2018 Holiday Gift Guide for Runners

It’s the most run-derful time of the year!  And I’m back with another holiday gift guide for the runners in your life, but this year’s has a little bit of a twist. If the runner is anything like the ones I know, they have everything.  So instead of focusing on things for the runner in your life, I’m focusing on experiences for the runner in your life.

Running Tours

If you’re like me, there are many places in your city that you have yet to explore.  One of my favorite ways to explore a city is by running and so many places have running tours that will give you a different perspective of where you live.  Here in San Diego, StepXStep running has tours through various neighborhoods, each with their own history.  Another great thing about running tours—they don't just need to be local.  Is your runner traveling? Find a running tour for wherever it is they go.  Not sure where to start on finding a running tour?  Check out your local running store for suggestions.

Self-Care

Running is hard.  It’s hard on your feet and legs.  It can be hard on your spirit. Like most runners, I will tell you that no matter how hard it is, it’s also one of the best experiences.  And one way I love to keep it a “best experience” is with a little self-care.  For me, that’s pedicures.  So think about a gift certificate to your runner’s favorite salon or spa.  They don’t like pedicures? Find out what they do like—maybe it’s massages, cupping or acupuncture.  And these things aren’t just for runners—you can join in on the fun too! 

Notice the black toe nail. 

Beer Tasting

Okay—so this isn’t running related, unless you consider it carb loading.  But sometimes we forget that runners like to do things besides run.  For me, beer tasting is one of those things.  And it can be fun—I’ve been traveling a lot this year and have discovered local breweries almost everywhere I go.  If the runner in your life doesn’t drink, try visiting local eateries during a restaurant week or create your own by visiting neighborhood restaurants and ordering appetizers.  Try visiting places you’ve never been to but have always wanted to try.

Bitter Brothers Brewery

“Afoot and Afield -San Diego County”

Yes—I know I said I wasn’t talking about things in this year’s gift guides.  But as Mick, an advid hiker and trail runner,  from Lynx Running said, this book is a “gift with the possibility of exploration.”   The San Diego edition of this book offers over 200 outings—how fun would it be to go through the list and check them off with your family and friends as you complete them.  Each trip gives you mileage, difficulty level and will let you know if it’s dog friendly.  It can be fun for everyone! (Don’t live in San Diego? I found other location versions on Amazon.)

As we venture into the “Season of Giving,” I hope that we all consider that giving doesn’t necessarily mean things.  I won’t lie—if someone wants to gift me a Garmin Fenix, I will gladly take it.  But what would mean more to me is someone gifting me their time.  Spending time with me, whether it be doing something I love or something we both love, and the memories hold more value than any item every could. 

What are you hoping to receive this year?

Until next time, happy running.

Jenn13.1

A Runner's Holiday Gift Guide

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!   Whether you’re shopping for someone who has been running a week or running a decade, here are some things that I think  would make great gifts for the runner in your life.

ProCompression Socks

Compression socks can help before a run, during a run or after a run so it makes sense that they are perfect for every type of runner.  My favorite are ProCompression—not only do they feel great, they come in a awesome selection of colors.  Check out this year's holiday sock—expected to be released on December 1st, you can save 40% off with the code GIFT16.  (If you want these, don’t wait—they sold out in hours last year!)

Photo Credit: www.procompression.com

Gift Cards

There are some things that a runner needs to pick out for themselves and one way for them to do that is with a gift card.  I suggest finding a local running store and getting one from there—not only would you be supporting small/local business, the person getting the gift card will get better customer service and expertise when they use the gift card. 

Race Entries

Let’s be real—for a “free” sport, running can be expensive and that includes race entries.  Do you have someone in your life who is dreaming of running a particular race?  Help make it happen.  Earlier this year, I received a race entry as a gift and it was the best surprise.  They contacted the race organizers, took care of the payment and I was good to go.  It also made the race mean something a little more—I wasn’t just running for myself, but also for my friends who gifted me the entry.    

Orange Mud Transition & Seat Wrap Towel

You’ve gone for a run, get back to you car, you’re sweaty and you want to change clothes.  The Orange Mud Transition & Seat Wrap towel lets you do both with ease.  After you change clothes without the fear of being seen, you can protect your car seat for your drive home.  It comes in several colors so there’s bound to be one that's your runner’s favorite.  

Photo Credit: www.orangemud.com

Music

Does the runner in your life like to listen to music when they run?  Get them gift cards to iTunes or subscriptions to the various running music apps that are out there like Rock My Run.  

Reusable Water Bottle

Runner’s don’t just need to hydrate when they run and I know for me I know that I hydrate more frequently when I have one of my reusable water bottles with me.  There are so many out there to choose from, but I’m loving the look of Hydro Flask’s “My Hydro.”  It’s the Hydro Flask bottles but it lets you customize them with your favorite color combination.   

Photo Credit: www.hydroflaskcom

Trucker Hats

I admit—I’ve become addicted to trucker hats.  Although I don’t always wear them during my runs, I love them for after my runs to hide my runner’s hair.  There are so many different ones to choose from that you really can’t go wrong. 
    

I love a good trucker hat!

Magazine Subscription

I get Runner’s World magazine every month and I will admit that when I first subscribed, I wasn’t sure if I would actually read it.  But I do—I’ve learned some great tips, been inspired and have found some great recipes in the magazine.  In a day when technology has made most magazines available online, I enjoy getting the actual magazine once a month.  

Subscription Box 

Last year one of my friends gifted me the Runner Box and I loved it.  Not only was it the gift that kept on giving (I received three boxes over a 6 month time period) it was a great way to try new products.  There are several different services and choices out there—I’ve tried Runner Box and Stride Box and loved them both!  

Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Running Fuel (Nuun, Honey Stinger and Glukos are a few of my favorites)
Anti-Chafe sticks (I use Glide)
KTTape (All the colors!)
Chapstick
Hair ties (I lose them everyday!)
RoadID (I love the bracelets)

One Last Idea

My final suggestion?  Offer to go for a run with them.  It doesn’t need to be long and it doesn’t need to be fast, but spending time with your family and friends is the best gift and it doesn’t cost a thing!

Happy shopping and until next time, happy running.
Jenn13.1.