40 Last-Minute Gifts for Runners That Will Arrive by Christmas
Shipping deadlines are almost up, but if you're holiday shopping for loved ones who love to jog, these thoughtful gifts for runners (which are still slated to arrive on time) will make the task so much simpler. After all, the right gear—like a good pair of shoes and a quality sports bra—can make a good run even better. Every runner has their own particular needs and preferences, so we asked runners from across the country what running gifts they've received in the past and loved, or what they would like to receive this year. Plus, we included several items that we personally tried and enjoyed. With such a wide range of options, hopefully, this will be a good jumping-off point to find the perfect gift to please the runner in your life, whether they’re aiming to complete a virtual 5k or just hit some new PRs.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Quotes have been edited and condensed for clarity.
- 1
Balega Blister Resist Quarter-Length Socks
These socks cover that little sliver of exposed ankle skin when it’s chilly and you’ve got tights on. They stay put, keep your feet warm, and come in cute colors that are as good for running as they are for procrastinating your run with some holiday lounging around the house. —Lauren Ross, runner in Portland, Oregon
Buy it: $15, amazon.com - 2
Bottleband
If you can’t quickly find a handheld water bottle, this works on any kind of water bottle, even a cheap disposable one from a gas station. —Lynn McGrew, runner in Houston
?
Buy it: $8, bottleband.net - 3
Salomon Agile Wind Vest
Layering pieces are ideal for winter running in the Midwest, and I love a good vest. This hooded vest protects me from elements like wind, rain, and sleet without weighing me down, and it keeps my core temperature warm without leading to sweaty elbows. —Kimberly Dupps Truesdell, runner in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Available in sizes XS to XXL.
Buy it: From $30, amazon.com
- 4
Feetures High Performance Ultra Light Socks
These socks do a great job at preventing blisters during long runs in Houston’s hot and humid summers. —Lauren Stroud, runner and 2016 Olympic Trials Marathon qualifier in Houston
Buy it: $13, amazon.com - 5
Noxgear Tracer360 Vest?
As the days get shorter, I absolutely need this vest to help me run safely (and visibly) in the dark or at dawn/dusk. I love that the vests are not just ‘one size fits all,’ and they are super lightweight. The brand also makes light-up gear for dogs! —Sarah Yehle Keil, runner in Nashville
Available in sizes S to XL.
Buy it: From $60, amazon.com - 6
CEP Ultralight Tall Compression Socks?
I wear compression socks for most runs in the winter, and I love how thin and comfortable these are. I race in them too, when it’s chilly or when I want a little something extra on my lower legs. —Becky Wade, professional marathoner and author of Run the World: My 3,500-Mile Journey Through Running Cultures Around the Globe
Buy it: From $45, amazon.com - 7
Hyperice Hypervolt Massage Device?
This is a total game changer. It ends up saving you money since it can replace a massage. It’s also quiet and easy to use. —Sarah Rabourn, runner in Houston
Buy it: $299 (Originally $349), bloomingdales.com
- 8
Janji 3-Inch Middle Shorts?
These shorts are so comfortable, don’t chafe at all, and come in really cute patterns. Plus, the company gives back to charity with each purchase, which I really like. —Sarah Minkus, runner in Southern Pines, North Carolina
Available in sizes XS to XL.
Buy it: $42, rei.com - 9
HotHands Hand and Toe Warmers (24-Pack)
These are a great stocking stuffer because my hands otherwise won’t make it through winter runs, even with ski mittens. —Allison Goldstein, runner in Jersey City and 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier
Buy it: $23, amazon.com - 10
Goodr OG Sunglasses?
They don’t slide off my nose or bounce. They’re also supercute and fun to collect in my favorite colors. They’ve become my favorite pair of sunnies to wear on the daily, not just for running. —Patty Trussell, runner in Houston
Buy it: $25, amazon.com - 11
Saucony Cool-Down Jacket?
I love that this jacket is fashionable enough to wear around and functional enough to run in. —Molly Huddle, Saucony athlete and American half-marathon and 10k record holder
Available in sizes XS to XXL.
Buy it: $45, saucony.com
- 12
Nathan Light Spur?
It’s dark out all the time right now in my hometown of Portland, and there’s nothing more important than staying safe and visible while getting in those miles in. These spurs hook onto the back of any shoe, light up in multiple fun colors, and are so comfortable you’ll forget they’re there. —L.R.
Buy it: $12, amazon.com
- 13
Spring Energy Gels Sampler (12-Pack)?
I have a lot of food sensitivities, and these are made of whole food, are easy to digest, and have been the perfect race fuel for me. —Kelly Butler Berry, runner in Indianapolis
Buy it: $42, amazon.com
- 14
Sugoi MidZero Bun Toaster Undershorts?
If you live anywhere where it gets cold and snowy, these are great for when those larger muscles need some extra warmth but you don’t want an entire second layer of bottoms. —Jessica Hebben Ericson, runner in Romeo, Michigan
Available in sizes S and L.
Buy it: $50, moosejaw.com
- 15
Sidekick Echo
This is the perfect self-massage tool for a runner. I use these tools to work through tight areas of my muscles and fascia before I head out for a run every morning. Compared with the price of a massage, it pays for itself quickly. —Sara Hall, Asics athlete and professional marathoner
Buy it: $135, sidekicktool.com
- 16
Sarah Marie Design Studio Fitness Nail Wraps
I love to do my nails before big races, so these nail wraps would be a great gift for any runner who likes to do the same. —M.H.
Buy it: $15, sarahmariedesignstudio.com
- 17
New Balance 3-Inch Impact Shorts?
Since I began running in shorts this summer, I've been on the hunt for a pair of running shorts that are breezy and comfortable, don't ride up, have a nonbinding waistband, and, especially, have pockets bigger than a thumbnail. These have a three-inch inseam and higher-cut dolphin hem, which means there's no extra fabric getting caught between my thighs. They've also got reflective detailing, a low-profile drawcord, a flat waistband, and three pockets (a large zippered back pocket and two roomy, hidden waistband pockets). —Vallee Ross, runner in Houston
Available in sizes XS to XL.
Buy it: $45, amazon.com
- 18
Senita Sarah Sports Bra?
This is the only bra I want to wear because it holds my phone and I don’t know it’s there. —Erica Kegley, runner in Anderson, Indiana
Available in sizes XS to XXL.
Buy it: $26, senitaathletics.com
- 19
Runningluv Hand Wraps
This is great for transitioning to cold-weather runs when your nose seems to run nonstop. It's easy to wear and way better than using your sleeve. —K.B.B.
Buy it: $11, runningluv.com
- 20
Oiselle Firecracker Three-Quarter Tights?
I’ve got my eye on these glow-in-the-dark tights because I run in the dark all winter and it would be nice to have fun gear for it. —Amanda Morgan, runner in Fairfield, Connecticut
Available in sizes 2 to 12.
Buy it: $96, rei.com
- 21
NuunSport Electrolyte Tablets (4-Pack)?
These are a great stocking stuffer for runners who need to stock up on electrolytes. —Kristina Scaviola, runner in Dracut, Massachusetts
Buy it: $24, amazon.com - 22
Run Angel Personal Safety Wearable
This personal alarm provides that extra sense of safety during solo runs. —Terrieha LeighAnn Romer, runner in Greensboro, North Carolina
Buy it: $99, runangel.com
- 23
Koala Clip Lux
I wore this clip on the back of my sports bra during the 2019 New York City Marathon and didn’t notice it or my phone at all throughout the race. Afterward, I was really glad to have my phone to be able to call my husband. —Lindsey Hein, host of I’ll Have Another podcast
Buy it: $34, koalaclip.com
- Runnerswall.co.uk24
The Runner’s Wall Medal Display
I love The Runner's Wall. It’s such a great way to look back at your achievements—especially now. —Tinne Teugels, runner in New York City
Buy it: $27, runnerswall.co.uk
- 25
Nike Air Pegasus?
It’s a solid everyday shoe for me. I can go outside and run a mile or run a half marathon and feel supported by this sneaker. —Emily Abbate, runner in New York City and Hurdle podcast host
Available in sizes 5 to 12.
Buy it: $120, Nike.com - Lululemon26
Lululemon Down for It All Vest?
This vest is great because it’s got four pockets, and the two side pockets are more than big enough for your phone. The phone stays flush to your side the entire time, which is ideal and super comfortable. It’s got extra insulation, which is super helpful when you’re running into the wind. —E.A.
Available in sizes 0 to 14.
Buy it: $148, lululemon.com
- Supergoop!27
Supergoop! Play
I like the Supergoop Play sunscreen in the big ol’ 18-ounce bottle with the pump. It’s vegan, sweat-resistant, and super easy to apply on the way out the door for a run. —Nate Lipka, runner in Los Angeles
Editor’s note: This is also an editor favorite.
Buy it: $58, sephora.com
- REI28
Kahtoola NANOspikes Traction System?
I just moved to Minneapolis from Manhattan and it can get super icy here, especially if you run along the Mississippi. These lightweight spikes don't change the feel of your stride at all and can literally save your butt. —Malia Fray, runner in Minneapolis
Buy it: $50, rei.com
- Amazon29
Camelbak Ultra Handheld?
This has a nice adjustable hand strap, so it's easy to hold. The top can be locked so water doesn't squirt out. And the little pocket is handy to hold keys, gummies, or a credit card/ID. —Sara Gilles, runner in Naples, Florida
Buy it: $40, amazon.com
- Nike30
Nike Pro Shorts?
You won’t catch me running in anything but my Nike Pro. [They are] comfortable, functional, and they don’t ride up! Most important, the material is amazing. I’ve had several pairs for years. They don’t look used nor do they break down. Love them.” —Melanie Boehmer, M.S., R.D., CDN, runner in New York City
Available in sizes XS to 2XL.
Buy it: $30, nike.com?
- Lululemon31
All the Right Places Crop?
I've been wearing these for years. Pockets are a must-have for my running leggings, and these pockets are big enough to comfortably store my iPhone XR (with a case) and nutrition for long runs. They're high-waist and extremely flattering too. —Janissa Delzo, runner in Putney, Vermont
Available in sizes 2 to 14.
Buy it: $118, lululemon.com
- Courtesy of Shefit / Tim Priest32
SheFit Bra?
This is the best bra if you have giant boobs and want to do HIIT workouts or run while feeling supported. —Krista Jurczenia, runner in Phoenix
Editor’s note: SheFit's one of our favorite?plus-size brands too.
Available in sizes XS to 6Luxe.
Buy it: $65, shefit.com
- 33
Oofos Post-Exercise Active Sport Recovery Thong Sandals?
These bonus picks weren’t specifically recommended by the runners we spoke to. But as runners, we enjoy these items and think they’d make great gifts for the runners in your life:
These are always in my marathon gear check bag or in my car trunk to change into immediately after long runs. Trust me, your feet will feel immediately better in these cushiony sandals if they're swollen and blistered up after a hard run. These sandals also absorb impact and support your arches, making them a great option if you're prone to plantar fasciitis, as I sometimes am. —Emilia Benton, runner in Houston
Buy it: From $30, amazon.com - 34
Garmin Forerunner 235 GPS Running Watch?
I've used this running watch and love it so much more than the older Garmin models I previously trained with. I love that you can program speed workouts via the Garmin Connect app and then send them to your phone so that you don't have to memorize intervals and remember to manually lap your splits. Another favorite feature is the race predictor, which gives me a snapshot of my marathon training progress relative to my goals. —E.B.?
Editor’s note: Garmin has a new editor-favorite watch that you can read about.
Buy it: $150 (originally $330), amazon.com
- Allbirds35
Allbirds Women’s Tree Dashers?
I’m faithful to my very cushioned Brooks Ghost running shoes and only occasionally branch out to try a different style. I was happy I gave the Allbirds Tree Dashers a chance because they’re lightweight, supportive, and look really great—like, really great. I like them best for short three-mile jogs since they are supportive but not as cushioned as my Brooks. —Melissa Matthews, runner in New York City
Available in sizes 5 to 11.
Buy it: $125, allbirds.com
- REI36
Herschel Hip Pack?
I got this because I was constantly losing my credit cards, house key, and loose cash during runs. Previously, I just stuffed those items in my pockets or bra but they somehow managed to slip out. I like that this is big enough to carry some other items too, like a cell phone, lip balm, and reusable grocery bag. —M.M.
Buy it: $28, rei.com?
- Amazon37
Bose Sports Earbuds?
I am the pickiest person I know when it comes to earbuds. I want some that fit securely in my ears without pushing up against my cartilage piercings. (I have quite a few piercings, and many earbuds hit them at an awkward angle.) These are comfortable, and I never worry about them falling out. Plus, I like that they’re small and discreet so other people can’t see that I’m wearing them. —M.M.?
Buy it: $160, amazon.com?
- 38
Daily Harvest?
I’m always hungry after a run and need to eat right away, as in I don’t want to prep or cook anything. That’s when I grab these Daily Harvest oatmeal bowls, smoothies, and snack bites (another editor favorite at SELF). The bowls and smoothies come frozen, and you just add your milk of choice before microwaving or blending. Usually, I eat one of the bites, which tastes like cookie dough, while blending my smoothie. —M.M.
Buy it: $6 per week, dailyharvest.com
- Lululemon39
Run Briskly Half Zip?
“I don’t think you can ever have too many pockets when running. This long-sleeve shirt has two pockets with zippers, so you don’t have to worry about losing anything. I like that the smaller pocket fits my credit card and key, while the larger pocket is great for my cell phone. Plus, the zipper really keeps everything secure! The material is so soft, and this keeps me warm during my night runs when temperatures are lower. —M.M.
Available in sizes 0 to 14.
Buy it: $98, lululemon.com
- Under Armour40
UA Sportsmask?
“This costs more than many other face masks, but I think it’s worth the price. I like the moisture-wicking material because it dries quickly so I’m not left with a sweaty, wet mask after my run. I wear this for hours at a time to walk through my neighborhood, and I barely even notice it is on my face.” —M.M.
Editor’s note: You can read a full review of it here.
Buy it: $30, underarmour.com
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