This is the third (and last one before the end of the year) installment of our “Gifts for Runners” series. Because sometimes it’s hard to know what to get the runner on your shopping list, to help you out, I’ve written an eBook that you can get for free. It’s called “Gifts For Runners – More Than 50 Unique and Creative Gifts For The Runner In Your Life” It’s written in an easy to read, relaxed style in a quick downloading .pdf file format. It’s yours at absolutely no cost, just by clicking on the link above or filling in the web form just below. It’s also available via a link in the sidebar under “Pages” if you know someone that wants to download it later.
In the meantime, here’s an excerpt with clothing accessory items that make great gifts for runners….the links are active, and they should all be formatted to open in a new window. So you can click on them to see pictures or get more information or even go ahead and order online and not lose your place on this page…
Not only do runners need the basics like running shirts and shorts, they need other accessory apparel items, giving you the opportunity to choose from a plethora of great gift ideas.
Running Socks – The double-layer socks are great for preventing blisters. I wasn’t sure about these socks at first, but with a blister-free guarantee, how could I go wrong? I tried them out, and they were right! Not even when breaking in a new pair of running shoes did I get blisters. So keep these in mind as a great gift idea for your runner.
Running Hats – I wear a running hat all the time. Any generic visor or baseball cap will perform the basic function of keeping the sweat out of my eyes, as well as blocking the glare. In the summer, it’s relief from the hot sun baking the top of my skull.
However, a cap designed specially for runners is even better, as the style and fabric is specifically designed to vent out the heat and wick away the moisture from sweat. Even in the winter, I can usually still wear my running hat most of the time, but there are days when it’s cold enough on my ears that I need a skull cap or fleece hat.
Gloves – I like to wear the stretchy knit gloves. They are kind of a one-size-stretches-to-fit-most thing. We just got some on sale a few weeks ago for $1.99 per 2 pair of them. We stocked up. They come in all sorts of colors, and if you lose one, who cares. At $1.00 or $2.00 a pair, it doesn’t hurt so bad to lose them. But some runners need warmer gloves, and there are many styles to choose from.
Sweatband/Headband/Wrist Bands – There are so many different styles and colors, it’s hard to choose. They have the elastic band style; they have Velcro closures; they even have one called the Sweat Gutr Headband, which I haven’t seen in person or used, but looks like it channels the sweat from your brow away from your eyes – like a rain gutter. Hmmm. I’d be curious as to how well that one works. If you’ve tried it, let me know.
Neck Wraps/Warmers – I like the kind by Turtle Fur. I use it as a neck warmer when I’m running in windy and cold conditions, but I also use it to tuck into my running tights over my belly. It’s important for anyone (but especially an outdoor athlete) to avoid losing too much heat from the body’s core, so that’s one of my strategies to keep one of the most important spots warm.
I know it’s hard to pick out gifts for people that are interested in things that you don’t have the first insight about, but that’s why I’m here: to help you with that issue. I am going to guide you through potential gift ideas, and help you with, at the very least, the runners on your gift list. Some of these ideas you will see have universal appeal to anyone who is active: walking, bicycling, running, working out, playing sports, etc. As I have been running for over 15 years, it’s safe to say that during that time I have used most (but not quite all) of these gift ideas that I have compiled into a list for you.
To follow up the blog post from about ten days ago on the Top 5 Gifts For Runners, today I’ve included the easy and inexpensive Ten Appreciated Stocking Stuffer/Gift Basket Gifts For Runners. . .
The links are active, and they should all be formatted to open in a new window. So you can click on them to see pictures or get more information or order online and not lose your place on this page.
If you’re actively searching for gifts because this is a gift-giving season, why not stuff a stocking or a pumpkin or an Easter basket for your runner too? Imagine their delightful surprise when they suddenly find a stocking or basket filled with all sorts of running goodies.
¨ Running socks – The double layered ones by WrightSock that they sell online and at the running store are great, and are specifically designed to help alleviate the problem of blisters.
¨ Chap Stick/Lip Balm – Obviously these come in all kinds of flavors, and have SPF (sun protection factor) in a lot of them too, which is nice to protect your runner’s exposed lips from the drying and burning rays of the sun, as well as from the cold, winter winds.
¨ Gels/Goos and Power Bars – Sporting goods stores will carry all the different energy gels and goos and power bars. If you don’t know what makes them special, and how they function, I’ll give you a little insight here. Athletes are burning calories (energy) at a very high rate when they are working out or practicing or playing. The energy bars and gels are a way for your athlete to get a quick shot of energy that is easily accessible for the body to use immediately, part way through a run or game or set or match.
¨ Bath salts – This one and the next will provide your athlete’s aching body, joints and muscles with well-deserved relief after a grueling run or workout.
¨ Stretch Gloves – The stretchy knit one-size-fits-all gloves are very inexpensive, but great to keep the chill off. And once my hands are warmed up, the gloves are not too bulky to stick in my pocket, or tuck into the waist band of my shorts or running tights.
¨ BodyGlide – BodyGlide is an anti-chafing glide-on substance that comes in a stick, like deodorant. A lot of athletes, especially runners will have spots on their body that are more susceptible to chafing due to the continuous repetitive movements, mile after mile.
¨ After Bite – This is an easy-to-carry anti-itch stick for mosquito and bug bites.
These small gifts are great as filler in a stocking or gift basket, and most of them are usually fairly inexpensive, too. So you can really stuff it full for very little cost, and your favorite runner will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
I'd like to donate a cuppa coffee to Vision Runner, as I understand that all that running and writing requires a great deal of strength and energy and focus......
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I'd like to send Vision Runner $10.00 so that she can get a gift card for her favorite coffee establishment.
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I'm feeling very creative and I don't want to be inhibited by someone else's choices. I'm going to pick my own dollar amount...cause what if I want it to end with 46 cents or something?
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What about me? I need some for me..... (Go ahead. Order some for yourself, why don't ya?)
