recipes that provide the right balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to support a runner’s performance and recovery.
If you don’t know of any, then Run Fast. Eat Slow: Nourishing Recipes by Athletes by Shalene Flanagan and Elyse Kopacky is a great one to go with! Shalane Flanagan, the author, is a four-time Olympian and the 2017 New York City Marathon champion. She has created a collection of delicious recipes (like the well-known superhero muffins), especially for runners with runner and nutrition coach Elyse Kopecky.
This cookbook showcases all those recipes that any runner looking into cooking their own meals will love!
18. Aloha Bars ($30)
I often say runners have purse snacks and bag snacks and car snacks, basically we need to be fed a lot.
Aloha Bars Discount Code: AMANDABROOKS good for 20% off.
One of my favorite bar brands is the plant-based Aloha Bar. These bars are nutrient-dense with at least 14 grams of protein and healthy fats to help fuel your body. The bars are low in sugar, gluten-free, certified vegan, USDA Organic, and Non-GMO Project verified. Another plus is the sheer number of flavors.
I have verified with a bunch of folks these are legit delicious.
If you’ve never had these before, I suggest the sample pack where you can select 6 flavors to try. You’ll get 2 of each flavor for a 12-bar package.
Aloha also offers mini bars with 6 grams of protein, protein drinks with 20 grams of protein and prebiotics, and protein powders with 18 grams of protein. You can bundle and save with packages of drinks and bars.
Mid-Range Gifts for Runners ($30-$100)
All right let’s move up just a bit on the price point and you’ll start to get in to some of the gear that we’re going to use day after day after day.
19.Avanto Pro Running Chest Light ($34)
I like the way the straps are situated on this. It’s going to provide a really snug fit and ensure things aren’t bouncing all over while you’re running! It’s bright enough to help keep them moving and hands free so they can still change a song or wipe the snot from their face.
And this is so great for all of my friends who have pups they walk all winter long. No worries about something in your hand and I like not having something on my head when I’m pulling on caps.
20. Trigger Point Roller ($34)
Consider this your it hurts so good kind of running gift. They’ll absolutely think of you every time they use it. The multi-density exterior foam of the TriggerPoint GRID covers a hollow, rigid core that helps it retain its shape even when used very regularly.
There are three different surface textures on the GRID designed to mimic a massage therapist’s hand. Each serves a very specific purpose. Let’s look at what these are:
- High and firm squares: These are on each end and in the middle of the foam roller which works the muscle tissues like the fingertips.
- Long tubes: The tubular design runs in rows around the TriggerPoint GRID which acts like fingers to provide more contact when rolling.
- Low flat patches: Flat zones are meant to mimic the palms of a therapist’s hand to provide maximum surface area while rolling.
You could level up with the Vibrating version, but that’s moving in to a splurge gift ($104.
21. FlipBelt ($37)
A stellar marathon gift idea, to help carry those chews or stash away gloves or our phone, it’s really great to have something like the FlipBelt. It’s been a go to for my husband’s running for years because it doesn’t bounce around.
You can easily reach your phone, gels, and other necessities from any of the three openings in the bag’s continuous main compartment. Also, the zippered pocket is a great place to store other valuables you may want to carry.
It comes in seven sizes that fit waists from 18 to 48 inches. It stretches and pulls on like a pair of pants, so you can wear it wherever it feels best on your waist. (featured with an optional running light you can add to it as well!!)
22. Ibex Merino Wool Running Gloves ($50)
Even better, bundle up those throwaway cotton gloves with a pair of good running gloves. You have no idea how much they can improve our winter runs!
These are such great year-round gloves. Merino wool is that perfect lightweight for those chilly spring and fall mornings. It’s going to easily wick away sweat, providing just the right level of warmth.
These gloves feature a conductive material on the index finger and thumb that definitely works. I’ve worn these alot and I’m really impressed that I could fully use my phone.
A definitely winner for me. Especially because they are thin enough to also pair with another mitten when temps really drop.
The small also actually fits my hand well, even as unisex.
23. 30-Day Core Challenge ($49)
So you’ve got a runner who struggles with staying injury free… has a goal to do strength, but really has so very little time!
Welcome to a 10 minute a day plan that just works. It’s based on my decades as a certified running coach working with thousands of runners and physical therapists.
I highly recommend all runners work on their core to help with their running form and prevent injuries.
Unfortunately, we runners are notorious for neglecting our core, which subsequently leads to injuries. So, a great personalized gift would be to gift them a set of mini bands and a card saying here’s your access to this great core challenge!
It’s a unique and personal gift that’s thoughtful and truly considerate!
**If you want to buy them a gift certificate to register on their own, just shoot me an email and we can set that up.
23. Polar OH1 armband for Heart Rate Training ($59)
For any runner, a heart rate monitor can be a good running gift idea. Many folks know they need to pay more attention to it, but then also need new shoes! Lucky for you this doesn’t require knowing their size as the strap is adjustable.
It’s a great tool to improve their training and now the armband versions are so much more comfortable than traditional chest straps and way more accurate than their watch (it works with any watch!).
24. Tracksmith Brighton Base Layer ($89)
This long sleeve top is a combination of wool, nylon, and polyester. The wool is a Merino wool blend and what makes Merino wool so great is it provides good insulation, is moisture-wicking, lightweight, odor-resistant, and helps naturally regulate your body temperature.
This top is designed to be worn under a mid-layer and/or a jacket. The fabric has a more open knit around your torso, but a tighter knit in the arms to keep your extremities warmer.
I’ll say I wear this top solo for Fall and Spring days as well, it’s just a good go to piece.
25. Craft Advanced Essences Wind pants ($98)
These have become my absolute GO-TO for winter runs. Not only are they going to be super warm, but by blocking the wind I don’t spend as much time shivering! If you need gift ideas for runners living anywhere above say Louisiana, these are going to be a winner.
- Warm
- Wind Blocking
- Stay put
- Water repellent when it is snowing
- Worth every single penny for the amount they have been used and excuses eliminated.
26. Oofos OOahh Slide – ($59)
The original active recovery footwear brand, Oofos created shoes designed to help reduce load and stress and help the body recover.
Their shoes are made with OOfoam technology, which is a material that absorbs 37% more impact than traditional shoes. They are also designed to enable a more natural foot motion.
THe OOahh Slide is the next evolution on Oofos’s first sandal. The strap provides additional comfort and support, while their patented footbed helps reduce stress on knees, ankles, and joints.
The OOahh Slide comes in a wide range of colors and designs and both men’s and women’s sizes.
27. Tolco Massage Gun ($49)
It has over 42,000 reviews and is still at 4.5 stars to me that says a lot because people are hard to please!
- It also has 20 speeds making it easy to choose your power level
- Tons of massage heads for different needs
- Easy to read screen to choose your power level
- Quiet
Don’t let a cheap price make you think it can’t do the job. It can!
In fact, even the top tier options have been dropping in price. So if you’ve been waiting to find the best massage gun, now is the best time to snag it
28. Sarah Marie Run Sweatshirt ($75)
There are a million designs here and you’ll see me wearing a ton of them all year long. Her shirts speak to runners and are high quality, a win for everyone involved.
This one is a favorite and just super comfy.
29. Resilience CBD Gummies
I often refer to these as my chill pills and they are a perfect Christmas running gift for that stressed out runner in your life. Whether they need to sleep better or just calm down in the week leading up to a race, this will help.
While they are gummies that you can chew, I will suck on one with the same idea as letting the oil sit under my tongue. Having one during a super stressful day (hello visiting in-laws) or when I need help sleeping while traveling is perfect.
They aren’t going to make you high or anything like that. It literally just helps you calm down.
But basically a must on my order list.
Resilience CBD Discount code AMANDARUN20 for 20%
30. Mobo Board Balance Trainer ($89)
Have a runner that wants to get faster or a runner that deals with ankle/foot injuries? This is a winner.
“Mobo is designed to mimic the axis of pronation …how your foot actually moves. Its pretty simple: Instead of just wobbling around in space on a BOSU or a wobble board, let’s train your foot and an ankle in the way they were designed to move. Its a better learning environment for your foot for better results.”
The belief is that will better foot control, we have more power to propel off the ground and thus run faster.
31.Senita Sports Bra with Phone Pocket ($35)
Basically phone pockets are our life now. While I am partial to their baseline shorts with a pocket, I know a lot of ladies who swear by being able to shove their phone in the back of this sports bra and move on with their workout!
I also love that by shopping here you are supporting a women owned business that really focuses on quality, size inclusion and even has athletic maternity wear!
It’s cute gear at a more affordable price than many.
High-End Running Gifts ($100-$300)
Who is ready to start spoiling their runner? Even the new runner in your life is going to appreciate things on this list.
32. Nathan Pinnacle Running Hydration Vest ($180)
A hydration vest TOPS THE LIST when I ask what people want, but hate to buy for themselves! This one is more cost effective than many of them and I wore it for YEARS.
I like this particular model because it’s snug to the body and the pocket placement makes it easy to grab my phone for those must-have Instagram moments.
We’ve mastered the art of locating water fountains or stashing water bottles, but nearly everyone I know who has finally caved to try a hydration vest simply can’t go without it now.
33. Garmin 55 Entry Level Running Watch ($199)
The biggest issue I find for new runners is sticker shock when they jump to the high-end watches and think that’s what they need. Nope my friends, 90% of us are probably fine with what are now entry level watches.
They provide GPS, wrist based HR, multi-sport modes, usually pretty good battery life, features for intervals, and plenty more!
Garmin Forerunner 55 is where I would start. It’s lightweight and features a hi-res, color display.
This watch also comes with a variety of wellness tracking functions for monitoring daily sleep, distance, calories burnt, and steps. You can also calibrate your treadmill runs to make sure the data is accurate.
34. CW- X Compression Pants ($109)
While compression pants may not be the most flattering pair of tights we’ll ever tug on, they are one of the most beneficial.
The CW-X stabilityx is my top recommendation because they help with IT Band pain, knee support during long runs, and calf cramps. I’m on my third pair, I’ve worn them for so many things for so many years.
Not sure what the heck these even are, go read about compression gear here.
35. JayBird Vista 2 Earbuds ($159)
These little earbuds are a great option for anyone looking for a gift for a runner in their lives. They’re completely sweat-proof workout earphones that don’t cost an arm and leg, yet perform incredibly well!
I’ve done an entire video reviewing these, but they’re truly my current favorites and are incredible for the price. I’ve had mine for years and they just keep on going.
The Vista 2 have a 24-hour battery life and includes Active Noise Cancellation for focus, as well as SurroundSense for spatial awareness and safety when running.
This makes these a great must have running gift, since they can turn on the ANC feature in noisy areas like the gym, but have SurroundSense on when they need to be more aware of their surroundings, e.g., when running on the road.
36. Recommended Marathon Shoes ($120-$190)
Running is overall a pretty cheap sport compared to the gear needed for say skiing.
We don’t need helmets or pads or clips or claps or clops…but our running shoes, well they have gone up in price, and to be honest, we need multiple pairs (yes read about shoe rotation).
So if you sneak into our closets and find a pair that looks well worn, chances are we’ll just flip if a new pair of shoes up under the Christmas Tree.
- I’m personally a huge fan of the Saucony Kinvara for those who like a lighter shoe with a little cushion
- I recommend Hoka Skyflow for those who want a lot of cushion
- Brooks Cascadia is great for those looking to enjoy trail running
Honestly, there are a lot to choose from so if you can’t find one, then get a gift certificate to a LOCAL running store. We’ll have the added fun of talking about running when we go in to pick out our brand-new neon pair!
37. Athleta Ultimate Stash Running Leggings ($109)
Athleta always seems to have gear that just feels really great to pull on. But I’m also a big fan of their size ranges which means anyone can find a good fit for their workout.
I freaking love these running shorts with a phone pocket, so why not snag them in full length for cooler days.
They are really size inclusive and I love that!
- High-Rise
- ⅞ length with multiple inseams
- Side stash pockets with waist drop-in pocket
- SuperSonic fabric made from polyester and lycra for supportive compression and sweat-wicking
- UPF 50+ rated
- Sizes XXS-3XL
38. On Running Weather Jacket ($240)
This has been one of my top recommended pieces of running gear for the last 5 years I think! It’s light enough to be worn through all the seasons and provides enough water resistance for a light rain (or snow!).
I’ve run in this jacket for hundreds and hundreds of miles with a hydration pack and even in hail! It’s been extremely durable for the light material.
The front pocket isn’t large, but you can squeeze a phone in to it and being snug enough that it won’t then bounce around while you run. So if you don’t pull your phone out much, this has been a great option for me on some wet days.
I’m not going to lie the price point feels high, as someone who watches dollars. BUT once I averaged it out over lasting years…totally worth it. 
39. Lululemon Down For it All Jacket ($228)
If you’ve got someone running through the serious cold, this is what you want. It’s designed to move with the body, has a great collar to actually keep the neck warm and a good phone pocket!
Definitely not as flexible as the On Jacket to be used in many seasons, but truly appreciated for those of us running when the temps have dropped below freezing!! Plus since it’s Lululemon jacket, they’ll love the style and it can be a go to winter coat as well.
40. Heavy Lifting Program for Runners ($150)
Have a runner who is looking to take things to the next level? Maybe they don’t want a coach, but absolutely need a plan. Getting stronger is going to make them faster, less injury prone and yes often help with that middle age weight gain.
This is a very detailed phased training program that covers 12 weeks. It’s going to provide you with 3 strength workouts per week that are about 45 minutes, 1 mobility workout.
You’ll own the course for life and that means being able to repeat it to continue building.
Ultimate Gifts for Runners ($300+)
And now we start looking at birthday gifts for runners or some of the truly best gifts for runners who have EVERYTHING. Well everything except these awesome ideas.
41. Garmin 265 ($449)
After testing this watch, I’m actually ready to start changing my recommendation for a lot of runners from the Forerunner 55 to the 265. This AMOLED display is insane and the watch features really are a step up from the entry level watch.
It’s the watch I am asked most about when sharing photos and the one I’m using about 80% of the time right now.
This watch has all of the bells and whistles that a runner could need to do a million different things beyond running. It’s not a fancy looking as the Garmin Fenix 7s, which some lust after…but the brighter screen makes it a winner right now.
42. NordicTrack Commercial 1750 ($2499)
When you’re ready to go all in and say I LOVE YOU and I SUPPORT YOU…an at home treadmill could do the trick.
The Commercial 1750 is my favorite of all NordicTrack treadmills. It has a powerful motor, new heart rate monitoring capabilities, and a large touchscreen that rotates for programming off the treadmill.
Despite the fact that it is an at-home model, this treadmill is the one I most frequently suggest for home gyms due to its features as a commercial model. I’ve used mine for years, and it has 16,000 miles on it and has moved to 9 different locations yet still works perfectly.
The NordicTrack 1750 treadmill has a 14-inch HD adjustable touchscreen on which you can stream iFIT programming.
This is a top-of-the-line treadmill that costs a little more, but it’s not exactly high-end. For roughly $2,000, you may purchase a treadmill with all the comforts and technological capabilities of some of the best treadmills available on the market.
43. WalkingPad Double Folding Treadmill – $999
Just because they run doesn’t mean they get to move as much all day as they’d like, so here’s a great option to help them squeeze in those steps!!
A unique feature of this treadmill is it double folds making for easy storage, even in an upright position.
Walking Pad is one of the more popular brands for an under desk treadmill, especially on social media. I’ve seen a lot of great reviews and happen to like the way this one looks over some of the others. Absolutely a superficial thing, but you get it!
Unique Running Gifts
These aren’t things you can always put under the tree, but under normal circumstances are highly appreciated. Good gifts for runners may not always be a physical item because we can be picky :).
44. Race Entry ($40-$200)
You got it, we’d love to have some of our race entries covered! Not only are you saying that our crazy choices are acceptable, but you’re helping us to set some goals with that money on the line!
Triple extra bonus points if you also agree to come to cheer us on and make a big fat crazy race sign with our name on it.
It sounds silly, but at mile 14 when you’re brain is questioning everything about why you’ve signed up there’s a massive mental and emotional boost (better than any gels or snacks) from seeing you on the sidelines.
45. Massage Voucher ($150)
If you know a runner, you’ll know that we frequently have sore muscles. So anything to relieve that is going to not only make your favorite runner feel special but also pampered!
Consider gifting them a gift card from a local spa, or for some self-massage, consider getting them one of these foam rollers!
46. Baby Sitting Services ($20-$200)
One of the gifts that I know has meant so much to many of my friends is someone thinking ahead for childcare!
They’re dying for that Sunday morning time to run, but can’t always make that work without a little bit of help. Maybe you pre-pay for 10 weeks of Sunday childcare leading up to their next big race or even just volunteer to help out once a month, I guarantee they’ll be extremely appreciative.
47. 1-1 Coaching ($165/month)
Sometimes all you need is that personalized program to reach your goals and beat your PR!
If you have a runner in your life that seems to have plateaued and can’t find the motivation to run, or feel a bit lost, then one-on-one coaching is something that they’re going to thank you for!
Many runners feel that just because they’re not professional athletes, they probably don’t deserve (or need) personalized, customized training programs. But, as a running coach, I’m here to tell you that’s absolutely not true!
Every single runner at every stage of their journey can benefit from some one-on-one coaching.
So if you’re truly looking to make the runner in your life feel special, gift them a month of 1-1 coaching, and don’t forget to record their reaction when you gift it to them! A few years ago the husband of one of my now athletes emailed to say he knew she wanted it but would never sign up on her own, so we did it for her!
More great gift ideas?
Still not seeing exactly what you had in mind? Check out these other runner gift guides:
What makes a good running gift?
For the non-runner, I know it seems like a lot of weird or very pricey gear to go out and pound the pavement or through winter ice storms the treadmill.
But new runners start learning that high quality gear means less discomfort.
Less discomfort means enjoying it more.
Enjoying it more means sticking to it!
BOOM quality gear is worth it!
Meanwhile, long time runners go through things like shoes faster or simply love the sport and get really excited about new gizmos and gadgets.
Do we always need them? Heck no, but they motivate us and make us happy! Who doesn’t want a happier runner in their life?
A good running gift:
- Replaces something we’ve worn out (hello running shoes with holes that we still love)
- Upgrades the quality of something we previously purchased (hello cheap socks)
- Spoils us in ways we would feel guilty doing on our own (oh how we salivate over running belts and hydration packs)
- Gear that other runners have approved
- Gear that matches our personality (eh hem, I don’t wear camo even if it was on sale)
- Can be exchanged for the right size (it’s not your fault our feet keep getting bigger the more we run
Other ways to connect with Amanda
Instagram Daily Fun: RunToTheFinish
Facebook Community Chatter: RunToTheFinish
Sign Up to Receive a Weekly Newsletter with Top Running Tips and Laughs
