Best Christmas Gifts for Runners

If you're looking for Christmas gifts for runners, skip the new running shoes or water bottle. What they need is something that will help them recover faster and feel less sore, or a pair of ridiculously comfortable running shorts. A subscription box of running fuel, which they could always use more of, is also a good option. There are plenty of items that people in the running community would appreciate, and we've compiled a list of Christmas gifts for runners that are unique and thoughtful — including running socks that are so comfortable and well-made that gifting a pair is anything but a cop-out.

1. Pillow-soft sandals for recovery days

They probably already have their favorite running shoes, but what about recovery support for tired, achy feet, knees, and hips? Hoka's recovery sandals are made of pillow-soft EVA foam to provide weightless comfort and support to your tired lower half after a race or after a long training day.

2. Sling bag to carry fuel on their runs

Although fanny packs are trendy again, they are handy for runners. This technical sling bag has a 2-liter capacity for fuel, hydration flasks, extra layers, and essentials like a phone and keys.

3. Pair of quirky, blister-prevention running socks

If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind and valuable gift, Injinji socks are the way to go. These performance toe socks encase each toe in fabric, which helps to prevent skin-on-skin rubbing. Endurance runners swear by Injinji to prevent blisters. Furthermore, the socks are made of sweat-wicking material with strategically placed mesh paneling to keep your feet dry and comfortable.

4. Deep tissue massage foam roller

Runners' muscles are extremely sore. Foam rollers can be used before a run to increase blood flow to your muscles, effectively acting as a warm-up. Furthermore, when used after a run, they help to reduce muscle tightness, making you less sore and tight.

We love the TriggerPoint Rush Roller as a gift because it is seriously intense — the surface has a shearing pattern for targeted pressure that feels like a deep massage when you roll over it. Chances are, your runner already has this one-of-a-kind version of the tool, and they'll enjoy the type 2 fun of using it.

5. Pair of seriously comfortable running socks

Unless they're ridiculously comfortable, sweat-wicking, blister-preventing, high-end running socks, socks feel like a cop-out gift.

Balega socks are without a doubt the best running socks we've tried. They're cushioned to support tired feet during long runs and made of soft, moisture-wicking fibers to keep feet dry and blister-free. They have compression bands strategically placed to aid blood flow and support tendons in the feet.

6. Subscription box full of running snacks

This subscription box contains top-tier products chosen by fellow athletes. Every other month, your runner will receive a box containing endurance nutrition, running accessories, and recovery products. This is a fantastic deal at $34 per month, and you can purchase just one month, six months, or a full year.

7. Hand-held muscle massager

The KT Recovery+ Ice/Heat Massage Ball is a unique entry into the market, drawing on the approach of alternating heat and cold to make progress with sore muscles or spots threatening to become an injury. The rollerball provides massage benefits, while ice relieves inflammation and heat loosens up tight spots. The tool accomplishes this by using interchangeable hot and cold inserts that the user can swap out in seconds.

The massage ball is small and compact, making it easy to transport with a runner. It is designed for use on a variety of body parts, including feet, knees, and sore backs and necks. Runners can also take the massage ball out of the casing, increasing its versatility.

8. Cookbook written

If your runner enjoys cooking, chances are they already have "Run Fast. Eat Slow." by Shalane Flanagan and chef Elyse Kopecky. "Rise and Run," their third cookbook together, focuses on the science-backed idea that starting your day with a good meal improves your mood, sleep, productivity, and, of course, your runs.

This cookbook is jam packed with nutrient-dense, veggie-forward breakfast, recovery drinks, and portable snacks, all designed with the macronutrient balance that runners require.

9. Box for new outdoor gear

If your runner enjoys camping or hiking, they'll appreciate this box filled with well-tested, high-quality outdoor gear. Each box is carefully curated to include a variety of technical apparel (socks, gloves, sunglasses), gear (headlamps, camp cookware), food and energy bars, and emergency first aid and survival tools.

10. Pair of ridiculously comfortable boxers

If you think it's strange to give someone underwear, you've never tried Saxx. These boxers feature four-way stretch fabric, slight compression, flat seams to prevent chafing, and moisture-wicking, micro-mesh paneling to keep you dry.

But it's Saxx's patented Ballpark Pouch that makes you want to tell your friends about undies. It's a kind of 3D hammock-shaped pouch designed to gently cup your most sensitive parts and prevent any swampy, chafing situation. We know a lot of guys, including some of our editors, who are so relieved by this construction that Saxx is the only brand of boxers they'll wear from now on.

11. Running snack box

Some people would prefer nice chocolates, while others would prefer a basket of cookies or runners. But they'd devour this snack box from Honey Stinger, one of the most popular and well-known running fuel brands.

I've yet to meet someone who doesn't adore Honey Stinger's Energy Chews and Waffles, which are designed to refuel athletes after a long day of training. Honey Stinger's running gels, quick blocks, and post-workout protein bars are also included in this gift box.

12. Nostalgic track-and-field running tee

Tracksmith's Van Cortlandt running tee is the ideal blend of high performance, exceptional comfort, and vintage style. The tee is made of lightweight, antimicrobial mesh, so it won't feel heavy when wet like some running shirts do, making each run that much more enjoyable.

The tee also features Tracksmith's signature sash design, adding to its vintage appeal. Despite the shirt's $70 price tag (which is quite high for a running tee), its durable construction and comfortable fit will have the runner you're shopping for reaching for it on run after run.

13. Pair of warm winter running tights for women

We've put a lot of winter running tights to the test, and the Thrills are the clear winner for women. They have four-way stretch for optimal movement and quick-dry material, just like most running tights.

However, they are also designed with a brushed inside for added warmth and an eco-friendly, water-repellent treatment in strategic areas outside to keep rain and snow out. These tights are extremely light and excellent at temperature regulation. They're also from a woman-owned business.

14. Functional running dress to make miles more fun

Upgrade your runner's wardrobe with this exercise dress, which is both functional and fun to wear on long runs. It's understandable to be skeptical, but half a dozen women on our team have participated in this workout, which includes running, hiking, and lifting, and we're all obsessed.

The dress features a spandex bodysuit layer that wicks moisture and keeps you cool, as well as a dress overlay that turns even the most painful training days or races into a fun run. Outdoor Voices updated the design by making the straps adjustable and adding grips to the spandex shorts to keep them in place. I've yet to meet a girl (or many men) who doesn't adore this item.

15. Luxe pillow for a better night's sleep

Better sleep equals better recovery, which equals better performance, as every athlete knows. The first step toward waking up more rested and with no neck aches is to use a comfortable pillow. For a super soft sleep, the Coop Home Goods pillow contains hypoallergenic shredded memory foam.

But the reason it's our top pick for bedroom pillows is that the loft is adjustable — you can remove some of the fill or add more to achieve the ideal loft for your sleeping style. In addition, the pillow comes with a five-year warranty and a 100-night trial period.

16. Rechargeable headlamp for safer night runs

With the best headlamp we've tested, you can help keep your runner safe on early morning runs. The Biolite 330 is extremely light (69g) and does not bounce or slip as you move. The strap is made of moisture-wicking fabric, and the 330-lumen light is rechargeable after 3.5 hours on high (and a whopping 40 hours on low!).

Furthermore, a purchase from Biolite supports its mission of providing access to energy (and clean energy at that) to people in Africa and Asia who do not have it.

17. Pair of soft, comfy, cult-favorite running shorts

Janji makes some of our favorite running shorts for both men and women, so you can't go wrong with a pair for any type of runner in your life. A pair of Janji running shorts are not only extremely comfortable, but they also have a fit that won't get in the way or cause chafing, no matter how many miles you have planned for the day.

The brand offers several short options of varying lengths, and if your runner prefers a short-short option, the 3" AFO option is ideal. If you're not sure about their style, we recommend the 5" AFO shorts for men and 3" AFO shorts for women, which are the perfect length for most runners. All of the options have four-way stretch, dry quickly, wick moisture away, and work just as well for running as they do for lifting weights or cycling.

18. Lightweight, but very warm, running jacket

This superlight, super thin jacket is one of our favorite pieces of cold-weather running gear, and it also works well as a layer for other winter adventures or running errands. The Patagonia Houdini jacket is lightweight but extremely efficient at regulating your temperature while running, keeping you warm but never overheating. Furthermore, we enjoy supporting environmentally conscious companies such as Patagonia.

19. Powerful massage gun for sore muscles

Runners are almost always sore. You probably can't give them a massage every day, so try a massage gun instead. The Theragun Mini is a portable, simple-to-use massager that can assist athletes in getting deep into their tight, aching soft tissues to speed recovery and avoid injury.

It's half the size — and half the price — of top full-size massage guns, but it doesn't skimp on power. It provides three speeds that are intense enough to provide relief to even the most arduous runners. With a weight of just over 5 pounds, the Mini is easy to transport, stash in a gym bag, or bring to work.

20. Great fitness tracker

If the runner in your life doesn't already have a fitness tracker, they'll appreciate the Fitbit Charge 5, which is small on the wrist, has a reasonable price and includes all of the features a runner needs to train more efficiently.

While running, the watch automatically records activity and displays one's pace, distance, heart rate, and other metrics. It has an integrated GPS, is water-resistant up to 50 meters, and tracks sleep quality, which is critical for proper recovery.

21. Muscle recovery system used by pro-athletes

If you're looking for a seriously big gift, either alone or with the whole family, for the distance runner in your life, the Normatec is the way to go.

This elite machine is favored by professional athletes ranging from marathon runners to NFL and NBA players (as well as our fitness editors). The leg sleeves have five independent compression chambers that fill with air and release it in a pattern that promotes blood flow, reduces muscle soreness, and speeds recovery.

Using this machine during a marathon or ultra-race training (or after pretty much any sport, including skiing, cycling, soccer, CrossFit, and so on) can give your legs new life and, in our experience and that of many professional athletes, significantly reduce post-training soreness, allowing you to get back on the road or in the gym faster.

22. Device to help ease muscle soreness or injury pain

Therabody's PowerDot is a portable, lightweight NMES and TENS machine that uses electrical stimulation to massage any muscle in your body. It may sound technical, but anyone who has been to physical therapy knows that these machines are extremely effective at relieving pain from an injury flare-up or muscle soreness after a long day of training. Such a machine is gold for a runner because they are constantly battling both.

The PowerDot comes with a sensor placement guidebook. The app includes guided programs to warm up muscles before a workout, help them recover afterward, manage pain, improve overall wellness, and control the intensity.

23. Pair of powerful, sweat-proof wireless earbuds

On the long run, music is everything. The Elite Active 75ts from Jabra have some of the best sounds of any running headphones we've tested, including the ability to fine-tune the bass and treble to your preferences and crystal clear audio. They also support a higher volume, which is uncommon in workout earbuds, so the runner can fully immerse himself. They also have a hear-through function that allows you to hear outside sounds without having to remove them from your ears.

The Elite Active 75ts comes with three different ear insert sizes, and the shape of the bud contours fits snugly in any ear. Your runner will love this gift, which has a battery life of 7+ hours.

24. Second-skin hydration vest

This hydration vest is the best on the market for trail runners. Rather than carrying the entire weight of the water on your back, this vest stores the water in a reservoir.

It has a simple straw that clips into the vest when not in use so it doesn't flap around and annoy you while you run, as well as a few pockets for other items such as keys, a smartphone, or gels and snacks. This is the ideal companion for anyone training for a marathon or trail running.