Ho, ho, ho, fellow pavement pounders and the ones who support them! ‘Tis the season to lace up those running shoes and hit the pavement or trails, all while dreaming of sugarplum PRs and festive finish lines. Now, don’t get your jingle bells in a twist trying to figure out what to gift your favorite runner this holiday season. 

I have developed a list of simple low-tech or DIY Christmas ideas for the favorite runner in your life.  These will give a personal touch to your runner and let them know you care.   These gifts will have them sprinting to the tree faster than hitting the finish line.    

Running-themed Christmas Ornament – A Tree-trimmed Tribute   Wrap up this list with a touch of holiday spirit – a running-themed Christmas ornament. Whether it’s a tiny pair of sneakers or a festive race bib, it’s a subtle nod to the passion that fuels your runner’s soul. Hang it proudly on the tree, and let it be a reminder that even during the holidays, the trail is never too far away.

Portable Foam Roller – Knead for Speed Recovery Runners know the pain – the post-run tightness that turns a set of stairs into Everest. Create a portable foam roller, with a 6-12 inch section of pvc piping and then glue on puffy kitchen cabinet liner. Decorate it to match your runner’s personality. Creative and portable, it packs the punch of a professional masseuse. It’s the gift of recovery, and trust me, their muscles will thank you for it.

Running Coach-The Ultimate Gift Hire a coach for your favorite runner to help them conquer their next race or endurance run.  A running coach has shown to increase running by 65%, improve effort by 200%.  Interestingly, 61% of self-coached runners ‘fire’ themselves i.e. stop running or stop training seriously within 6 weeks of starting a plan.  This gift will make sure they are not nestled all snug in bed, but out the door, getting in shape instead.  Give the gift of success to your runner. 

Personalized Running Playlist – The Soundtrack to PRs

We’ve upgraded from mixtapes to personalized running playlists, curated with the precision of a DJ and the heart of a coach. Give your runner the gift of motivation by making them a playlist tailored to their pace and preferences.  Just watch out for those dance moves while running.

DIY Running Fuel Kit – Snack Attack for Speedsters

Forget about store-bought energy gels – this Christmas, we’re going DIY. Create a running fuel kit.  Gather an assortment of nuts, dried fruits, chocolate, and maybe a sprinkle of holiday cheer. Arrange them in a festive jar, and voila – you’ve created a personalized energy boost that caters to your runner’s taste buds. It’s the kind of gift that says, “I support your love for running, but I really support your love for snacking.”

Subscription to a Running Magazine – Because Knowledge is Power

In the world of running, knowledge is key, and a subscription to a running magazine is the gift that keeps on giving. Whether it’s tips for shaving seconds off your PR or reviews of the latest gear, it’s like having a personal coach in your mailbox every month. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse for some post-run reading with a cup of hot cocoa.

Virtual Race Entries – The Ultimate Gift for the Couch-to-5K Champ

Who needs crowded starting lines when you can race from the comfort of your own living room? Virtual races have taken the running world by storm, and a virtual race entry is the perfect gift for the runner who prefers their finish line within arm’s reach of the snack table. Plus, they get a medal without the post-race port-a-potty lineup – now, that’s a win. Go to virtualrunevents.com to find races.  

Running-themed Jewelry – Bling for the Finish Line Fashionista

Add a touch of glam to your runner’s ensemble with running-themed jewelry. Think charms shaped like tiny sneakers or a delicate bracelet with a race charm. It’s a thoughtful accessory that lets your runner carry a piece of their passion with them, even when they’re not logging miles.

Personalized Water Bottle – The Holy Grail of Hydration

Imagine the joy on your runner’s face as they unwrap a water bottle adorned with their name, a motivational quote, or an inside joke only you two share. It’s the kind of gift that says, “I know you like to stay hydrated, and I also know you have a secret love affair with dad jokes.”

Running-themed Artwork – Decorating with Passion

Spruce up your runner’s space with some running-themed artwork. Whether it’s a framed map of their favorite running route, a motivational poster, or even a custom illustration of them in action, it’s a gift that turns their love for running into home decor. It’s like giving their walls a dose of adrenaline and a constant reminder of your love for them and to get out the door. 

Cozy Running-themed Apparel – ‘Tis the Season to Stay Toasty

As the temperatures drop, gift your runner some cozy, running-themed apparel. Think hoodies, beanies, or even festive leggings that scream holiday cheer. It’s the kind of present that keeps them warm during winter runs and stylish when sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace afterward.

The Trusty Fanny Pack – A Stylish Stroll Down Memory Lane

In the realm of runner’s fashion, the fanny pack is the unsung hero of accessory choices. Forget the bulky running belts of yesteryear that made you look like a cross between a secret agent and a kangaroo – the fanny pack is back, baby!  A compact fanny pack that can hold essentials like keys, phone, and snacks without bouncing around like a hyperactive elf. It’s the perfect blend of fashion and function, and your runner will thank you for saving them from the dreaded pocket jingle.

DIY Race Reminders– Cheers to Memories Made

Christmas Past may have brought us race bibs, medals or shorts that accumulated dust in forgotten drawers.  This year find a crafty way to preserve those running memories. Create coasters with the medals with help from Kudos Coaster Plus, get a blanket made from race t-shirts or put the bibs in a flip book or binder– a brilliant blend of nostalgia and practicality.  It’s a gift that says, “I see your sweat and tears, and I raise you a cup of holiday cheer.”

Running Gloves – A Toasty Treat for Frosty Tips In the days of Christmas Past, runners battled the winter chill with bulky, impractical gloves that made them look like they were auditioning for a role in a penguin parade. Some of us even used socks as our handcoats.  Fast forward to the present, and there are sleek, knitted running gloves that keep your fingers toasty without sacrificing style.  Gift your runner a pair of gloves that not only provide warmth but also allow them to operate their touchscreen devices without having to perform a complicated finger dance. It’s the perfect blend of fashion, function, and the ultimate excuse for a winter run. 

Running Journal – A Logbook for Legends

Go old school.  We recognize the importance of documenting those victories and struggles of training and want to remember them. Skip the virtual running log and give a running journal – the  logbook for legends in the making.

Gift your runner a journal where they can pen down their training progress, race experiences, and the occasional doodle of that quirky squirrel they encountered on the trail. If you are feeling crafty, customize it with stickers and you own added art.  It’s a sentimental gift that becomes a time capsule of their running journey, and who knows, it might inspire the next great running novel.

Remember, my fellow harrier harbingers of good will, the key to the perfect present is knowing your runner. Pay attention to their quirks, preferences, and running dreams. Whether they’re a seasoned marathoner or a beginner finding their stride, these gifts are sure to bring joy and holiday spirit to every runner’s heart and a smile to their sweaty, determined faces. Until next time, keep running, keep smiling, and may your Christmas be as joyful as a runner crossing the finish line. Happy holidays!