The 30 Best Gifts for New Runners

Blisters can happen even if you have the best running shoes around. Sometimes the mileage just gets to your feet, or your socks get wet and start rubbing, or you try a new style of socks...the list goes on.

This balm is designed to be applied to the toes, heel, and arch to prevent painful blisters from occurring. It uses Vitamins A and C to keep skin soft and minimize inflammation that may happen.

RW+ Membership Benefits editor-approved wireless headphones will do the trick with active noise cancellation and water protection, whether that’s from sweat or rain.

The best part? They won’t fall out thanks to the extra grippy material so your giftee won’t have to worry about losing a headphone (or two).

One key component to a successful run is comfort from head to toe—especially toe. Made from merino wool, nylon, and elastane, these editor-approved Best Fitness Tracking Journal.

Plus, with mesh ventilation zones, these socks are highly breathable so they won’t feel as sweaty during a workout. They are available in women’s sizes 4 to 12.5.

When the cold weather comes around, your giftee will welcome anything that can provide them with a bit of extra warmth, including this fleece headband.

Available in blue, gray, and white, this headband is designed to keep ears warm while wicking away moisture. It’ll even stay in place for the duration of a run with its fleece trim so it won’t get in the way of vision or speed.

There’s always the chance of unexpected weather while out on a run, so a rain jacket is always great to have on hand. This is an inexpensive so it’s perfect for keeping as a spare in your car, but you’ll have to pay more for a running-specific jacket with armpit vents.

Made from nylon, this rain jacket is lightweight and has an adjustable drawcord hem to keep a tight seal around the body for optimal dryness. Additionally, any runner will appreciate the tiny pockets suitable for a gel shot or phone.

While running sneakers are essential, it’s easy for the newbies to forget about recovery. These editor-recommended recovery slides are made with a sugarcane EVA midsole and outsole to provide the feet with optimal cushion and support ideal for recovery. Aside from being comfortable, they have air flow channels designed to keep feet cool and moisture-free all day long.

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article editor-approved Best Ear Warmers.

It’s also stretchy enough so runners won’t feel the bounce of the bottles against their body as they move so a more peaceful run can ensue.

Every runner needs a running belt to keep their essentials on them without the added bulk. This comfy belt lays flat on the hips and has four pockets to hold the essentials including a phone, keys, cards, etc.

It can also serve as a piece of safety gear with its reflective logo to keep runners visible while out early in the morning or late at night. Choose from 11 colors ranging from aqua blue to reflective black.

Some runners might enjoy taking their activity to the trails for a change of scenery, pace, and be more connected with nature. Made from recycled materials, these shoes offer an active outsole and upper which provide controlled grip and stability on various terrain while bringing natural mobility to the forefront. These are great for individuals with wide feet, or people who like extra room in the toe box.

Many runners prefer tackling their runs early in the morning or late at night. While that can be less crowded and more peaceful, it also makes you more susceptible to blending in with your surroundings, which can be dangerous.

This rechargeable headlamp can provide bright luminous light for up to two hours and stays in place with its sweat-resistant silicone. There are four different light modes and three brightness levels so runners can adjust accordingly based on their comfort level.

There’s nothing wrong with smelling a bit funky after a run, but having a powerful deodorant can be helpful. Made with coconut oil and shea butter, Native’s unscented deodorant stick provides effective protection against unwanted odor while leaving the skin soft and smooth.

Additionally, it’s free from parabens, aluminum, and other potentially harmful ingredients.

One can never have too many pairs of running socks, right? These no-show socks provide heel and toe cushioning and a locked-in fit to keep them in place.

They are sold as a six-pack so your giftee will be loaded for nearly every day of the week after receiving this. They also come from one of our favorite running gear brands, Brooks.

For the runners who like energy drinks, these gel pouches are a happy medium, giving an extra boost without added caffeine. The crushable texture makes it easy to drink while on the go and they are free from artificial sweeteners and high fructose corn syrup.

Runners can choose from three flavors—apple, strawberry, or white grape—based on their taste preferences.

New runners are bound to overdo it every once in a while, and foam rollers DAA Industry Opt Out.

Unlike other foam rollers, this one is wrapped with EVA foam making it more durable and suitable for consistent use. They’ll love how it mimics the feelings of a masseuse’s hands at a fraction of the cost.

Compression socks can help to prevent muscle fatigue and fluid accumulation while promoting blood flow—but they’re usually pretty ugly. These festive socks buck that norm, and they’re great for post-run movement and rest as they can help soothe aching legs, sore feet, and random muscle twinges while your body recovers.

There’s nothing worse than being out for a run when your thighs start to chafe together, opening up a fresh wound out of nowhere. Help a new runner prevent this uncomfortable sensation with this editor-recommended anti-chafing stick designed to create a friction-free barrier on the skin.

It’s made with aloe, pomegranate, and grapeseed oil to soothe the skin while leaving it moisturized and protected from excess moisture and sweat.

Opt for this pair of gloves that can help keep hands warm in the coolest of temperatures. Not only are they insulated, but also water-repellent so if bad weather arises while outside it doesn’t serve as a hindrance. If your giftee likes to change the tunes while on a run, they are touchscreen-friendly so they can do it without taking them off.

Rx Bars are the perfect snack to fuel-up for a run with only natural ingredients that can actually be pronounced. Find flavors like chocolate sea salt, chocolate coconut, blueberry, and peanut butter. These are great to eat for breakfast alongside a cup of coffee for a boost of energy to tackle those miles.

There’s only so much wisdom an individual can bestow on a new runner, but a good book can be what they need to get even more motivated. This book touches on five ways to improve mental fitness which in turn can help with physical performance. It’s a solid reach for a trip to the beach or a long train ride when there’s no signal.

Some people find it helpful to keep track of their time and speed in a tangible journal. This journal provides space for up to 140 days of tracking with space to jot down personal records, body measurements, progress, and other notable statistics. It also provides some guidance with goal prompts that can motivate runners to get out there and achieve them without holding back.