Christmas Gifts: 15 Best Gifts for Runners
The
holiday season is approaching and finding the perfect gift for a runner can be
a struggle, especially if you are not a runner yourself. It is easy to assume that the only things
they're going to want are running shoes. Fortunately, there are many other good gift
ideas that provide comfort or help runners recover more quickly from long runs
or races.
Compression Garments
Compression
shorts, socks, sleeves, and pants are all the rage in the running community
because of their comfortable materials, styles, and colors that coordinate with
their running attire. Compression gear
squeezes ever so gently to enhance circulation, help reduce swelling, and aid
in optimal recovery while wicking sweat from your body. While compression gear can get a little pricy,
they’re a highly recommended gift because they provide a layer of protection
from the winter weather. Prices range from
$7 to $258.
Running Watch
A running
watch is at the top of every runner’s gift list for a very good reason: it
provides information on time, distance, heart rate, and more. The watch help runners set goals and measure their progress without
using pen and paper. They
can simply download the data onto a computer and view whatever information they
want. So if you want to splurge a
little, a sports watch is probably the most exciting gift that any beginning or
experienced runner would want. Prices
range from $150 to $400.
Music Player
If your runner likes to
listen to music or audio books during their workouts, a music player may be the
ideal running gift. While many runners opt to listen to music from their smart phone,
the concern is that the sweat and moisture may cause unintended damage. MP3 music players are inexpensive and a
durable alternative, which allows runners to still play their favorite music to
stay motivated. There are a lot of great
choices with some of the best MP3 players being reasonably priced and most
offering quality sound. Prices range from $30 to $490.
Hydration Belt/Pack
Proper
hydration is one of the key elements to any runner performing at their peak
whether training for a 10k or 26.2 marathon. Depending
on your runner, a handheld 12-ounce water bottle with a pouch is a
useful gift for runners of all levels. They
come with an adjustable strap that tightens to your hand so you can run without
actually having to grip the bottle. However,
a handheld water bottle simply does not carry enough water for a long distance
runner. It would require too many pit
stops to refill. Long distance runners tend to use hydrations packs/belts, which will
allow them to run greater distances and still remain hydrated. Generally, hydration systems hold between 18
and 100 ounces of fluid and include pockets to carry food, cash, a phone, and other
essentials. A hydration pack is an excellent
marathon gift choice for a distance runner. Prices range from $10 to $265.
Massage/Spa Gift Certificate
After months of
training and running the big race, their body is in need of some special care
and this is a unique post-run gift. Not
only does a massage feel good, but it helps restore flexibility, reduces muscle
soreness, and promotes injury healing. Whatever the running level, a gift
certificate to a local spa or sports massage therapist is always a good gift
idea. Prices range from $100 to over
$500.
Running Book
Running books are the best
gifts for runners for under $15 that provide helpful running tips on every
topic from marathon training and running form to nutrition and running workouts
from experienced runners. There are tons
of books and eBooks available on Amazon. Just put a gift certificate in a gift bag and
let your runner pick the books that they want. Prices range from $6 to $14.
Marathon Gift Basket for Runners
A
gift basket for runners is designed to provide many of the essential
nutritional products runners need so that they can carb load before and
replenish vital nutrients after a grueling run or interval training. Also, they contain runner’s favorite brands
of energy gels, recovery protein bars, water, energy drinks, and more
conveniently in one package. If you’re
not too sure what gift to give to celebrate their race, get them a gift basket
and it will show your support. Prices
range from $30 to $160.
Pedicure Treatment
The feet are a runner’s most
important feature and they take quite a beating while
running. All that pounding adds up to sore feet,
blackened toenails, and tired ankles. A good foot scrub, massage, and pedicure will
be welcome gifts for female or male runners from time to time. Most local spas sell gift certificates. Prices range from $25 to $50.
Running T-shirt
A
technical shirt is an important part of any runner’s running apparel. A shirt protects the runner’s skin from the
elements while it wicks away sweat during running sessions. Look for a lightweight, breathable
performance t-shirt made of 100% polyester, mesh, or similar synthetic fabrics.
When choosing colors, runners seem to
prefer brighter colors. Avoid selecting
cotton t-shirts because they become heavy once they become wet and the constant
rubbing during a long run causes chafing. A running shirt is a good gift for under $25
that will keep them inspired. Prices range
from under $25 to $70.
Marathon Display Case/Metal Holder
Do your runners have a fair number of cherished race metals
accumulating on a doorknob or inside a shoebox? Why not give them this unique running gift to display
their most memorable metal and race bib. A well-crafted medal display framing kit can
be assembled within 10 minutes. If they
have lots of race metals, a customized metal holder with several hooks would be
the better option. Hung on a wall, it’s a daily remainder of their most
proud achievements and amazingly inspirational for friends and family to see. Check them out on Amazon. Pricing ranges from $40 to $140.
Gym Bag for Runners
Runners
need a good gym bag to stow their running shoes, towels, and other essentials
on trips to the gym or travelling to race events. A stylish sports bag is a functional present
for runners that travel a lot or participate in multiple races each year. You can choose from the smaller sack pack-type
bags or the larger traditional gym bags.
Prices range from under $20 to $80.
Massage Stick/Foam Roller
If the
runner in your life doesn’t yet own a foam roller/stick, this is a must-have
running gift. Runners use this recovery
tool to self-massage sore, tight muscles and help
prevent injuries. It’s particularly effective at increasing flexibility and
accelerating muscle recovery. This is a nice running gift that every runner should have
and it is small enough to fit into a runner’s gym bag. Prices range from $10 to $160.
Running-themed Gift Coffee Mug
What
better way to start a runner’s day off than with a cup of coffee or tea from
their favorite coffee mug? This
motivational mug is perfect for the running and fitness enthusiast who needs
that pre-workout boost. Prices range
from $10 to $20.
Reflective Running Gear
With most
runner’s busy schedules and longer nights, running workouts happen either during
the early morning or in the evening after dark. Runners simply must have reflective running
gear to increase their visibility to protect themselves from distracted
drivers. Get a reflective vest, headlamp, strobe lights, or bright and reflective clothing so they can be seen out
on the road. Prices range from $20 to $100.
Running Sunglasses
Running
sunglasses not only look super cool, but they protect the runner’s eyes from
harmful sun rays. A good pair of
sunglasses won’t slip and glasses should be shatterproof and durable. Prices range from under $20 to $300.
Other Notable Stocking Stuffers
Running socks – Comfortable socks are a runner's best friend. Extra padding on the ball and heel of the foot
provide maximum comfort and protection against blisters. Prices range from $10 to $65.
Running gloves – These
gloves are made of breathable and moisture wicking fabric to keep your hands
dry from moisture. Prices range from $10
to $80.
Hats/head bands – It’s a good
fashionable accessory to wear year-round to protect runners from direct sunlight and
keep hair and sweat away from their face. Prices range from $15 to $50.
Running Ear Phones – For music
lovers, running with quality ear phones is a must. They are compatible with most portable devices
and smart phones.
Nutrition – Protein
bars, energy gels, and electrolytes are popular among runners as they provide
the nutrients lost during a run. Prices
range from $1 to $30.
Final Thoughts
This
gift list was written to share some running gift ideas that will make your
special runner happy when they unwrap their present on Christmas day or on any
special occasion.
No comments:
Post a Comment