These best gifts for runners, ideas for women who love to run, range from affordable gifts for friends to gifts for the special woman in your life. Ideal for any occasion from celebrating a first 5K to holiday gifts.
If you’re a non-runner, buying gifts for runners can seem challenging. Relax – runners are easy to please. Most runners love the latest gadgets – anything to make our runs faster and easier!
This list ranges from affordable running gifts to unique gifts for the special runner in your life. If you’re looking for more inexpensive items take a look at these stocking stuffers for runners under $20.
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😍 Read to the end of the post to find my favorite gift or get a sneak peek here! It’s the ultimate gift for running with your phone!
TOP TIP: Running clothing tends to be stretchy and easier to fit than standard clothes but if you have doubts about sizing for the runner in your life stick to gifts of running gadgets.
Gifts For Women Runners
Gifts to celebrate running achievements, gifts for the holiday season, birthdays, and special occasions. From essential must-haves to fun gifts for runners.
Running Jacket
A running jacket should be comfortable, keep the runner warm, and use a breathable fabric to stop overheating.
This 90 Degree By Reflex Running Jacket may allude to a better-known (and pricier) brand but it’s a well-made jacket in its own right. Nicely shaped and breathable with a full-length zip for venting.
The thumb loops and pockets are a nice touch. This is one running jacket that’s worn about town as much as pounding the streets.
Massaging Muscle Roller
If you know any runners well you’ll find they always have some little aches or niggles. Most runners have a foam roller to massage out the knots but they’re really bulky to carry around.
This is where The Worm comes into its own. It’s a portable massage roller. Use it anywhere and everywhere. After the gym, in the car, or at a work desk.
Your running friend will love this gift!
Running Watch
When someone gets serious about their running – they buy a GPS running watch or put one on their Christmas wish list. The tricky question is which one?
It all depends on what you want to use it for. I use mine for trail running. It’s a Suunto 9 Baro – excellent for navigation with a superb battery life for ultra races.
But for most beginner runners, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is a better choice.
It’s under $200, easy to use, and doubles as an activity tracker with a battery life of up to 14 days. Track distance, time, and pace and combine with the free-to-use Garmin Coach adaptive training plans. A bit like having a personalized coach at a fraction of the cost!
Hand Held Water Bottle
Many runners, especially beginners like to run with a small hand-held water bottle. It’s a great way to stay hydrated! The only problem is your hand starts to get tired of gripping a bottle.
As your hand gets tired, so does your arm, which can even start to affect running posture.
This SpeedView Flask from Nathan wraps around the hand – no gripping required! No tired hands! There’s even a zip pocket to safely stash a phone and keys. It’s a great way to carry your phone when running!
Running Headphones
Many runners listen to their favorite beats or podcast when they’re training. If you’re buying a gift for a female runner who’s particular about sound quality, they’ll appreciate a good set of running headphones.
These incredible Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds have a terrific sound quality and fit neatly over the ears. You’ll almost forget you’re wearing them when you’re running.
NOTE: most races in the US discourage the use of running headphones. In the UK runners are allowed to use bone conduction headphones that let the runner hear the beats but still be aware of traffic noises and race directions.
Printed Leggings
Buying a gift for a runner who loves being a little daring? Try these Under Armour Meridian Printed Leggings. It’s one way to stand out at a race!
Compression fit for a powerful feel and 4-way stretch for movement. They also come in black for your more conservative running types…
Reflective Vest
Safety first in our house but let’s face it – some hi-viz vests lack style. No one wants to wear something that resembles a fluorescent yellow potato sack.
These reflective vests from Viz Blaze have a little more shape and ditch the glaring bright yellow.
Instead light explodes off the reflective material lighting the runner up a bit like a Christmas tree!
Running Headlamps
A running headlamp makes an ideal gift. In the winter months, runners often run in the dark after work and a headlamp keeps a runner safe. They’re also essential for trail runners – it’s always a good idea to carry one on longer runs.
This beauty, the Biolite Headlamp 330, will light up any hillside with its 330 lumens. It’s incredibly lightweight at just 2.43 oz. More importantly, it’s ever so comfy to wear! It comes in a choice of 4 colors.
Running Vest
I adore my Salomon running vests! When runners are taking part in endurance events they often have to carry a lot of stuff. Especially if it’s a trail event!
Energy bars, hydration bottles, spare clothing, headlamp… it all adds up. A running vest is a great way to carry items without things bouncing around and getting uncomfortable.
My favorite is the Salomon SLab Sense Pro 5. It’s just the right size to fit in everything I need for most races and training runs on the trails. If you have a trail runner in your household, this makes a perfect gift!
Favorite Running Gifts For Women – FlipBelt
Of course, not all runners are into running ultra marathons but just about every runner needs somewhere to put their phone and keys when out for a run.
FlipBelt is my ideal solution. It lies flat against your stomach and stays put as you run. The openings are easy to access and keep all your bits and bobs secure – phone, keys, emergency Peanut Butter Clif Bar…
I hope this list has helped you find the perfect running gifts for women! If you’re looking for inexpensive items take a look at these suggestions for stocking stuffers for runners under $20!
