The 21 Best Gift Ideas for Runners of 2021, According to a Running Coach

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, stride length, calories, and heart rate (heart monitor strap sold separately). Plus, this 245 model has music streaming capabilities, so there’s no need to bring your phone along if you want to listen to tunes while you run.

BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe Balm

Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart Buy on Dick's

This tried-and-true product has a huge fanbase 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 friction and moisture, helping to stop the skin irritation caused by rubbing. 

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. 

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

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.

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 the wearer doesn’t get wet and cold.

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.

Nuun Sport Electrolyte Drink Tablets

Buy on Amazon Buy on Swansonvitamins.com

Perfect for on-the-run or post-run hydration, these Nuun electrolyte tablets provide runners with the minerals their bodies need, such as magnesium and potassium. They just add the tablet to water for natural, low-calorie hydration with a burst of fruity flavor.

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.

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. 

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.

Well Told Design 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.

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, and it 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.

Engo Oval Blister Prevention Patches

Buy on Amazon 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.

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 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.

Bose SoundSport Free Truly Wireless Headphones

Buy on Amazon Buy on Hsn.com

These runner-friendly wireless headphones are designed to stay secure and comfortable for the entire run. They’re also sweat and water resistant, and they are easy to adjust with just a light touch.

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.

Petzl Actik Headlamp

Buy on Amazon Buy on Backcountry.com Buy on REI

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.