Runners can be picky about their gear — and rightly so. Your friend’s favorite energy gel might make you feel sick, and your tried-and-true sneakers could leave another runner with shin splints. That lands runners firmly in the “hard to shop for” category, but it is still possible to find gifts for the runners in your life that they’re sure to love. I’ve been running for close to half my life — since I was a part of my middle-school track team — and have run competitively (and just for fun) for the last 15 years, so I know a thing or two about the products that are delightfully useful and the ones that are duds. (I didn’t include any running shoes on this list, because I think the best kicks are dependent on fit and feel and trying them out in person. And, of course, we’ve got a guide on how to choose the right ones for yourself.)
Drawing on my favorites, plus the input of avid runners, coaches, Strategist staffers, and other experts, I’ve compiled the best gifts for all runners — whether they’re tackling their first miles or collecting medals. To help you shop, we’ve sorted all our gift ideas by price range. And check out our other gift guides for all types of gift inspiration.
Update on December 13, 2024: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.
Gifts under $25
Experienced runners know to invest in moisture-wicking socks made from synthetics or wool, which keep you drier than cotton will and regulates temperature whether it’s hot or cold out. Strategist contributor Steven John likes this pair because, he says, “along with all the compression and support you’d expect from a good running sock, they feature a specifically anatomical design tailored to each foot.”
I keep these stroopwafels in stock in my pantry because they’re a quick way to fuel on carbs and sodium and easy to digest as a pre-run snack.
Death Cab for Cutie’s Ben Gibbard keeps this “spiky pain ball” in his bag at all times and uses it for breaking up tight muscles after long runs.
For a less-painful massage, I like this two-inch rubbery ball from Trigger Point. It has a slight squish to it that makes it more forgiving on your feet, plus a softer rubber texture that allows you to roll it on any surface.
Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami’s meditative memoir on long-distance running is a love letter to the sport that will resonate with any runner. “This is a book that truly can inspire someone to lace up and take this journey on their own,” says David Siik, the co-founder and creative director of Precision Run.
Strategist junior writer and former Division I distance runner Brenley Goertzen prefers this Cyclops-looking beanie with a removable light over a traditional headlamp because it’s “less conspicuous, very lightweight, and much more secure,” she writes.
Because they’re made from breathable, quick-drying material that doesn’t get soggy, Buffs are useful for staying warm in the winter or wicking away sweat in the summer. Professional endurance runner Susie Chan says a Buff is “great for many things, from keeping your hair out of your face to a sweatband on your wrist.”
Treat the runners in your life to this high-SPF, water-resistant sunscreen stick (a favorite of dermatologist Marnie Nussbaum) to keep their skin looking just as good as their form.
These shades are part of ultramarathoner Emily Halnon’s running kit, and she likes them because they never slip or bounce when she’s running, skiing, or climbing.
Runners in need of some mental fortitude will find it in the pages of sports journalist Alex Hutchinson’s book Endure. Hutchinson shadows elite athletes pushing the limits of human endurance, discovering that breaking barriers is as much of a psychological challenge as a physical one.
A runner who’s sidelined by injury may have more time to read, and Rebound, recommended by Running Ruminations blogger Erin Mink Garvey, will teach them how to develop the confidence, focus, and resilience to return to the sport even stronger than before.
If the runner in your life complains about toe blisters, gift them a pair of Injinjis, which prevents toe-on-toe rubbing. Farah Visslailli of Finish Line PT says they’re the only socks she can run in.
Amanda Formica, a senior instructor at Barry’s, uses this roll-on gel on her legs before and after workouts. “It has a cooling sensation, and sometimes I’ll use it before I run to help wake up the muscles, and after to help soothe them.”
When Formica wants to apply a topical cream to her legs to preemptively relieve muscle soreness before a run, she uses this foam to activate her muscles. It has more of a “mousse-like” texture, which “dries cleanly,” Formica says.
This hands-free leash attaches to your waist so it doesn’t mess with your stride. Annie Grossman — the owner and co-founder of School for the Dogs and co-founder of Store for the Dogs — says that, compared to regular leashes, this has “a little bit more flexibility so that if the dog goes to one side or the other, it’s not going to be pulling you along with him.”
Gifts under $50
Author Shalane Flanagan is a four-time Olympian and winner of the 2017 New York City Marathon. Together with runner and nutrition coach Elyse Kopecky, she has written a collection of tasty recipes (like the popular superhero muffins) specifically for runners.
Multiple physical therapists at running-focused Finish Line PT in New York City recommended the Squatty Potty, which helps make going to the bathroom a bit easier.
In the world of running caps, Ciele’s are among the most recognizable. I almost exclusively wear Ciele hats for running because they wick sweat well, don’t lose their shape, and come in dozens of different colors.
Longtime runner and Strategist newsletter editor Ashley Wolfgang says the best running-related gift she’s received is this set of massage balls. “You never know how good it feels after a run until you start using them,” Wolfgang says. “I like to roll my feet while I’m working at my desk post-runs when I don’t have that much time for recovery.”
Formica says these spacers help stretch out her foot muscles by expanding them after being in a squished state inside shoes. She heard about them from her physical therapist and “many nerdy running podcasts.”
Chris Chavez, founder of the running-commentary website and podcast network Citius Mag, swears by this discreet running belt for carrying his phone and other essentials.
In this memoir, Boston Marathon champion Des Linden recounts her historic 2018 race, plus the things that motivate her to get out the door to run. It’s a fascinating look into the psyche of a decorated runner.
These gels have a Jell-O-like texture, are easy on the stomach, and aren’t syrupy or thick like other gels.
The Bindi is small enough to fit in the back pocket of my running shorts, but it doesn’t skimp on brightness: It pumps out 200 lumens on its highest setting.
Bandit’s sleek designs geared toward competitive runners have made the brand noticeable among the urban running crowd, especially in New York City, and its mid-weight socks are one of its most popular items.
Queens Distance Runners co-founder Maria Wong says she’s gifted this vest multiple times to other runners to boost their visibility at night. “You want to be seen, and I think cars and bikes appreciate when they can see you, so they don’t run into you. It’s also a good gift because you don’t really need to know the size of the giftee.”
Devoting a few minutes to rolling out your muscles before and after each run is important for staying loose and preventing injuries. This is our top-recommended foam roller and one of my favorites.
For runners who regularly run off-road or on trails where there aren’t any fountains, a handheld water bottle lets them take their hydration on the go. David Roche, coach and founder of the Swap running team and co-author of The Happy Runner, likes that this model, with its simple and ergonomic design, isn’t a hassle to carry while running.
The runner you’re shopping for has likely already read Born to Run, so instead of gifting that title, impress them with the author’s newest book, Running With Sherman. It’s about his experience running with, and ultimately adopting, a donkey. “Honestly, I had no idea I’d ever be rooting for a donkey so much in my life,” says Erin Mink Garvey, a blogger at Running Ruminations.
Figuring out where to stash your phone and keys while running is often a hassle, especially for women whose shorts don’t have much pocket space. As a solution, Garvey likes the waterproof Koala Clip sports bra pouch. “No bounce, no chafe — can’t go wrong,” she says.
Health-conscious runners will likely prefer a gel like Spring that’s all-natural and vegan. Roche says the canaberry flavor (containing banana, strawberry, and maple syrup) is a top pick among the athletes he coaches.
For a comparable women’s pair, try these affordable Nike shorts. Former Strategist senior writer Karen Iorio Adelson has worn them for everything from 5Ks to marathons, and they’ve always been comfortable with no annoying chafing or riding up, she says.
Gifts under $100
Like most runners, I used to stuff my soaked shoes with newspaper after wet runs, but I recently upgraded to these remote-control-size fans (which don’t make any noise) that slip into my shoes or boots. My shoes are bone-dry after a few hours.
For the running obsessive in your life, consider this hat from Parisian running brand Satisfy, which makes distance apparel with a heavy emphasis on design.
I like how these packs of overnight muesli are super-easy to make (just add milk and mix in a jar) and how one pack keeps me full and satiated (there are 20 grams of protein per pack).
Janji blended cotton with polyester for a shirt that both feels good and regulates your temperature. “I love how soft and lightweight it is, while offering more warmth and coverage than a short-sleeved T-shirt,” says Adelson.
Janji’s Multipass Sling offers a ton of space to carry around your essentials, but thanks to a cross-body strap that locks it into place, you can jog or run without all the jostling. It’s the best thing I bought in 2022.
This long-sleeved shirt has a little hole on the wrist so you can view your GPS watch while still keeping your shirtsleeves pulled down to cover your hands. “I have a few of Oiselle’s tops with watch windows, and they make a huge difference in my cold-weather running,” says Adelson.
The runner in your life probably has a reliable pair of running shorts already. (If they don’t, I recommend the Tracksmith Session shorts, which I think are the best gym shorts for running.) But for all the time they don’t spend on their feet, they could use a comfier pair for relaxing around the house. These fleece-lined shorts have the heft of a classic crewneck sweatshirt and are my go-to pair for rest days.
Gifts under $200
On my rest days or when I’m hanging around the house, I throw on this cotton Tracksmith hoodie, which is the softest sweatshirt I own. It has a fleece lining that feels ultrasoft on the skin, plus an interior pocket within the kangaroo pocket that keeps my phone in place.
Even more intense than a standard foam roller (and therefore more effective), the R8 roller wraps around muscles to attack soreness from all sides. Carrie Tollefson, a member of the 2004 U.S. Olympic team and national fitness director for Moms on the Run, likes the R8 because it’s travel-friendly and lets you work all the major running muscles without having to roll on the floor.
These headphones use bone-conduction technology to deliver audio without covering up your ears, so the runner in your life can catch up on podcasts while still hearing traffic and other pedestrians.
I’ve been running in Article One frames since 2018; they’re particularly great because of the wide, grippy, yet soft nose pads, which don’t budge, even as you bob up and down and sweat.
In my roundup of the best massage guns, I picked the Theragun Mini as the best portable option. My favorite thing about it is its unique shape, which allows you to press it closer to your body and access harder-to-reach places. It’s also beloved by physical therapists, trainers, and athletes.
I recommend this device for anyone who wants a powerful massage while on the go. It’s slightly more affordable than the Theragun Mini above, and it has an angled handle like typical massage guns. Plus, it’s much quieter.
Dylan Bowman, a professional ultrarunner and participant in the Wings for Life World Run for spinal-cord-injury research, is hoping to receive a pair of Jaybird Vista earbuds that are actually designed for running since they’re a favorite among his fellow athletes. Even if the runner in your life isn’t competing in 100-mile races, they’ll appreciate that these earbuds are totally waterproof, sweatproof, and super-lightweight, and come with three interchangeable buds for getting a perfect fit.
For runners going longer distances who need more water than can fit in a handheld, this hydration vest features two soft flasks that hold a total of one liter. Tom Daly, co-founder of the running and yoga lifestyle brand District Vision, says, “Salomon cranks out the best light- and mid-weight vest packs.”
Gifts over $200
When I asked a few runner friends what gifts they’d like to receive, several mentioned a new running watch, and most singled out Garmin by name. Garmin’s Forerunner 265 running watch lets runners track their runs and check their pace, heart rate, and distance mid-run and offers the ability to preprogram interval workouts, along with lots of other features.
We included sweat- and water-resistant Jabra Elite 85t earbuds among the picks in our Best in Class roundup and especially like the button that temporarily pauses the Elite’s noise-canceling features so you can hear traffic around you or chat with your running partner.
This pair of sleeves, which inflate in different chambers to create pressure points in different areas of the leg to increase blood flow, is the best running-related purchase that Wong from Queens Distance Runners made in the last few years. “My legs feel less tired, less sore, and less tight after I use them,” she says.
“A dedicated running stroller is a luxury but can make a big difference in everyone’s enjoyment of their time on the run,” says Brian Hayes, the head of digital at the running-apparel brand Tracksmith and father of a 1-year-old. He particularly likes this Thule style because it moves smoothly, thanks to a locking front wheel and superior shock absorption.
With additional reporting by Karen Iorio Adelson.
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