24 Great Gifts That Will Help Your Running Friends Go the Distance

After experimenting with water bottle belts and hand-held bottles during my long-distance training runs, I gave up the extras and focused on finding a dependable lightweight container. I landed on the Blender Bottle Hydration Halex. With three size options—22-, 24- or 32-ounces—the convenience of the BPA-free lightweight squeezable bottle is in the many ways you can quickly take a drink. It can be tilted back to swig like a traditional water bottle, but also sipped while upright—plus a squeezable straw makes it possible to drink when held vertically, so you can stay hydrated while keeping your eyes on the road ahead.

Socks may be a ridiculed holiday gift, but not for runners. When I was chatting with my high school friend and avid runner Lindsay Mar of Santa Clara, California, the first thing on her gear wish list was socks. Her go-to brand through both the casual and professional eras of her running career has always been Feetures. The new Merino 10 Max pair doubles down on its wear and tear with reinforced toes and heels, and is made of a Merino wool and Tencel Fiber mix for a balanced soft, warm feel.

For years, I’d just pull on my favorite beanie and head out into the cold, only to find that a mile into a run, I was stuck holding the knit cap in my hand. That’s when I landed on New Balance’s skullcap. The unisex design is fitted so it doesn’t slide around, adding a layer of warmth while still wicking away moisture.

With all those hours outside, blocking out rays on sunny days is essential. I've always depended on Outdoor Research's line, specifically its all-purpose Swift Cap. Available in a range of 16 shades for every run personality, the breathable side panels help regulate heat while the curved brim fends off the sun. For those who tend to hit the pavement at night, the sulphur-reflective colorway keeps runners visible after dark.

Carrying essentials on a run can be a juggling act. But a strong and efficient run belt can do the trick. Unlike typical fanny packs that sit loose, a proper one is lightweight, clinging to the waist snuggly to avoid any unnecessary bounce. For two-time marathoner Ayesha Dixon of Los Angeles, the choice pick is this stretchy Lululemon Lyrca belt, which is both sweat-wicking and quick-drying. Other design features include a zippered main compartment and side drop-in pockets for quick access to keys, cards, or running gels.

An often overlooked piece of gear for the chilly months: running gloves. My favorite is this lightweight pair that slips on like a second skin and provides just enough insulation—but it also has a mesh insert at the palms to release built-up heat. The thumb and pointer fingers are tech-compatible, and magnetized cuffs keep the pair stuck together when not in use.

I'll admit it, I used to undervalue socks—just pulling out another identical pair from my bulk pack. But after a humid 18-mile race in cheap wholesale socks, my feet got so blistery that I ended my run in the medical tent. Lesson learned. I followed a coworker's suggestion and invested in my first pair of Swiftwick socks, and immediately felt the difference. No more blisters and no more chaffing—and its light cushioning added an extra spring in my step. My latest obsession is the Maxus One, which pairs slight compression and a moisture-wicking footbed. But my favorite part is that it's made of recycled fiber from post-consumer water bottles.

Aches and pains are a part of running, so acknowledging that can be the best present of all. “Any body support is great for recovery and letting your loved one know muscle soreness and rest can only make them a stronger runner,” Dixon says. While her favorite body massage stick is now out of business, she says others online like The Original Massage Stick also do the trick.

For dog owners who enjoy sharing runs with their pooches, staying visible at night is important. “As the days get shorter, it’s even more important to keep both runners and their companions safe,” Thomas Panek, CEO of Guiding Eyes for the Blind, says. He suggests this waterproof rechargeable light with three LED colors that easily attaches to a dog’s collar, apparel, or harness. “This product also comes in an audible version for people with vision loss like me.”

While it's not something runners always want to think about, safety—especially on solo runs—is something that's always top of mind. A compact personal alarm, such as fan-favorite Birdie, emits a siren-like alarm and a flashing strobe light with a quick pull of the top. It's a thoughtful gift to show your runner you're always looking out for them.

One of the first real pieces of running great I invested in was a pair of 2XU calf sleeves. Though I was skeptical that what appeared to be really tight leg warmers would make a difference, I was immediately addicted. With the stress and pressure I was putting on my legs, the firm pressure truly got my blood moving for a faster recovery. But they're not just for post-run situations—I also wore them as I ran my second NYC marathon. They're now part of my travel staples, a constant companion in my luggage just in case my legs need a little stimulation on long-haul flights.

Before I started running, I remember looking outside during storms and thinking people were crazy for running out in the rain. Then I found myself to be one of those ridiculous runners, and that set me off on a journey for the perfect weatherproof jacket. Eventually, I ended up at Marshalls, flipping through all of the options and landing on an Under Armour jacket that feels thin to the touch, but is uber water repellent with the brand’s own UA Storm technology—and rest assured it’s all done with a fluorine-free treatment.

Let’s face it—running is not a pretty sport. Between chafing and sweating, and all the outdoor elements, it can be rough and tough. That’s why I was so amazed to find the Colatree Whistler Windbreaker, which claimed to be self-healing. Yes, you read that correctly: it patches up little tears and dings on its own, something I couldn’t understand or believe until I saw it with my own eyes. It also packs down so small that it’s compact enough to carry around “just in case” and whip out in a sudden downpour, which I did one too many times during those rainy autumnal runs along the Hudson River.

While I know I can get a lot more bells and whistles with Smartwatches these days, I'm still a fan of focusing on my steps and distance, which is why I prefer the simplicity of a Fitbit tracker like the Charge 6. Even with a more basic device, I get my heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and sleep scores, in addition to my steps and distance.

The very foundation of running is shoes—and part of the fun is experimenting with new footwear, says New York City—based Elaheh Nozari, a seven-time marathoner who publishes therunning newsletter Run the Shoes. “I love giving (and receiving!) running shoes as a gift because it's a great way to discover new styles and fits,” she says. In fact, she bought her sister the On Running Cloudmonsters for her birthday for the aesthetic, but her sister liked them so much that Nozari bought herself a pair, too. “They are so comfortable and don't feel as chunky as they look, and they come in great colorways,” she says. “I love the streamlined look of On shoes—definitely the type of running shoe you can wear beyond the run.”

If your runner has the TCS New York City Marathon on their bucket list, these New Balance shoes just might help get them there. Ironman finisher and 25-time marathoner Christine Burke of New York Road Runners—the organization behind the race through the five boroughs every November—says their team wore this footwear throughout race week and, “they kept us comfortable and supported us.” She notes they’re suited for both short and long runs, with cushioning that’s not too soft and is, “available in classic and fun color options.” In short, she says, “These shoes do it all.” While New Balance is a sponsor of the race, two-time Olympic track-and-field medalist Gabby Thomas also vouches for the same pair, admitting that though she has many running shoes, this is the one go-to pair she’d choose as a gift. “The new version is super soft, light, and just incredibly comfortable, no matter how far you're running,” she tells Traveler.

Bonus tip: As much as runners love to try shoes, once they find one that works, they often stick with favorites for races. For me, I was loyal to Brooks Running's Adrenaline GTS through the first decade of my running life. As new models came out, they evolved in a direction that didn't quite fit my needs—and I soon found myself stalking eBay for my favorite previous models. Nowadays, my foot conditions require the greater support of Hoka Clifton 8s, but with the new Clifton 9s out, I find myself stocking up on the former model that I know works for me. All this is to say: See what model your runner is wearing and buy a new pair of their go-tos. With all the mileage put on running shoes, their shelf life is short and a fresh start with a reliable pair could be the most welcome gift.

Running in every season presents its own set of challenges—and when the holidays hit, striking that balance of keeping warm, but not overheating, can be difficult to get just right. Nozari is a fan of Tracksmith for its, “beautiful running clothes,” which can be “a little too expensive to justify buying for yourself, making them great gifts.” It’s not just about the items—like this velour fleece pullover with breathable side panels—but the feeling they inspire. “If you don't have running gear that you're excited to wear, getting out for that run is going to be a lot harder,” she says.

As someone who gets both cold and overheats easily, temperature regulation is a constant struggle—until I got my first Lululemon vest. Feeling like the cozy hug I always craved to encourage me to keep going, the sleek fit somehow made me feel invincible, giving me the encouragement to go the extra mile. The new version of the running vest—appropriately titled the Another Mile Vest—one-ups the support with water-repellant, four-way-stretch fabric balanced out by lightweight insulation. Plus, it’s filled with thoughtful features, like zippered pockets designed with a hidden phone sleeve, reflective details to keep runners safe in the dark, and a removable hoodie.

Before I started running, I had no idea what those inflatable astronaut-like leg sleeves were all about. Fast forward to the time I spent training for my first marathon, and I found myself fighting for a slot at my physical therapist’s office for sessions to sit in them for just a few minutes. As Tatum says, “The recovery boots are the gift that keeps on giving because you can use them after long runs, marathons, and any other type of workout to reduce swelling and inflammation while increasing circulation in your legs." She received a pair from her godchildren's parents last Christmas and considers them one of the greatest gifts. “I use them all the time to help me get my legs going after grueling workouts.”

Professional triathlete and Ironman 70.3 world champion Holly Lawrence of Boulder, Colorado, knows what it takes to go the (ultra) distance. This lightweight Garmin device analyzes every aspect of her health from training to sleep, but also provides full-color GPS maps to ensure she always stays on the right path. But her favorite aspect: “This watch actually charges while you’re running (via solar charging), which is a game changer for making the battery last incredibly long so you never have to worry about running out of battery!”

Passing the time on long runs can be rough without a motivating playlist or a fascinating podcast. Apple's AirPod 2 is still best in class. For runners, that means adaptive audio to automatically prioritize the sounds you need to hear most, as well as resistance to dust, sweat, and water.

Lawrence concurs about runners craving the soothing squeeze from the compression devices. “If you’re going to be laying on the sofa watching TV, you might as well be supercharging your recovery by sitting in the Normatec boots,” she says. “Getting a serious dose of compression that flushes from your feet to your hips, you’ll feel as if you’ve had a massage. Your legs recover so much quicker.”