The Best Gifts for Runners, According to Runners and Coaches

Giftsunder$25

From the Boston Marathon to race courses that traverse Iceland and Italy’s Amalfi Coast, the 100 running routes in thisNational Geographic–curated collection will give them plenty of ideas.

Chargel gels offer a high carbohydrate count, which makes them a nice option for anyone training for long-distance races, including an ultramarathon. Personally, I’ve become obsessed with the twist-off top pouch because I can have some of the gel before my run and the rest immediately afterwards on my drive home from a trail.

Instead of a traditional headlamp, I prefer this funkyCyclops-looking beaniebecause it’s very lightweight, and the removable light feels much more secure. It’s especially great if your giftee regularly runs in a colder climate.

Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami’s meditative memoir on long-distance running is a love letter to the sport that will resonate with any runner. “This is a book that truly can inspire someone to lace up and take this journey on their own,” says David Siik, the co-founder and creative director ofPrecision Run.

Experienced runners know to invest in moisture-wickingsocksmade from synthetics or wool, which keep you drier than cotton and regulate temperature whether it’s hot or cold out. Strategist contributor Steven John likes this pair because, he says, “along with all the compression and support you’d expect from agood running sock, they feature a specifically anatomical design tailored to each foot.”

Death Cab for Cutie’sBen Gibbardkeeps this “spiky pain ball” in his bag at all times and uses it for breaking up tight muscles after long runs.

For a less-painful massage, my colleague (and fellow runner) Jeremy Rellosa loves this two-inch rubbery ball from Trigger Point. It has a slight squish to it that makes it more forgiving on your feet, plus a softer rubber texture that allows you to roll it on any surface.

Amanda Formica, a senior instructor at Barry’s, uses this roll-on gel on her legs before and after workouts. “It has a cooling sensation, and sometimes I’ll use it before I run to help wake up the muscles, and after to help soothe them.”

As a student athlete, we always had these stroopwafels available in our training room because they’re a quick way to fuel on carbs andsodiumand easy to digest as a pre-run snack.

Because they’re made from breathable, quick-drying material that doesn’t get soggy, Buffs are useful for staying warm in the winter or wicking away sweat in the summer. Professional endurance runnerSusie Chansays a Buff is “great for many things, from keeping your hair out of your face to a sweatband on your wrist.”

If the runner in your life complains about toe blisters, gift them a pair of Injinjis, which prevents toe-on-toe rubbing. Farah Visslailli ofFinish Line PTsays they’re the only socks she can run in.

Runners in need of some mental fortitude will find it in the pages of sports journalist Alex Hutchinson’s bookEndure.Hutchinson shadows elite athletes pushing the limits of human endurance, discovering that breaking barriers is as much of a psychological challenge as a physical one.

A runner who’s sidelined by injury may have more time to read, andRebound, recommended byRunning Ruminationsblogger Erin Mink Garvey,will teach them how to develop the confidence, focus, and resilience to return to the sport even stronger than before.

When Formica wants to apply a topical cream to her legs to preemptively relieve muscle soreness before a run, she uses this foam to activate her muscles. It has more of a “mousse-like” texture, which “dries cleanly,” Formica says.

Multiple physical therapists at running-focusedFinish Line PTin New York City recommended the Squatty Potty, which helps make going to the bathroom a bit easier.

Giftsunder$50

I own these wraparound sunglasses that never slip or bounce when I’m running or cycling. The lenses offer UV400 protection to block harmful UV rays, plus they’re scratch-resistant and never compromise my depth perception.

Runners are very conscious about water intake, so I recommend this water bottle from HydroJug that I received as a gift. It might look like a Stanley, but I think HydroJug is better because it has a quiet, non-slip rubber bottom, plus the flip-straw design means it’s completely leakproof.

I also try to drink a protein shake after my harder training runs, and I think a non-plastic shaker bottle is another actually useful gift for a runner who loves their pre-workout mix or making a water-fruit infusion.

When Harry Styles ran the Tokyo Marathon this year, I noticed he was wearing these light compression socks from London-based brand Sums. They have an arch band for extra grip and support and are available in a range of nice colors.

Chris Chavez, founder of the running-commentary website and podcast networkCitius Mag, swears by this discreet running belt for carrying his phone and other essentials.

Author Shalane Flanagan is a four-time Olympian and winner of the 2017 New York City Marathon. Together with runner and nutrition coach Elyse Kopecky, she has written a collection of tasty recipes (like the popularsuperhero muffins) specifically for runners.

In the world of running caps, Ciele’s are among the most recognizable. Rellosa almost exclusively wears Ciele hats for running because they wick sweat well, don’t lose their shape, and come in dozens ofdifferent colors.

Longtime runner and Strategist newsletter editor Ashley Wolfgang says the best running-related gift she’s received is this set of massage balls. “You never know how good it feels after a run until you start using them,” Wolfgang says. “I like to roll my feet while I’m working at my desk post-runs when I don’t have that much time for recovery.”

In this memoir, Boston Marathon championDes Lindenrecounts her historic 2018 race, plus the things that motivate her to get out the door to run. It’s a fascinating look into the psyche of a decorated runner.

The Bindi is small enough to fit in the back pocket of my running shorts, but it doesn’t skimp on brightness: It pumps out 200 lumens on its highest setting.

Bandit’s sleek designs geared toward competitive runners have made the brand noticeable among the urban running crowd, especially in New York City, and its mid-weight socks are one of its most popular items.

Queens Distance Runnersco-founder Maria Wong says she’s gifted this vest multiple times to other runners to boost their visibility at night. “You want to be seen, and I think cars and bikes appreciate when they can see you, so they don’t run into you. It’s also a good gift because you don’t really need to know the size of the giftee.”

Devoting a few minutes to rolling out your muscles before and after each run is important for staying loose and preventing injuries. This is our top-recommendedfoam rollerand one of my favorites.

The runner you’re shopping for has likely already readBorn to Run, so instead of gifting that title, impress them with the author’s newest book,Running With Sherman. It’s about his experience running with, and ultimately adopting, a donkey. “Honestly, I had no idea I’d ever be rooting for a donkey so much in my life,” says Erin Mink Garvey, a blogger atRunning Ruminations.

Figuring out where to stash your phone and keys while running is often a hassle, especially for women whose shorts don’t have much pocket space. As a solution, Garvey likes the waterproof Koala Clip sports bra pouch. “No bounce, no chafe — can’t go wrong,” she says.

Giftsunder$100

We like how these packs of overnight muesli are super-easy to make (just add milk and mix in a jar) and how one pack will keep you full and satiated (there are 20 grams of protein per pack).

Janji’s Multipass Sling offers a ton of space to carry around your essentials, but thanks to a cross-body strap that locks it into place, you can jog or run without all the jostling. It’sthe best thing I bought in 2022.

Giftsunder$200

Even more intense than a standard foam roller (and therefore more effective), the R8 roller wraps around muscles to attack soreness from all sides. Carrie Tollefson, a member of the 2004 U.S. Olympic team and national fitness director forMoms on the Run, likes the R8 because it’s travel-friendly and lets you work all the major running muscles without having to roll on the floor.

These headphones use bone-conduction technology to deliver audio without covering up your ears. I love that when I wear these I can listen to music or podcasts while still hearing my feet hit the ground and any passing traffic or pedestrians.

Irecommendthis device for anyone who wants a powerful massage while on the go. It’s slightly more affordable than the Theragun Mini, and it has an angled handle like typical massage guns. Plus it’s much quieter.

Giftsover$200

Rellosa has been running in Article One frames since 2018. “They’re particularly great because of the wide, grippy, yet soft nose pads, which don’t budge, even as you bob up and down and sweat,” he says.

One splurge-worthy pick for the data-minded runner is theOura Ring, which looks like a wedding band but is actually a streamlined wellness tracker that measures resting heart rate,sleeptime, body temperature, activity level, and much more.

“A dedicatedrunning strolleris a luxury but can make a big difference in everyone’s enjoyment of their time on the run,” says Brian Hayes, the head of digital at the running-apparel brandTracksmithand father of a 1-year-old. He particularly likes this Thule style because it moves smoothly, thanks to a locking front wheel and superior shock absorption.