Running Shoes, Apparel and Gear The 21 Best Gift Ideas for Runners of 2020, According to a Running Coach Get the perfect gift for the runners in your life By Christine Luff twitter linkedin Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. Learn about our editorial process Christine Luff Fact checked by Fact checked by Shereen Lehman, MS on April 18, 2020 Shereen Lehman, MS, is a healthcare journalist and fact checker. She has co-authored two books for the popular Dummies Series (as Shereen Jegtvig). Learn about our editorial process Shereen Lehman, MS Updated on October 13, 2020 Print More in Running Shoes, Apparel and Gear Beginners Weight Loss Motivation Long Distance Nutrition and Hydration Injury Prevention Treadmill Running Race Training View All Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Our Top Picks Garmin Forerunner 245 Running Smartwatch at Amazon "The runner in your life will appreciate this smartwatch, which helps meet fitness goals by tracking steps, miles, and calories." BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe Balm at Amazon "Runners and joggers alike will have one less thing to worry about on their endurance runs with this anti-chafe balm on hand." Bombas Tri-Bloc Ankle Socks at Gap.com "Upgrade your sock game with a comfy pair that's equipped to handle medium-high impact workouts and protect blisters." Etsy Run Happy Bracelet at Etsy "Keep your runner motivated with a cord bracelet that's sure to remind them why they started, while adding flair to their outfit." Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews at Amazon "Fuel up with Honey Stinger's energy chews, which promise to delay muscle fatigue and keep you energized for your run or race." Tough Headwear Running Beanie at Amazon "Runners, snowboarders, skiiers, or bikers can brave frigid elements with this beanie that can be layered under a helmet." Trigger Point Foam Massage Ball at Amazon "A compact and travel-sized version of a foam roller, this massage ball targets muscle tightness in the upper and lower body." Nuun Sport Electrolyte Drink Tablets at Amazon "If you accidentally missed including vitamins and minerals in your meal, use this tablet to turn your water into a sports drink." New Balance Lightweight Running Gloves at Amazon "Enhance your winter apparel with a pair of gloves that are touch-screen friendly and reflective for added nighttime safety." Run Forever Sports Calf Compression Sleeves at Amazon "Easily foldable so they can be tossed into your bag or pocket, these calf compression sleeves add warmth and boost circulation." If you’re shopping for someone who’s obsessed with running, you may feel overwhelmed by the vast number of running clothes, gear, and gadgets to sort through. As a running coach, I’ve researched and tested plenty of running-related items, so I can save you time and effort when picking the best finds. Here are the best gift ideas for runners that any running aficionado will adore. Garmin Forerunner 245 Running Smartwatch Buy on Amazon Buy on Dick's Buy on Best Buy This sturdy and reliable GPS watch from Garmin lets runners track data such as their miles, routes, stride length, and heart rate. Plus, this 245 model has music storage directly on the watch, so there’s no need to bring your phone along if you want to listen to tunes while you run. The 10 Best Running Watches of 2020 BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe Balm Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart Buy on Dick's This tried-and-true product has a huge fan base of distance runners who use it to avoid painful chafing. Just rub some Body Glide on chafing-prone areas and the invisible, dry, and protective barrier will repel water and moisture, helping to stop the skin irritation caused by rubbing. The 8 Best Chafing Creams of 2020 Bombas Tri-Bloc Ankle Socks Buy on Gap.com Runners can never have too many socks, but once they try these high-performance ones from Bombas, they may not want any others. With a cushioned footbed and optimal breathability, they excel in the areas of comfort and blister protection. Even better, for every pair of socks purchased, Bombas donates a pair to homeless shelters. The 7 Best Socks of 2020 Etsy Run Happy Bracelet Buy on Etsy Runners will love to wear this motivational bracelet to remember why they started running and as a reminder to always find the joy in it. Choose from 20-plus different cord colors. Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews Buy on Amazon Buy on Honeystinger.com Buy on Rei.com These delicious energy chews from Honey Stinger give runners something to look forward to during their long runs and races. Available in eight flavors, they’re organic, gluten-free, and provide much-needed fuel for any workout. The 7 Best Energy Chews of 2020, According to a Dietitian Tough Headwear Running Beanie Buy on Amazon Runners will look forward to outdoor runs in the cold when they’re wearing this lightweight, comfy beanie hat. Its brushed thermal lining provides ultimate heat-retention and the stretchy, breathable fabric effectively wicks away sweat, so they don’t get wet and cold. The 8 Best Running Hats of 2020 Trigger Point Foam Massage Ball Buy on Amazon Buy on Implus.com This compact massager is ideal for digging into tough knots and sore muscles, especially when you’re traveling and don’t want to pack a large foam roller. It’s especially good for targeting areas where runners get tight, such as their calves and piriformis. The 8 Best Types of Foam Rollers of 2020 Nuun Sport Electrolyte Drink Tablets Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart Buy on Nuunlife.com Perfect for on-the-run or post-run hydration, these Nuun electrolyte tablets provide runners with the antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals their bodies need. They just add the tablet to water for natural, low-calorie hydration with a burst of fruity flavor. The Best Electrolyte Drinks, According to a Dietitian New Balance Lightweight Running Gloves Buy on Amazon Buy on Runningwarehouse.com Even if they already own a pair of running gloves, runners always appreciate an extra pair to keep in their running jacket, gym bag, or car. Comfortable, stretchy, and easy to wash, these New Balance lightweight running gloves are a good addition to a winter running wardrobe. They also have useful features, such as grippy traction on the palms, touchscreen compatible fingertips, and reflective elements. The 10 Best Running Gloves of 2020 Run Forever Sports Calf Compression Sleeves Buy on Amazon Buy on Runforeversports.com For travel, warm-ups, and post-run recovery, runners love the circulation boost and inflammation relief from compression sleeves. They can even help with those annoying shin splints. The 6 Best Calf Compression Sleeves of 2020 Gone for a Run Runner's Race Medal Hanger Buy on Amazon Buy on Goneforarun.com Rather than just sticking their race medals in a drawer, this medal hanger lets runners keep their collection organized and beautifully displayed. Made from laser cut steel with a powder coat black finish, it’s very sturdy and can hold about 24 medals. Uncommon Goods Etched Marathon Pint Glass Buy on Uncommon Goods A unique gift for marathoners, these pint glasses are the perfect way to celebrate their accomplishments. They’re beautifully etched with the routes and surrounding city maps of many big-city marathons, plus they feature finish line coordinates and dates of the inaugural race. The 10 Best Gifts for Walkers of 2020 Brooks Sherpa Hat Buy on Zappos Buy on Brooksrunning.com Buy on Runningwarehouse.com This sleek, lightweight, and extremely comfortable hat from Brooks provides protection for sunny and rainy conditions, but also has excellent airflow and ventilation so you don’t overheat when it's hot out. With an adjustable strap, you can get a customized fit, so the hat works for both men and women. Nathan Hipster Running Belt Buy on Amazon Buy on Nathansports.com Perfect for securely stashing on-the-run essentials, this running belt from Nathan stretches to fit the contours of your body. Super-soft and comfortable, it has multiple pockets and can fit larger phones. The 8 Best Running Belts of 2020, According to a Running Coach Engo Oval Blister Prevention Patches Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart Buy on Ithacasports.com Give your favorite runner the gift of a pain-free run with these patches that adhere to your shoe to help eliminate friction and protect feet from blisters. They can be trimmed to fit any shoe size or shape and are easy to stash in a pocket or running belt for mid-run application. The 9 Best Products to Help Prevent and Treat Foot Blisters Athleta Vital Headband in Powervita Buy on Gap.com This popular Athleta headband actually stays put, keeping your hair off your face and wicking away sweat. It also won’t give you a headache and doesn't leave a kink in your hair when you remove it. The 6 Best Workout Headbands for Women of 2020 The Buddy System Adjustable Hands-Free Dog Leash Buy on Amazon This hands-free leash makes it super easy for runners to bring their four-legged friend along on the run. It attaches to the runner’s waist, so it won’t mess up their stride. The 22 Best Running Gifts for Men of 2020, According to a Running Coach Holiday Deal Bose SoundSport Free Truly Wireless Headphones Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart Buy on Best Buy These runner-friendly wireless headphones are designed to stay secure and comfortable for the entire run. They’re also sweat- and water-resistant, and easy to adjust with just a light touch. The 11 Best Running Headphones, According to a Running Coach Tribe Cell Phone Armband Buy on Amazon Buy on Tribefitnessusa.com A perfect gift for anyone who runs outside, the Tribe armband offers a safe and comfortable way to carry a phone. It’s water-resistant and has room for large phones, as well as keys or other small items. The 8 Best Running Safety Gear Petzl Actik Headlamp Buy on Amazon Buy on Backcountry.com Buy on Rei.com Keep your favorite runners safe with this rechargeable headlamp, designed to help runners see and be seen in low light conditions. It has several different modes and levels of intensity and is also very useful for camping, hiking, and other activities. The 6 Best Headlamps Vitscan Activated Charcoal Odor Absorber Bags Buy on Amazon The charcoal bags are perfect for gym bags, sneakers, cars, or any other place where runners may be concerned about bad smells lingering. The activated charcoal eliminates odors by absorbing them, not covering them up. Why Trust Verywell Fit An avid runner and marathon running coach, Christine Luff loves researching and shopping for the perfect running gear and gadgets for running friends and family members. She inevitably also finds something to satisfy her own running needs and desires. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! 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