What do you get your loved one for their birthday, Christmas, or just because? If they are a runner, we have you covered with some great ideas of gifts for runners!
Many of these companies we have worked with and have had the opportunity to use their products. We only promote products we have used and love. That being said, this article may include some affiliate links at no extra cost to you (in some cases, a discount).
BEST gifts for runners
Recovery Footwear
If there is one thing runners know we must take care of, it’s our feet. As a podiatrist, Dr. Bill Johncok told us on the A to Z Running Podcast, “The foot is the foundation for the rest of the lower extremity and even a lot of the core.” It is worth spoiling the runner in your life with recovery footwear. PR SOLES by Gone for a Run now carry recovery sandals, recovery slippers, and new to the PR SOLES line is a new recovery shoe. Comfortable and casual, the PR SOLES recovery shoe is perfect for everyday use.
Deep Massage Tool
Deep tissue massage can help enhance recovery by improving range of motion, relieving trigger points, as well as reducing adhesions. The R8 by Roll Recovery is a powerful self massage tool. The R8, makes giving deep self massage easier than ever. The R8 is a convenient and effective way to do as their slogan suggests, “dig deeper.” The added bonus to this tool as a gift is that you can get your R8 custom printed for the special person in your life.
Compression Socks
I am not sure how you could possibly go wrong giving the runner in your life a pair of compression socks or sleeves from SB SOX. With products under $10 on Amazon, you don’t have to break the bank with this one either. Share the gift of recovery and help your friend or family member get a “leg up” on their competition.
Recovery Orb
An orb is arguably a more effective way to roll than using a traditional roller. Why? An orb is omnidirectional and can get to some of those harder to reach places such as high adductor and high hamstring. Small but mighty, the Pro-Tec Orb Activate is versatile and compact. It’s travel-friendly size makes it a perfect addition to your workout bag. This 4.5” vibrating ball helps stimulate blood flow and more effectively reduce muscle fatigue, tightness, promote flexibility, and enhance performance.
For a discount on any Pro-Tec product, use code: ATOZ10
Running Socks
You can never go wrong with a good quality pair of running socks. With so many to choose from Balega, is our favorite. In fact, many of our athletes claim the blister resistant sock is best on the market and lives up to its claim of getting you through long distances blister-free.
Hip Hook
The hip hook is a tool used to help release the really tough hip flexor muscles. If your loved one is finding themselves struggling with hip flexor pain, it may be time to invest in a hip hook for them. Give the gift of health (and better sleep).
For a 10% discount on any Aletha Health product, use code: ATOZ
Drinks
I am not talking about taking your buddy out for drinks (although quality time is a great gift). Electrolytes are an easy thing to give the runner in your life. There are many kinds of drink tabs at Nuun. May I suggest the Nuun Rest. Lots of runners struggle to get enough magnesium and this night time drink can help the runner in your life sleep better and recover faster. Nuun also has performance electrolyte drinks, immunity drinks, vitamin drinks, and more.
Running Education Books
The gift of knowledge can keep the runner in your life on the right track. If you listen to the A to Z Running Podcast, we’ve mentioned many of these books. We’ve even had some of the book authors on the show.
Runner’s Fix: DIY Guide to Running Pain-Free
The Mobo Board
There are a lot of strength tools out there. Which do we use regularly? May I first suggest the Mobo Board? The MOBO board is designed to target and improve balance and proprioception in your feet. This is no small thing. You can also do a variety of exercises on the MOBO board which makes your time working on strength more effective and efficient.
For 10% of the MOBO board use code: ATOZRUNNING10
Sunglasses
If you haven’t heard us rave about Knockarounds, you’re about to. At a competitive price point, the Knockaround sunglasses offer configurations and styles for everyone! We recommend the sport design for running with the polarized lens. They often have deals going on like BOGO (one for you, one for a friend perhaps) or free shipping.
For a 15% off discount use the code: AtoZKnocks15
Massage Gun
Percussion therapy is a great way to enhance recovery with very little effort. The Roofree Massage Gun is an effective way to increase blood flow, break up adhesions, and release tense muscles. We recommend Rooftree because it’s powerful, quality, effective, and has a long lasting battery life. It’s also priced much less than its competitors!
Graston Tool
What is graston? Graston is a technique where you scrape areas of the body for the purpose of breaking down bond fascia and breaking down scar tissue. We use the Sidekick Tool Eclipse which is a great size for the feet and calves, but still useful for larger areas. You can learn how to do the graston technique on SideKick Tool’s website.
Gifts that Keep Giving
What could you give to us? Well, a review of the A to Z Running Podcast would be nice! Thanks for being here and feel free to subscribe to A to Z Running for FREE (our gift to you). We create content to help you thrive as a runner. Also, subscribers get 20% off training plans and coaching through A to Z Running! Check it out!
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