The 21 Best Gifts for Runners to Make All Those Miles More Enjoyable
Avid runners adore gifts to supplement their favorite hobby. We may not all be able to understand why running miles and miles is fun for them, but we can support them by gifting them with essentials to make long runs and recovery days even better.
Whether they’re doing treadmill sprints at the gym or pounding the pavement outdoors, these are the 21 best gifts for runners.
The Best Gifts for Runners At A Glance:
Best Portable Fan: Jisulife Portable Fan
Best Recovery Shoes: Oofos Ooahh Slide Sandal
Best Blender: Vitamix 5200 Blender
Best Portable Alarm: She's Birdie Personal Safety Alarm
Best Running Belt: FlipBelt
Best Reflective Half-Zip: Nike Element Half-Zip Top
Best Windbreaker: Charles River Apparel Pullover
Best Headphones: Aftershokz Air Bone Conduction Headphones
Best Gloves: Sweaty Betty Tech Running Gloves
Best Gym Bag: Gymshark Everyday Gym Bag
Best Shoe Light: Nathan Lightspr Shoe Light
Best Beanie: Tracksmith Beanie
Best Bath Salts: Herbivore Soaking Salts
Best Foam Roller: Hypervice Vyper 3 Vibrating Foam Roller
Best Running Water Bottle: Nathan Speeddraw Plus Insulated Flask
Best Running Socks: Smartwool PHD Mid-Crew Running Socks
Best Sweatpants: Outdoor Voices All Day Sweatpant
Best Energy Gels: Honey Stinger Organic Energy Gels
Best Running Dog Leash: Stunt-Puppy Hands-Free Dog Leash
Best Fitness Watch: Fitbit Versa 2
Best Massaging Gun: Theragun Prime
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1. Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan
Best Portable Fan
In the hot summer sun, a little breeze from a fan can do wonders on a long run. This one is powered by batteries or can be recharged by a USB on your laptop.
2. Oofos Ooahh Slide Sandal
Best Recovery Shoes
They're going to love walking around in these slides after a long run thanks to the soft, supportive sole. The OOfoam technology absorbs 37 percent more impact than regular footwear for less stress on your knees and joints. Plus, they're machine washable.
3. Vitamix 5200 Blender
Best Blender
For all of those protein smoothies, this famous blender will make a velvety, evenly blended beverage in just seconds. Also, with just a drop of dish soap, this device will self-clean in just 30 seconds.
4. She's Birdie Personal Safety Alarm
Best Portable Alarm
She'll be able to feel extra safe on her outdoor run with this high-pitched, extremely loud alarm that also flashes a strobe light to draw attention to her if she's in danger or needs help.
5. FlipBelt
Best Running Belt
This stretchy unisex belt has plenty of room for running essentials, like a phone, keys, headphones and gels, and is designed to lay flat against the hip or waist to eliminate any bouncing or bulk. If your recipient is more into weight training, it makes for a pretty good gym carryall, too.
6. Nike Element Half-Zip Top
Best Reflective Half-Zip
This base layer’s Dri-Fit technology makes it ideal for late-fall runs. And it can be layered under a puffy vest once the temps start to really drop.
7. Charles River Apparel Pullover
Best Windbreaker
This lightweight jacket has all the technical features he could want (wind and water blocking technology, high-stretch fabric and zippered pockets to stash keys) while the neon yellow means he won’t blend in with the crowd.
8. AfterShokz Air Bone Conduction Headphones
Best Headphones
These wireless headphones deliver music on the ears, not in them, so the music won’t block traffic sounds on busy roads. We swear they’ll be able to hear their running playlist but passersby won’t hear a peep.
9. Sweaty Betty Tech Running Gloves
Best Gloves
Lightweight and sweat-wicking, these gloves will make posting a mid-run sunset pic easier, thanks to tech-friendly fingers and reflective details.
10. Gymshark Everyday Gym Bag
Best Gym Bag
For the gym or a weekend adventure, this all-around travel bag has enough compartments to separate sweaty clothes from office attire, plus space to stash sneakers, if vacation runs are their thing.
11. Nathan LightSpr Shoe Light
Best Shoe Light
Keep your loved ones safe in low-light conditions by gifting these water-resistant lights that clip onto the backs of shoes. Featuring three different color and lighting options (steady, flashing and fast flashing) depending on the time of day they hit the pavement.
12. Tracksmith Beanie
Best Beanie
This varsity-inspired 100-percent merino wool beanie will become a necessity during the colder months, whether she wears it on the trail or just to brunch.
13. Herbivore Soaking Salts
Best Bath Salts
We could all use an excuse for an at-home spa day. These Himalayan pink salt crystals help relax the mind and body so she can treat those calloused feet and take a break from stressing about reaching that PR.
14. Hyperice Vyper 3 Vibrating Foam Roller
Best Foam Roller
Sure, regular foam rollers are nice, but if you want to really help the runner on your list recover faster, this one uses vibrating technology that’s two times more effective in increasing flexibility and relieving muscle soreness.
15. Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Flask
Best Running Water Bottle
If your BFF is gearing up for a 2022 marathon, this leak-proof running water bottle comes with an easy-to-use cap so she can stay hydrated throughout training.
16. Smartwool PhD Mid-Crew Running Socks
Best Running Socks
Spare a runner from burnt, wind-chilled ankles with these crew-length socks that protect the exposed bit of skin where his or her pants end. Bonus points for the reinforced cushioned heel that promises to prevent blisters.
17. Outdoor Voices All Day Sweatpants
Best Sweatpants
These slim-fitting sweatpants are cozy enough to throw on after a hard workout but presentable enough to trek around town in.
18. Honey Stinger Organic Energy Gels
Best Energy Gels
Long-distance runners will be happy to find this practical mid-run fuel in their stocking.
19. Stunt Puppy Hands-Free Dog Leash
Best Running Dog Leash
Not only does this waist leash eliminate the energy (and shoulder pain) that comes with running and keeping your pup in check, but it features a clip that slides along the waist, allowing the dog to move from side to side without pulling you off track.
20. Fitbit Versa 2
Best Fitness Watch
With a larger and brighter touchscreen and a six-day battery life, this new Fitbit makes it easier for runners to monitor their fitness during workouts. Even after clocking in miles, she’ll keep it on for its touchless pay technology and built-in Amazon Alexa.
21. Theragun Prime
Best Massaging Gun
If professional athletes use this muscle treatment to relieve pain, you know it’s good enough for dad. The high-powered gadget delivers a forceful tissue massage of 60 pounds at 40 beats per second so he can finally say farewell to tight hamstrings.
RELATED: 6 Running Shoes with a Foam Sole for Your Most Comfortable Jog Ever
PureWow may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from PureWow's editorial and sales departments.
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