So what’s really the BEST gift for the runner in your life?!
Answer: Finding them a new habit that they will LOVE that will also make them a better runner!
Get them something that will allow them to try something new that they might not try out on their own.
Maybe it’s something that they just can’t bring themselves to pay for, but can actually do a lot of good!
Or maybe it’s just that they haven’t thought of it before.
RUNNING 101
- What you need to know as a beginner runner
- Should you include protein powder in a runner’s diet?
- How to not die when running in hot weather
- How to calculate race pace
- How to prevent common running injuries
- How to plan a runner’s diet
Whether you’re buying for someone who’s been running for years, or someone who just recently started up a couch to 5K training plan, the gift of faster recovery from a running workout is one of the best gifts a runner could ask for! š
Help with staying injury-free is another of the best gifts you could get!
This ultimately means that you are giving the gift of helping to become a better runner! And who doesn’t want that?! š
So, with that in mind, here are a few gifts ideas for runners!
But first! For a runner’s gift basket, have a look here.
Or, if you’re like forget practical running accessories…
- WINE: For your wine-loving runner friendĀ have a look here
- BEER: For your beer-loving runner friend have a look here
- SOCKS: And then to give running inspiration right at a runner’s feet, literally, have a look hereĀ (socks with running quotes!) Type your favorite running quote into search to see if there are socks with it!
- JEWELRY: For running jewelry like bracelets, here
- FUNNY SHIRTS: For funny running shirts, type your favorite running quote into search here to see if there’s a shirt!
- COFFEE MUGS: For coffee mugs with running quotes, same thing – type your favorite running quote into search here to see if there’s a mug!
Side note: If you’re running a Halloween 5K, here are running socks for you to wear! And if you’re running a December 5K, here are running socks for you to wear to be in the Christmas spirit!
gifts for hikers under $25 – gifts for travelers under $25
But, for better recovery, better training, and becoming a better runner…
Smoothie blender
A great post-workout recovery is a fruit smoothie with milk.
strawberries + pineapple + banana + milk
(For example.)
It’s super quick, and it’s super simple.
And most of all, it can be a perfect recovery drink.
A little bit of carbs, a little bit of protein, and a little bit of anti-oxidants!
Giving your runner friend the gift of a post-workout smoothie habit with this blenderĀ makes for a great gift!
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
Yogurt maker
Another great post-workout snack is yogurt.
But it would be kind of boring to just hand over a container of yogurt.
Instead, give the gift of starting a yogurt-making habit to make it FUN!
There is a process to making yogurt at home, but once your runner friend has this process down, they can become a pro yogurt maker! And might even make you jealous. š
You can also make Greek yogurt with a regular yogurt maker too, but you can also get a dedicated Greek yogurt maker like this one.
Another fun thing can be making ice cream with this thing, as long as you make healthier versions of ice cream. š
Self-massage tools
Recovery is an important part of becoming a stronger runner. And recovery includes muscles.
And that can include massage.
This massage stick would be perfect to fit the role of massaging legs to help to speed up recovery.
Massage gift certificate
What can be even better than self-massage tools?
A real massage!
Massages can be an amazing recovery tool, whether it’s during training or after a big race.
If you’re looking for a post-marathon gift or a gift for a holiday or birthday that just so happens to come just before your runner friend’s big race, a gift certificate for a massage can be an amazing gift for runners!
But even if there is no race coming up, a massage can be useful during training too.
Try to see if a search comes up for a massage therapist near you who specializes in running.
If not, try to find one who specializes in sports massage or massage therapy for athletes.
Stronger core
Who doesn’t want a stronger core?!
AKA the gift of better abs!
A stronger core means a stronger runner too!
This equipment makes for a good ab workout.
You’ll want to make sure to choose an appropriate weight.
Of course it depends on the person, but 8 pounds or 10 pounds is probably a safe weight to get.
Customized running gift
Now, here’s a gift idea for the runner who has finishedĀ tons of races and you know has tons of medals and tons of race bibs.
It’s an even better gift if you know your runner friend’s favorite running quote, because you can customize it, and quote makes a perfect thing to add!
If you need ideas for running quotes, try here.
Now, for one thing you definitely do NOT want to buy for a runner…
Running shoes!
Unless… you approach it properly! š
Because if you do, then they can make a GREAT gift!
The wrong way to gift running shoes
First, the WRONG way to buy running shoes.
As a non-runner, you keep hearing your runner friend talking about how she needs new shoes.
You see that over 2,000 runners LOVEĀ these running shoes with their glowing reviews, so you think these must be good shoes!
No.
(Unless you know your friend wears these shoes. More on that coming up.)
You see, running shoes are a highly individualized thing, and they can sometimes be the difference between staying healthy to keep training for that marathon, or getting one ofĀ these common running injuries.
Instead…
The right way to gift running shoes
In short, find out her current pair of running shoes in which she’s training in injury-free!
With running shoes, it can be one of those things where if it’s working for you, don’t change it.
But the thing is, running shoes get worn out, and they need to be replaced so you don’t get injured.
So many times, the best thing to do is go with the same brand and model as before.
Depending on when you’re buying the shoes, you may get a previous season’s shoes, which usually works out. (Of course, there may be times it doesn’t, so save that receipt!)
But how can you find out what running shoes your friend wears?
As a non-runner, you can be like… “Oh, I think I might start running. What running shoes do you wear?”
You want to get the brandĀ andĀ model.
For example, it’s not enough just to know she wears Mizuno running shoes.
You need to know she wears MizunoĀ InspireĀ running shoes. Even better would be to learn that she wears Mizuno InspireĀ 11Ā running shoes, so you can see if you can get the exact model!
As a runner, it will probably be easier. “I’m thinking of switching running shoes. What shoes do you wear?”
Also important, you need to know the size of the shoe.
This you can try to find out by asking what size running shoe they wear vs. other types of shoes for size comparison.
As a non-runner, you can ask, “Do you wear the same size running shoe that you do for your sandals?”
As a runner, you can just make general conversation along those lines!
Okay, so then armed with this new information of what brand and model your runner friend wears, what do you do with it?
Well, yes,Ā you can go hereĀ to search out the price! š And, Google can also serve you well too.
And if all else fails for your running gift ideas…
Here’s some more browsing fun when you’re looking for gifts for runners to make a part of a runner’s gift basket too!
HAPPY RUNNER GIFT GIVING!
things to remember going couch to 5K | do runners need protein powder? | staying safe with hot summer running | running hydration tips | how to prevent common running injuries
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š Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling