If you have a runner to shop for this holiday season, it can be overwhelming. There are all kinds of shoes, accessories, and gadgets to enhance the running experience. Where to start? To help you out, we conducted some research and came up with 10 gift suggestions for runners of all levels.
10 Best Healthy Holiday Gifts for Runners
Know someone who needs a little motivation to start moving? The Garmin vívofit® is the only fitness band with a personal daily-goal greeting that tracks your progress, monitors your sleep, and reminds them when it’s time to get active. This water-resistant band is always on and won’t need a battery change for more than a year.
Price: About $129.99 (Garmin is offering a 20% discount with the code MFPHoliday14. Limited availability.)
Get it here.
Photo credit: Garmin
2. Flipbelt
Every runner wants to be free of bulk when running, but it can be difficult when you need to carry your keys, phone, ID, and more. Enter the Flipbelt. Simply slide the spandex-lycra belt onto your hips, fill the pockets with your essentials, and flip it over to lock everything in place. Your items are right at your fingertips, and you’re ready to run!
Price: About $27.99
Get it here.
Photo credit: REI
Do you know someone who runs at night? You can help improve their safety with a Panther Vision POWERCAP®. These reflective running hats with wicking-performance fabrics provide more than 42 lumens of LED light and come in various colors. Cars, cyclists, and more will have no problem seeing them, and they can enjoy their run!
Price: About $29.99
Get it here.
Photo credit: Panther Vision
4. YakTrax® RUN
Gift the runner in your life with more options. With the Yaktrax RUN traction device, they can run naturally on snow and ice with more stability. Anatomically designed, they have removable spikes and steel coils that provide 360° of traction in temperatures as low as -41° Fahrenheit. Now, Mother Nature no longer needs to keep runners indoors.
Price: About $40.00
Get it here.
Photo credit: YakTrax
5. Gone for a Run® Runners Training Swag Bag
Not sure what to buy the runners on your gift-list? Give them a little bit of everything! With the Gone for a Run® Runners Training Swag Bag, they’ll receive: “a shoe bag, a LightGUIDE LED Arm LightBAND, a Running Belt by Run Technology Running Belt System, a Race Bib & Gel Holders by Run Technology Running Belt System, a Perfect Neoprene Pouch by Run Technology Running Belt System, a Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews Sampler Set, Running Gloves with Touch Screen Fingers, an Ultra Pocket Hat for Runners, and an Eat Sleep Run Repeat Mini Car Magnet.”
Price: About $74.99
Get it here.
Photo credit: Gone For a Run
6. Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Water Bottle
Give your runner the gift of refreshment with the 18 oz. Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Water Bottle. It keeps your drink cool, and the ergonomic shape and hand strap make it easy to carry and take a sip at any time. Plus, there is a zippered pocket for your keys, phone, and other necessities.
Price: About $35.00
Get it here.
Photo credit: L.L.Bean
7. PocketBands™
If the runner on your list wants to go for a run with just a key and a little money, you’ll want to check out PocketBands™. It’s a simple, customizable band you place on your wrist. Simply fill the pocket, put on the armband, and you’ll be ready to go. They’re fun, simple and practical!
Price: About $9.99 or 3 for $20.00
Get it here.
Photo credit: PocketBands
To help any runner find new routes and track their performance, download the MapMyRun app. With an MVP subscription, you can unlock access to premium features including route genius, audio coaching, live tracking and advanced workout details. Plus, get advanced heart rate, power and cadence analysis, custom splits, interval training, and much more!
Price: $29.99 per year or $5.99 per month (Use code MVPMFP50 to save 50% on a one-year MVP membership.)
Get it here.
Photo credit: MapMyFitness
Here’s a fun app for friends and family, who want to share their running successes and get motivated. The Runtastic Gold membership lets them share photos and messages while tracking speed, incline, pace, weather, and other stats. With unlimited fitness plans and cheers from friends and family members, they’ll be inspired to run even more in the year ahead!
Price: About $36.00 per year (Get 50% off a Gold Membership with discount code RMF-VNMK-RVLE)
Get it here.
Photo credit: Runtastic
10. RunKeeper Elite
For the runners on your list who want to train smarter, check out RunKeeper Elite. The subscription fitness service offers dozens of digital training plans that take the guesswork out of each week’s workouts, plus detailed reports to compare runs and rank progress over time. Make it easy for them to improve their fitness and reach their weight loss goals.
Price: About $39.99 yearly (Use the link below to get a 1-year subscription of RunKeeper Elite for $29.99, a 25% discount! Offer only valid on Web purchases, not available for in-app purchases.)
Get it here.
Photo credit: RunKeeper
Time to Hit the Streets!
Whether you have an avid runner on your gift list, or someone who could use a little motivation, we hope these ideas help you find just the right gifts for them this holiday season. With fun, new gear and accessories, they’ll want to enjoy all of the health benefits of their favorite activity even more!
Do you have a favorite item you use when running that is missing from this list? Please share it with us here.
And for some more ideas to enhance the running experience, check out these blog entries.