Runner's Wish List
Please note: There are no affiliate links. I don’t earn any commissions for recommending any of these items, I’m not an influencer. The links are there to help if you want to easily check out any of the gift ideas.
Jump Rope Cost $10 and up
I recommend a weighted rope with adjustable length as this allows for the best jump rope workout. Something like this. A more expensive option may be worth it. Plyometric training is excellent for runners and jumping rope is such an easy way to get started. You don’t really need a jump rope. Anyone can simply hop in place. But hopping in place feels weird and jumping rope is fun.
Pro Source Fit Mini-Mat Cost $10
In recently discovered the very conveniently sized mat and immediately purchased it. So much easier to take to the park or track! Fits in my backpack! Perfect for sitting, stretching, changing shoes and doing core work. Especially clutch if the ground is wet. I love this thing.
Available on amazon
Black Foam Roller Cost $9 and up
Short or long is fine. This is an item every runner should own and use! (Simply owning it actually doesn’t do anything.)
High-Visiblity Item Cost varies
Whether you live in warm or cold climates, winter means less daylight for running. Every runner should own at least one high-visibility gear item if they need to run in low light or darkness. A hat, strap vest or zip-vest is probably the most practical, but a shirt, gloves or jacket would also work well. Anything neon or bright white will do.
Related: My recommendations for cold weather running gear: Dressed for the Weather
Sports Massage Cost $70 and up
If your giftee doesn’t already have a go-to massage place, check out this blog post I wrote about how to find a good therapist.
A Nap (or sleep-in) Cost $0 + the value you place on your time.
Accommodate the runner in your life with some extra time rest with a nap or sleep-in. This would involve covering whatever responsibilities that person would need to do while getting some extra rest. This gift should include (upon receipt) scheduling of the extra rest and should not require reminders from the recipient.
Theragun Mini Cost $150
There are LOTS of percussive massage tools on the market (at lower and higher price points). Probably many of them are good, but this is the own I personally own and it is excellent, so I recommend it. The 2nd generation model is even smaller and lighter than the one I own, and has USB-c.
Garmin GPS watch (or any non-apple watch running watch): Cost $150 and up
The reason the watch should NOT be Apple Watch is because for running intervals, the touch screen interface, the 3-second countdown to start and no split button are very frustrating. The Apple Watch also tends to drain battery quickly when exposed to the cold.
Please note: I own an Apple Watch and really enjoy wearing it for easy runs. It occasionally miscalculates mile splits very obviously, but that’s not a big problem for me because I don’t care about pace for easy runs. I really hate it for interval workouts or for going to the track. Although the Apple Watch has extensive custom interval workout capability, the touch screen interface is still a huge drawback and I can’t recommend this watch due to the lack of actual usable buttons.
Super Shoes Cost $150 and up
C’mon now. It’s time.
If you’re not sure where to start, doctorsofrunning.com is an excellent resource.
Woodway 4Front Treadmill: Cost approximately $8000
I advertised options for ANY budget! The Woodway is the Bugatti of treadmills. The best of the best. Could not recommend more highly. I purchased my 4Front used 6 years ago and it is quite honestly my most treasured possession. (refurbished and used machines can be found at lower cost)
Nicole Sifuentes is a full-time Running Coach for adults of all ages and abilities. She is a former professional runner and 2-time Olympian, and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Read more about her services, and schedule your free coaching consultation.