Runner’s Gift Guide 2020: Stocking Stuffers
So, you have all of your Christmas gifts for your special runner, but need a few more smalls things for stocking stuffers or under the tree?
Well lucky for you, I’m a runner and I like telling people what I want for Christmas because I don’t like getting things I won’t use.
I mean, I will always thank Aunt Karen for the ugly fleece blanket or the Dog Mom t-shirt that I’ll never wear, but I just think it’s smarter and less stressful for both parties if I let you know exactly what I want.
So with that in mind, here is a list of 10 things to give your runner that they will actually love.
Sunglasses
Every runner needs a pair of sunglasses to run in… unless for some reason they never see the sun. This is something I procrastinated on purchasing for myself (… still procrastinating and waiting to see if they show up in MY stocking). I finally decided I’m tired of squinting while running. It’s like I’m begging for more wrinkles. Here are some popular and affordable running sunglasses!
Energy Gels
Most runners I know use some type of Gel, jelly bean, or energy chew on their long runs. It’s also one of those things that, when in training for a marathon, you go through a lot of them. If your runner only does 5ks, maybe not necessary. If your runner does 1/2 and full marathons, they will greatly be appreciated because they will definitely get used. Some of my favorites are:
Face Masks
Let’s get real: This whole pandemic shit isn’t going anywhere, and neither are the mask mandates. For in person races, the current requirement is to wear a face mask up until the starting line, and then once you cross the finish line you have to put it back on. Weirdly enough, I think most of us know not all face masks are created equal. Some are thick and heavy, and some just don’t stay up on your face. Here are a few options that I found:
Socks
Every runner needs a nice pair of running socks. Your feet are the most important piece of equipment for runners. You want to keep your feet happy and healthy to prevent injuries and to achieve optimal performance. One very important factor that contributes to this is a runner’s socks. You can have the newer pair of Brooks, but if you’re wearing no show ballet flat socks, then you probably won’t be getting the most out of your shoe. These socks listed below have been proven winners:
Fitness Journal
I love love love love journals! They are a great way of tracking your daily habits, moods, activities, and fitness goals. Instead of a blank journal or generic planner, they have journals geared specifically for tracking your fitness progress. Some popular ones are:
Gloves
Honestly, this is on here because I really want a pair of gloves for running. Maybe I’m a little bitch since it doesn’t get that cold in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, HOWEVER I swear my hands feel like they’re going to fall off after being outside for 5 minutes in the winter. So, Mom… Dad… Saul… if you need any stocking stuffer ideas, this would be the one to go for! Here are a few options for running gloves:
Ear warmers
One of the first things that keeps me from running in the winter is ear aches. I don’t know if I just have sensitive ears (or… once again, I’m just a lil baby), but as soon as I start running in cold weather without my ears being covered, it’s instant ear pain. And that moment is exactly when I say “Alright. Not today. Back to the car. I tried.” SOOO to avoid this, I really should just invest in a damn ear warmer. Here are a few I found!
Merino 250 Reversible Headband
180s Bluetooth Ear Warmers (So tech. Much bouj)
Ponytail Holders
One thing I CAN’T STAND while running is my hair in my face. Like, I need that mess slicked back, hair-sprayed, no fly aways… you get it.
You quickly find out while running that not all ponytail holders are created equal. And just like bobby pins and socks, one day you’ll have 20 and the next day you can’t find a single one. Here are some favorite holders from runners:
Goody Slideproof Hair Ties (These are the ones I use and trust me: there is no movement)
Invisibobble Hair Ties (Good for not leaving hair dents with medium hold)
BurlyBands (For my ladies with the thiccc hair)
Phone holder
One thing I really don’t like to do is hold shit while I’m on a run. And sometimes, you really don’t have an option. What am I supposed to do with my phone and my keys when I’m running around the LSU lakes?
Luckily, arm bands, belts, and shirt clips have been made for just this problem. Here are some of those options!
Gift card
Gift cards are never a bad idea as a stocking stuffer. This year, try getting a gift card from a local running store over one from a corporate sporting goods store. This will help the small business tremendously, and they tend to have a better selection of things that your runner will actually want.
If none of these options intrigued you, I mean… everyone enjoys fuzzy socks and a candle right?
But in all honesty, I hope you found this list helpful!
Happy Holidays!
XOXO
Amy
