Gift ideas for runners can be hard because they are strange. You either get them or you don’t. I can’t even tell you how many times people in my life have asked me, “But seriously…why do you run?” When I tell them it’s simply because I enjoy it, they can’t even process it.

Just because they don’t understand, doesn’t mean they don’t love me. When holidays roll around, they always show up with a present with my name on it.

As I have gotten older, I have gotten rid of more and more stuff. I just can’t stand the clutter, and if it doesn’t serve a purpose, to the trash it goes. The problem is that when holiday season rolls around, (not trying to sound ungrateful) people sometimes give me gifts that end up cluttering my house. Then I end up getting rid of it because it’s just one more thing I don’t use.

If the above is something you can relate to, and you want to be sure and get the perfect gift for your friends, I might be able to help you. Below I have complied a list of gifts that are perfect for the runners in your life. It might just be the best thing they have ever gotten!

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links. I will receive a small percentage of the sale, at no additional cost to you, if you purchase through my link. Thanks for your support!

Top Ten Gift Ideas for Runners

1. Feetures Socks

If all I got for Christmas this year was a box full of Feetures socks, I’d be thrilled. They have the highest quality socks I have ever used. I have been using one of my pairs for over seven years of running. Whenever I don’t wear them, I get blisters, so I basically have to wear feetures.

They have lounge socks, compression socks, and running socks of all kinds. Plus they are super cute. Just so you know, I asked for socks for Christmas this year.

2. Flip Belt

For the past two years, I have asked for a Flip belt for Christmas from my mother-in-law. The first year she got one for me, I needed a XL, the next year I needed a large because I lost weight. The Flip belt is sized to fit you and it is not adjustable. I like this because there is no extra material to content with.

There are other features that makes the flip belt the best; it is wide, so it stays comfortably in place when you are running. It slips on over your head with no buckle, so I don’t have to worry about it coming unbuckled during the run. There is one zip pocket for keys and ID, and the rest of the pockets are open. The premise is when you flip it, the tension will keep your belongings in. It works. I like to keep my phone in the open pockets for quick access. I absolutely love my Flip belt.

3. Light Jacket

About the only time I don’t have a light jacket with me is when it is 75 degrees or above. My temperature changes a lot during longer runs, so it is nice to have light and breathable jacket to put on. Plus I walk half a mile before and after I run, so it’s nice to have a jacket to put on as a I warm up and cool down.

I have my eyes on getting this jacket, because I need a zip front jacket for running. As is, I have hoodies that go on over my head. When I take it off, it messes with my headphones. Plus, it’s really hard to pull something over your head when running. Don’t even get me started with running in fabric that doesn’t breathe!

4. Running Shoes

Runners are supposed to replace their running shoes every 300-400 miles. That means I will need 3-4 new pairs of shoes a year! That’s adds up to a lot of money because most seasoned runners will not take risks with injuring their feet. I have linked the running shoe that I swear by. As I general rule, I don’t usually spend less than 100 dollars on a running shoe, but most of them are around 125 bucks.

Pay attention to the shoes your friend is wearing, ask them, or just buy them a gift card to a store that specializes in running shoes. If I got a pair of running shoes unexpectedly for Christmas, it’d go down as the best Christmas gift ever!

5. Nike Dri-Fit Tank

I swear by Nike running clothes. No one sweats like me. I went to a spin class for a while and sweated more than anyone in there, even the men. Therefore a dri-fit top is essential.

The Nike dri-fit top I wear is never drenched in sweat no matter how sweaty I am, unlike my cotton tanks. I have no idea how it dries so fast, but it does. It is my go-to running shirt. If I don’t have it on, I can actually start chaffing under my arms from my drenched shirt rubbing my skin. It’s terrible.

You can never have enough running tanks.

6. Nike Pro Pants

These pants are priced really well especially for the quality you get. They are my absolute favorite running pants. I have a pair of Nike Pro shorts, capris, and insulated leggings. They last forever, they don’t fall down when I’m running, plus they are light weight.

This summer I fell while running on the cement. I shredded my hands and fell on my left knee. After realizing my hands were both bleeding, I was certain I had ripped my pants when I landed on my knee too. When I checked it out, they were barely scuffed!

If someone gave me a pair of Nike Pro’s for a gift, I’d look them in the eye with the deepest look of gratitude. Then I’d nod at them in respect in a way that says, “yeah, you know what’s up.”

7. Nike Joggers

I need a pair of these…am I just compiling my own personal gift list to send to my friends and family…maybe. I have wanted this pair, not only because they are retro and awesome, but because I have compared the thickness of the fabric to other joggers and these won. They weren’t too thin, or heavy. A pair of pants like this would be perfect for an easy run or post-run stretching.

8. Smart Gloves

While many people may own these for everyday life, it’s nice to have a pair you can use specifically for running. I have to wash mine after almost every run because they get so sweaty. They need to be smart to fiddle with apps (like map my run) and music while running.

You can never have too many pairs of gloves for running.

9. Jabra Move Headset

I wanted Bluetooth headphones for almost a year before a gracious friend purchased these for my birthday. It can be really hard to narrow down what pair to get, especially because the reviews are always so mixed. I will tell you this, I have used the Jabra Move Headset almost everyday since I got them, and I’m obsessed. The sound quality is fine good for me (I’m not someone who can really tell a difference). I really like that they don’t completely cover my ears because they are not as hot this way.

I don’t think noise cancelling headphones are safe when running on the road, so I like that I can still hear things. The battery lasts forever, and it gives you a warning at 50% so you will never be caught with headphones that don’t work. These are a steal and perfect for your friends with smaller ears who complain that earbuds hurt their ears. (I’m describing myself here, but I know I’m not alone!)

10. Airpods

My running partner runs with Airpods. Once when I forgot my headphones, she gave me one of her pods to share. I was shocked that they didn’t hurt my ears and stayed put so easily. Airpods are obviously a good choice for anyone. I wouldn’t get the newer noise cancelling ones because too many runners are hit by cars every year. It’s best to be able to hear your surroundings.

Conclusion

So there you have it. These would be my running essentials to get your running friend for Christmas, birthday, or just because. I would be thrilled to receive any of these.

If you happen to purchase any of these suggestions, let me know in the comments below! Also let me know if they liked your gift!