We rounded up 21 of the best gifts for trail runners (that aren’t shoes) so you can spend less time shopping and more time training.
Running doesn’t require a lot of gear. When it comes down to it, all you really need are comfy clothes and a pair of shoes. But runners are notoriously picky about their footwear—what works for one athlete might not for another. Not to worry: We rounded up 21 of the best gifts for trail runners (that aren’t shoes) so you can spend less time shopping and more time training.
Aid your friends in making their next #bestbaddecision. If you’re lucky, they’ll ask you to crew. $∞
Your running partner will love reaching for the Patagonia Houdini Jacket (men’s; women’s) when conditions are windy or damp. This lightweight, protective layer is made from wind-blocking recycled nylon with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish that causes moisture to bead up and roll away. You can cinch it up at the hood and waist, and the whole thing packs into its own chest pocket—so it’s easy to stash when the sun breaks through. $109
Their legs just don’t experience cold, so they say. If that sounds like the runner in your life, deck them out in the rabbit Fuel N’ Fly Shorts (men’s; women’s), which feature a peppermint anti-odor treatment that fends off odor-causing bacteria and a whopping five pockets where they can stash snacks, a credit card, and other stuff. $75
For the rest of the runners out there (the ones whose legs do get cold), meet The North Face Winter Warm Pro Tight (men’s; women’s). Designed for dark, cold, damp days, these leggings feature a wind- and water-repellent fabric with reflective details that help them stand out to cars. And, as an added bonus, the drop-in thigh pocket fits most phones. $100
Even elite runners struggle to roll out of bed hours before sunrise. Put some pep in their step with the ChicknLegs Pink Bananas Performance Singlet (men’s; women’s). The loose, lightweight fabric with a breathable panel is perfect for layering under an outer layer or wearing solo for a date with the dreadmill, and its seamless finish reduces chafing. $35
You know that saying about losing body heat through your head? Yeah, we don’t know where it comes from either. What we do know is that the JUNK Boca Ear Warmer keeps our ears warm on icy-cold long runs, making it the perfect gift for everyone in our running crew. $17.99
The best gift is the one they would never buy for themselves, like these carbon fiber Salomon Ultra Carbon Foldable Poles. They feature a comfy, extended foam grip and a lightweight, collapsible design that folds into three sections and packs down small when not in use. $149.99
Give the gift of fresh sneaks with a set of Sidas Dryer Bags. Their wood-cedar composition traps moisture and helps dry out wet, damp trail shoes so your running buddy’s car smells a little less like a locker room and more like a, well, car. $19.95
For the athlete looking to take things up a notch, the Salomon Sense Pro 6 hydration vest was designed with input from pros (hence “Courtney”) and features a roomy 6 liters of space, including spots to stow a hydration reservoir and two included 500-milliliter flasks, plus seven pockets and Salomon’s proprietary system that lets you attach your trekking poles to your pack. $179.95
Our editor swears by this handy trail companion that puts out 800 lumens of warm, natural light. Unlike some lamps, the lens on the Kogalla RA spreads light uniformly, so you avoid a bouncing hotspot that can interfere with your vision. Easily attach the flexible steel frame to your running belt—or just about anything using the included Velcro roll. $179.97
Turn their next workout into a tiny rave with the Amphipod Xinglet Strobe Plus LED. This lightweight, fully adjustable vest lets runners stand out to traffic without trapping sweat or constricting movement. LEDs on the front and back emit strobe lights to keep your favorite runner visible from all directions. $55
The most surefire way to show a runner you love them? With these tiny treats from your local Trader Joe’s. Our tip: Buy them and hide them so you don’t devour your stash before you give them away. $3.49
Here’s a recipe for the perfect weekend morning: Long run, followed by coffee and pancakes in the Vuori Daily Pocket Leggings. These ultra comfy leggings wrap tired limbs in silky fabric with a wide, adjustable waistband that doesn’t dig in. If the runner in your life prefers sweats, check out the Performance Joggers (men’s; women’s). $98
Whoever said socks are a boring gift was not a trail runner. With cushioned pads under the heel and forefoot and an anatomical design to help prevent blisters and allow toes to grip, the Injinji Crew Toesocks are the perfect way to show your favorite runner’s feet a little love (men’s; women’s; Courtney!). From $17
Sunnies that don’t slip? Check. The Goodr Glam G Sunglasses are the latest polarized sunglasses with UV 400 protection from beloved running brand Goodr. If your running bud isn’t into the cat eye shape, choose from dozens of other classics. $35
Let the pacer in your life know how much you love them with the rnnr Pacer Hat. This versatile cap weighs no more than a pack of gum and has a lightweight mesh design and a flexible brim. Founded by a former teachers for kids with disabilities, rnnr donates a portion of its profits to youth running programs. $38
Why not gift your running buddy with the other breakfast of champions—graham crackers? Fresh stacks because they like ’em extra crunchy. $26
No one needs a GPS watch, but if they’re in the market it’s hard to beat the Garmin Fenix 8 Sapphire AMOLED 47mm GPS Watch. It’s a computer for their wrist, but with the durability ultra-athletes need, thanks to a scratch-resistant sapphire lens. Preloaded TopoActive maps are enhanced with multi-band GPS and SatIQ™ technology aided by built-in sensors like a 3-axis compass, gyroscope, and barometric altimeter—so wayfinding is a breeze. Your running bud will get a training coach, too, thanks to health and wellness tracking with all the Garmin features and a heart rate monitor, sleep monitoring, respiration tracking, and a pulse oximeter.
The best part? In addition to onboard music storage, the Garmin Fenix 8 comes with a built-in speaker and mic so they can answer your calls (when paired with a smartphone) on the trail. $1,099.99
Cryotherapy, infrared saunas, Normatec boots—oh my! Consider gifting your running friend (or yourself) a day at a fancy spa designed with athletes in mind. There, they (or you) can sample a suite of hip recovery trends without having to invest in any superfluous gadgets of their own. From $30
Classy massage not an option? Give them a massage ball with a promise to help work out a few kinks. We love the Pro-Tec The Orb Deep Tissue Massage Ball for the way it fits perfectly in our hands. Its nubby surface makes it grippier than a traditional lacrosse ball. $19.95
Maybe it’s the silent sunrise you took in together. Or the sugary high you shared after nearly bonking. There’s nobody like a running buddy. If all else fails, share your thoughts in a heartfelt card. $6
