7 Of The Best Gifts For Runners This Christmas

The holiday season is upon us and you know what that means — buying gifts for loved ones! We understand that this time of year can get pretty overwhelming at the best of times, which is why we’re here to help. 

We’ve come up with the ultimate list of gifts for runners, to help deal with any stress that might come from present-buying this festive season. 

The ultimate gifts for runners

The beauty of these gifts for runners is that they can suit a range of budgets, depending on the style, brand and type.

No matter what your price range, we’ve got you covered with this runner’s gift guide. Here are 7 of the top gifts for runners that you can buy this giving season:

1. Fitness tracker

Budget: $$$$ – $$$$$

When it comes to buying gifts for runners, you can’t go past a fitness tracker that helps them to track their runs, heart rate and distance and get closer to reaching their goals. 

However, just be mindful that every runner is different and the features they may want in a fitness tracker will differ!  Choosing the best fitness tracker for someone else isn’t always easy, especially if they’re a serious runner or picky with their devices! If this is the case, a voucher for one could be a preferable option.

2. Wireless headphones

Budget: $$$ – $$$$$

The price tag for wireless headphones all depends on which brand you opt for. While there are definitely a number of costly headphones on the market, you might be surprised how many cheaper options are available too. 

Again, this depends on the preferences of your loved one. You can look for wireless earbuds, or over-the-ear headphones. Try to find out what they like before committing to buy — there are so many options available now due to the popularity of wireless headphones, so it’s worth doing your research and finding the best quality for your price range.

3. Running accessories

Budget: $ – $$$$

Does the weather get super cold where you live? Ear-warming headbands, gloves or fitness thermals could be suitable gifts for runners. 

Alternatively, if it’s a warmer climate, like it is right now in Australia, a good pair of lightweight, slip-proof running sunglasses are a great long-term investment. Just keep in mind that they can come with a hefty price tag! 

If you’re after a more budget-friendly option, a running cap or visor will also benefit runs and make good gifts for runners. For better sun protection, you are best off choosing a cap, just be mindful that on really hot days this can trap the heat in and might not be something that a really serious runner would use during their performance runs. 

4. Activewear  

Budget: $ – $$$$

Activewear is one of the best gifts for runners that you can buy. Why? Because you will definitely find something that suits your budget, as well as your loved one’s style. There are plenty of athletic clothes to choose from, depending on how much you want to spend.

If you’re after a stocking filler or have a budget on the lower end, a decent pair of socks is also a great investment for the runner in your life. Nothing is worse than heels rubbing against the back of your shoe and causing blisters! You might be surprised how a good pair of shoes and socks can help someone run faster and more efficiently.

5. Massage voucher

Budget: $$$ – $$$$ Massage vouchers are excellent gifts for runners — not only are they a great way to relax but they can help maximise recovery and loosen up muscles and fascial tightness. 

Massage vouchers can be a really thoughtful gift, even if your loved one isn’t a runner, because quite often people might not think to indulge in a service like this, or may not wish to spend the money on themselves. There’s nothing better than blocking out some time for a massage, where you are forced to be present, relax and let go of distractions. They’ll love you for it! 

A massage is also a versatile gift because even if the person you are buying for doesn’t live in the same city as you, quite often businesses have franchises elsewhere, or you can buy a gift voucher online. This can then save them having to cart heavy gifts back home in their luggage!

6. Fanny packs (bum bags)  

Budget: $ – $$$

Now don’t laugh this one off just yet! If you’re not a runner yourself, you might not realise just how many gifts for runners there are out there in the form of running accessories! Running fanny packs (or bum bags, as we call them in Australia) are one of them — and we don’t mean the chunky, zip-up kind.

These bags come in a variety of styles, colours and materials and can be great gifts for runners. They come in a range of materials and shapes and can be subtly worn underneath clothing (similar to how a money belt works), allowing runners to store their keys, snacks, money, credit cards, or even phone. This can make the running experience a lot easier and less weighed down compared to wearing the velcro arm-bands that pocket your phone.

Best of all? There are plenty of inexpensive options available. Doing your research means you can try to find a bum bag that you think might suit your loved one’s tastes and running needs. 

7. Foam roller

Budget: $-$$

Foam rollers are great gifts for runners because they help with muscle recovery. Recovering properly is so important, no matter what type of runner your loved one might be. 

There are so many benefits of foam rolling. Regular foam rolling releases muscle and fascial tightness, increases blood flow and oxygen to the tissue, lengthens muscles and helps to break up ‘knots’ that can form. This can promote better range of movement and help prevent injury due to muscle tightness — something that is essential for anyone who wants to make the most of their running performance (or fitness performance in general).

Foam rollers come in a variety of textures, colours and prices, so it’s easy to find one that will suit your loved one’s tastes and needs, as well as your budget.

Make their wish-list come true this holiday season

While this list focuses on the best gifts for runners, these present ideas are suitable for anyone who shows interest in their health and fitness, or has a regular fitness hobby. Whether they’re training for a marathon, or love to do HIIT workouts, all of these gifts can be of benefit to them.

While a lot of these gifts for runners can be costly, one suggestion we have is to consider ways to split the cost. Is a family member someone who likes to run?  Why not reach out to other family members to chip in together and take some of the hassle out of buying? While this may not be possible for everyone, it can make things easier when trying to find gifts for runners, or other fitness enthusiasts.

What other gifts for runners can you suggest that that haven’t made this list? Let us know in the comments below!