How to Choose a Gift for a Runner

Especially if you're not a runner, you may find yourself puzzling over what gift to give to a special runner in your life. There are many options, some common ones including equipment, gadgets, and other running related items. With so many possibilities, you'll be sure to find something suitable to give as a gift.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Buying Equipment for Runners

1
Give shoes to frequent runners. Frequent runners can go through shoes very quickly. This can be a major expense, and the gift of a new pair of shoes would likely be appreciated. However, runners can be particular about their footwear. You may want to:
- Ask your runner which pair of shoes is their favorite. Check the size of those shoes when the runner isn't looking, and you'll have all the information you'll need to purchase the shoes.
- Buy a gift certificate to a local running or sports store. This way your runner can go to the store and try on potential new shoes before making a purchase.^{[1]XResearch source}
2
Offer gifts that improve foot comfort. In addition to going through shoes quickly, runners also have a tendency to wear out insoles and socks. Extra socks and insoles will save your runner on this expense.
- Your runner might prefer a certain kind of insole. You might ask them directly which insole they prefer, but you could also look for a label on insoles already in their shoes.
3
Select a self-massaging machine as a gift. Runners who can't afford the expense of a regular massage after running might enjoy a self-massaging machine. There are many different makes and models of this kind of machine, so you should research potential options first before buying one.
- Reviews for products can sometimes be misleading. For the most accurate evaluation of a self-massaging machine, you may want to test it out.
- Self-massaging machines can be found at many general retailers, big box stores, and self-care/beauty shops.
- Foam rollers and massage balls are an affordable alternative to a self-massaging machines.
4
Invest in the gift of dryness. Outdoor and cross country runners, at some point, will probably have to run in rain. A light, breathable, waterproof jacket can make rain runs less unpleasant.^{[2]XExpert SourceKai Ng
Certified Running CoachExpert Interview. 12 February 2021.} Other useful rain gear you could offer as a gift includes:
- Brimmed hats. These will help prevent rainwater from getting into the eyes when running.
- Reflective clothing/tape. Visibility is often limited in the rain. A reflective vest or reflective tape applied to clothing will make runners more visible.
5
Prevent chafing by giving moisture wicking clothing. Moisture on your skin for long period of time, especially when the wet area is being rubbed with fabric, can cause skin to chafe or blister.^{[3]XResearch source} Clothing that "wicks" pulls moisture (like sweat) away from the skin to the outer layer of the fabric.^{[4]XResearch source}^{[5]XExpert SourceKai Ng
Certified Running CoachExpert Interview. 12 February 2021.}
- Chafing can also be prevented with petroleum jelly or similar products, like Vaseline or Body Glide. You might include one of these anti-chafing products with your gift.
- Polyester and nylon are moisture-wicking fabrics, while cotton is not.^{[6]XExpert SourceKai Ng
  Certified Running CoachExpert Interview. 12 February 2021.}
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Purchasing Gadgets for Runners

1
Help your runner track their progress. Fitness trackers are small devices that can be worn on the body to help track health goals and progress. These are often small, lightweight, and durable, which are features any runner would appreciate.
- You can find fitness trackers at most sports, fitness, and technology stores. These gadgets can cost anywhere from $20 to over $300.^{[7]XResearch source}
2
Give a smartwatch or GPS running watch as a gift. Smartwatches can be a little pricey, but they are less bulky, more durable, and lighter than traditional cell phones. Specialty watches for runners with built in GPS trackers are similar to smartwatches, though the functions of GPS watches are generally limited to telling the time and recording running related activities.
- More affordable models of smartwatch or GPS running watch may not include a heart rate monitor and may only record limited data on your run.
- More expensive models of this kind of device generally record more information and sometimes allow you to select different modes of activity, like running, walking, cycling, and so on.^{[8]XResearch source}
3
Buy a smartphone running app for your runner. There are many running related apps that your runner might find useful on their cell phone or digital device. If your runner takes their cell phone with them on runs, a suitable app might make the perfect gift.
- Some common running apps you might want to consider include: Runkeeper, Rungo, Zombies Run, adidas Train & Run, Runtastic, Strava, and the Nike+ Running App.^{[9]XResearch source}
4
Protect your runner's tech with waterproof cases. If you know that your runner likes to run with technology, like a cell phone, MP3 player, and so on, the gift of a waterproof case can prevent a costly expense. Sweat or moisture can cause technology to break, but a waterproof case will protect against this.
- Waterproof cases can be found in the technology section of most general retailers, at sports/fitness stores, and at most technology stores.^{[10]XResearch source}
5
Let there be LED light. Even during daytime, clouds or deep shadows can make outdoor runners difficult to see. Many runners wear LED lights to prevent accidental collisions. You might purchase one of these or a handheld running light. Handheld running lights often have straps to hold the light securely to your body or wrist.
- With a running light, your runner will be able to see potential obstacles better, like roots and uneven pavement, when it starts getting dark.^{[11]XResearch source}
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Giving Running Related Gifts

1
Purchase a massage for your runner. Running can cause muscular aches, especially if your runner is pushing themselves to meet a new goal or train for a difficult race. Check local massage establishments around you to see if you can buy a future massage or gift certificate for your runner.
- You may want to check with your runner or their friends about the massage before purchasing it. Some people are uncomfortable allowing other people, even professional massage therapists, touch them.
2
Choose books on running for a gift. Running books can provide motivation, offer tips on form, and can help your runner troubleshoot problems that arise, like soreness, sprains, and more. You should be able to find these at your local bookstore or online. Some titles you might want to consider include:
- Run Faster, by Brad Hudson and Matt Fitzgerald.
- Daniels' Running Formula, by Jack Daniels.
- Chi Running: A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-Free Running, by Danny Dreyer.
- What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, by Haruki Murakami.
- Running and Being: The Total Experience, by Dr. George Sheehan.^{[12]XResearch source}
3
Invest in a training plan. Training plans are a way to help your runner achieve their goals. Additionally, a fitness plan put together by an expert, like a coach, fitness website, or training group, will isolate trouble areas your runner might have.
- To keep this gift a secret, you might have to ask your runner about their goals and use these to choose a suitable, pre-made plan.
- Some coaches, websites, and training groups may offer training plan gift certificates. This way, your runner can put together their ideal plan with an expert.
You may have noticed that every year your runner runs the same race. This is a perfect gift opportunity, as enrolling in races usually requires a fee. Ask your runner if they've already paid for the race in question, and if they have not, pay their fee as a gift.
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Expert Q&A

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Question
What does a runner want for Christmas?
Kai Ng
Certified Running Coach
Kai Ng is a USATF and RRCA Certified Running Coach at Run Coach Kai. Kai has competed in over 55 races and over 15 marathons, and has trained with 16x USA and World record holder Patti Catalano Dillonso. He specializes in coaching runners of all levels and showing people that everyone can be a runner. Kai is committed to helping his clients reach their goals by showing them how to run with proper form and holding them accountable to train consistently.
Kai Ng
Certified Running Coach
Expert Answer
A runner might love a fuel belt or a hydration vest, which can hold water bottles on your chest.
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Question
What are the best clothes for running in cold weather?
Kai Ng
Certified Running Coach
Kai Ng is a USATF and RRCA Certified Running Coach at Run Coach Kai. Kai has competed in over 55 races and over 15 marathons, and has trained with 16x USA and World record holder Patti Catalano Dillonso. He specializes in coaching runners of all levels and showing people that everyone can be a runner. Kai is committed to helping his clients reach their goals by showing them how to run with proper form and holding them accountable to train consistently.
Kai Ng
Certified Running Coach
Expert Answer
Give your runner friend or loved a long-sleeved, moisture-wicking shirt that they can layer. Look for shirts made of polyester or nylon, which won't absorb any sweat.
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