As a long time runner, I know there are some things we buy for ourselves because we need them, eh hem always new shoes, and somethings we REALLLLLLY want, but feel like we need a great reason to buy it. Gifts for runners might be one of my favorite lists to compile each year because I get to share ideas that often get overlooked.
Hellllllooooo holidays, birthdays and great big fat Personal Record celebrations.
With over 13 years writing on RunToTheFinish, I’ve come across tons of gift ideas and decided to update them all for 2020. Add to that my own 18 years of running experience and testing out tons and tons of gear here, I feel pretty qualified to throw out some runner gift ideas at you that will make your runner smile.
Gifts For Runners
Following are quick links to all the gift guides I’ve created and updated based on the different people in our lives!
- Running gifts under $16
- Running gifts under $25 – if you’re willing to up the budget a tiny bit
- Fitness gadgets – when you’re ready to spoil them silly
- Wellness Gift Guide (helping them recover better!)
- Gifts for Triathletes (get your runner cross training)
- Creative Gifts for Runners
- Trail Running Gifts
- Men’s Fitness Gift Guide
What to Buy a Runner?
To save you time, I’ve divided up ideas in to sections based on who you’re shopping for or budget!
You’ll find stocking stuffer ideas for your running pals and big ticket goodies for the one you super duper love.
Don’t get overwhelmed with possibilities, just cruise through the one’s that sound most like your runner and you’ll find a link to that product to check it out in more detail!
Runner Stocking Stuffer Ideas
Perfect for your running buddy, gift bags for the cross country team or well just those extra bonus gifts for your runner! Price isn’t what makes a great gift, it’s the thought and being something we actually need!! Head down farther for tips on what makes a truly great gift.
Best Gifts for New Runners
Most new runners start out on the cheap not knowing if they’ll stick to it…long time runners know that the right gear helps tremendously! Show them how much you support their adventure with these gifts (PS applies to those who have been running for years and maybe haven’t treated themselves!)
Cross Training Gifts (Creative ideas!)
Sometimes you need to get creative because it feels like your runner has everything they could possibly need. These are great runner gifts for the runner who needs to branch out or stay healthy. A great way to support them during injury.
Trail Runners Gift Guide
Does it seem like all runners should need the same things? Well some of them are the same, like Bodyglide to prevent chafing…but as I’ve learned there are different socks that keep rocks out and bigger hydration packs to haul more stuff…um like my ever increasing smart phone size.
Mens Fitness Gift Guide
Have a man in your life who refuses to give you a gift idea?! Yeah me too, so I dug high and low to find some save and splurge ideas to keep him sweating. My guy happens to be in to biking so you’ll see a few more of those things here, but likely find some ideas to get you thinking!
Fitness Gadgets Worth the Price
I’m the first to admit that I get really excited to test out new things…but I’m not one who wants to spend a lot and find out it sucks. I did the work for you to find out what’s really worth the price tag when you’re ready to splurge. Because sometimes that extra special thing is enough to boost your motivation and that’s a gift for life.
Gift Exchange Ideas
Maybe you aren’t looking for something as small as a stocking stuffer, but definitely no so big as a GPS watch. This list will stay around $25 and still help you find some stellar ideas!
What makes a good running gift?
For the non-runner, I know it seems like a lot of weird or very pricey gear to go out and pound the pavement or through winter ice storms the treadmill.
But new runners start learning that high quality gear means less discomfort.
Less discomfort means enjoying it more.
Enjoying it more means sticking to it!
BOOM quality gear is worth it!
Meanwhile, long time runners go through things like shoes faster or simply love the sport and get really excited about new gizmos and gadgets. Do we always need them? Heck no, but they motivate us and make us happy! Who doesn’t want a happier runner in their life?
A good running gift:
- Replaces something we’ve worn out (hello shoes with holes that we still love)
- Upgrades the quality of something we previously purchased (hello cheap socks)
- Spoils us in ways we would feel guilty doing on our own (oh how I’m salivating over a pricey new GPS watch)
- Gear that other runners have approved
- Gear that matches our personality (eh hem, I don’t wear camo even if it was on sale)
- Can be exchanged for the right size (it’s not your fault our feet keep getting bigger)
While it’s true that David and I for most of the last 15 years have forgone gift giving in favor of experiences like Iceland or tickets to a great show like Cirque de Solei…I still really love that moment of surprise and joy when he unwraps something that took the time to pick out because it was perfect for him.
Any fitness lover gift ideas that you’re still looking for, let me know?
Consider me your Amazon gift finder for runners, ha!! I love coming up with creative ideas!
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Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
What a great collection of gift guides! I’m looking for some ideas from friends!