My Running Holiday Gift Guide

When it comes to holiday shopping, do you struggle with giving gifts? If there is a runner in your life, may I suggest a few of my favorite running related items. No one has paid me to put this together, some items I had an opportunity to review through Bibrave.

Hydration

Gatorade / G2 – you can never have too much electrolyte drink in your home, easy to access at your local grocery store
Skratch Labs – powder drink mix, my favorite is the Apple Cinnamon – to be served HOT. These powdered mixes do not have any weird after taste. Locally Running Wild sells this, or use this location tool.
Hoist – I was able to try this through Bibrave. It’s very flavorful, but hard to purchase locally, but can purchase on amazon.com
Eddy Camelbak water bottle – I have 2 of these, easy to refill, can wash in the dishwasher, come in a variety of colors, and logos. Priced from $8 to $20, I have seen these at Scheels and sporting goods stores or online.
Nathan Fuel belt – ok so this is the only belt I have, but it holds 4 bottles and I can keep it snug on my waist. Also look for Camelbak or Orangemud. Be cautious if buying this as a gift, the fit of a hydration pack can be a personal thing.

Food

Mini Luna or Clif bars – these are the perfect size to take along on the run, or to eat when “runger” sets in. You can find them by the case at Target, or online
Justin’s nut butters – almond butter in packets, no need for the nasty GU or Gel, how about chocolate hazelnut? This can be found at a grocery store or online .
Snickers – as in the candy bar. This is one of my personal favorites, the bite size is perfect for a long run. Super easy to access at any retailer.
Gummi’s / fruit snacks – I like these not only because they taste delicious, but they are easy to obtain.
Honey Stinger Waffles – nothing like justifying eating a cookie, lol, ok so they are like wafers, but perfect treat for the runner.

Clothing

Pro Compression – Compression socks, I live in these socks. Yes the debate lives on, does compression work, do these socks work? I think they do, and I wont chance shin splints to find out if they don’t. Plus they have lots of fun colors and you can usually buy them 40% off.
Sparkle Athletic – This is my number one fun clothing gift. Skirts, visors, and tanks all with flare to have some fun on the run.
Headsweats – Hats…these fit my head the best and there is a terry cloth liner around the inside for sweat. They also make visors for Sparkle Athletic. They seem to come out with new colors and logos. Priced around $20 online.
Arm Sleeves – I have yet to find a favorite brand, but having a pair of these in the running drawer comes in handy. Living in Iowa the weather is always throwing a curve ball.
CW-X Compression tights – ahhh, all the compression. These tights are expensive, but they are worth it. They have all kinds of options that target different areas of the leg.
Shorts – I like to wear spandex shorts, eliminates all the chaffing, I really like Road Runner Sports, they have options with longer inseams…no one’s booty needs to be hangin out.
Shirts – I run in so many different shirts, if you are looking for one tip, buy something that will wick away sweat. While cute sayings may come on cotton shirts, invest in some technical material. Which you can buy at Wal-Mart.

Shoes:

I never tell anyone that one pair of shoes is better than another. I am loyal to the Brooks Ghost though, lol. However I always tell people to go to their local running store and get fitted for a pair that fits your feet the best. The shoe experts get paid to fit you correctly. A gift card to a running store is perfect.
Shwings – accessories for your shoes. Something fun.

Accessories

Marathang Bands – ok so I make these, but I started making them because I wasn’t going to spend $$$ on a head band. I know they stay in place on the run, as I have run 12 miles with one. Also they are cute and come in 3 sizes and all patterns
Flipbelt – one of my favorite Bibrave items, I am so happy I was able to review this item. Affordable at $29, available in all colors and sizes. This belt holds phones with no bounce and no annoyance of an arm band.
Race number belt – no more pinning bibs, just attach to a belt. I have an Asics belt, I don’t like it, it has these snaps that hold the number, very hard to get the holes to line up. However the hubs has the Run Disney belt that has toggles – I would look for a belt with this feature. They are about $12
Garmin (GPS watch) – I have been team Garmin since day 1, however my watch model is outdated, they do not make it anymore. Many people have trouble with satellites syncing, but the only problem I ever have is rain. The touch bezel does not care for it. Nike, Soleus, and Timex also make some great GPS watches. A runner likes to know how far they have ran, so we can brag about it later.
Pearl Izumi winter ones. However when it is really cold I like to wear those $1 knit gloves from JoAnn Fabrics with some mittens as the outside layer.
Winter hat – I wear anything, the close fitting to my head the better. A hat really keeps the heat in. Some may prefer a baseball cap with an ear band.

Safety

Road ID – I can’t say enough about this company. Affordable bracelets, shoe tags or anklets in all colors, with an ID tag on them. There is even a phone app. Buy one for yourself too.
Reflective Vest – This can be a personal preference as fit can be important. I have an Amphipod, which is more of a strappy thing, but it hugs close to the body and there is no extra flapping in the wind.
Lights – I have a hodge podge of lights, received as gifts or in a StrideBox. I say the more lights the merrier, but Nathan, Amphipod and Petzl have some great options. A head lamp would be a great place to start.

Books / Magazines:

Born to Run – Ok so it may be the only running book I have read, but it’s great. Can be purchased at a book store or online, I am sure there is a digital version too
Runner’s World Magazine – Great magazine with gear guides, stories, race recommendations; all around magazine for running

Music

Jabra Sports – wireless head phones, these are on the pricier side of gifts, but if you know someone that likes to run with their phone (or other blue tooth device) I would recommend going wireless, these have great sound.
Yurbuds – affordable every day head phones. They have one line that comes with adjustable buds, can change the size of the ear gels and/or add ear hooks.
ipod shuffle – I like my shuffle the best, it is so tiny, you don’t even know you have anything attached to you. A 2 GB at Wal-Mart would set you back around $50
itunes gift card – Not only is this a great idea for just about anyone, it’s perfect for the runner. Also an audio book or podcast is perfect on the long run. You can snag these cards at just about any retailer.

Recovery:

Addaday Rollers – Long before Bibrave teamed up with this roller, I was a huge fan. This is a stick type roller for massaging out those tired muscles. Think rolling pin with massaging balls. They have a variety of rollers, can be purchased online or in many running stores.
Foam Roller – the basic roller, easy to use, can be picked up at Wal-Mart, online, any where.
Compression – As mentioned above, ProCompression socks – which are easy to get on and off, or CWX pants are my 2 favorites. Also look into Zensah.
KT Tape – Magic tape, ok so it acts like a brace or support for the injured area while allowing movement and encouraging blood flow. The running store or Wal-Mart has this product, can be priced up to $20 if you go with the pro line.

Miscellaneous:

Gym membership – Most runners hate the treadmill or cross training, but a gym membership would encourage us to get to the gym. Or hit the treadmill when temps are sub zero or lightning strikes.
Coffee – I start every morning with coffee, a little extra boost to get things moving in the morning. Who wouldn’t love a pound of their favorite flavor or a Dunkin Donuts gift card?
StrideBox membership – This is perfect for the gift that keeps on giving. It is a monthly subscription to receive running related samples. There are lots of products out there, but sometimes buying a whole case just to try, isn’t feasible. StrideBox, sends a box each month filled with gels, bars, hydration, lights, etc.
Sports Bras – Moving Comfort, you will spend a little extra, but they fit based on actual bra size. Invest in one of these.
Mile 22 Bags – This is a bag made from old bibs. I do not have one, but I think I would look great carrying one {wink wink}

Where to shop: