If you’re looking to give your favorite runner the Best Gift Ever, you’ve probably figured out it’s not as easy as you thought it would be.
Running shorts have so many options. Running shoes are too personal. And a GPS Watch? Way too spendy for your budget!
The best gift for runners is one they actually WANT and WILL USE. Lucky for you, I’ve got some great ideas.
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10 Gifts for the Runner Who Has Everything
Most running gear lasts a long time. But there are certain consumables every distance runner needs. Choose one of these– because every runner needs these over and over again.
And, bonus, they’re really budget-friendly!
Three consumables that make a great gift for runners are gels (or chews), electrolyte drink powders, and body glide.
- Gels or Chews
If you’re looking for a gift for a marathon runner or a half-marathoner, gels or chews are a fantastic choice. They’re always needed! And it can be a fun way to let your favorite runner try out new flavors.
2. Electrolyte Drink Mix
Like gels and chews, there are so many options for electrolyte replacement drink mixes. Grab a few different flavors in individual sachets, and your running friend will love the variety.
Running can be tough on the body. I’m not just talking about injuries, but everyday annoyances like chafing and super stinky body odor. Maybe the best gift for runners is one that helps them keep going day after day!
3. Body Glide
I mean, if you know, you know….. No one likes finishing a run and hopping into the shower only to be greeted with the hot water stinging the bejeezus out of your skin. Stop chafing before it starts with Body Glide.
- Apply Before You Get Dressed, On Thighs, Neck, Arms, And Anywhere Skin Is Rubbed. Stop Trouble Before It Starts
4. Rockin’ Green Laundry Detergent
Rockin’ Green Active Wear Detergent is the ORIGINAL funk-fighting detergent for your activewear. Its all-natural ingredients (including tea tree oil) are especially designed by athletes to fight odors in high-tech fabrics.
Active Wear contains an enzyme blend that fights stains and smells without harming cloth fibers. That means it gets the stink out without ruining pricey running clothes!
- Premium Active Wear Detergent - Wash off tough stains and odors from long workouts with Rockin' Green Active Wear Laundry Detergent Powder. Powerful yet skin-friendly, this all natural laundry detergent not only keeps your active wear in great condition, but it also works great on all types of fabric!
Running apparel seems like an obvious choice as the best gift for runners you know and love– but the challenge is that you have to know what they really need, what size they are, and what their preferences are.
Avoid all of those gift-giving minefields and go with the thing every runner needs: socks!
5. Socks
Proven fact: runners can never have too many running socks!
And while there are a decent number of options in terms of color and style, at this price point you aren’t going to go too far wrong giving your favorite runner a new pair of cushy (or sleek!) running socks.
Every runner loves to talk about their races! Who wouldn’t want to revel in the glory of months of training paying off?
6. Finisher Medal Display
Show your running friend that you’re proud of them, too! Give them a way to show off all of their race bibs and running finisher medals.
- THE ORIGINAL BIBFOLIO PLUS(TM) RACE BIB AND MEDAL DISPLAY Originally developed by Gone For a Run, a U.S. based and owned family business, beware of copies. BibFOLIO+ protects and beautifully displays your collection of bibs and medals from marathons, half-marathons, 5Ks, triathlons, road races, and other athletic events. Support AMERICAN business and buy the ORIGINAL BibFOLIO+!
Runners need something to do when they’re not running. Sometimes this means talking about running. Other times it means reading about running. Or eating to be fueled for their next run.
7. How to Make Yourself Poop
This collection of funny running essays is sure to entertain your favorite marathon runner.
- Kita, Meghan (Author)
8. Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow.
This cookbook by Olympian Shalane Flanagan and chef Elyse Kopecky is packed with recipes (and quality nutrition information) tailored to runners.
It’s an especially great gift for the runner who doesn’t love to cook…but needs to eat to fuel all those training miles.
My final two suggestions of gifts for runners who have everything are what *I* would want to receive.
9. Entry fee for the next race
As soon as one race is over, marathoners already know what the next race is going to be. Even if you take off a recovery period (which you should!), there’s always one eye on the race calendar.
Being gifted the money to cover a race entry fee is a thoughtful way to show your runner how much you care!
What’s the best gift for runners?
10. Massage gift certificate
Even if your marathon runner has all the massage tools already, getting a massage from a professional is the best gift for runners. It helps keep them strong and supple. And it just plain feels good!
Good luck finding the best gift for runners– especially if you’re trying to find gifts for a runner who has everything. I hope this list is helpful to you!
Karen Shopoff Rooff is an ACE certified personal trainer and health coach with more than 20 years’ experience running marathons and ultramarathons. The Marathon Finish Line blog is for informational purposes. Please seek advice from a medical practitioner before engaging in a new fitness program.