Running/ Workout Gear

5 Gift Ideas for Runners

Get great gift ideas for runners, at a range of price points. These ideas are perfect for giving great Christmas gifts for runners or birthday gifts, or a random surprise! 🙂

If you’re a runner (and I know the majority of my readers are!), you know that part of its appeal is its simplicity. Just put on some running shoes and off you go. But, once you get more into the sport, you realize that the accessories are endless–and fun! And you also learn that you don’t really want to spend $8 on a pair of socks, but if you get socks in your Christmas stocking, it’s THE BEST. So here are some fun things that your runner may not want to buy themselves and a few running items that I personally can’t live without. Use this guide to treat yourself, to treat your best running buds, or to drop subtle hints to your friends and family by sharing it on Twitter and Facebook. 😉

Socks

Seriously, good socks are pricey but they make such a difference! I love Balega No Shows and SmartWool socks; don’t be fooled or turned off by the wool…they’re amazing to run in. (My mom, who has been running for 40+ years, only runs in SmartWool socks.) Price: $8-15/pair

smart wool running socks

 

Spotify or Pandora Paid Subscription

Nothing is worse than hearing a commercial when you’re right in the middle of an intense interval or pushing at the end of a long run. A paid subscription kills all the commercials so you only hear your music. I’ve had a monthly subscription to Spotify for over a year and have NEVER regretted it. You can buy a set dollar amount and your runner can redeem it towards a subscription length of their choice. I haven’t done it with Pandora but it looks easy enough. Price: $10-$50

spotify

Bluetooth headphones

I’ve been a big fan of my Koss Headphones for years, but I recently tried out these Epic Bluetooth bluetooth earbuds by JLab Audio, and I really like them when I have lots of layers in the winter. I find cords get hung up in my jacket, especially when I’m zipping and unzipping as my temperature changes throughout my run. Bonus: It’s easy to sync them to your phone. Price: $99 
SAM_2393

 

Reflective Vest

This is one of those responsible things that every runner should own, but most don’t. Show your love for your runner and his/her safety with one of these. I tried a number of them before landing on the Amphipod. It’s adjustable so it fits people of all sizes and doesn’t bounce. I’ve had mine for over 6 years. This version has flashing lights which is pretty cool too. (My best running bud has this one, and I was quite impressed when I saw it on my trip to San Fran a few weeks ago.) Price: $28 – $44, depending on whether or not you get the flashing lights.

448_lg_0_thumb

 

Slippers

Slippers feel ahhhh. I love these these Minnetonka booties and Ugg and L.L. Bean make awesome slippers too. Price: $45 (Minnetonka) – $69 (L.L. Bean) – $110 (Ugg)

 

minnetonkas

Notes:

    • Don’t forget to use eBates for all your online shopping!
    • A few of my CrossFitter gifts ideas work well for runners too, so be sure to check out that post too!
    • My gear page also has more must-have runner items. And here’s my guide from 2012 with 30 gift ideas under $30.

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119 Comments

  • Reply
    Caroline
    at

    Lots of leggings and a PR at the Mistletoe Half this weekend!

  • Reply
    Emily G.
    at

    These are all really great gifts for runners! I have some new running shoes on my Christmas list! have you tried Yurbuds? they stay in really well when running!

  • Reply
    Stephanie B.
    at

    I have a FitBit on my Christmas list – and the Pioneer Woman’s new cookbook!

  • Reply
    Michelle
    at

    I don’t really have anything on my wish list this year. I’m just excited to spend time with family.

  • Reply
    Jessica
    at

    Im ready to get back to the gym after having a baby! I want to be feeling well enough to do that.

  • Reply
    Laura
    at

    Running socks and a non bouncing reflective vest! The one I currently have flashes, but it bounces so much on my petite frame that i feel like I’m bruising after 3+ miles-LOL.

  • Reply
    jen @nutcaseinpoint
    at

    I tweeted!

  • Reply
    jen @nutcaseinpoint
    at

    I’m not sure what’s on my wish list this year. Lots of QT with my family?!! And quest bars. And beauty products. And maybe a massage?

  • Reply
    Charlotte
    at

    A new pair of running shoes!

  • Reply
    Hannah
    at

    Great ideas! I hoping for a GPS HR watch. Fingers crossed!

  • Reply
    Melissa
    at

    I would love to get some new work clothes and a planner for 2016. 🙂

  • Reply
    heather from nc
    at

    A spiralizer attachment for my Kitchen Aid mixer. Hopefully I’ll be making lots of zoodles in 2016!

  • Reply
    Kalyn
    at

    Those Balega socks are actually on my list! I bought them on a whim with my last pair of Mizuno’s and there is no turning back now. Thanks for the giveaway! Happy Holidays!

  • Reply
    Kalyn
    at

    Tweeted. 🙂

  • Reply
    Ashley
    at

    My list is focused on fitness because my goal is to prioritize healthy living! I’ve been letting everything take priority over exercise and I want to find a better balance!

  • Reply
    Courtney
    at

    The running vest & socks would be perfect for my early morning (dark!) runs! Sent those links over to my family 🙂 Bluetooth earbuds would be awesome!

  • Reply
    Liz
    at

    A pair of nike metcons are on my list!

  • Reply
    Courtney
    at

    Tweeted from @ceperk 🙂 Finger’s crossed! https://twitter.com/ceperk/status/672448268195004416

  • Reply
    stacey
    at

    bosu ball, 25# KB, 20 pound DB, um all thing fitness. Lol

  • Reply
    jen
    at

    i’d really like a fitbit–the charge hr, specifically!

  • Reply
    Laurie
    at

    I have new sneakers on my wish list!

  • Reply
    Laurie
    at

    tweeted!
    https://twitter.com/Lawbee144/status/672464540202745856

  • Reply
    Kathleen
    at

    A pair of bluetooth headphones is actually on my list so winning these would be amazing!

  • Reply
    Tracy
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    I wish for a pair of wireless earbuds!!! lol

  • Reply
    Kristie
    at

    New workout clothes, and a new, roomy gym bag! I am actually at the point in my “get fit and healthy” journey, that I hardly ever leave the house without my gym bag now! 🙂

  • Reply
    Anne
    at

    New running shoes are eternally on my list!

  • Reply
    jen
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    New running shoes and workout clothes always!

  • Reply
    Rachel K
    at

    Black booties are on the top of my wish list!

  • Reply
    sarah daniels
    at

    I really want that vivo garmin you were talking about the other day!

  • Reply
    Tara
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    I need a reflective vest and/or arm bands with led lights!

  • Reply
    Josie
    at

    I would love to have a new gym bag for Christmas! Right now I use the “let’s see if I can carry it all” method, which doesn’t work very well. 🙂 Those earbuds are really neat!

  • Reply
    Indhu
    at

    eczema free baby is what I want for this holiday season 🙂

  • Reply
    Anne
    at

    Those earbuds are on my wish list BIG TIME!!!!

  • Reply
    Tracey
    at

    Well, I just added those Balega socks to my my Wish List! 🙂 Also have some cookbooks, some movies, and wool dryer balls on there as well. Would love to try some bluetooth earbuds. I love my Yurbuds, but no wires would be nice! Thanks!

  • Reply
    Tami
    at

    A Fibit HR. I am ready to move on from my Polar chest strap! 🙂

  • Reply
    Erin A.
    at

    New earbuds are on my holiday wish list this year, too funny! I lost mine on a recent trip…sad day. So it would be totally awesome to win this pair!

  • Reply
    Kenny Hall
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    I would love a Fitbit..that is the only thing on my list this year! thank you!

  • Reply
    Kenny Hall
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    I shared the giveaway on twitter! [email protected] dot com

  • Reply
    Lauren
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    New headphones are on my list, mine are constantly falling out of my ears when I run.

  • Reply
    Denise Konkel
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    I would like some new running clothes! Thanks 🙂

  • Reply
    Mina
    at

    I need some warm socks for cold winter running. And now that I see that vest you posted about, that’s going on my list too. Mine is so old and frayed. And it bounces.

    Mina

  • Reply
    Mina
    at

    I tweeted 🙂 https://twitter.com/asimina313/status/672525600150708224

  • Reply
    Arlinda
    at

    What I want this Christmas is a new job. I lost my job in September and its been tough trying to find a new one. Here’s hoping 2016 has better opportunities.

  • Reply
    Laura
    at

    Hoping to get new running shoes!

  • Reply
    Laura
    at

    Shared on FB! (laura houston)

  • Reply
    Lauren S
    at

    Tieks are on my holiday wish list! These earbuds will be a great gift for my husband who is so hard to buy for!

  • Reply
    Veronica
    at

    Wireless earbuds are on my wish list!! They are the perfect match to my new Apple Watch 🙂

  • Reply
    Mina
    at

    I shared your FB post 🙂

  • Reply
    RLR
    at

    Great ideas! I’ll be sharing this post, and taking a closer look at those earbuds. I’ve been pondering upgrading to Bluetooth since my earbuds have a rip on the little rubbery part – and I keep yanking them out of my ears….

  • Reply
    RLR
    at

    Here’s my second comment for sharing on FB!

  • Reply
    Lynne B. Smith
    at

    Everything you just suggested! No, seriously, you can never have too many pairs of running socks. Also, on my running wish list: new earbuds!

    Merry Christmas everyone!

  • Reply
    Jayme
    at

    Hi Teri! I feel like such a stalker I have read your blog for quite a long time but never commented! I love your christmas lists, I have been looking for a great pair of bluetooth headphones but it seems like there are either brands that are rated really great (but way out of my price range) or really cheap and not highly rated.

    I am asking for new running shoes and work out wear gift cards (Lulu), because after all you can never have to many of either!

    Thanks for all your great posts!

  • Reply
    Sassypants
    at

    My wishlist is super boring- mostly kitchen items, like a tea kettle and a waffle maker. I never realized the importance of a good quality sock until I finally bit the bullet and bought some. Balegas are the BEST!

  • Reply
    Nicole
    at

    I’m in desperate need of some new running shoes!

  • Reply
    Caroline
    at

    Warm gloves for running!

  • Reply
    Lauren S
    at

    On my list is lots of yummy snacks, some candles, and the bluetooth earbuds!

  • Reply
    Jen
    at

    Wireless earbuds are on the top of my list! I have small ears and every pair I have purchased fall out or kill my ears!

  • Reply
    paige c
    at

    new snow boats and a snowboarding helmet are on my list

  • Reply
    Lisa P.
    at

    A vitamix is on my list but I don’t think Santa is going to bring me one because we bought a new house this year. I am so thankful for that blessing!

  • Reply
    Holly
    at

    I’m hoping for a Fitbit 🙂

  • Reply
    Katie M
    at

    Wireless headphones are on my list! Plus new running shoes, essential oils, a few candles, Bath & Body Works foaming hand soap, and a new iPhone. (but unless the phone fairy plays a visit, I’m pretty sure that one won’t be happening… 🙂 )

  • Reply
    Katie M
    at

    I tweeted! https://twitter.com/carrotrunr/status/672605130081083392

  • Reply
    Katie M
    at

    I shared your giveaway on facebook! https://www.facebook.com/katie.rose.581/posts/10105699783599790

  • Reply
    Tina
    at

    I’ve actually had wireless earbuds on my christmas list this year! my old earbuds died on a run a few weeks ago and I figured it was time to update to wireless.

  • Reply
    Annie
    at

    I really want a reflective running vest like the one you listed! And a CamelBak for running 🙂

  • Reply
    Jessica
    at

    A new gym bag and an upgrade in the lunchbox department — commuting and moving around campus could use the support of better bags!

  • Reply
    Julie
    at

    I’ve got video games and makeup on my wish list!

  • Reply
    Jackie
    at

    I’d like to try to Reebok Nanos-I started CrossFit earlier this year, so I added those to my Christmas list!

  • Reply
    Katie
    at

    Let’s be honest…Peace. & maybe some sleep 🙂

  • Reply
    Melissa
    at

    Sleep would be awesome…and maybe a new fitbit.

  • Reply
    Danielle
    at

    Would love some new cold weather running gear!

  • Reply
    Julie
    at

    I want a programmable crockpot & a statement necklace.

  • Reply
    Gassmama
    at

    love the list! my top wish list item is a new garmin, and brown boots comes in close second.

  • Reply
    Gassmama
    at

    I tweeted via @gassmama

  • Reply
    Kim M
    at

    I can’t decide…. maybe new running shoes?

  • Reply
    Kate M.
    at

    Topping my list are a pair of mizuno wave riders and sparkly soul headbands since I am the queen of losing those bad boys. I also need a new vacuum because adulthood.

  • Reply
    Lindsay
    at

    Always every year -a new pair of running shoes.

  • Reply
    Liz
    at

    I really want an inspiralizer to make veggie “pasta”!

  • Reply
    Leigh
    at

    Those slippers look heavenly! On my wish list is a sleep in and massage

  • Reply
    Kk
    at

    Santa baby: I want a bf! New running gear and a Garmin AND some new makeup *swak*

  • Reply
    Amy Z.
    at

    I’m hoping for a new blender!

  • Reply
    sandyhills
    at

    I would have to say wireless bluetooth speakers

  • Reply
    sandyhills
    at

    shared – https://www.facebook.com/trabajardd/posts/748276318609691

  • Reply
    sandyhills
    at

    tweeted – https://twitter.com/sandyhills25/status/672990053883248640

  • Reply
    Andrea B
    at

    I tried to keep my list simple this year and I asked for a few things that I’ve been wanting but haven’t splurged on. One thing on my list is a Himalayan salt lamp.

  • Reply
    Anie U
    at

    A pair of wireless headphones is actually on my current wishlist alongside about 50 books that I desperately want to read 🙂

  • Reply
    Natalie
    at

    I would love a nice big gym bag. The guys that work my gym’s front desk all mess with me about all my bags. Would be lovely to have everything in one spot!

  • Reply
    latanya
    at

    I would love a dishwasher

  • Reply
    latanya
    at

    https://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/673184688865964032

  • Reply
    latanya
    at

    https://www.facebook.com/latanya.thornhill/posts/10102309324671768

  • Reply
    Nicki Joseph
    at

    I asked for a sound bar for my tv and pajamas. Those slippers look so comfy!

  • Reply
    Nicki Joseph
    at

    https://twitter.com/nickij9999/status/673364074395144192

    Shared

  • Reply
    Judith
    at

    some new running gear

  • Reply
    Helen
    at

    I definitely want a good night’s sleep! Having a 5 month old makes it impossible to get uninterrupted sleep

  • Reply
    Susan
    at

    https://twitter.com/suzdev89/status/673733875617497088

  • Reply
    Susan
    at

    I am hoping for a Fitbit this year!

  • Reply
    Annie
    at

    I have a pair of gorgeous blue topaz earrings on my list!

  • Reply
    Deanna
    at

    Would love some wireless headphones for running and then when I do some HIIT in the gym — would make it much easier! Also asking for spin shoes and duck boots!

  • Reply
    Kalynn C.
    at

    A random thing on my wishlist that I would also add to this list is a big box of Gu! I go through a lot during marathon training, so I added it to my Christmas list!

  • Reply
    Diana
    at

    A good, warm pair of touchscreen gloves is on my holiday wish list! Running outside in the cold with e-tip gloves would be so much better than regular ones for switching music!

  • Reply
    Megan
    at

    I’m hoping for Bluetooth speakers

  • Reply
    [email protected]
    at

    I’m hoping for a few good pairs of compression socks!

  • Reply
    Katie
    at

    Warm running tights for winter runs!

  • Reply
    Sarah
    at

    My husband would love these ear buds!!!

    But my list is full of ideas for decorating our new house – it’s so bare!

  • Reply
    Josie
    at

    We’re remodeling our kitchen/living area after Christmas, so my wishlist has lots of home things on it. 🙂

  • Reply
    Jess @ Tinder District
    at

    I NEED an apron! I do so much baking, and somehow still don’t have one! Also, a new iPhone wouldn’t be too shabby… 😉

  • Reply
    Lauren
    at

    A new blazer from J.Crew! And manicures for life. Not gonna happen.

  • Reply
    Amanda Bowen
    at

    My all-the-time wishlist includes a pair of new running shoes!!

  • Reply
    lesley
    at

    A vacation! haha. Just kidding…kind of 🙂 I would love to upgrade my phone!

  • Reply
    Starla B
    at

    That vest is really nice- and very much needed. These headphones sounds awesome! A new laptop is on my wishlist- I need it for school so all is justified, lol!

  • Reply
    Starla B
    at

    I tweeted about this giveaway! https://twitter.com/mmstarla/status/674353450625269760

  • Reply
    Courtney
    at

    I always ask for a gift card from my favorite local running shop to buy new shoes. If I’m lucky, I also get a few pairs of my favorite drymax running socks. I also snuck a new Sonicare toothbrush and luggage on the list, not very exciting!

  • Reply
    MK
    at

    Probably a new phone because mine is cracked, the screen has black oval indents and it’s not working properly. And stamps – to send more snail mail love 🙂

    I tweeted about it (PuppiesinPurple)

  • Reply
    olviya
    at

    I’m hoping for some cute mugs/candles. 🙂 Can never have too many!

  • Reply
    olviya
    at

    I [email protected]

  • Reply
    andrey
    at

    some new workout pants would be nice. 🙂

  • Reply
    Stephanie
    at

    A couple of things I asked for was a reflective running vest and hat to keep head warm during cold morning runs.

  • Reply
    Julia Morris
    at

    I’m hoping for a new reflective vest, and a pair of trail running shoes!

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