Running Gift Guide

GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS:

Runners are a tough group to buy gifts for. They are never satisfied with ties, golf shirts, or spa gift certificates as gifts. They want new running gear and literature. And after giving them the running gift they want, you will be remembered fondly every time they lace-up their running shoes for a training run or race. So how do you go about finding the perfect gift for your runner? Ask the following questions and make the following considerations:

What type of training and racing does your runner engage in? If your runner is training for a specific race or event, try to tailor the gift towards those training needs and/or events. For example, if your runner is training for a marathon, he or she will need products designed to get through the tough training. These products might include specialized water bottles or hydration systems and energy bars and gels to replace lost energy and fluids during long training runs. Our Marathon 1 and Marathon 2 Running Gift Bags are designed take the work out of buying a gift for your marathon runner.

Our Race Day Running Gift Bag is the perfect gift for any runner about run in race of any distance. This gift features products that every runner can use on the big day.

A training journal is also a must for runners trying to keep track of their mileage and progress. Running-related books can educate or serve as sources of inspiration. Injuries are also the plague of all runners. The Marathon Stick is a muscle compression and stretching tool perfect for combating muscle tightness and injuries.

What part of the country does your runner live and train in? Environmental conditions can be a source for ideas for great running gifts. Does your runner live in a warmer climate? If so, specialty sunscreens are designed to protect an athlete’s skin when up against water and sweat. Running in the heat also requires a breathable light running hat with a wide brim. Running is hard on technical apparel. Sweat, grime, sunscreens, and lotions can ruin the effectiveness of technical gear, retain residue, and leave an unpleasant smell. Penguin Sport-Wash is a residue-free detergent that removes trapped odors and restores factory applied waterproofing to high-tech fabrics, keeping them technically sound and odor-free. Feel free to take a look at our Warm Weather Running Gift Bag, which has been specifically designed for your warm weather runner.

If your runner resides in a cooler climate, special winter clothes designed for runners makes for a thoughtful gift. Even winter running apparel needs to be breathable and able to wick away moisture. We lose much of our body heat through our head, hands, and feet so winter running hats , headbands and gloves make great gifts. Winter can also be tough on a runner’s skin. Perpetual Motion Sport has designed a line of skin and foot care products that are designed for endurance athletes. During the winter, your runner may be stuck indoors more than they like. Buy them a running-related book or movie to keep them entertained. Our Cold Weather Running Gift Bag contains many of these products packaged in an attractive nylon running tote bag.

Should I buy running shoes as a gift? Only if you specifically know the make, model, size, and color your runner wants. Runners are extremely particular about their shoes.

Are there any gifts that will keep my runner safe on the road? If you runner runs at night, he or she should be wearing some type of reflective gear or a flashing light. Some running clothes and shoes have built-in reflectors but this is not enough. Running at night is dangerous and responsible runners wear reflective gear. Additionally, what if your runner was seriously injured during a run? Who would identify him or her? How would they reach a family member for help? Products such as ID On Me make quality lightweight identification for runners. These aren’t lame gifts. Your runner will appreciate that you are concerned about their safety.

Runners are so serious about their running. What about fun gifts? Electronics can spice-up any run. Think about mp3 players, iPods, heart rate monitors, and GPS systems as fun gifts. Be careful to consult your runner before buying a gift of this nature. They have probably researched the product and know exactly what they want. This may take the fun out of buying the gift but it is better than having them return it. Hydration systems and specialty water bottles with fun bright colors are cool gifts.

Does is matter if my runner is male or female? Runners are runners and use a lot of the same products regardless of gender. Regardless, a number of manufacturers and publishers have made running products and books specifically with women in mind. For this reason, we offer a Women's Running Gift Bag that your female runner may find both enjoyable and useful.

What are good stocking-stuffers? Energy Bars and Energy Gels, specialty water bottles, training journals, BodyGlide, BlisterShield, and other smaller items all make great stocking-stuffers.

What if I am still unsure about what to give? Buy an assortment of items that all runners use such as training journals, BodyGlide, running socks, energy bars and gels, and water bottles. On the other hand, let us do the work for you. Our Pacesetter, Sampler, and Runner's High Running Gift Bags are designed with take the stress out of this process. If you are still unsure what to give, let your runner decide. Give them a gift certificate to redeem at gifts-for-runners.com. Running gift certificates are always a perfect gift.

What is the best gift that I can give regardless of price? Support their healthy obsession with running and cheer them on at their races.