If you’re looking for a thoughtful, useful gift for a runner in your life, whether that’s your partner, friend, mom, dad or kid, you’ve come to the right place!
To create this gift guide we’ve handpicked the best gifts for runners based on our extensive experience testing and reviewing the very best in running gear and accessories for men and women.
In this guide to the best gifts for runners we’ve got all the bases covered, including:
- Gifts for runners under $100
- Gifts for runners over $100
- Gifts for trail runners
- Interesting and inspiring books about running
All of these gift ideas are great for a male or female runner in your life (or wants to get into running), whether they’re your mom, dad, partner, kid, friend or sibling.
This list is also fun to browse if you’re new to running and are looking for the best running gear to treat yourself with too, as we only recommend the gear we’ve tested and rated highly.
🌟 Spotlight Gifts 🌟
Salomon Thundercross ($140)
The Salomon Thundercross is a trail runner’s dream for diverse terrains that offers responsive cushioning and top-notch traction, it’s ideal for both speedy sprints and leisurely hikes.
Its standout features include Energy Foam for a cushioned underfoot feel and a high-traction Contagrip rubber outsole for unbeatable grip.
The breathable mesh upper with SENSIFIT overlays ensures a snug, comfortable fit. The Thundercross is the perfect gift for the trail enthusiast in your life.
Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar ($699.99 $900)
The Garmin Fenix 7 range has every feature you could possibly want in a GPS watch for trail runners and ultrarunners, including best-in-class navigation for those who like to explore new trails (and not get lost).
This premium model boasts a robust sapphire crystal display and solar charging capabilities, extending its battery life for those long adventures. It also has a tracking beacon feature so you can ensure your loved one is safe and traceable during their next trail running adventure.
Whether tackling an ultramarathon, exploring trails, or navigating city streets, the Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire is an exceptional gift for serious athletes who demand the best in performance and durability.
➡ If you have smaller wrists then we recommend going for the Fenix 7S range – your arms will thank you for it if you’re a long distance runner!
The Best Gifts For Runners (Under $100)
When you’re on a budget and want to keep your running gift under $100, these gifts will be well-received by experienced and new runners alike!
lululemon Men’s Metal Vent Tee ($78)
Why it’s a great gift: These Metal Vent Tech tees are super popular lululemon men’s running shirts with breathability, sweat-wicking and quick-drying properties, making one of these a gift that any guy who loves to run or work out will love to receive.
It’s available in a wide range of men’s sizes, from XS to XXXL, and colors including brights and bold colors as well as more subtle grey and black.
As lululemon’s colorways are often limited edition, visit the product page on their website to check current size and color availability!
BioLite HeadLamp 425 ($59.95)
Currently on sale for $45 in Biolite’s Black Friday Sale!
Running at night is almost like a rite of passage for runners. There will come a time when you simply have to run in the dark in order to stay on track with your marathon training plan or fitness regime because let’s face it, the days are annoyingly short during the winter months.
With that said, it’s crucial to have a high-quality headlamp to run with, and this comfortable and feature-full running headlamp won our coveted Editor’s Choice award, topping the charts of our ‘Best Running Headlamps’ Buyer’s Guide.
✔ To learn more about this fantastic headlamp read my Biolite HeadLamp 425 review next.
lululemon Women’s Swiftly Tech Long-Sleeve Shirt ($78)
Why it’s a great gift: Like the men’s Metal Vent Tech tees, lululemon’s Women’s Swiftly Tech shirts are made with technical sweat-wicking fabric that’s breathable, dries quickly, and has plenty of stretch for a comfortable and flattering fit – pretty much the perfect women’s running shirt and always a well-received gift for a female runner!
The Swiftly tech tees are available in short and long sleeve, as well as regular length and ‘race length’ (pictured), as well as a variety of gorgeous colors, in sizes 0 to 20.
As lululemon’s colorways are often limited edition, visit the product page on their website to check current size and color availability!
💡 If you need even more inspiration for great gift ideas, read Gifts For Outdoorsy People next! There are plenty of cool gift suggestions in there for nature lovers who enjoy spending time outdoors.
Race Bib and Medal Display ($48)
Because running a race and crossing that finish line is a damn amazing achievement, whatever the distance being run – why else would they put a race medal around your neck at the finish? 🙂
These achievements aren’t celebrated enough so why not give your favorite runner a way to display all their race medals with this race bib and medal display?
Whether they’ve run a 5k, a 10k or they are a marathon runner who runs the big ones like the New York City Marathon and the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc, give them a way to show off those achievements as they deserve – this is one of the best gifts for runners who love to race a lot.
A Trail & Kale Trucker Hat ($26.99)
For $26.99 you can’t go wrong with our branded trucker hat! Truckers are great for keeping rain, sun, and sweat out of your eyes and face while on the trails, they also look really cool ;).
Our Classic Trucker is available in 4 color combinations but if you’re after a more stealthy look, then check out our “Stealth Edition” Trucker hat. You can buy it in any color, as long as it’s black (and very stealthy). It features the Trail & Kale Mountain logo embroidered in a grey/silver color on the front.
All Trail & Kale merchandise ships worldwide!
If you think they may prefer a more technical hat for running or hikes, see our technical running cap buyer’s guide for some inspiration.
CamelBak Ultra Running Belt ($55)
The Ultra Belt 17oz is CamelBak’s lightest, most minimal running belt that can store a 17-oz (500ml) Quick Stow flask (1 bottle comes included with the belt) that molds to the shape of your body.
The Ultra Belt 17oz features an integrated trail running poles carrying system for anyone who also enjoys trail running in the mountains as we do.
This running belt also features reflective decals to help ensure you’re seen while running in the dark. This CamelBak running belt won the top spot in our best running belts buyer’s guide.
REI Gift Card (From $10)
An REI Gift Card is the perfect gift for picky runners because you won’t have to guess what they would like to receive the most.
You can either order a Gift Card to be delivered as a physical card, which takes up to 7 days to arrive, OR you can choose to send a digital E-Gift Card, which can be sent directly to them within hours.
You can also choose how much you would like to load the card up with, the minimum is $10, in case you’re wondering.
While surprise gifts can be wonderful to receive, if you buy a gift from REI and it turns out to not be quite what the recipient had in mind, encourage them to say so, and switch it out for an alternative, as REI has an excellent returns policy.
Amphipod Xinglet Optic Beam Reflective Vest ($60)
The green optic light tube on this reflective running vest provides green steady or flashing light with 360-degree visibility, so you can be seen from all angles when running in the dark and low light.
It comes in one, fully-adjustable size, so there’s no size guide to consult which makes it one of the best gifts for runners if you’re not sure of their size, as it’s going to comfortably fit most runners.
A gift that provides safety while running is priceless and this running vest is only $60, one of the many reasons it made it onto our Best Reflective Running Vests Buyer’s Guide.
lululemon Fleece Reflective Running Beanie
This warm lululemon fleece beanie is made from wonderfully soft, water-repellent, stretchy technical fleece material that wicks sweat away and provides much-needed insulation from the cold on those winter runs.
As well as keeping your head warm and shielded from the elements, it will also keep ears warm, and features reflective accents that provide 360 degree visibility to other road and path users.
It comes in two sizes, two colors (blue and black) and is designed to fit both men and women.
Chirp Wheel Back Roller Set ($99.99 $79.99)
The Chirp Wheel is designed to fit perfectly between your shoulder blades, targeting the muscles that go up and down your spine.
As your back is strained from the countless activities you do, including running, those muscles lock up, and cause more pain.
The Chirp Wheel massages those muscles, relaxing your back and helps relieve aches and pains.
✔ To learn more about why we love the Chirp Wheel so much and what makes it one of our favorite post-run recovery tools, read our Chirp Wheel review next.
A Fractel Running Hat ($40)
Australian company Fractel Headwear knows how to make performance technical running hats – we know because we’ve tested a load of them and they deservedly made it onto our best technical running hats buyer’s guide.
Fractel’s hat range includes a variety of lightweight cap options, which all provide great UV, sun, and rain protection plus they have nice wide brims that can be flipped up.
They’re often updating their color and pattern options so it’s worth checking in on their store to see what’s new.
Kane Revive Recovery Shoes ($75)
For anyone who wishes their feet would recover faster after long training runs, races, or even spending the day standing due to a job that requires it, the Kane Revive recovery shoe could be just what you’re looking for.
I really like the tingly sensation from the raised nodes on the footbed which have been designed to help stimulate and increase blood flow around your feet and hence improve recovery time.
There are plenty of colors to choose from and they are very reasonably priced, which makes them great gifts, especially for long distance runners like marathon runners who need to give their feet and lower legs some extra TLC after those long training runs!
✔ To learn more about the Kane Revive recovery shoes, read my in-depth review.
Swiftwick Flite XT Zero Tab Running Socks ($14.99 $19.99)
Featuring innovative AnkleLock™ Technology and GripDry™ Fiber, Swiftwick Flite XT socks provide exceptional ankle support and minimize slipping inside your shoes.
With medium cushioning, moderate compression, and a mesh upper for breathability, they’re ideal for everything from high-intensity workouts to casual jogs, and they’re made with moisture-wicking Olefin to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Whether you’re hitting the gym or the trails, these socks are a reliable partner for any adventure.
Swiftwick running socks deservedly made it onto our ‘Best Running Socks‘ buyer’s guide.
Trigger Point Grid Foam Roller ($36.99)
Who wouldn’t want an instrument of pain as a gift?!
But in all seriousness, foam rollers are an excellent way to speed up recovery times after a run. The GRID foam roller is for anybody who wants to move better and reduce muscle soreness after tough runs and workouts.
Use the GRID for a self-massage and roll through the tight muscles, knots and kinks that prevent feeling good and moving well – it’s especially for tight calves, quads and hamstrings.
The Best Gifts For Runners (Over $100)
Command the Day Large Duffle Bag 37L ($158)
Lululemon makes great quality duffel bags for men and women like this ‘Command the Day Duffel’, a great gift idea for anyone who needs help in organizing and transporting their running kit.
Every morning runner knows that the secret to getting out of bed and lacing up your shoes for a run is to have all your running gear organized the night before.
This is the same principle for running during your lunch break at work – having all your gear ready in a kit bag takes an extra step out of the equation, leaving you more motivated to run, and less prone to letting excuses creep in.
These bags are water-repellant and have separate laptop and shoe compartments, which can also be used to stash sweaty and/or dirty post-run gear if you need to keep it separate from the rest of your bag’s contents.
Shokz OpenRun Pro Wireless Headphones ($179.95)
The Shokz OpenRun Pro is ranked number 1 on our best running headphones buyer’s guide, and for good reason, in our running tests, they outperformed other running headphones in nearly every category.
These bone conduction headphones are pretty much the perfect gift for a male or female runner who enjoys listening to music when they run and still want to be able to clearly hear everything that’s going on around in their immediate environment.
✔ Learn more about these bone conduction headphones in my detailed Shokz OpenRun Pro review.
On Cloudmonster ($170)
Get 20% off in REI’s current Gear Up Get Out Sale!
- Fit: True to size
- Width: Medium with plenty of room in the toe box
- Weight: 9.7oz / 275g
- Drop: 6mm
The On Cloudmonster is an excellent running shoe – the cushioning and energy return is insane!
Not only is it sitting in our Best On Running Shoes Buyer’s Guide right now, it’s also one of the all-round best running shoes and a Trail & Kale Editor’s Choice Award winner, because it turns road running miles into a ridiculously fun experience.
To learn more about these fun running shoes, read my in-depth On Cloudmonster review.
COROS APEX 2 Pro GPS Watch ($449)
The Coros Apex 2 Pro is a total game changer in the world of premium GPS running watches because of all the great features it offers (including best-in-class battery life) all for the very affordable price of $449.
The Apex 2 Pro records so many running metrics and displays it back in extremely actionable ways within the Coros app. It’s one of the best running gifts for dedicated runners who are obsessed with their running metrics.
This right here, as well as the insanely awesome battery life, is one of the huge selling points for Coros. Even their sleep-tracking metrics blow most other watches out of the water.
✔ Learn why this premium yet affordable GPS running watch is a great gift for runners in my Coros Apex 2 Pro review next.
Salomon Bonatti Waterproof Jacket ($180)
The lightweight Salomon Bonatti Waterproof Jacket (5.3oz/150g) is a minimalist waterproof running jacket that checks all the boxes for running in the rain: stay dry, stay fresh, and run light.
This waterproof running jacket packs down into its own chest pocket for compact storage when you need to stash it in your running hydration pack.
Everything about this waterproof running jacket has been thoughtfully designed, and this jacket has protected me personally from the elements over many wet runs on the road and mountain ultramarathon races.
This is one of the best gifts for runners because it will help them keep up the running, even when the weather is awful outside.
✔ The Salomon Bonatti ranks number 1 in our Best Waterproof Running Jackets for Running buyer’s guide.
ROKA Rory 2.0 ($220 $175)
Currently discounted to $175 in ROKA’s sale!
The ROKA Rory 2.0 sunglasses made it to the top of our best running sunglasses list for good reason.
These running sunglasses stand out for their ultra-lightweight design, weighing just 0.6 oz thanks to their TR-90 nylon construction; this makes them incredibly comfortable for long runs or bike rides.
Their spring-loaded hinges provide a secure fit, so they stay put even during intense activities. Plus, the C3™ Optics ensure sharp, clear vision with anti-scratch, anti-reflective, and anti-fog features.
✔ Learn more about them in my ROKA Rory 2.0 sunglasses review.
Fi Dog Collar | GPS Fitness Tracker For Your Dog
Trail & Kale’s resident adventure dog Kepler (seen in the image above) is a huge part of our lives and when we aren’t teaching him tricks or playing frisbee in the park, he joins us on many of our runs – I mean, he’s a Border Collie, we have to tire him out somehow!!
If you know someone who runs or walks with their dog the Series 3 Fi Dog Collar is the perfeect gift idea for them! It tracks your dog’s location, mileage, steps, sleep, and more to help ensure your pup is just as well-exercised as you.
The Fi Collar (Series 3) is chew-proof, water-proof (even the ocean), can take 400lbs of pulling force (if your dog is a puller), and provides up to 3 months battery life.
With Fi, you can instantly track your dog’s location no matter where they are in the USA, which means you can keep an eye on dog walkers and caretakers, just in case.
✔ To learn more about this fantastic smart dog collar, read our in-depth Fi GPS Dog Collar Review next.
✔ For more adventure dog gift ideas check out our dedicated Adventure Dog Gift List HERE
Philips SmartSleep Sleep and Wake-Up Light ($180)
A thoughtful gift for a morning runner (or someone who wants to get better at getting up early to run first thing in their day), this Philips Sleep and Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock is designed to help you feel fresher when waking up early, especially in winter, by simulating the sun rising with artificial light and playing gentle sounds to wake you up.
When you feel fresh waking up, you’re far less likely to hit the snooze button and more likely to lace up and start your run as planned.
Opove Apex Massage Gun ($145)
For the cost of treating your favorite runner to a one-time massage at a day spa, treat them to their own percussion massager that they can use every day!
This Opove Apex high-efficiency percussion massage gun helps relax tired, overworked, and tight muscles and provides relief to tight spots after long days on the trails or simply after a hard day’s work.
FEATURED IN: How to run faster – tips and techniques
The Best Gifts For Trail Runners
In case you didn’t know, take it from me (we are trail experts after all!), runners who head off-road have their whole extra set of gear needs to help them navigate often rugged and remote trail terrain.
These running gifts will be particularly valued and appreciated by a trail running man or woman in your life.
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles ($189.95)
Currently $142 in Black Diamond’s sale!
If you or someone you know is about to run a mountain marathon or ultra then you need to seriously consider getting them some lightweight trail running poles – they make a great gift for a serious trail runner in your life.
These are the poles that came out top in our best running poles buyer’s guide. Being built with carbon, they are very lightweight and they are also designed to fold up nice and small, important if you need to place them back in a running hydration pack or running belt while not in use.
HOKA Mafate Speed 4 ($185)
- Fit: True to size
- Width: Medium with plenty of room in the toe box
- Weight: 10.4oz (295g)
- Drop: 4mm
The HOKA Mafate Speed 4 is quite frankly, a masterpiece of trail running engineering and anyone receiving these as a gift is one seriously lucky trail runner.
The tread is incredibly durable and sticky, and the lugs are deep enough to dig into wet mud and loose trail debris – this means total confidence on steep descents.
During challenging climbs, the Mafate Speed 4 is also able to dig into the trail and provide great traction required to ascend quickly.
Then there’s the midsole cushioning that has just the right amount of protection and comfort underfoot to give you a smooth enjoyable ride on the road, and hard-packed trails, while maintaining a very responsive ride with total control.
✔ To learn more about these great trail running shoes, read my HOKA Mofate Speed 4 review.
Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta 6.0 ($149.95)
TOP RUNNING HYDRATION PACK FOR WOMEN: The Ultra Vesta 6.0 is the latest women’s hydration pack from Ultimate Direction, specifically designed for long-distance runs.
There are many storage compartments located in easy-to-grab areas, it fits the female form very well, is lightweight and looks great, too.
Salomon S-Lab Sense Pro 5 Running Hydration Pack ($160)
TOP CHOICE FOR FOR MEN: We highly rate the Salomon S-Lab Sense Pro 5 hydration pack – I choose to wear this pack for racing with! The fit and function is absolutely brilliant!
FEATURED IN: Best Running Hydration Packs
Compex TENS Machine with Muscle Building Tech ($250)
Currently $125 (yep, 50% off) on Amazon – check pricing using the button below!
Compex is the company behind a range of excellent recovery and muscle-building tools.
The Mini Wireless Muscle Stimulator with TENS is Compex’s latest device, it’s so small that it can very easily be taken with you on the go – great for a runner who’s always on the move, whether that’s to/from the gym or far-flung running race destinations.
I also use the TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) function of my Compex on my Achilles heel when I feel like it may be flaring up, usually after a high-intensity road run.
TENS calms it down, reduces the pain, and helps it heal faster.
These Books About Running Make Great Gifts For Runners
If your run-loving mom, dad, sibling, friend or partner loves books as much as running then any of these running books would make a great stocking stuffer or thoughtful (and affordable) gift for a runner in your life:
Grand Trail: A Magnificent Journey to the Heart of Ultrarunning and Racing
Amazon.com
Grand Trail shares the stunning beauty and raw emotions of ultrarunning, paying tribute to the passion and splendor of the sport and lifestyle. Filled with powerful photographs and intimate stories, Grand Trail portrays ultramarathon champions and their extraordinary world.
Grand Trail features the icons of ultrarunning―people, places, and races―in spectacular color and black-and-white photography by Alexis Berg. Exploring iconic courses like Western States, Hardrock, Marathon des Sables alongside personal portraits of heroes like Kilian Jornet, Emelie Forsberg, and Scott Jurek, Grand Trail is as inspiring as it is beautiful.
In its pages, Grand Trail shares the indescribable feelings that spring from running free in a wild place, alone in thought or sharing the miles with another of the tribe. The simple beauty of the task. Stunning views of the world’s most beautiful trails. Faces lined with exhaustion in gritty aid stations. The unguarded gaze of a spent runner who half hears the...
Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner
$8.90 in stock
112 used from $1.25
In one of his most ambitious physical efforts to date, Dean Karnazes attempted to run 50 marathons, in 50 states, in 50 days to raise awareness of youth obesity and urge Americans of all fitness levels to "take that next step."
"UltraMarathon Man: 50 Marathons - 50 States - 50 Days", a Journeyfilm documentary, follows Dean’s incredible step-by-step journey across the country.
Ultrarunning legend Dean Karnazes has run 262 miles-the equivalent of ten marathons-without rest. He has run over mountains, across Death Valley, and to the South Pole-and is probably the first person to eat an entire pizza while running. With an insight, candor, and humor rarely seen in sports memoirs (and written without the aid of a ghostwriter or cowriter), Ultramarathon Man has inspired tens of thousands of people-nonrunners and runners alike-to push themselves beyond their comfort zones and be reminded of "what it feels like to be truly alive," says Sam Fussell, author of Muscle.
Ultramarathon Man answers...
Finding Gobi
$9.99 in stock
97 used from $1.25
New York Times Bestseller List
“Leonard and Gobi’s story represents the power of people working together and the profound depth of feeling possible between a man and his dog.”--Publishers Weekly
A man, a dog, and the lengths to which love will go to sacrifice for its companion.
Finding Gobi is the miraculous tale of Dion Leonard, a seasoned ultramarathon runner who crosses paths with a stray dog while competing in a 155-mile race through the Gobi Desert in China. The lovable pup, who would later earn the name Gobi, proved that what she lacked in size, she more than made up for in heart, as she went step for step with Dion over the Tian Shan Mountains, across massive sand dunes, through yurt villages and the black sands of the Gobi Desert, keeping pace with him for 77 miles.
As Dion witnessed the incredible determination and heart of this small animal, he found his own heart undergoing a change as well. Whereas in the past these races were all about winning and being the best, his goal...
Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
$9.99 in stock
206 used from $1.30
The astonishing national bestseller and hugely entertaining story that completely changed the way we run.
An epic adventure that began with one simple question: Why does my foot hurt?
Isolated by Mexico's deadly Copper Canyons, the blissful Tarahumara Indians have honed the ability to run hundreds of miles without rest or injury. In a riveting narrative, award-winning journalist and often-injured runner Christopher McDougall sets out to discover their secrets. In the process, he takes his readers from science labs at Harvard to the sun-baked valleys and freezing peaks across North America, where ever-growing numbers of ultra-runners are pushing their bodies to the limit, and, finally, to a climactic race in the Copper Canyons that pits America’s best ultra-runners against the tribe. McDougall’s incredible story will not only engage your mind but inspire your body when you realize that you, indeed all of us, were born to run.
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