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You are here: Home / Christmas / TOTR: Top 10 gifts for runners

TOTR: Top 10 gifts for runners

November 25, 2014 by MCM Mama 28 Comments

So, what do YOU want for Christmas?  Pretty much everything on my list this year is running related. (Although if Santa dropped off a new Mac under the tree, I’d be pretty stoked about that.  Right now I’m seeing that spinning ball of color WAY too often.) Anyways for this week’s Tuesdays on the Run *Holiday Edition* with Patty and April, I’m going to share some of the things I love that might give you some ideas for the runner in your life.  I’m looking forward to perusing all the other lists to add to my wish list. (Shh, don’t tell Beer Geek!) (Many of the following links are affiliate links, which means I get a little money to buy more running stuff if you buy through them.)

Top-10-runner-gifts

[Tweet “Perfect gifts for the runner in your life! All price ranges! #fitfluential #giftguide”]

Stocking Stuffers (AKA gifts less than $15)

1. Nuun – I pretty much live on this stuff.  I drink it on every run and I often drink it when I’m not running. I have it with me at the gym, when I’m running, even when I go to work at the library (Hey, it’s dry there. Girl’s gotta stay hydrated!)  My favorite flavor is the Tri-berry, but I usually have at least 3 or 4 flavors around the house and in my purse. Yes, I take it with me everywhere.

nuun

2. Feetures socks – I’ve totally fallen in love with their Elite ultra light series.  I have found that I really prefer a lightweight sock when I am wearing my Altras and these totally fit the bill!  They recently sent me some of their knee hi compression socks to try too and I can’t wait to see how those feel.

feetures-lucky13

For the Budget Conscious ($15-40)

3. PRO Compression Socks (Review) – Right now, these are my go to compression socks.  I love that they are thinner in the foot than many socks, but they give me a nice amount of compression through my calves.  I think I have these in nearly every color they make.  Bonus: they often have a discount code you can use! (CYBER will get you 40% off until November 30, 2014)

procompression

4. Arm Warmers – I have to say that these are the most amazing invention ever. I use arm warmers all the time for races. I’ve found that I can roll them down or pull them off and tie them to my water bottle or stick them in a skirt pocket.  There are a ton of brands out there, but well, I’m cheap and I love these Nike ones (yes, I realize that they are called basketball sleeves. ) (Besides, I wear so many patterns, that I need something plain so I don’t class LOL). I also have these Sugoi ones and they are warmer, but also more expensive.  And if I need that much warmth, I’m likely to wear long sleeves.

Nike-Half-DC-outfit

Got a bit more coin? Here you go…($40-$200)

5. Running Jacket – It’s nearly winter. Unless you live in Florida or Texas or someplace like that, you or the runner you are buying for will likely find a jacket useful.  I have two that I love (yes, I do have more than 2, I know, it’s a problem). I find that my Brooks Nightlife Essential Jacket is the most versatile jacket I own (review here), but sometimes I want something a bit warmer.  That’s when I turn to my Sugoi Firewall 260 Jacket (review here). I’ve had this jacket for several years now and I wash it regularly and it still looks like new.  Even better, I have yet to find weather that it’s not warm enough for. (OK, let me rephrase that – if this jacket + layers isn’t warm enough, I’m not going to be running outside!)

6. Running clothes – Every runner needs more running clothes. Yes, they do. I have yet to meet a runner who doesn’t.  Personally, I’m a huge fan of Skirt Sports (yes, I’m an ambassador, but I was one of their best customers before that…). Right now I’m loving their Lotta Breeze Capri and the Heartbreaker Skirt (reviews of both and maybe a giveaway coming soon). The capri has gotten me through several cold half marathons, but I just bought the Heartbreaker because, umm, Polar Vortex.  Last year the part that got coldest when I ran was my tush, so tights + skirt = awesome!  They also offer number of cute tops, but I’m only just beginning to delve into that.  (Need something for the man in your life? Under Armour.  Great quality, reasonable prices.  Beer Geek will be getting some of that for his biking…)

happy-girl-skirts

7. Shoes – I believe that there is no such thing as too many shoes.  Don’t believe me? This is my shoe collection…

shoes2

Now, I’m an Altra Girl primarily (they are the only shoe I can happily go over 5 miles in), but I dabble in other shoes. I also spend most of my non-workout time in lower drop lightweight shoes.  So, yeah, buy your guy or gal (or yourself) a lovely new pair of shoe in their preferred size and brand.

8. Apera Bag – Apera makes some amazing bags. I have the Tech bag (review here) and I’ve used it to drag multiple computers and running clothes all over the US and even too Ireland. Even after all of it’s use in the last year, it still looks like new. While the backpack is most definitely the most useful for MY life, I’ve also seen rave reviews of their duffel bag and their yoga bags.  With tons of well placed pockets and an antimicrobial material, these bags are hard to beat.

apera-tech-bag

Want to knock your runner’s socks off?

9. Garmin GPS watch – I tried hard to become a non-Garmin girl. I used the Bia for a couple of months. I looked at other watches in the store. I contemplated some other brands. But I couldn’t do it. I went back to the brand I loved in an upgraded model.  (Yes, there are cheaper versions of the Garmin, but I’ve never used them.)  I bought the Garmin 220.  It’s a reasonably sized watch (even on my small wrists), the numbers are big enough for me to see easily, and I find it really easy to customize. Bonus is that it’s quite accurate.  I love mine so much I convinced my dad to buy himself one.  See daughterly love at its best!

garmin

10. Treadmill – OK, maybe that’s what I really want for Christmas.  (Yeah, a new treadmill and a MacBook Pro.  Sure, that’s going to happen. Not.)  Having a treadmill in my house has been one of the best decisions we ever made.  One or both of us (and sometimes a kid) hits that thing on a daily basis. Yes, I prefer to run outside and Beer Geek always prefers his bike, but weather and kid schedules sometimes make that option impossible.  My current treadmill is a Vision Fitness and I’ve been pleased with it, but I totally have my eye on a Sole. They get really good reviews and we need a machine that can stand up to a lot of miles!

 

 Tell me, what do you want for Christmas?

(And if you need more suggestions, check out the link up over at Run to the Finish.)

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Comments

  1. Melanie @ Happy Being Healthy says

    November 25, 2014 at 12:52 am

    Oh, I would love a new Mac under the tree too! I love the socks and arm warmers too! Oh, and I WOULD LOVE a new Garmin! I think I need a new Santa. Ha ha.

    Reply
  2. Sara @ Lake Shore Runner says

    November 25, 2014 at 6:25 am

    I really want the Garmin watch…but I think it is a little out of my price range!
    Sara @ Lake Shore Runner recently posted…Tried it Tuesday #2: Goat Cheese, Sunchokes, Fennel + Blue Apron DiscountMy Profile

    Reply
  3. Coco says

    November 25, 2014 at 6:31 am

    I love your price ranges! I wanted to put that Boston Treadmill on my list, but I couldn’t find a link for it. 😉
    Coco recently posted…Runner’s Gratitude ListMy Profile

    Reply
  4. Stacey says

    November 25, 2014 at 6:47 am

    Love Nuun! My favorite flavor is Tri-Berry too 🙂
    Stacey recently posted…TotR: A Runner’s Christmas ListMy Profile

    Reply
  5. Deborah Brooks says

    November 25, 2014 at 7:08 am

    True you can’t have too many shoes or jackets! Or can you? I like that Sugoi jacket. Nice list
    Deborah Brooks recently posted…Runners Gift Guide -Recovery EditionMy Profile

    Reply
  6. Lesley says

    November 25, 2014 at 8:56 am

    I’m asking for a Garmin for my birthday. It’ll be the only gift I ask for from my parents, to make it easy on them 😉
    Lesley recently posted…A Runner’s Gift ListMy Profile

    Reply
  7. Alexis says

    November 25, 2014 at 9:55 am

    I would love a registration for the Pittsburgh marathon!

    Reply
  8. Annmarie says

    November 25, 2014 at 10:04 am

    Great list of gift ideas! Question about the Garmin vs Bia if you don’t mind me asking. What made you choose the Garmin? Did you find the Bia to be inaccurate? I am looking into purchasing myself a GPS watch for Christmas 😉
    Annmarie recently posted…Big Slice Apple Review + Giveaway!My Profile

    Reply
  9. Leana says

    November 25, 2014 at 10:40 am

    Lot’s of great options for every budget! I won a pair of Feetures socks on a blog giveaway and I absolutely love them. I also really like those Sugoi arm warmers! I have a couple of pairs of them and they are great for cool starts to an outdoor bike ride.
    Leana recently posted…Gift Ideas For Your Favourite AthleteMy Profile

    Reply
  10. Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says

    November 25, 2014 at 11:05 am

    I am so happy to have a treadmill this year for the winter. A great purchase a made earlier this year. Agreed! You can not have too many sneakers. I recently just bought a pair of altras and have liked them so far.
    Lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…More from Sports UnlimitedMy Profile

    Reply
  11. Chaitali says

    November 25, 2014 at 11:16 am

    I love the variety of price ranges! I have to try out those feetures socks since I keep hearing about them.
    Chaitali recently posted…Tasty Tuesday – Hello FreshMy Profile

    Reply
  12. Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says

    November 25, 2014 at 1:13 pm

    I would LOVE that Apera bag….they are so pricey but look amazing! These are all great ideas. I can always use more running clothes. I know people swear by Nuun but what is it? Flavored water??
    Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Get Fit Before the New Year: Join the City Fit Girls Shift Program!My Profile

    Reply
  13. Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says

    November 25, 2014 at 1:45 pm

    A treadmill like that would be a dream come true!
    Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…The Rock ‘n’ Roll VIP ExperienceMy Profile

    Reply
  14. April @ RunTheGreatWideSomewhere says

    November 25, 2014 at 2:43 pm

    I’m an Altra runner too, and I might just be able to match you in my shoe collection! I’m really interested in trying an Apera bag too. My current gym bag situation is not good! Great list!

    Reply
  15. Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

    November 25, 2014 at 3:22 pm

    i hate treadmills but would use one if it was in my house! especially with the winter they are predicting we’ll have! great list 🙂
    Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC recently posted…Holiday Sales and Discounts!My Profile

    Reply
  16. HoHo Runs says

    November 25, 2014 at 8:57 pm

    I’m an arm warmer fanatic. You can’t have too many! However the sizes are all over the place between makers. I have so many cute ones that I can’t wear. We need to have a clothing swap among bloggers.
    HoHo Runs recently posted…The Good, The Bad & The Ugly (Route 66 Recap)My Profile

    Reply
  17. Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says

    November 25, 2014 at 11:37 pm

    Hi there! I’m not a runner, so I don’t think any of those items are on my Christmas list. But hey, I’ll take a new Mac computer too. 🙂 Have a wonderful night!
    Ashley @ A Lady Goes West recently posted…Are you an expert at something special?My Profile

    Reply
  18. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    November 26, 2014 at 7:35 am

    I would LOVE a treadmill, but I know that will NEVER happen. All great ideas! And holy cow…your SHOE collection? That is impressive 🙂
    Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Gearing up for Paris: Taking a new approachMy Profile

    Reply
  19. Debbie @ Live from La Quinta says

    November 26, 2014 at 5:24 pm

    Great list! I probably think that because I think I already have everything on it (except the Mac and treadmill). Of course, (hubby if you’re reading) I can always use more!
    Debbie @ Live from La Quinta recently posted…Can Clothing Inspire Fitness? prAna Early Winter CollectionMy Profile

    Reply
  20. Laura Ehlers says

    November 29, 2014 at 10:07 am

    great list! I may look into the arm warmers and maybe the compression socks for my daughter.
    Laura Ehlers recently posted…Thanksgiving PSMy Profile

    Reply
  21. Sandra Laflamme says

    November 30, 2014 at 3:59 pm

    I keep seeing these Apera Bags all over! They look like a perfect bag for carrying around all of my runner’s necessities. Thanks for the great link-up!
    Sandra Laflamme recently posted…Organic Runner Mom’s Holiday Gift Guide 2014 Part IIMy Profile

    Reply
  22. Rachel says

    December 2, 2014 at 11:11 am

    Great list!! I love all those items… and have been coveting a few to add to my list too 😉
    Rachel recently posted…Children’s Cough and Cold Relief with a Smile from Dr. CocoaMy Profile

    Reply
  23. AmyC says

    December 5, 2014 at 4:11 pm

    So many good things on this list!! I’d like an elliptical 🙂

    Reply
  24. Amanda H says

    December 10, 2014 at 1:09 pm

    Love that you included things in all price ranges! Thanks for sharing 🙂 #wowlinkup
    Amanda H recently posted…WIN Detergent Review and GIVEAWAYMy Profile

    Reply
  25. Deborah Davis says

    December 10, 2014 at 4:05 pm

    I just hopped by from #wowlinkup Workout Wednesday to check out your awesome fitness gift ideas. I too love the treadmill! I can only hope! I followed you to stay in touch. Pinning and sharing this too! Happy Holidays
    Deborah Davis recently posted…Special Holiday Edition: Celebrate the Season at the Healthy, Happy, Green and Natural Party Blog Hop 2014My Profile

    Reply
  26. Heather @ Divas Run for Bling says

    December 12, 2014 at 10:04 am

    I am really hoping for a new garmin this year. And features socks are my favorite 🙂 #wowlinkup
    Heather @ Divas Run for Bling recently posted…5 Winter Fitness Activities to Stay in Shape This SeasonMy Profile

    Reply
  27. Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club says

    December 12, 2014 at 2:06 pm

    I want some running clothes and a runners watch. A real one. Not one where I have to use an app on my phone. I think that is what I really want for Christmas. 🙂
    Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club recently posted…Give Icebreaker Merino During the HolidaysMy Profile

    Reply
  28. Catherine | Fit Armadillo says

    December 14, 2014 at 2:52 pm

    What a great list! I think I’ll just send it off to santa 😉 I just discovered Feetures socks last month when I bought my new shoes. A great upgrade for sure 🙂 Thanks for the great ideas! #wowlinkup
    Catherine | Fit Armadillo recently posted…Grilled Flank Steak, Green Beans, and Brown RiceMy Profile

    Reply
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Who is MCM Mama?
A slightly obnoxious mom and wife who loves good beer and running, who struggles a bit with depression especially in the winter and when running isn’t allowed, who’d rather go on a fun vacation than upgrade the kitchen or add a master bath, and has a minor addiction to the Marine Corps Marathon.

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