Pretty much my entire family runs [1], and the holiday season got a lot less stressful once I realized just how many running-related gifts are out there. Runners are weirdly obsessive people who care about things like organizing all of their race bibs and properly displaying their medals, not to mention finding the perfect sports bra, hat, phone-holding device, pair of leggings, etc. There's a ton of running gear out there and wading through it to find the best stuff isn't easy. That's where I come in.
The following 10 pieces of clothing, gear, and fun accessories are all gifts that I've either bought or will buy for my running-obsessed family. (So, if you're a member of my family, please stop reading this now.) They're useful, unique, and perfect for the runners in your life.
Pretty Display "Invisible" Medal Hanger
Runners who race will rack up medals fast, but there are only so many doorknobs in your house to keep them on display. My dad has been hinting that he needs some way to keep his medals up on the wall and out of the way, so I'm opting for this simple Pretty Display "Invisible" Medal Hanger [2] ($26). It's subtle enough to put up in his office and, judging by the reviews, can hold lots of medals.
Tracksmith Allston Tights
I'm currently obsessed with the Allston Tights [3] ($118) from Tracksmith. They're warm, buttery-smooth, sag-resistant, and my new go-to for cold winter runs. I've been recommending them to everyone already, so I'm definitely going to be buying a pair for one lucky runner in my life, probably the one who complains the most about running in freezing weather. (She knows who she is.)
BibFolio Race Bib Album
Runners love to hold on to race bibs. The memories! The PRs! But if you're like me, they all end up rotting away in the same random drawer. I bought the BibFolio Race Bib Album [4] ($40) for my sister and dad last year as a fun way to preserve the memories of all the races we've shared together. There are tons of cover-image options (I chose this one for my sister) and you can flip around and cycle through different bibs to put each one on display.
Sloth Running Team Sticker
I'm in love with this Sloth Running Team Sticker [5] ($3) and I want it everywhere. There's a t-shirt with the same design [6] if that's more your thing, but I love the sticker as a fun and relatable (and cheap!) stocking stuffer for my family.
Koala Clip
How ingenious is the Koala Clip [7] ($29)? Stick your phone in the slot, secure the magnetic snap around your sports bra or tank top, and enjoy your hands-free, phone-included run. I haven't figured out who to gift this to, but like . . . can someone just give one to me?
AfterShokz Aeropex Bone Conduction Headphones
AfterShokz sent me a pair of their Aeropex Bone Conduction Headphones [8] ($160) to try this summer, and I've relied on them for every run since. The speakers sit outside your ears and transmit sound through your cheekbones to your inner ears. Your ear canals are uncovered, which lets you hear ambient sound and helped me, at least, feel safer and more aware on my runs [9], making this a very useful gift for any runner.
BioLite HeadLamp
A headlamp is one of those things a runner doesn't realize they need until it's 5:30 in the morning and the sun isn't rising for another hour and a half. I've been using the BioLite HeadLamp [10] ($50) for my early-morning runs and love how bright and comfortable it is. As weird as it might sound as a present ("wow . . . a headlamp . . . thank you"), runners love the gifts of 1) safety and 2) the ability to see more than a foot in front of them during late-night or early-morning runs. Trust me on this one.
Runner's Measurements Engraved Beer Pint Glass
For the runner and beer-lover in your life, there's no better gift than this Runner's Measurements Engraved Beer Pint Glass [11] ($20). They can fill it up to whatever distance they ran that day and reward themselves for every mile completed . . . or just go all the way to the top regardless. My dad would never be satisfied with the 13.1 line.
Runner's Measurements Stemless Wine Glass
The Runner's Measurements Stemless Wine Glass [12] ($20) is the beer glass but for wine, because you need to cover all your bases, right? TBH, might just buy both of them.
"Suck It Up Buttercup" Runners' Tank Top
You can't go wrong with a funny running shirt. I love this "Suck It Up Buttercup" Runners' Tank Top [13] ($22), which I gifted to a cousin last year, because it's both motivational and a lighthearted callout to the runner in your life who loves to complain about running (there's always one.)
Gu Energy Gels
My family loves to exchange Gu Energy Gels [14] ($32) as stocking stuffers. (I know. Aren't we fun?!) I personally love the chocolatey flavors, but going with this 24 pack guarantees there'll be something for every taste.