Best Gifts for Runners: 16 Items for Those On the Go

Gifts for runners can be tricky... they are notoriously picky about their gear. For that reason, I rarely gift things like shoes or base layers—the fit is too individual and the runners I know have their loyalties cemented in place. But there are still plenty of items you can wrap up to make their holiday special. These gifts for runners range from tiny tubes of anti-chafe cream, to high-protein running snacks, to a sleek running vest and winter-ready jacket. As always, these come in a variety of prices, from stocking stuffers to splurges, and there's sure to be something for every runner on your list.

Bodyglide Anti-Chafe Balm - Walmart, $9.99

Chafing is a surefire way to ruin a good run, and a healthy swipe of Bodyglide can take that misery out of the equation. This compact tube of skin lubricant is a welcome stocking stuffer for the runner on your list, especially in regions where humidity and sweat come together to create a recipe for rubbing skin.

Rawlogy Travel Cork Massage Ball - Amazon, $12.97

Most runners or endurance athletes can tell you the benefits of rolling out on a foam roller, and this sustainably sourced, pocket-sized cork massage ball is the perfect travel companion. Toss this in a travel bag or the side pocket of any backpack and forget it's there until you need it. This is a great tool for massaging out the bottoms of your feet, shoulders, and calves.

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Honey Stinger Variety Pack - Amazon, $14.28

Nutrition and hydration are always welcome gifts, and this variety pack from Honey Stinger lets your favorite runner sample gels, energy chews, protein bars, and the classic Honey Stinger waffles and then choose their favorite variety to invest in. Honey Stinger is made from natural ingredients with an energy punch from good-for-you sugars and nutrients, and they're easy to eat on the go.

Blackstrap Snowbelle Headband - Amazon, $21.99

Keep the hair out of their face and their ears warm with these stretchy headbands that protect from the cold air without pressing down and causing a tension headache. These are my go-to headbands for cold-weather running and cross-country skiing, and they come in a huge variety of fun colors and patterns.

Amphipod Handheld Water Bottle - Amazon, $24

For moderate-length runs where a pack would be overkill but you still want water, this ergonomic, handheld water bottle and hand strap is a perfect solution. This bottle holds 20 ounces of water, conforms to your hand, and the straps mean the runner doesn't have to be gripping the bottle the whole time.

The Everyday Athlete Cookbook - Amazon, $26.99

This cookbook from America's Test Kitchen is packed with highly nutritious, reasonably simple recipes targeted towards athletes (or anyone who wants to eat healthier). Personally, I've gotten sick of scrolling through people's life stories and dodging pop-up ads on online recipe blogs, and a good old-fashioned cookbook is a simple way to avoid this while being inspired by new ideas.

Gnarly Nutrition Hydrate Electrolyte Powder - Amazon, $27.45

Like pricey sports snacks, a hydration powder is a great gift because it's something that will actually be used up. Gnarly has a variety of protein powders, electrolyte supplements, and nutrition boosters. This grapefruit flavor is one of my favorites, but you really can't go wrong. These come in individual sticks ideal for tossing into a running pack or adding to a water bottle without worrying about measuring.

Sawyer Micro Squeeze Water Filter - Walmart, $45.79

When I asked my runner friend what she'd most like to receive as a running gift, she immediately mentioned a water filter. Carrying a filter on a long trail run where you know you'll have water saves carrying extra liquid and gives you the peace of mind knowing you'll have drinkable water along the whole route. This is a more compact version of Sawyer's classic filter, and is my pick for carrying in a pocket or a pack. This includes the pouch, but you can swap out a Platypus 1-liter reservoir.

Nathan HyperNight Reflective Gloves - REI, $30

This sleek pair of running gloves are my go-to for winter runs and skate ski sessions. They're lightly lined with fleece for insulation, with a moderately wind resistant outer fabric and plenty of reflective pieces for visibility on pre-dawn and after-dark runs. They breathe well and when I get too hot, they pack down super small to tuck into a jacket pocket.

Nathan Zipster Lite Runner Belt - REI, $30

Like the handheld water bottle, this running belt is a great middle ground between not carrying anything and carrying a running pack. This has enough support and elasticity to stay put during movement without feeling suffocating, and it easily holds a phone, keys, a credit card, and even a compact filter like the Sawyer I listed above.

No Cow Protein Bars 12 Pack - Amazon, $34.99

More food! I am always happy to receive food, and these No Cow bars are one of my current faves. I prefer dense protein bars (I don't like gnawing on nuts and seeds) and these are easy to chew with a tasty frosting and a nice texture. They're dairy free and gluten free too, making them a good choice for runners with finicky stomachs and dietary restrictions. This is a variety pack, but my favorite flavor is the Cookies N Cream.

TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller - Amazon, $36.95

Like the portable massage ball, a foam roller is a solid addition to any runner's household self-care center. This trigger-point model has dedicated pressure points for more targeted massaging, and is great for larger muscle groups like quads, back, and glutes. I keep one of these stashed in my closet and roll out after a hard run or workout.

TREBLAB X3 Pro Wireless Earbuds - Amazon, $69.97

I've tested a lot of headphones in the past year, and this most recent pair holds up to the higher priced Bose and Beats models. These are fully wireless and waterproof (which also means sweatproof) and stay in my ears during indoor and outdoor workouts. They're also comfortable to wear under a hat or headband—especially important for winter runs. These have 45 hours of battery life with the charging case, and charge quickly in the case and plugged into an outlet.

B DÆHLIE Straight Pants - Amazon, $119.95

For the four-season runner, a pair of windproof, weather-resistant pants to wear over a base layer can be key for surviving the most frigid runs... or even leaving the house in the first place. This pair by Daehlie were designed with Nordic skiing in mind, but I wear them for winter running. These are flexible for a wide range of motion, fit well over a next-to-skin layer, and add a layer of warmth and wind-proofing for blustery days.

Salomon Adv Skin 12 Set Hydration Vest - REI, $160

This pack is an investment, but it became my go-to running pack this year. It's adjustable to fit over multiple layers, the pockets are easily accessible, and it holds a surprising amount of extra clothes and snacks in the large back pockets. I recommend insulating water bottle holders or an insulating hose for a reservoir, but otherwise no adjustments need to be made. If you're looking to splurge on a special runner, this is sure to be a hit.

GORE WEAR Standard Drive Jacket - Amazon, $203

Gore's winter running kit hit the spot this year... especially this jacket, which was designed for the motion of running and made with materials and body-mapped construction to be as breathable as possible while still providing a protective layer for cooler runs. This jacket has reflective detailing, a slim fit for layering, and is made with Gore-Tex Infinium, the company's most breathable technology to date.

READ MORE: THE BEST OUTDOOR GIFTS UNDER $25