The Runner’s Gift Guide: From Ultra-Runners to Couch-to-5K New Runners

As with cyclists, runners often end up with well-meaning but not-ideal holiday gifts, from statues of runners to shoes that don’t quite fit (or match the athlete’s actual goals). Here, we’re listing at the gifts that we’ve actually given, we’re asking for, or we’re gifting this year (shhh!). Last note: we really don’t recommend gifting apparel or shoes because between size, fit, and style, it’s really a personal decision on the runner’s part. It’s annoying to have someone give you gear with the best of intentions, only to realize it’s non-returnable and doesn’t fit you well. So all of these options are pretty one-size-fits-most, or at least, they’re not hyper-specific. Let’s get into it!

Swiftwick Aspire Four Trail Running Socks

The only concession I’ll make to runner clothing is the Christmas cliche of socks. I’m extremely into these Swiftwick ASPIRE FOUR Trail Running compression-fit socks for winter, and my pastry chef-turned-runner sister is in love with them for dealing with foot sweat in the kitchen as well as running in the cold.

• Get them here
• $19/pair

Run All the Miles, Eat All the Snacks Sweatshirt

Pretty self-explanatory.

Get it here ($27)

Custom Door Mat

I had no idea that custom mats were a thing until I had the idea that I wanted one, and discovered they do exist on Etsy (of course). I recently had this mat made for a friend who just completed an amazing FKT, and you can do similar for your running friends! I was so happy with how this turned out, and the quality is fantastic for the price. You can completely customize the text with a list like this (Water, Snacks, Strava, for example), or something motivational (Have a Great Run!) or really, whatever the heck you want.

Get it here (starting at $25)

Nathan Streak Reflective Vest

For newer runners or those who’ve recently started putting in more miles in the dark, the Streak Vest from Nathan is a comfortable, easy way to maximize your visibility when running along the road in dark conditioning. The vest offers 1,200-foot, 360-degree visibility, and unlike most running apparel, it’s pretty easy to get the sizing right for the runner in your life.

Get it here for $27 (Get it in Canada, $33)

Travel Shoe Dryer

Year after year, this makes our gift lists, because it is just one of the most practical, useful gifts to give a runner. It’s a total trip/race saver. If you’re in a hotel frantically trying to dry shoes after pre-running a course, or back at a (electricity-having) campsite after a long day of hiking, it is SO nice to be able to ensure that your shoes are dry and ready the next day. And it can also run on your car’s cigarette lighter, WHAT!?!?! This is perfect for runners, cyclists, hikers, literally ANY outdoors type, and the travel option takes up no space.

• Get it here
• $37

Nathan Run Gloves/Mittens

I love a convertible glove, and the fact that these include high vis elements? Even better. Plus, they’re only $20, so they’re legit ideal stocking stuffers or (relatively low) budget gifts for your running group.

Get them here

Glerup boots

If you’ve been reading our holiday lists for a while now, you know that cozy post-race, ride or run boots have always topped Molly’s list of great gifts to give the athlete in your life (or ask for yourself). This year, we’re still sticking with the boots, but going with a slightly more fashion-forward (and all-natural) version with Glerups. These have become my go-to shoes that live in the van for long travel days and just days spent living out of the van in slightly chilly conditions. They’re also great camp shoes to bring along on hiking trips, which was the original reason I searched out down booties in the first place three years ago! (For athletes, opt for the rubber soles, since the leather ones aren’t meant to be worn outside ever, but the rubber ones can handle a bit of outdoor use.)

Get them here