Our Top 20 Gift Ideas For Keen Runners And Joggers

Help a loved one push through the pain barrier and go the extra mile with an awesome gift for runners and joggers.

Jogging is a really great way to stay fit and healthy, as it strengthens and tones your muscles, increases your cardiovascular fitness, and burns body fat.

Not to mention the endorphin rush which will leave you feeling so good afterwards.

So it's no surprise that many people love to go out running on a regular basis.

But even though you don't need much to get started with running, there are still plenty of things that will make a runners life that much easier.

And it's these items that make for the perfect gifts for anyone that loves to get their runners on and pound the pavement.

So I've put together the following list of gift ideas for runners and joggers to help you pick one out for a loved one.

As these are all things that they'll find really useful both during and after their runs.

1. Some Specialist Running Clothing

The most obvious place to start is to get them some good running gear to go out in.

As this is clothing that has been specially designed for runners, which means it's comfortable, good at wicking away sweat, and won't get in their way as they run.

So you could go for some light and breathable kit for those that run in warmer climates, or maybe some cold weather gear for running outside during the winter months.

And to give you some examples of what you could go for, check the list below.

2. A New Pair Of Running Shoes

Another thing that no runner can do without is a good pair of running shoes.

As wearing the right type of footwear that can cushion the impact of running on their joints can make a huge difference to how they run, and how they feel afterwards.

So you need to look for a pair that is both supportive and comfortable.

But you'll also need a pair that suits the shape, size, and pronation of the individuals foot, and this is what makes buying a pair of running shoes for someone quite tricky.

So this may be a gift where you need to go with them to the running shoes store to make sure they get the right pair for them.

But if you do want to take a chance and buy them something off the cuff, the Asics Gel-Nimbus 23 running shoes are popular among runners and worth checking out. 

3. A Comfortable And Durable Pair Of Runners Socks

It can be so annoying to take your shoes off after a long run only to find out that you've blistered your feet.

And a lot of the time this can be down to a combination of the socks and shoes that you've been running in. 

So buying a regular jogger a few pairs of more suitable socks can really help them out. 

And the socks above by Balega are my top choice for runners.

As not only are they are designed to keep your feet warm, dry and well supported, the mohair knit also claims to makes blisters a thing of the past.

And when you add the fact that runners go through socks like nobodies business, it makes a comfortable and durable pair of running socks like these a fantastic gift idea.

4. Calf Compression Sleeves To Prevent Injuries

Picking up injuries is a real pain for runners and joggers, and common ones that can occur are shin splints, cramp, and muscle strains.

However, runners can guard against this by wearing compression sleeves on their calves.

As this will increase the circulation and blood flow around their legs, meaning their muscles get the oxygen and nutrients they need to stay healthy.

And this will go a long way to helping them avoid muscle fatigue, both during and after their run.

So a pair of Zensah calf compression sleeves are a gift that can keep them outside running, rather than on the treatment table.

5. A Belt To Safely Hold Their Valuables As They Run

Keeping your smartphone, keys, and wallet safe when you go out for a run is a problem for most recreational runners.

As the last thing you want is for these things to be bouncing around in your pocket, and risking them falling out mid-run.

So a good solution to this issue that also makes for a great gift is the FlipBelt.

As this a belt made of a spandex-lycra blend that fits easily and comfortably around your waist, and won't move around as you run.

And it has 4 internal pockets where you can store all your valuables safely and effortlessly.

So they'll never have to worry about losing or breaking anything on their runs again.

6. A GPS Watch That Also Plays Music

A good GPS watch is a really useful item for a regular runner to own.

As it can keep track of their running times and  distances over the days, weeks, and months, to help them monitor their performance over time.

And they can even keep track of their running stride, amount of time each foot stays in contact with the ground, heart rate, and other running dynamics too.

Which means they can become something akin to having your own running coach on your wrist.

So these watches make for a great gift if you really want to treat a loved one, and a great one to go for is the Garmin Forerunner 245M.

Because as well as all the cool running features, it also syncs up with music streaming services such as Spotify, so they can play their running playlist directly from the watch.

Meaning they can leave the smartphone at home.

7. A Pair Of Wireless Earbuds For Music On Their Run

Listening to music as you run can really help to push you on to go further, and also makes the whole experience more enjoyable.

So you can help a loved one listen to their favourite tracks while out jogging by getting them a pair of wireless earbuds.

As this way they can listen to their hearts content, without any headphone wires under their clothing getting tangled up and sweaty.

And my top gift choice here would be the Jabra Elite Active 75T earbuds. 

As these ones have been specially tested and designed for active people, so they're sweat and waterproof, and stay comfortable and in place as you run.

8. Sunglasses That Won't Fall Off Mid-Run

Sunglasses can also be an important part of a runners kit if they're lucky enough to live in part of the world blessed with good weather.

As they'll need these to protect their eyes from any harmful UV rays, as well as blocking out the glare so they don't trip over anything as they run!

And a pair that work well as a gift for runners are the Goodr polarized sunglasses.

As these offer all the protection they need, are designed not to slip or bounce while running, and they look pretty cool too.

9. A Runners Cap To Keep The Sun Off

Another gift idea that will help keep the sun off a runners head is to buy them a running cap.

As this will help preserve their energy, protect their skin, and stop them overheating as they run.

And for this you'll want a cap that is light, breathable, and comfortable to wear.

So something like the Nike Dri-FIT cap above should do the trick nicely.

10. A Water Bottle With An Easy To Hold Strap

Staying hydrated while out on long runs or runs on hot days is extremely important.

As this keeps your muscles healthy and functioning well, improves your performance, and keeps you safe from any dangerous effects of dehydration.

So getting a runner a handheld water bottle can be a good idea.

As this way they'll always have a drink on hand (literally!) to take a swig when they need one.

And a great choice for runners is the Amphipod hydraform handheld water bottle.

As this one comes with a strap and ergonomic shape that makes it almost effortless to carry as you run.

11. A Hydration Vest For Running In Hot Weather

A more extreme option as a gift to keep a runner well hydrated on their run is to get them a hydration vest.

These are vests with built in pouches that can be filled with water and accessed through a straw, so it's easier to wear one of these than carry a water bottle.

And they are especially good for people that like to do trail running, as they have multiple zippers and pockets where you can store other things like your phone or energy bars.

So if this sounds like the right gift for a runner you know, check out the Osprey Duro 1.5 hydration vest for an example of a good one.

12. A Hands-Free Dog Leash To Go Running With Their Pet

Some people love to kill two birds with one stone and take their dog out with them on their run.

However, this can be a bit of pain when you're carrying the leash and worrying about tripping over it.

So a nice gift to get for someone like this is a hands free dog leash, such as the one above by SparklyPets.

As by strapping one of these around their waist they can run unencumbered, safe in the knowledge their pal isn't going to make a run for the hills!

13. A Reflective Vest For Running At Night

Running after dark can be very calming and therapeutic, however it can also be dangerous if you're doing so in a built-up area with traffic.

So, it's a good idea to invest in some reflective gear so that motorists and other people can spot you as you run.

Which means a reflective vest like the Noxgear Tracer360 can be a really useful gift for a night time or early morning runner.

As this will light them up in their choice of 5 different colours, and also has flashing modes for when they need to stand out even more.

14. A Headlamp To Light The Way

When you're running in the dark it's also important to be able to see where you're going.

As running in poorly lit areas can easily lead to trips, falls, and injuries if you're not careful.

So getting a runner a headlamp that lights the way for them is a really nice gift idea.

And one that will suit runners is the Black Diamond Spot headlamp, as this has a bright LED light and will sit comfortably on their head as they run.

15. A Massage Roller To Soothe Tight Muscles

Aches, pains, and sore muscles are par for the course for any runner or jogger.

So getting them a gift that helps them to recover and be fit again in time for their next run is a really cool option.

And you can do this by getting them a self-massage tool such as The Stick massage roller.

As using this to roll over their aching muscles will encourage any muscle knots to release, increase circulation so the muscles get the oxygen and nutrients they need to recover, and counteract the effects of lactic acid.

16. A Massage Gun For Tighter Knots

If you want a self massage gift to take their post run recovery game to the next level, then you could get them a massage gun instead.

These are handheld massagers that deliver a powerful and percussive deep tissue massage that helps your muscles loosen and gets your blood flowing freely again.

And a great one to go for is the Theragun mini massage gun.

As this is compact in size, quiet, and easy to use, meaning they can take it with them and treat any tight, sore, or cramped muscles whenever they need to. 

17. A Pack Of Epsom Bath Salts To Aid Recovery

Another popular way of recovering after a long run is to take a nice soak in a hot bath.

As the moist heat from the water really penetrates deep into their tired and aching muscles, soothing and relaxing them.

While it also helps to increase circulation to help the muscles to heal and repair from the exertions of the run.

And one way you can make bath time even more beneficial is by adding some epsom bath salts.

As these salts contain magnesium sulfate which amplifies the healing effects of the bath water even further.

So getting a runner a pack of  Coach Soak muscle recovery bath salts can work really nicely as a little stocking stuffer. 

18. A Book About How Running Makes You Feel

Once you get into the habit of running regularly, it can quickly turn into a passion.

As it brings so many additional benefits to your life and sense of well-being, besides the benefits to your physical health.

So the next gift idea is to get them a book about running that can fuel their passion, and an interesting choice for this is What I Talk About When I Talk About Running: A Memoir by Haruki Murikami.

This is a book written by the famous Japanese novelist describing his love of running, and the spiritual impact it has had on him.

And it's a really good exploration of how running can be addictive and become an obsession too, and is sure to be of interest to anyone that enjoys running.

19. A Running Journal For Motivation

A good way of motivating yourself to run on a regular basis is to keep a running journal.

This way you can make note of your runs, times, and distances, track your progress, and be proud of your achievements. 

So if you know a runner who is struggling for motivation, why not get them The Running Journal.

As this is laid out nicely so they can keep track of their daily runs, and is full of prompts and inspirational quotes to keep them going on days when they feel like giving up.

20. A Runners Beer Glass To Reward Their Hard Work

You can't beat a nice, refreshing, cold beer after an extra long run.

After all, it's all about balance right? And if you put the miles in then you deserve a little treat every now and then too.

And our final gift idea for runners works really well for this, as it's a beer glass with distance markings that are common in a runners life.

As there's 26.2 and 13.1 to signify the miles in full and half marathons, and 5k and 10k which are milestone marks for recreational runners.

So they can can complete a beer marathon after their run with the runners beer glass.

Rounding Up

Running is a great way to stay fit, strong, and healthy.

And as such, there are thousands of recreational runners and joggers taking to the streets every day looking to get their share of those sweet endorphins.

So if you know someone who loves to run, why not treat them to a gift that will enhance their running experience.

As each of the gift ideas for runners and joggers that I've given you here will be useful to them in one way or another.