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The 50 Best Gifts for Runners in 2023

Get your favorite runner exactly what they want this holiday season.

Gabrielle Hondorp
foam roller, fanny pack, bucket hat, running shoes, head lamp, strava mug, run fast eat slow book
Thomas Hengge

For such a simple sport, there is no shortage of “equipment” runners can get excited about. Whether you’re trying to drop not-so-subtle hints about your Christmas wishlist or are looking for the perfect gift for the running friend who has it all, we guarantee you’ll be able to find a thoughtful present that won’t disappoint.

We’ve compiled an, ahem, running list of some of our favorite products that we’ve personally tested or those that come highly recommended from trustworthy fellow enthusiasts. From top tier recovery tools to stocking-stuffer-worthy nutrition to the best shoes on the market, these are the best gifts for runners. We promise, there's something for every type of runner on this list.

For more great gifts for your favorite runner, check out the best gifts for fitness lovers, self-care gift ideas, and the best running products on Amazon!

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1
For More Comfortable Runs

Balega Blister Resist No Show Socks For Men and Women

Blister Resist No Show Socks For Men and Women
1
For More Comfortable Runs

Balega Blister Resist No Show Socks For Men and Women

$20 at Amazon

Socks are always a great gift for runners. Blister-resistant and super comfortable, these Balegas will last your giftee pretty much forever. Plus, they help prevent chafing and rubbing even on long runs.

Looking for more great sock options? Check out these Balegas on sale at Amazon right now.

2
Best Layering Piece

BFF Puffer Vest

BFF Puffer Vest
2
Best Layering Piece

BFF Puffer Vest

Now 50% Off

It can be difficult to figure out just how to dress in the winter, but a vest is a staple piece of running gear that everyone should have. This one is down filled and super warm, plus it is made with a slightly stretchy material so it moves with them instead of feeling constricting. We also love that it has a slight taper to the waist for a flattering appearance.

3
For Protecting Their Eyes

Tifosi Swank Sunglasses

Swank Sunglasses
3
For Protecting Their Eyes

Tifosi Swank Sunglasses

These sunglasses are great for casual wear or running thanks to their simple classic style paired with technical features like scratch resistant lenses and lightweight frame, They also come in a bunch of great color options, so you can pick the one that best fits the aesthetic of your favorite runner.

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4
Best for Dry Lips

Earth's Daughter Organic Lip Balm 6-Pack

Organic Lip Balm 6-Pack
4
Best for Dry Lips

Earth's Daughter Organic Lip Balm 6-Pack

This lip balm comes in 6 different flavors, and is made with organic, nourishing ingredients like beeswax, coconut oil, and vitamin E which helps to moisturize, renew, and repair lips. These are great as a single gift, or to split up for stocking stuffers.

5
For a Healthy Glow

Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40

 Glowscreen SPF 40
5
For a Healthy Glow

Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40

Everyone could use a little extra glow in the winter time, and this facial sunscreen not only gives their skin a healthy glowy look, but also helps protect it when running or just out and about. It is super lightweight and leaves the face feeling soft and smooth.

6
Keep Their Face Baby Soft

Humanrace Humidifying Face Cream

Humidifying Face Cream
6
Keep Their Face Baby Soft

Humanrace Humidifying Face Cream

This face cream is fragrance-free, gentle on sensitive skin and incredibly hydrating. It has ingredients like squalane and hyaluronic acid which helps to moisturize the skin and lock it in. It is also a sustainable choice since it has refills which detach from the external shell and are fully recyclable.

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7
For Chilly Adventures

Patagonia Men's Nano Puff® Jacket

Men's Nano Puff® Jacket
7
For Chilly Adventures

Patagonia Men's Nano Puff® Jacket

Patagonia's Nano Puff reigns king when it comes to puffer jackets. It's lightweight yet durable, packs up easily, and will keep you warm, too. It comes in many colors to satisfy any runner's style.

8
For Non-Toxic Cooking

Our Place Home Cook Duo

Home Cook Duo
8
For Non-Toxic Cooking

Our Place Home Cook Duo

Now 19% Off

Chances are you have seen these pots and pans all over Instagram and TikTok. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they are also made from nontoxic materials, and are designed to replace everything from frying pan to steamer. They are also available separately if you don't wish to buy the pair.

9
For Low Effort Recovery

ROLL Recovery R8 Roller

 R8 Roller
9
For Low Effort Recovery

ROLL Recovery R8 Roller

This roller gets deep into their tissue without having to work for it. The design squeezes and kneads tight muscles and knots and all they have to do is gently guide it along.

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10
For an Easy Wakeup

Hatch Restore Alarm Clock

Restore Alarm Clock
10
For an Easy Wakeup

Hatch Restore Alarm Clock

This little gadget is a lot of things in one including a sound machine, alarm clock, reading light and more. You can set the lights to mimic sunrise and sunset which helps create a more stable sleep schedule—even during daylight savings.

Compression socks are great for increasing circulation, and speeding up recovery. These are snug but still comfortable, and even have extra padding on the underfoot.

12
For Relaxing Showers

CLEVERFY Shower Steamers

On Sale
 Shower Steamers
12
For Relaxing Showers

CLEVERFY Shower Steamers

Now 39% Off

Just because they don't have a bathtub doesn't mean that washing up after a run can't be therapeutic. These shower steamers are filled with dried plants and essential oils which give a relaxing aromatherapy session through their whole shower.

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13
For Tight Muscles

Hyperice Hypervolt 2

On Sale
Hypervolt 2
13
For Tight Muscles

Hyperice Hypervolt 2

Now 23% Off

For the runner who's always tight, this massage tool is cheaper than monthly massages, and it can get deep into the tissue without tiring. It comes with five heads, and has a rechargeable battery that can last up to 3 hours.

14
For Relaxing Recovery

Bestway SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub

On Sale
SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub
14
For Relaxing Recovery

Bestway SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub

Now 15% Off

This inflatable hot tub makes winter training recovery less frightful and more delightful. It can fit up to four people and can be used both indoors and out—though it does need to be 39 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer outside.

15
For the Traveling Athlete

Class Pass Class Pass Gift Card

Class Pass Gift Card
15
For the Traveling Athlete

Class Pass Class Pass Gift Card

Class Pass allows you to book workout classes, hair and nail appointments, and spa treatments with ease. It is great for those who travel frequently or are always looking for a new workout experience.

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16
For the Hurried Cook

Instant Pot 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
16
For the Hurried Cook

Instant Pot 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

Training takes up a lot of time, and often doesn't leave room for cooking—even though we all know how important fueling is! To help make cooking faster, easier, and more delicious, get them this Instant Pot, which has seven different easy-to-use cooking functions.

17
Cutest Running Hat

Ciele BKT Hat

BKT Hat
17
Cutest Running Hat

Ciele BKT Hat

Not only does this bucket hat look cute, but it's also super comfortable and won't fall off. It's made from incredibly lightweight, moisture-wicking material, and it comes in both basic and fun colors. If you prefer a more traditional style cap, they also have a ton more options here.

18
For the Foodie

Rodale Books Run Fast. Eat Slow.: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes: A Cookbook

On Sale
Run Fast. Eat Slow.: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes: A Cookbook
18
For the Foodie

Rodale Books Run Fast. Eat Slow.: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes: A Cookbook

Now 29% Off

Calling all foodies! This cookbook, designed by pro runner Shalane Flanagan, focuses on the best foods to fuel your performance. With recipes ranging from smoothies to sandwiches to pasta to cookies, it has everything you need to nourish a hard-working body. Plus, the dishes are delicious and will leave even your non-runner friends coming back for seconds.

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19
For More Secure Sneaks

Lock Laces Elastic No Tie Shoe Laces

Elastic No Tie Shoe Laces
19
For More Secure Sneaks

Lock Laces Elastic No Tie Shoe Laces

Great for triathletes, kids, or people who hate tying their shoes, these Lock Laces allow you to slip on your running shoes and still have them stay secure and supportive on your feet. They also come in 13 different colors, which gives you a bunch of options if you are trying to match a particular pair of shoes.

20
For Protecting Your Tech

Sprigs Phone Armband

Phone Armband
20
For Protecting Your Tech

Sprigs Phone Armband

A lot of phone holders can be bulky and annoying, but this design by Sprigs feels like a second skin. Rubber nubs on the inside of the sleeve ensure that it doesn't slip, and since it's made from stretchy fabric, it can fit any size phone.

For more great ways to tote your tech, check out our coverage of the best phone holders for runners.

Headshot of Gabrielle Hondorp
Gabrielle Hondorp

Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track. 

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