11 Brilliant Gifts for the Runner in Your Life
By Jake Rossen

Nothing says “I care” to someone with calf-searing pain and weeping blisters more than a gift that speaks to their love of running. Check out some ideas and suggestions for family and friends that pound pavement.
1. NANOSPIKES; $45 AND UP
Your favorite runner doesn’t have to give up their favorite shoes to gain traction. NANOspikes are harnesses that fit over a sneaker to provide security in bad-weather conditions. Think of them as snow tires for the feet.
Find it: Amazon
2. WIND TIGHT LEGGINGS; $140
Speedsters rarely let cold weather trip them up, but you can make their life more bearable with these wind tights that keep legs comfortably warm in freezing temperatures. Long workouts won’t be a problem, either: the nylon-wool blend allows the wearer to cool down as the day gets warmer.
Find it: Men's, Smart Wool; Women's, Smart Wool
3. RUNNING COOKIE CUTTERS; $15 for 4
Treat a running pal to these baking accessories that let them make cookies shaped like sneakers and distance markers. Their metabolism can handle it.
Find it: Gone For A Run
4. BOSE SOUND TRUE HEADPHONES; $135
Most earbuds aren’t designed to stand up to heavy exertion. These in-ear headphones from Bose reduce the “crackling” interference of the cord rubbing against clothing, are moisture (sweat) resistant, and allow the user to easily switch between music and calls with the built-in microphone.
Find it: Amazon
5. TIGER TAIL MUSCLE ROLLER; $30
Used by professional athletes and weekend warriors alike, muscle rollers help stretch muscles and keep the body in motion by working through tightness and soreness. The Tiger Tail has more “grip” for better friction.
Find it: Amazon
6. NIKE FLASH JACKET; $249
The ultimate in upper-body armor for runners, Nike’s Flash series offers protection against wind, rain, and overheating by wicking away sweat. It’s also one of the most highly reflective windbreakers on the market, making wearers highly visible to drivers.
Find it: Amazon
7. A MAP OF THE BOSTON MARATHON; $28
Even if your giftee doesn’t plan on running one of the world’s most famous stretches of marathon land, they can still be inspired by this topographical chart of the course. You can also purchase maps of the New York and Chicago Marathon routes.
Find it: Uncommon Goods
8. GARMIN FORERUNNER: $171
Not everyone cares to run with their cell phone in hand, particularly if it’s a heftier model. Garmin’s GPS watch straps to the wrist and logs the wearer’s time, distance, location, pace, and heart rate. With live tracking enabled, friends can even track their route.
Find it: Amazon
9. RUN GLOVES; $35
Not all gloves are created equal. Sweaty Betty’s design is reflective for better visibility, has a storage pocket for house keys, and boasts touchscreen-friendly fingertips.
Find it: Sweaty Betty
10. BODYGLIDE BALM; $9
Chafing, the bane of runners everywhere, can be minimized by applying this roll-on to the feet, thighs, or anywhere else friction creates skin abrasions and blisters.
Find it: Amazon
11. MEDAL HOLDER/BIB HANGER; $40
Help your loved one hang onto their hat—actually, race number or place medal—with this handmade display that lets them keep track of how many times they’ve slid off the couch and into perpetual motion.
Find it: Etsy