12 Gifts for Runners on Your List – Health.com

Runners are an inspiring bunch. They work hard year-round: they get up at the crack of dawn to rack up morning miles; they train for races, giving up fun Saturday nights out with their friends so they can be sure to get enough sleep before their 20-miler the next morning; and they set goals and work to accomplish them, smashing their PRs—and then turning around and creating new goals. Come the holidays, it’s time to help runners relax, rejuvenate, and celebrate all they’ve achieved throughout the year. Here you’ll find great gifts for runners—from the beginner who is training for her first 5K to the seasoned racer who is looking forward to her next marathon. These gifts range from useful tools that will improve their training to just-for-fun apparel and accessories that allow them to let everyone know around them how much running means to them.

To buy: $20; gnc.com

These socks are a must-have for the runner in your life. Not only do they provide arch support, but they also offer targeted compression to relieve pain and soreness for a more comfortable ride. Bonus: They also fight stink, thanks to the patented Copper technology.

To buy: $170; amazon.com

These sunglasses are ideal for running or training since they won’t slip, bounce, or fall off—no matter how much she moves or sweats—thanks to the grippy, hydrophilic nose and temple pads. The vintage-inspired shape and metal accents add a hit of style, so that she can wear them beyond her runs and workouts.

To buy: $40; amazon.com

Now that it gets darker earlier, she’ll appreciate this lightweight, sweat-wicking band—complete with a path-illuminating headlamp—for her nighttime runs. The band sits flat against the forehead and won’t bounce or slip, and the lamp features a rechargeable battery that offers 40 hours of battery life once fully charged.

To buy: $125; 

This lightweight, temperature-regulating long-sleeve is ideal for those runs when the thermometer is starting to dip. Plus, the thumbholes in the sleeves and high zip neck protect her from the elements and ensure she stays comfortable mile after mile.

To buy: $44; amazon.com

An awesome gift for the runner in your life and their furry friend, this hands-free dog leash makes runs with their pooch so much easier. The leash connector stretches from 35-inches to 51-inches, so they don’t have to worry about their pup pulling them off course. It’s also laced with reflective material so they’ll remain seen on nighttime jogs.

To buy: $65; amazon.com

Your feet, ankles, and knees deserve a break from the constant beating they take when you’re out on a run. Slip on these recovery clogs from Oofos as another post-run reward. They are lightweight and absorb impact with every step—just what your body needs to recover from your hard work.

To buy: $18; amazon.com

Runners know the importance of keeping up a training log, but this journal from elite runners Lauren Fleshman and Roisin McGettigan-Dumas is structured to up the ante even more. Filled with inspiration, tips, and worksheets about goals, nutrition, training, body image, challenges, and more, this training log/personal diary will keep your favorite runner motivated and ready to tackle any goal.