Friday, November 30, 2012

Fitness Friday: Holiday Gifts for Runners

Looking for holiday gift ideas for the runner in your life? I thought I'd put together a simple list of runner items that won't require you to know a lot of details (brand, size, color) and that won't cause you to worry about whether your runner already has one.



Gift Cards - Runners love to shop for new gear. A gift card to the local running store or sporting goods store is great, but there are also awesome online stores for runners, such as Road Runner Sports, and Running Warehouse. There are also specialty stores that runners generally like to shop online such as Lululemon, Oiselle, and Athleta.  




Massage and Spa Visits - Reward your runner for all their training efforts with an hour long massage at her/his favorite masseuse, or treat your runner to a manicure/pedicure at the local spa.



Bling - Bling isn't just about the big medals at the end of the race anymore. Surprise your runner with a pretty necklace or bracelet. You can find some nice selections at Erica Sara Designs, Sporty Girl Jewelry, and some non-traditional safety bling at Road ID



Books - If your runner is also a reader, think about running books. There are books on running, runners, runner's diets, runner's form, running history, and more. Some popular titles include Born to Run, Mile Markers, Going Long, Sole Sisters, The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life, and Train Like a Mother. You pretty much can't go wrong here.



Magazines - Buy a subscription to one (or more) of the popular running magazines so your runner can stay up to date with current trends in gear, get training tips, and read advice from experts. Consider Runner's World and Women's Running



Race Registration - If you know your runner is planning to sign up for a race, gift her/him the registration. Better yet, sign yourself up too and join the fun. You might also consider planning a destination race. I pinned some great ideas here. Just be sure that you are both ready to take on the distance. You can search for races on Active and Cool Running.



Stocking Stuffer Ideas - Some smaller items that would make great gifts or fit in a stocking include running fuel, like GU, Sport Beans, or small bottles of Gatorade, all of which you can easily get at your local running/sporting goods store. All runners need a good water bottle and Simple Hydration is awesome. There are also cute car magnets for runners and you can never have too many socks. And for your female runner, you can't go wrong with a wrist wallet or some Sweaty Bands



Running Shoes - Unless you know exactly what pair, color, and size because your favorite runner has been dropping hints left and right, I would avoid picking out a pair of running shoes. Runners are very picky and want to know what's in this kind of box.


So there you go. A simple runner-friendly gift guide to get you through the holiday season. And remember, it's ok to ask your runner if there is anything she/he is hoping to find gift wrapped this year! 


What's on your holiday wish list?

Don't want to wait for the perfect gift that will keep your ears warm? Enter my Sprigs Earbags Giveaway before it's too late! And don't forget, if you place an order, you can use my coupon code Escapades20 for 10% off of orders up to $29.99 or 20% off orders over $30. It expires 12/12/12 at 11:59 PM EST.


16 comments:

  1. A foam roller!


    Great list! I went for a massage yesterday....A gift to myself ;)

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  2. I am TOTALLY getting something from Sporty Girl or Erica Sara for myself! Thanks for posting those links, they're absolutely fabulous!

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  3. I think all of those are GREAT gift suggestions. I have been telling my husband OISELLE nonstop since I finally found running shorts that fit me right!

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  4. I love the idea of asking for race registration fees, they really add up! So many great ideas here. I forgot to add books to my list!

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  5. Love the list, race registration would be great! I am asking for a pair of compression shorts and a running jacket :)

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  6. I love your ideas!!! Especially Massage and race registration, you can never have too many of those :)

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  7. I love the race registration idea....also need to add the funds for destination races.

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  8. Oh man, I have to stop looking at all of these gift guides because while I'm getting ideas for other people, I'm adding more things to my list! LOL. Thanks for these ideas!

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  9. haha! I was just thinking the exact same thing!

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  10. Great list! I'm ready to stuff my *own* stocking! LOL - I should post this on my husband's FB page.

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  11. Good list - especially the race registrations!

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  12. Happy to! Runner bling can be worn everyday now ;)

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