37 Gifts for Runners That Will Push Them The Extra Mile

By Laura Fiebert | Updated: November 11, 2023

    Runners can be picky about the gear they use, so as a runner, I came up with my favorite gift ideas runners will love. This gift guide has must-haves for runners of all experience levels, from new runners breaking their first mile to health fanatics to marathon runners. So, if you are looking for a gift for your favorite runner, our gift guide has the best gifts for runners.

  1. Flipbelt
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    The FlipBelt is a straightforward but revolutionary product to go hands-free. Made of machine-washable high-tech Spandex-Lycra blend material with an internal pocket system accessible from four openings around the belt’s exterior. The four pockets let you easily tuck in your phone, keys, gel packs, credit cards, or whatever you need for your workout. Then, you flip the belt inside out, and everything gets locked in place—the perfect gift for any runner friend.

  3. Instant Happy Feet Gift Set
  4. If not looked after properly, runners can have nasty feet, blisters, dry skin, and callouses. But part of the reason we run is to look good naked, including our feet. So help the runner in your life keep their feet as sexy as the rest with this gift. This kit comprises a relaxing foot soak, salt and sand foot scrub, peppermint foot butter, and a pumice stone—the perfect post-run self-care routine.

  5. Cooling Towel
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    Stay in the game and beat the heat with this cooling towel. With this cooling towel, you can take on the heat in seconds. Soak it. Wring it. Cool Down. It’s that simple. Is the towel warming back up? Just rinse and repeat! So what’s holding you back? Get going and start crushing.

  7. Shoe Lace Charms
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    Shoe tags for the running enthusiast! Perfect for cross country and track teams, trainers, coaches, or running buddies. This is the perfect inspirational gift for yourself or a friend who needs encouragement. A great gift before the first marathon!

  9. Foam Roller Massager
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    Foam rolling is essential for runners. It can help decrease recovery time and relieve soreness. In addition, using a foam roller regularly reduces muscle tension in tight spots like hamstrings. A foam roller and similar tools can provide some benefits of deep-tissue massage by relieving muscle tension in chronically tight areas. 

  11. Race Bib and Medal Holder
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    Finally, an all-in-one display for your race bibs and race medals will surely wow. Our Race Medal & Bib Display turns your race bibs and medals into a work of art on your wall. Easily slide your awards onto the lower bar of the hanger, and your race bibs quickly hook onto the upper portion of the display. It can hold up to 100 medals and over 200 bibs—the perfect gift for anyone who loves marathons and half marathons.

  13. Marathon Etched Glass
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    Mile after grueling mile, what’s on a marathoner’s mind? It might be the most deliciously well-deserved beverage imaginable—the post-marathon beer. And never has there been a more suitable glass for it. Brian Johnson’s classic pint glasses are beautifully etched with the famous routes and surrounding city maps of top marathons, finish line coordinates, and the date of the inaugural race—a unique gift for runners.

  15. The Best Running Insoles
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    Even if you’ve found the perfect running shoes, correct can make them feel even better. Thanks to their Dynamic Arch Technology (DAT) combined with superior cushioning, the RunPro delivers 3D contact to activate your 70,000-foot nerves. That means sensational comfort, optimized motion, reduced injuries, and enhanced stability for greater confidence. A practical running gift their feet will be thanking you for.

  17. Amphipod Water Bottle
  18. Hydration is key! I have used one of these water bottles for years and will never use anything else. The strap on the bottle allows you to keep hold of it without gripping it. You just put your hand through the belt, and it’s tight enough that you don’t have to hold the bottle.

    If you think this is no big deal, try running with a Poland Spring bottle and see how it feels. This bottle is 20 ounces, which gets me through August in New Orleans runs, so it should hold enough for anyone. Also, the bottle is BPA-free.

  19. Run Fast, Eat Slow
  20. You can’t outrun a bad diet, so even the most dedicated runners must eat well. But that doesn’t mean a diet of protein shakes, brown rice, chicken breast, and broccoli. Instead, run Fast, Eat Slow recipes combine the nutrition runners need with the flavor that foodies require. 

  21. Ultra Pocket Hat
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    This hat is excellent if you must keep the sun off your face when running. It has two zipped pockets to hold your keys, ID, and cash, is made of moisture-wicking fabric, and is edged with reflective material for better visibility in the dark. 

  23. Dr. Bronner’s Hemp Oil Balm
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    Anyone in health and wellness is familiar with Dr. Bronner’s products. They are organic and don’t come into contact with nasty chemicals, dyes, or artificial fragrances. This balm is made from organic beeswax, organic coconut, avocado, jojoba, and hemp oils. The cream soothes sore muscles and can prevent and soothe chafing, too. 

  25. Low-Cut Running Socks
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    Crafted in breathable fabrics with technical cooling panels to wick away sweat and anti-blister zones, these socks can be worn on any long-distance run. These moisture-wicking socks keep you cool and comfortable during your most intense workouts. Available in women’s and men’s.

  27. Garmin Forerunner Running Watch
  28. There are many fitness trackers on the market, but this one does a lot; it tracks pace and heart rate and maps your runs on your synced smartphone. In addition, you can customize the settings to your preferred heart rate zones and design a training regimen, and maybe the best part is that this tracker only needs to be charged about once a week!

  29. Compression Socks
  30. You have heard of compression socks preventing DVT while flying, but did you know they promote faster muscle recovery? They work by helping blood circulation, which means better oxygen circulation, which helps reduce the build-up of lactic acid. Lactic acid is what causes that sore feeling after a workout.

  31. Body Glide
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    After a long run, your skin can get quite irritated. Problems solved: Each formula is a time-tested, trusted solution – an invisible, dry, and protective barrier made with natural ingredients that stay where needed, mess-free on the surface of your skin, repelling water and moisture while letting the skin breathe and sweat escape. Body Glide stops chafing, rash, raw skin, and irritation caused by rubbing. 

  33. Hands-Free Dog Leash
  34. Do you have a puppy? Don’t you think your puppy would enjoy running with you and that you would have more fun, too? But holding a leash can throw off your balance and your gait. This leash is the answer. The leash goes around your waist and reaches between 37-55 inches. It’s lightweight, and you can adjust it to your gait—an excellent gift for runners and dog lovers.

  35. Blister Prevention Patches
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    Why are blisters so painful?! Having a blister seems like such a little thing, but it can completely ruin a run if you even run when you have one. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that’s what these patches do: prevent blisters from happening. These patches will save your run if you’re too late and already have a blister.

    They are great for running, but they also work with dress shoes. These patches don’t attach to your skin; they stick to your shoes, but you won’t feel them. They’re just 0.015 inches thick, so they won’t change how your shoes fit. 

  37. Road ID Bracelet
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    Most of us don’t run with our wallets and IDs, so how would anyone know who we are if something were to happen? This point was driven home when I moved to New Orleans, where I didn’t see a soul, and no one knew me. Of course, I work from home, too, so no one would have missed me for a long time—an excellent gift for distance runners.

  39. Believe Training Journal
  40. What can be measured can be managed, and your runs are no different. This is a perfect gift for someone new to running because they can see how much they progress in something they may not yet enjoy 100%.

    The journal helps runners set goals, plan their training, and record each run. In addition, there is a calendar, running logs, and all sorts of advice and encouragement, from mental tips to dealing with a slump to recovery strategies.

  41. Runner Tie
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    Runners can’t wear out the sweat-wicking state-of-the-art togs all the time. Sometimes we have to attend things that require long pants and sometimes even a tie! But why should you hide your passion because you must dress like a grown-up? 

    This tie lets everyone know you’re a runner, although they would know that by looking at your lean, athletic build. The tie enhances it. 100% silk, too, classy!

  43. Running Jacket
  44. It’s hard enough to force yourself to go for a run in winter without the prospect of suffering a combination of freezing and feeling clammy from sweating. The running gear has advanced a lot in recent years, though.

    This jacket helps keep you warm while wicking sweat away from you. Put it right on top of your T-shirt. It has thumb holes, too, so the sleeves don’t ride up, which helps keep your hands warm.

  45. Gift Card to JackRabbit Sports
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    An essential piece of gear for runners is a good pair of shoes. That’s what they can get at Jack Rabbit. Jack Rabbit sells the same shoes as many places sell, but their gait analysis sets them apart from many retailers. You run on a treadmill, and your feet are videoed. The salesperson analyzes the footage and makes shoe recommendations based on your gait. The runner in your life will leave with the perfect running shoes.

  47. Patagonia Nano-Air Vest
  48. Feeling like your arms are restricted when running is annoying and can throw off your gait. But sometimes, when you run, you need to dress warmly. This vest is the perfect solution. It’s warm but lightweight and breathable. It has a hem drawstring to keep the heat in and the cold out and has low-profile pockets for your phone and keys to stay safe—a perfect lightweight option for the cold weather.

  49. Epic Bars
  50. Protein, protein, protein. It’s what runners need after a workout to help rebuild the muscle that running breaks down (this is a good thing; it’s how we get stronger and leaner). Unfortunately, getting protein on the go can be challenging. There are only so many hard-boiled eggs you can eat, although I haven’t yet found the limit.

    Protein bars seem like the ideal solution, but most are no better for you than a candy bar with tons of sugar and other yucky stuff. Epic bars are different. The Chicken Sriracha bars have 15 grams of protein, 0 grams of sugar, and just 1 gram of carbs. You get a dozen 1.5-ounce bars.

  51. Yaktrax Run Traction Cleats
  52. These are so fab! I wouldn’t say I like running on a treadmill, and when I lived in NYC, there would be weeks when the bridle path in Central Park where I ran would be covered in inches of snow and ice. These saved my winter running and my running program more than once. 

    They easily fit over your running shoes and provide 360-degree traction. They’re easy to get on and off, and you can rinse them clean with water after your run. 

  53. Pre-workout Drink
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    This is Amazon’s top-rated and best-selling organic vegan pre-workout for a reason! Our Certified Organic ingredients will give you a clean and powerful energy boost with a long-lasting pump to conquer your workout and achieve your dream physique.

  55. Sweatproof Wireless Headphones
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    Thanks to the sweatproof rating, these sports earbuds keep the headphones protected and in peak condition whether you’re getting drenched in sweat after a grueling workout. Drawing on extensive research and development, these rechargeable Bluetooth headphones feature stereo sound with high definition and unparalleled rock-solid bass. So, let your favorite playlist drive you forward.

  57. Women’s Running Bra
  58. I can’t imagine what women did before sports bras were invented, and I’m glad I don’t have to worry about it. Of course, any running bra is better than no running bra, but not all are created equal. For example, this bra has adjustable straps and molded cups that limit movement. 

    The back band is broad, so it doesn’t cut into your skin and fastens with three rows of hook and eye closures. 

  59. Fanny Pack
  60. They look a little dorky when you’re running, too, but they are the best way to carry the things you need on the run. I chose this pack because it lays relatively flat against the body even when complete, so that you can hide your shame under your shirt or jacket. In addition, this pack has room for everything: your cell phone, keys, some cash, and a credit card. 

  61. Touch Screen Thermal Gloves
  62. It sucks when you’re running, and your hands get cold, but it sucks when you’re wearing gloves, too, because your hands get sweaty, and you can’t change the song on your phone. These gloves will solve all those problems.

    They’re made from material that breathes and dries quickly, and the spirals allow you to use the screen on your phone while keeping your hands snug and warm. 

  63. Hydration Backpack
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    This backpack will keep them hydrated on all of their runs! The backpack holds up to two liters of water and has a mesh pocket to hold all their other essentials. 

    Completing a marathon is a big deal, a huge deal. The first person to do it dropped dead. These cuff links are a lovely way to commemorate the achievement. They’re made of stainless steel and have a brushed finish. They’re hypoallergenic and won’t rust or tarnish.  

  65. Cell Phone Arm Band
  66. Tucking your phone into your sports bra or the waistband of your shorts is not ideal and is also pretty gross. Holding it in your hand isn’t comfortable and dangerous, as I found out when mine went flying one day.

    This holder will keep your phone safe and dry, it’s water-resistant, and it highlights your bicep. In addition, it has a screen protector and a spot for your key. It’s compatible with iPhones 7, 6, 6S, SE, 5, 5C, 5S, Galaxy S5, and Google Pixel.

  67. Petzl-REACTIK + Headlamp
  68. Some runners prefer to run in the morning or at night, which can mean running in the dark, which can be dangerous because cars or cyclists can’t see you, or you can’t see where you’re going and what hazards might be your path. This headlamp solves those problems. It connects to your phone through the MyPetzl Light app. It lets you adjust the intensity of the light and burn time. This is great for running, camping, and hiking.

  69. Women’s Silk Long Johns
  70. I hate feeling bulky when I run, but I hate feeling cold, too. So these long johns were perfect when I had to run in the cold. You wouldn’t think something as thin and delicate as silk would be warm, but it is!

    It’s also lightweight and breathes. These keep you warm while keeping you dry. Because it’s not bulky, you can wear these as a bottom layer with your favorite running shirt on top.

  71. Gloves
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    Even the cold chill of winter can’t keep the dedicated runners cowering under the covers. They go out no matter how low the temperature. So help keep them warm with these gloves. Insulated, touch screen fingertips so they can find the perfect podcast on the run, these are a great stocking stuffer for the runner in your life. 

    What are the best gift ideas for avid runners?

    Running enthusiasts often appreciate gifts that enhance their performance, offer comfort, or make their running experience more enjoyable. High-quality running shoes, tailored to their specific running style, are always a winner, providing comfort and long-term support for their feet.

    GPS running watches with heart rate monitors can also be game-changers, offering data-driven insights into their workouts. For those who run in varying weather conditions, moisture-wicking and thermal-regulating apparel can make a difference. Lastly, consider gifts that cater to their recovery, like foam rollers or massage guns, which help ease muscle tension and speed up healing.