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When it comes to shopping for the special runner in your life, it might seem overwhelming at first. There are a lot of really rad running presents out there! But do they really need another pair of running shoes? Do they want more gadgets? Socks? The answer is always yes.
The Best Gifts for Runners - Our Top Picks
- Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre Workout
- Nordictrack Treadmill
- Crossrope Get Lean Jump Rope
- Lululemon Fast n' Free Running Hat
- Adidas Ultraboost DNA 5.0
- Lululemon Fast and Free Running Vest
- Copper Compression Plantar Fasciitis Night Sock
- Lepulse Lescale P1 Professional 8 Scale
- TRX Pro 4 System
- Dragon Alliance JAM LL H2O POLAR Sunglasses
- Born Tough Running Shorts
- Gravity Cooling Weighted Blanket
- Osprey DURO® 15
- Whoop 4.0
- Cold Plunge
- Dollar Shave Club Gelly Starter Kit
- Fast Bar Variety Pack
- Copper Compression Powerknit Ankle Sport Socks
- Janji Multipass Sling Bag
- Born Tough Running Chest Rig Bag
- Feetures Running Socks
- Barbell Apparel Joggers
- Lululemon SenseKnit Running Sleeves
- New Balance Urban Waist Pack
- Nalgene 24oz Water Bottle
- Janji Stormrunner Light Gloves
- Polar Ignite 2 Watch
- Lumen
- Oxygen Plus Sport Pack
- Hidratespark PRO Lite
- Camelbak Octane™ Dart 50 oz Hydration Pack
- Raycon Fitness Earbuds
- Moonrun Connect
- Hatch Restore
- SportRX Sunglasses
- Homedics DuoTemp Pro Percussion Massager
- Anker 313 Power Bank
- Goruck Rucker
- Triggerpoint Roller
In this comprehensive list of the best gifts for runners, you'll see products that cover a wide range of needs and price points. There are caps and gloves that would make good stocking stuffers to cutting-edge tech that will aid recovery. We choose these gifts based on things we, as runners, would want ourselves—and things we need but never buy (yes, we do need a foam roller, and owning one will get us that much closer to using it.) We made sure all of these products were functional and fun, and we know you'll find the perfect gift for all the runners on your list.
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout
Runners looking for a clean, caffeine-free pre-workout, Transparent Labs has you covered. With ingredients like citrulline malate, beta-alanine, betaine, and taurine, the mix promises to help athletes crush their runs or training sessions and take their recovery to great heights.
BUY: Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout
Nordictrack Treadmill
The best part of the Nordictrack Treadmill experience is that you hardly notice you are running on a treadmill. Every model offers interactive runs through trails around the world that are so realistic it makes you feel like you are there. And the actual experience of running on the machine is smooth and soft, making your indoor training a breeze. Don't just take our word for it, check out the thousands of five-star reviews.
Crossrope Get Lean Jump Rope
Runners looking to cardio cross-train while creating stability and strength in their calves, ankles, and feet will rejoice when they open the Crossrope Get Lean Jump Rope. It is a lightweight, stealth rope with plenty of workouts on the app that comes with it.
BUY: Crossrope Get Lean Jump Rope
Lululemon Fast and Free Women's Running Hat Elite
Every runner needs a hat, but not all hats will work for running, which is why the Fast and Free hat is the perfect gift. It's lightweight, breathable, and has reflective details to keep your speedy pal comfortable and safe.
BUY: Lululemon Fast and Free Women's Running Hat Elite
adidas Ultraboost DNA 5.0
Lightweight, sustainably made, and aesthetically sleek, the adidas Ultraboost DNA 5.0 is a fan favorite that any runner would be thrilled to receive. You won't find a shoe with better energy return and comfort, and it's great for a wide range of feet and gait types.
BUY: adidas Ultraboost DNA 5.0
Lululemon Fast and Free Running Vest
For runners going the distance, this vest can carry everything you need—hydration, phone, keys, cards, and nutrition will all fit in this stretchy and breathable vest. Elasticated sternum straps keep it from moving around, and its moisture-wicking fabric makes sure there is no discomfort or chafing.
BUY: Lululemon Fast and Free Running Vest
Copper Compression Plantar Fasciitis Night Sock
If you are constantly hearing about a runner's pain in the heel, give them the gift of healing. The Copper Compression night sock is the most comfortable sock for plantar fasciitis on the market. The best part? It actually works.
BUY: Copper Compression Plantar Fasciitis Night Sock
Lepulse Lescale P1 Professional 8 Scale
This smart scale helps runners measure and track so much more than their weight. Using a sophisticated algorithm, the Lepulse Lescale computes 20 body metrics that offer an overall body composition. This is a great buy for serious athletes.
BUY: Lepulse Lescale P1 Professional 8 Scale
TRX Pro 4 System
Runners need to cross train, and with the TRX Pro 4 System they can workout at home with equipment used by elite runners. It's easy to set up and one of the best ways to train muscles for running.
BUY: TRX Pro 4 System
Dragon Alliance JAM LL H2O POLAR Sunglasses
With the greatest lens technology in sports sunglasses, these Dragon Alliance shades are functional and luxurious. Runners will love the sharp colors and true depth perception. Plus, they look incredible on every face shape.
BUY: Dragon Alliance JAM LL H2O POLAR Sunglasses
Born Tough Running Shorts
Born Tough is known for their optimal compression that improves muscle performance and recovery. Runners love their freedom of movement. These 2-in-1 shorts come with your choice of compression shorts liner or leggings.
BUY: Born Tough Running Shorts
Gravity Cooling Weighted Blanket
A Gravity Cooling Weighted Blanket should be on everyone's list, but runners in particular will find this super soft present particularly soothing. Perfect for recovery goals, the moisture-wicking blanket comes in 15, 20, or 35-pound weights and multiple colors.
BUY: Gravity Cooling Weighted Blanket
Osprey Duro 15
For the runner who needs to stay hydrated while going long, the Osprey Duro 15 is the best hydration vest out there. It has a 2.5-liter reservoir, pockets for food and gear, and is ergonomically designed for maximum comfort even on the longest runs.
BUY: Osprey Duro 15
Whoop 4.0
Runners love data, but some runners don't want to wear a running watch 100 percent of their lives. Meet Whoop 4.0, the wearable tracking device without a screen that monitors and collects all your movement data. It looks cool and is perfect for the athlete who doesn't want to be distracted by metrics while on the move (but still wants all the info later).
BUY: Whoop 4.0
Cold Plunge
Ready to take the plunge into the most advanced recovery a runner can have? This icy tub goes wherever you need it. Just fill it up with a hose, plug it in, and set the temp to get a good chill.
BUY: Cold Plunge
Dollar Shave Club Gelly Starter Kit
A great price for a smooth shave. This bundle is an essential stocking stuffer for guys looking for clear, clean skin.
BUY: Gelly Starter Kit - 6 Blade
Fast Bar Variety Pack
Intermittent fasting is a proven weight-loss method, but if you're a runner and starving 99 percent of the time, that fasting part of the program can be tough. Introducing the Fast Bar—a nutritional food that lets you eat while you fast. The variety pack includes nuts and honey, nuts and cacao chips, and nuts and dark cacao.
Copper Compression Powerknit Ankle Sport Socks
The Copper Compression technology will enliven tired feet in these amazing running socks. The compression will help decrease inflammation and heel pain, and enhance blood flow.
BUY: Copper Compression Powerknit Ankle Sport Socks
Janji Multipass Sling Bag
You can fit everything and the kitchen sink inside the Janji Multipass Sling Bag and you will hardly notice you're carrying it with you on your runs. You can wear it slung over your shoulder or around your waist. Versatile and functional, this bag is the way of gear storage in the future.
BUY: Janji Multipass Sling Bag
Born Tough Running Chest Rig Bag
A great choice for runners who want easy access to their fuel and gear and don't want to deal with a hydration vest or fanny pack, the Born Tough Running Rig Bag is an awesome option for determined athletes. It's designed to stay in place and keep your hands free.
BUY: Born Tough Running Chest Rig Bag
Feetures Running Socks
Take your pick of any Feetures running sock and you will not be disappointed, thanks to the design (no irritating toe seam) and fabric (snug and breathable). They are durable, supportive, and made from materials that wick sweat and keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Barbell Apparel Joggers
Thanks to Barbell's Flexlite technology, these wrinkle-resistant, sweat-wicking, super comfy sweats are perfect for running, cross-training in the gym, and bopping around town. They are durable while still being lightweight. The best part? Zippered pockets to stash whatever you need.
Lululemon SenseKnit Running Sleeves
Arm sleeves are great for running in cold temps. They keep blood flowing through your biceps and forearms and support those muscles through the miles. These are made with seamless grippers that keep them in place and are flexible for ultimate range of motion.
BUY: Lululemon SenseKnit Running Sleeves
New Balance Urban Waist Pack
For the hip runner obsessed with retro looks, this adorable waist pack is the perfect accessory. Great for post-run soirees, it will keep your belongings secure.
BUY: New Balance Urban Waist Pack
Nalgene 24 oz. Water Bottle
The classic USA-made water bottle is great for any runner looking for a simple way to keep their hydration up to par. Made with BPS/BPA-free plastic, these 24-ounce bottles are built for everyday wear.
BUY: Nalgene 24 oz. Water Bottle
Janji Stormrunner Light Gloves
What sets Janji apart from other brands is their commitment to functional design. This is particularly true for these lightweight gloves which are reflective and keep hands toasty without bulk.
BUY: Janji Stormrunner Light Gloves
Polar Ignite 2 Watch
The beauty of design mixed with grade-A GPS tracking technology makes the Polar Ignite 2 watch a must-have for all runners. It offers personalized workout recommendations and activity guidance plus all the features of Polar running watches.
BUY: Polar Ignite 2 Watch
Lumen
Have you ever wondered what's going on with your metabolism? With Lumen, you can check out your fat usage versus your carb usage with unlimited measurements and personalized recommendations. It's a gamechanger for athletes looking to optimize their training.
BUY: Lumen
Oxygen Plus Sport Pack
If you want to run like you've been training at altitude without ever stepping foot anywhere over 2,000 feet above sea level, then Oxygen Plus is worth a shot. These oxygen canisters can aid in muscle recovery and keep you breathing with ease.
HidrateSpark PRO
This smart water bottle is possibly the greatest gift a runner could receive. Anyone struggling to reach hydration goals could benefit from this high-tech vessel which tells you when it's time to take a drink. An app allows you to customize the alert lights and has a special "find my water bottle" feature. Comes in plastic or stainless steel and in multiple sizes.
BUY: HidrateSpark PRO
Camelbak Octane™ Dart 50 oz Hydration Pack
The Camelbak Octane Dart is the ideal hydration pack for runners who need just a bit more than a handheld water vessel but feel a larger pack would be too much. The Dart is a crowd pleaser thanks to its super sleek, ultralight, no-bounce design.
BUY: Camelbak Octane™ Dart 50 oz Hydration Pack
Raycon Fitness Earbuds
Runners need earbuds that stay in place, which is exactly what these Raycon Fitness Earbuds do. Plus, they are waterproof, have more than 50 hours of continuous playtime, and offer three different sound profiles.
MoonRun Connect
Imagine a self-propelling treadmill with a full-body training system all connected to a video game and you get MoonRun, which is an incredible training tool for any runner looking to mix things up. Whether it's too cold, wet, or icy to run outside or gamifying training sounds better than the drudgery of treadmill miles, MoonRun is the solution.
BUY: MoonRun Connect
Hatch Restore
Give the gift of sleep. Recovery for runners is essential to peak performance, and with the technology of Restore and its Hatch app, a sound snooze is easy to achieve. It will create a bedtime routine using soundscapes, lighting, and white noise to ensure ideal rest.
BUY: Hatch Restore
SportRX Sunglasses
If the runner in your life needs a pair of sunglasses with prescription lenses, consider checking out SportRX Sunglasses for trendy and performance-ready frames. Whether you know the shape they need, want to nab a gift card, or are shopping for yourself (we won't tell), this site has beautiful styles and will work with you to get the prescription right.
BUY: SportRX Sunglasses
Homedics DuoTemp Pro Percussion Massager
Owning the Homedics DuoTemp Pro Percussion Massager is like having your very own physical therapist on demand. Treat sore or tight muscles with this incredible device, which comes with six attachments and can be customized by percussion intensity and temperature. It has battery life for up to three hours and is easily portable, so you can work on your muscles wherever you go.
BUY: Homedics DuoTemp Pro Percussion Massager
Anker 313 Power Bank
Runners have Bluetooth earbuds, phones, watches, headlamps, and a multitude of other gadgets that all rely on a charged battery. Make sure you have power wherever you go with the Anker 313 Power Bank. It's super durable and has high speed charging technology to get you out on the road within minutes.
BUY: Anker 313 Power Bank
Goruck Rucker
For the runner with aspirations of being the fittest human on earth, a rucksack is a gift that will not disappoint. And the super durable, comfortable, and field-tested Goruck Rucker is, as they say, like "a gym on your back." Who doesn't want that?
BUY: Goruck Rucker
Triggerpoint Grid 1.0 Foam Roller
With firm compression that rivals a sports massage, this roller from Trigger Point will get blood and oxygen flowing to repair muscles. We love this model because of its hollow center, shape, and durability. Anyone, from beginners to advanced rollers, will see increased mobility and pain relief.
BUY: Triggerpoint Grid 1.0 Foam Roller
FAQs About Gifts for Runners
What can I gift someone who ran a marathon?
Marathon runners are a special breed and will appreciate anything that will help get them to the next finish line. Water bottles or anything that promotes hydration make great gifts. Percussion massagers are essential for anyone covering long miles. If they are a first-time marathoner or celebrating a marathon milestone, a commemorative gift, like a framed race photo, mounted race medal, or race shirt quilt will truly touch their heart.
What do athletes like as gifts?
Athletes like gifts that will help them perform at their peak. Attire is always a good option since it's hard to wash the sweat smell away. But if you're up to thinking outside the box, recovery, nutrition, and hydration products will truly help your athlete take their training to the next level.
What are cheap gifts for runners?
Cheap present options for runners include gels, socks, hats, gloves, compression sleeves, and sports sunglasses by Goodr or Knockaround. You can also get them essentials to help them relax, things like pajamas, slippers, and even protein snacks.
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