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The 48 Best Gifts for Runners Who Already Have a Favorite Pair of Shoes

The Best Cheap Gifts Under $30 for Runners actually RW+ Membership Benefits.

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It’s easy to think that all a runner needs is a pair of running shoes and a water bottle. But when the holidays roll around, it’s an opportunity to get them a piece of gear that can help make their miles (or recovery) more comfortable. While they likely won’t need help with the essentials, there’s plenty that can supplement their running in other ways—think hydration packs and recovery tools.

Whether you’re trying to drop not-so-subtle hints about your own Christmas wish list or you’re looking for ideas for a loved one, we have a few. Just know that you won’t find any shoes here; shoe choice is so specific and personal to each runner that, if you do want to buy them a pair, you’re better off asking and not guessing.

With that in mind, this, ahem, running list of gift ideas for runners comes with recommendations for some of our favorite gear that we’ve personally tested or comes highly recommended.

1
For More Comfort—and Fewer Blisters

Balega Blister Resist No-Show Athletic Running Socks

Blister Resist No-Show Athletic Running Socks

Whereas socks might get you an “Oh... thanks,” from many people, they’re always great gifts for runners. These Balegas, specifically, wick moisture well thanks to the mohair wool and Drynamix in their fabric. This means there’s less chance for uncomfortable chafing and blisters. That wool also retains warmth, though—good as we enter the colder months—without too much heat buildup.

2
If your giftee enjoys early morning or late night runs, this

SPIbelt Eco-Friendly Running Belt

On Sale
Eco-Friendly Running Belt

There are a few essentials everyone needs to have with them on a run—phone, wallet, keys. This belt accommodates them and stays in place without jostling or bouncing. Bonus: the comfortable, low-profile buckle.

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3
For Layering Without Bulk

Lululemon Down for It All Vest

Down for It All Vest

Your giftee can layer up for those winter runs with this water-resistant vest. Stuffed with warm down, it provides optimal warmth and protection from the wind while remaining lightweight enough to not impact speed and time. It’s available in five colors (sonic pink, cassis, pipe dream blue, raceway green, and black) and in sizes 0 to 18.

4
For More Secure Sneaks

Lock Laces Elastic No Tie Shoe Laces

Elastic No Tie Shoe Laces

Great for triathletes, kids, or people who hate tying their shoes, these Lock Laces allow them to slip on their running shoes and still have them stay secure and supportive on your feet. They also come in 13 different colors, which gives you a bunch of options if you’re trying to match a particular pair of shoes.

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5
For Protecting Tech

Knog Quokka Run Silicone Headlamp

Quokka Run Silicone Headlamp

If your giftee enjoys early morning or late night runs, this headlamp is the ideal option to make sure they’re seen by vehicles and pedestrians. There are spot, wide, and red-light modes and a translucent silicone strap for comfort. When it runs out of battery, it’s USB rechargeable.

6
For Protecting Tech

Sprigs Phone Armband

Phone Armband

Nutrition - Weight Loss phone holders can be bulky and annoying, but this design by Sprigs feels like a second skin. Rubber nubs on the inside of the sleeve ensure that it doesn’t slip. And since it’s made from stretchy fabric, it can fit almost any size phone.

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7
For the Foodie

Rodale Books Run Fast. Eat Slow.: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes Cookbook

On Sale
<i>Run Fast. Eat Slow.: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes</i> Cookbook

This cookbook, designed by pro runner Shalane Flanagan, focuses on the best foods to fuel your performance. With recipes ranging from smoothies to sandwiches to pasta to cookies, it has everything you need to nourish a hard-working body. Plus, the dishes are delicious and will leave even your non-runner friends coming back for seconds.

8
For Maximum Post-Run R&R

TriggerPoint Grid Foam Roller

Grid Foam Roller

This essential tool might just give them the most affordable massage they’ll ever get. The foam roller gets deep into stubborn knots with its range of nubs and grooves.

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9
For Protecting Their Eyes

Revo Harness Sunglasses

Harness Sunglasses

Eye protection is crucial. These best-selling sports sunglasses feature a polarized gray-based and blue mirror-coated lens to protect eyes from the sun’s rays. The best part? It doesn’t affect the view — runners can still take in the road, trail, or nature around them without manipulated colors and hues.

10
Strength Training Guide

TrailHeads Race Day Performance Running Hat

Race Day Performance Running Hat

It’s not always easy to find running hats that are comfortable and will actually stay in place while a runner is moving, but this one is a great option. It’s lightweight and breathable via the mesh-like fabric.

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11
For Keeping Thighs Comfortable

Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick

Friction Defense Stick

On longer runs, especially in the heat, friction between your legs can lead to chafing. This stick from Gold Bond is specifically designed to reduce irritation while soothing any chafed skin. Simply slide it on like a stick of deodorant and run free even on a hot, sticky day.

12
For Tunes on Busy Streets

Shokz OpenRun Headphones

OpenRun Headphones

For anyone who runs along busy roads or crowded paths, noise-canceling earbuds can end up hindering awareness. These open-ear, bone-conduction headphones mean that they can have their music and keep tabs on what’s going on around them too, since these don’t block their ears. We found that, while the sound quality isn’t as good as with typical headphones, it’s worth the tradeoff for the safety. Plus, the band lends a secure fit and we didn’t experience any undue friction from the cheekbone pads.

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13
For Sore Calves

Tiger Tail The Original 18″

The Original 18″

This muscle roller from Tiger Tail has two handles bookending a firm roller. This lets you lay into the handles and run the roller over sore, stiff muscles or nagging knots. While it may work best for legs, it does fine on arms and feet, too.

14
The Best Gifts for Triathletes

KT Tape Pro Synthetic Kinesiology Athletic Tape

On Sale
Pro Synthetic Kinesiology Athletic Tape

If your runner has banged up joints or needs a bit of help with a lingering injury, KT tape might be the added support they need for their joints, tendons, or muscles. It works by slightly lifting up the skin to increase blood flow, which can reduce soreness and pain over time.

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15
The 48 Best Gifts for Runners Who Already Have a Favorite Pair of Shoes

Loftie Smart Alarm Clock

Smart Alarm Clock

The 40 Best Fitness Gifts for Your Fittest Friends alarm clock provides a gentler wakeup with soothing sounds and energizing melodies that’ll break the sleep cycle. There’s even an adjustable nightlight to prevent unwanted falls during the night.

16
For Quick Fuel and Fun

Fuel Goods Runner Box

Runner Box

If you don’t know what to get the runner in your life, this Runner Box from Fuel Goods covers a lot of bases. The box comes with snacks, gel chews, electrolyte powders, sunscreen, and even a shaker bottle. Because each box is mostly one-off products, you can also get this for your running friend over and over again.

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17
For Relaxing Showers

Cleverfy Shower Steamers

On Sale
Shower Steamers

Just because they don’t have a bathtub doesn’t mean that washing up after a run can’t be therapeutic. These shower steamers are filled with dried plants and essential oils, which can give washing up a relaxing aromatherapy vibe.

18
For Some Much-Needed Motivation

VeloPress Believe Training Journal

On Sale
<i>Believe</i> Training Journal

Writing down your training can be both therapeutic and can help you keep better track of your progress. This journal, designed by pro Lauren Fleshman, helps keep track of weekly training, gives tips on how to improve, and even has exercises to help you assess where you are in terms of your overall fitness progress.

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19
Summer Running Gear

Coleman 4-6 Person Inflatable Outdoor SaluSpa

4-6 Person Inflatable Outdoor SaluSpa

This inflatable hot tub makes winter training recovery less frightful and more delightful. It can fit up to four people and works both indoors and out—though it does need to be 39 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer outside.

20
For Delicious Refueling

Gu Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel

On Sale
Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel

Know an endurance athlete? There’s a good chance that they already use Gu to help them get through their toughest workouts and longest races—and that makes it a great stocking stuffer, since you know it won’t go to waste.

Headshot of Tom Price
Tom Price
Reviews Editor

Tom Price is a Reviews Editor for Popular Mechanics and Runner's World Races - Places Best Products and Bicycling. Prior to his work here, he previously covered product reviews, startup news, pop culture and even professional wrestling. In his free time, he enjoys watching pretentious TV, low-brow movies, and exercising for beauty, not health. If you are interested in exploring more of his work, check out his website.

Headshot of Casey Clark
Casey Clark
Contributor

Casey Clark is a freelance consultant who is interested in beauty, health, and style-related commerce content. She learned from Hofstra University with a degree in journalism. Her work has been published in Women's Health, Better Homes & Gardens, and more.

Headshot of Gabrielle Hondorp

Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track. 

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