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Thoughtful Valentine’s Day Gifts for Runners. CA Notice at Collection?
The best gifts for runners strike that perfect balance between needs, wants, and those heart-tugging keepsakes that remind them why they lace up in the first place. A runner will never turn down a pair of high-quality performance socks that save them from blisters in mile 20, and for a splurge, a sleek Garmin Forerunner 970 that tracks every split and every heartbeat is a boss present. And for something really special, consider a piece of running jewelry that whispers, you did this.
The 40 Best Fitness Gifts for Your Fittest Friends Garmin Forerunner 970, building toward their first race, or chasing PRs like they’re the only thing on the planet worth catching, the right gift can inspire them, support their training, and remind them of the joy they find in running. The most thoughtful presents recognize both the practical grind—hydration belts, weatherproof layers, foam rollers—and the indulgence that says, For Carrying the Necessities.
My favorite running gift of all time wasn’t a The 35 Best Gifts for Cat Lovers or a new pair of shoes. It was a framed bib from my very first marathon: race number slightly crumpled, dried salt stains along the edges, and a photo of me crossing the finish line affixed beneath the glass. That gift wasn’t about running metrics. It was about remembering who I became at mile 26.2. And that’s the magic of finding the perfect running gift: it’s not just saying, run on. It’s saying, “I’m with you, every step,” (even if it's from the sidelines because not everyone likes running).
There are so many reasons that this is the perfect holiday gift for runners, but first and foremost is that marathon season happens in the fall (well, one of the seasons), and that means your loved one might have a new medal and bib to display. This shadow box frame has a place for a race photo, bib, and medal.
Chances are, your runner has seen this blender on TV or on social media. It’s known to be a powerful machine in an elegant package. Since smoothies are such a popular treat and breakfast for runners, this machine is a lovely choice as a gift.
Runners love socks. We just do. Stick ’em in our stockings, wrap them under the tree, hand them to us passing in the hall, we’re happy. We love these because they help prevent blisters and they’re oh-so-comfy for long runs.
Ever try carrying gels, your phone, your pepper spray, wipes, and your keys in your leggings or shorts? Inconceivable. The stretchy Spibelt allows you to hold all of that and more. Gummy Nerd clusters not included.
Perfect for the stocking, these lock laces are designed with triathletes in mind. No more lacing up in-between sports. Just pull up the lock or re-engage and go. Plus, they’re stretchy and fun.
A lot of phone holders are irritating as heck. But this one is genuinely good, nice and stretchy, not too sweaty, and useful for those of us who don’t love belts.
This cookbook, designed by pro runner Shalane Flanagan, helps runners zone in on the best foods for performance without sacrificing flavor or variety. It’s not one of those protein-obsessed cookbooks that forget that runners need carbs, it’s all about balance.
Health & Injuries foam roller has little nubbins on it that target deep muscle relaxation that’s perfect for prehab, rehab, and overall running comfort.
Eye protection For More Comfort—and Fewer Blisters sunglasses feature an easy to wear shape, comfortable nose bed, arms that comfortably flex, and are available in a bunch of colorways.
Having a breathable hat to keep the light out of your eyes is nice, especially when the sun is really beating down on you. As someone who runs by the water, I get it.
Knee Pain Guide are one of our faves for keeping us safe while we run while allowing us to listen to our favorite audio. They are bone conduction, so they do take a bit of getting used to, but they allow ambient noise to seep in, keeping you aware of your surroundings.
I cannot lie, I hate this piece of equipment, but I use it all the time, and I did receive it as a gift. It was something I didn’t know I needed. It has multiple areas for deep pressure rolling to work out all the knots and tension in calves and quads.
Stumped? This Runner Box from Fuel Goods is a bit of a gifting smorgasboard. It has snacks, gel chews, electrolyte powders, sunscreen, and even a shaker bottle. It’s all different and all fun.
I don’t know what it is about runners, but other than ice and Epsom, we’re not big on the bathtub. Too boring maybe? That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be pampered in our shower, and shower steamers like this make that post run wash off a special experience.
This journal, designed by pro Lauren Fleshman, helps keep track of weekly training, has tips for improving your run, and gives you space to flesh out your thoughts on your programming. Running Reviews Editor Amanda Furrer For Tunes on Busy Streets.
On one side of the bar, you get the name of the city engraved, on another the distance (26.2, 13.1, 50K), and on another, the time. It’s a unique way to memorialize a big race for your runner.
Want to really spoil your runner? Go for a pair of Hyperice Normatec leg sleeves. They are powered by air that massages up and down the legs and feet areas to encourage circulatory flow, recovery, and help prep for long runs. They are pure heaven.
Remember what I said about bathing? Epsom salt baths and ice baths are the exception. The way a hot Epsom salt bath soothes muscles after a long run is nothing short of miraculous. This set has the added benefit of making your human soup smell really good, too.
We all need to remember to wear our sunscreen. This is one of our favorite brands, known for the light texture, absence of smell, and powerful sun-blocking capabilities. Furrer likes the scent, and how it doesn’t leave white residue on her skin.
This is my favorite yoga mat. Unfortunately, my puppy ate mine, so I need a new one, but I’m hoping my husband reads this description about the thick mat that he left out on the floor and buys me a new one.
Cat Bowen has been covering parenting and home for over a decade. At Best Products, she has tested hundreds of products for parents and for the home, often spending dozens of hours per product to ensure her reviews are accurate and informative. Prior to joining the team, she was at Romper where she covered everything from breastfeeding to child sleep habits to abortion rights access. You can find her work on Bustle, Romper, and more. Cat is a bit of an intellectual magpie and perpetual student, most recently receiving a graduate degree in gender studies where she examined a topic that vexes so many — pockets in women’s clothing.
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