15 Best Running Gifts for 2019
It’s already time to think about gift giving! Other than the bitter cold, I love everything about Christmas season. The lights, hot chocolate, warmth of fires, the cheerfulness that comes with Christmas, and I love the idea of gift giving as a way to express our love and gratitude for each other. The gift doesn’t need to be expensive, but it does need to have some meaning or thoughtfulness behind it.
Do you have a runner friend or family member in your life?
The best FREE gift you can give is your gift of support. Give them the room to run, support them at their races, and appreciate their desire to be healthy and fit. That is the best gift anyone could give a runner, especially if you are a spouse or a bestie. Running is a lifestyle, and the best gift you can give your runner friends is the acknowledgment that their sport of choice is a worthy endeavor.
The next best gift would be something to help them continue growing in that sport! So today I have a list of some of my top picks for gift ideas, from books to electronics, in all price ranges, so you’re sure to find something that fits the budget you’re looking for!
ELECTRONIC IDEAS:
Give them the gift of GPS and real-time tracking
Garmin Forerunner 645
This smartwatch is advanced in many ways! It provides advanced running dynamics, uses wrist-based heart rate monitoring, and connects to your messaging, emails, and social networks. You can track pool workouts, as it’s safe for swimming and showering. Currently, I have the Garmin 235 (the nice thing is that these watches last a long time), so I have no need to upgrade just yet, but when I do, I have my sights on this watch. It has a classy look and maintains multiple functions for running, biking, and swimming.
Apple Watch
I’ll be honest, I prefer a Garmin over the Apple watch because Garmin is built specifically for the sport, but for those Apple lovers, this is a great alternative, as it is classy, looks great on the wrist, and functions for much more than just a workout. It has advanced workout metrics, GPS, and is water-resistant up to 50 meters, so it’s made for all types of exercise. One of the best features is that it functions as your phone, so you can leave your phone at home and still have all the capabilities!
Give them the gift of sound
Aftershoks Air Bluetooth Headphones
These headphones are bone conductive and sit right in front of your ears. I love them because they give such clear sound and yet hear and be aware of everything around me. I used to just pull one headphone out of my ear to have this awareness, but now I don’t have to do that, and I don’t have the string dangling below. They’re definitely worth the investment. I use them for my workouts and phone calls on the go!
Apple Air Pods with Charging Case
The alternative to the Aftershoks are the Apple Air Pods, and they are a great gift for any iphone users. They’re versatile and can be used running or in everyday living. They sit nicely in your ear and don’t just fall out randomly. They provide nice sound as well.
BOOK IDEAS:
Give them the gift of mental training
Mind Over Marathon: Overcoming Mental Barriers in the Race of Life
Running is just as much mental as it is physical, and just like we have to train our bodies to run the mileage, we also need to train our minds to think the way we want and get tough. Mind Over Marathon is not JUST a running book! It’s about discovering a dream and taking it from inception to a flourishing finish. What you’ll be giving is the gift to ignite passion and purpose in their lives, to find clarity in their unique game plan, and to build confidence in who they are! It’s a must-read for runners and non-runners alike!
Give them the gift of story
Let Your Mind Run
This book is a memoir by Deena Kastor, where she shares her story of professional running and how she had to learn to use her mind in a positive way in order to achieve the goals she had for herself. Before she learned these tactics, she almost quit on herself and her dreams. It’s captivating and full of great information but told in story form that will keep your attention from beginning to end.
Give them the gift of health
Run Fast, Eat Slow
The recipes within are yummy and fairly easy for any level, even for a non-cook like myself. I want to spend the least amount of time in the kitchen as possible, but still be able to prepare something healthy and tasty.
Give them the gift of motivation and analysis
Runner’s World Training Journal
It’s important to track our workouts so we can assess how we’re doing, where we’re improving, or where we need to make adjustments to our training. Much of this can be done online these days, but there’s something about getting it down on physical paper that helps us reflect much better on the workouts we are doing. This journal also includes the latest tips, advice, and motivation from pros to keep runners inspired all year long!
Give them the gift of audiobooks
Pay for a one-year Audible Subscription
Listening to a book while on a run is a great alternative to music! You can learn and grow at the same time as you workout by listening to a personal development book, or you can just listen to a fun non-fiction story. Sometimes it’s hard to find time to sit down and read a physical book, so this is the best of both worlds! It also livens up those runs!
ACCESSORY IDEAS:
Give them the gift of running hands-free
Hips Sister Running Belt
I love that the belt is flat and sits on my hips nicely. Most running belts move around on me, but this one does the job well. The pockets are large enough and I even use this as my glorified fanny pack when I am at events where I don’t want to lug around extra bags. I fit a little cash, my ID, credit card, and my phone in there perfectly, and you can’t even tell it’s there!
Give the gift of displaying their race swag
Runner Race Medal Wall Decor
What do you do with all your medals? Well, display them of course! You rocked your race, so why wouldn’t you want to show them off in a cute way? I love the decor that also has a way to display the bibs above the medals.
Give them the gift of accessorizing
Runner Necklace
Who doesn’t like displaying that they are a runner? Why not give them a necklace that symbolizes their sport and what they love to do? There are so many choices for necklaces, and you can also buy charms for specific races that they can add to a necklace they currently own! I have used my runner necklace as a way to display my travel races, ones that are extra special to me.
Give them the gift of massage
Foam Roller
This is a staple for every runner’s house! A foam roller is known to improve range of motion, flexibility, and mobility, as well as reduce soreness. It’s definitely a great way to loosen up those stiff running legs!
Give them the gift of winter gear
TrailHeads Fleece Ponytail Cap with Drop Down Ear Warmer
This is a great winter running option. I used to wear my headband along with my hat. I prefer a ball cap in the winter because my sunglasses fog up easily in the bitter cold, but the hat keeps the sun out of my eyes and protects my face in the rain or snow.
OTHER IDEAS:
Give them the gift of choice
- Certificate for a half marathon or full marathon of their choice (this can range between $60-$120)
- Certificate to a running store
- Certificate for a massage (all runners need these occasionally!)
There you have it. You should have no problem finding a gift for your loved runner friend or family member, and she is sure to love it!!!
If you’re a runner, what is your favorite running gift you’ve ever received, or what gift would you love to get from the list above?
Dream huge, and, remember, you are a winner. Just run YOUR race!
I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and let me know, what’s going on your Christmas list this year?
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