The Grommet Team Like the postman, neither rain nor snow nor the gloom of night can prevent avid runners from completing their routes. If you know a dedicated runner or even a casual jogger, you’ll want to check out these 12 gift ideas for runners. From lights that help brighten a dark sidewalk to packs that hold a jogger’s essentials, the following are all excellent gift ideas for passionate runners.
Light Up the Night
Running in the dark is not ideal, but sometimes it can’t be avoided. Especially during the winter months. And that is where these clever little shoe lights can be a real lifesaver. To warn drivers of their presence, a runner just needs to slip these lightweight super-bright LED lights on over their heels. The lights can be set to either glow continuously or to flash. And because they’re weatherproof, these heel lights can also be used on gloomy, foggy or stormy days.
No Pockets? No Problem
House and car keys, phones and a little mad money—runners often need to carry these items. Unfortunately, athletic wear isn’t always designed with storage in mind. So, runners often find themselves with no pockets or shallow ones that aren’t adequate for keeping their items safe. And that’s why the FlipBelt makes such a great gift for runners.
The FlipBelt is a singular tubular waistband that has four multi-access pocket openings. And because this sleek belt is form-fitting, it won’t bounce around during a run. Another plus? This belt has been crafted from an antibacterial Spandex-Lycra blend that is odor-resistant, which means you won’t have to worry about it getting “stanky.”
Hand-y Lights
Light up the life of your favorite runner with these rechargeable LED gloves. Because each LED light can project a 135-degree radial arc of light up to 30 feet away, these gloves make excellent running gifts for anyone who exercises outdoors at night. Runners who wear these lights will not just be seen but can also see where they’re going. These lightweight gloves boast a specially designed pocket on the palm where you can stash a key, a few dollars, as well as built-in reflective strips for additional visibility. We believe that these gloves make great gifts for runners men and women alike.
No-Jiggle Headphones for Joggers
On long runs, many people rely on podcasts for entertainment or music for motivation. Unfortunately, traditional headphones aren’t always the most comfortable things to wear during a run. They can jar loose from the constant pounding of a jogger’s feet or can just irritate a runner’s ears. So if you know a runner who is unhappy with their traditional headphones, gift them with this innovative headband and speaker combination. This headband, which is made from a stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric, fits snugly over the ears and streams music through a Bluetooth connection.
A Wallet for Your Wrist
Most competitive runners need to carry at least a few essentials, such as car and hotel room keys, a little cash or a cell phone, during a race. Wristband wallets are a clever solution for this issue and make great gifts for a marathon runner. The fabric that these wallets are made from is stretchy so they slip on easily over a runner’s wrist.
And because we understand that sweating comes with the territory when you run long distances, this fabric is breathable and designed to wick moisture away. These wallets have two pockets. One with a zipper to secure your small valuables and another one that is perfect for a phone.
To Tame Your Mane
Hair, hair everywhere—or at least it can seem that way when you’re trying to run. Untamed locks can get uncomfortably plastered to your face with sweat or can get whipped into your eyes by the wind. So if you’re looking for gifts for runners women will love, these sparkly, no-slip wide headbands will make an excellent gift. They come in a variety of glittery colors and have been designed to stay securely in place while also keeping aggravating flyaways tucked away from your face during even the most intense workouts.
Socks that Rock
The wrong socks can make a run miserable. Poorly designed socks, for instance, slide down and wad up in your shoe. On the other hand, a well-made athletic sock—such as the ones from Bombas—can provide the extra cushioning and support that long-distance runners need.
Bombas boast a HoneyComb Support System that provides a runner’s foot with extra support in the arc, its seamless toe reduces irritation, and extra cushioning in the heel protects against blisters. These socks are also crafted from a breathable, moisture-wicking material. Another reason these socks are special? For every pair of socks purchased, Bombas will donate a second pair to someone in need.
An In-Vest-ment in a Runner’s Safety
Do you have a loved one who runs in the wee hours or in the dead of night? If so, consider giving them a gift that could possibly save their lives one day. As you’re probably well aware, drivers, today, aren’t always paying attention. Some are trying to grab a quick bite to eat, while others are tinkering—often illegally—on their phones.
That’s why it’s so important to catch and hold the attention of drivers. And this reflective safety vest will do just that. The vest has super bright arrows on both its front and back that can be seen up to a quarter-mile away. And for your comfort, this vest has been crafted out of breathable, lightweight fabric with a pocket for you to stash small items.
A Compact Treadmill for Small Spaces
Some days, it may just be too hot, too cold, or too wet to run outside. And it’s during those times when owning a treadmill can be very handy. Of course, not everyone has the room for a big bulky treadmill. And even those that do have space may not care to have exercise equipment on display when not in use. Fortunately for these runners, there is Treadly. This treadmill is sturdy, but small, weighing only 64 pounds. And when folded down, this thin treadmill is easy to stow away. Bonus points: It can even be used as part of a walking desk.
A Hands-Free Leash for Running with Fido
Many dogs love to accompany their owners on runs. But jogging while holding a traditional leash can interfere with the way a runner uses their arms for momentum. So one of the best gifts for runners with dogs is a hands-free leash system like Stunt Puppy’s clever design. This flexible leash, which can stretch from 34 to 51 inches, attaches to a sliding ring on a belt that is worn around a runner’s waist. This hands-free-style harness is actually easier on both humans and dogs for runs.
A Better Bottle that Takes Less Room
Traditional water bottles tend to be bulky and take up a lot of room in a runner’s or hiker’s backpack. But this clever, BPA- and plastic-free bottle from que is different. Because of its unique accordion-style design, this bottle can collapse down to half its size, which means it takes up less room. It’s also made out of flexible, food-grade silicone that’s approved by the FDA and boasts a stainless-steel rim and cap, which provides an air-tight seal. These bottles, which make great gift ideas for runners, are available in two sizes—12 and 20 ounces—and several different colors.
A Personal Foot Therapist and Massager
A runner’s feet endure quite a bit of abuse as they pound out mile after mile, day after day. So why not give that beloved runner in your life something designed to make their feet feel better? The HighHealer is a 5-in-1 foot stretcher that was invented by a podiatrist to relieve pain in the feet, ankles, and calves. It is especially useful for easing the pain caused by plantar fasciitis. This lightweight stretcher also comes with a soapstone massager that can provide both hot and cold therapies for a runner’s tootsies.
We understand runners are a special breed. They are dedicated to their hobby and refuse to allow “little” things like darkness and weather to get in their way. And that is why we’re proud to offer a wide selection of unique gift ideas for runners. We’re sure that at least one of these 12 innovative items will be perfect for both the marathon runners and the casual joggers that you know and love.
In search of gift ideas for runners that are more fitness related? Here’s a Gift Guide for the Fitness Guru to help you shop for them this season.
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