Saturday, December 3, 2022

Holiday Gifts for Runners

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I was gifted the Fluid Running System. I was also gifted Born to Run: The Ultimate Training Guide. I was gifted items from Pens and Paces in exchange for sharing them with my readers. As an ambassador for Brooks Running and RoadiD, I receive complimentary gear. These are all items I own and love. All opinions are my own.

Every year, I post a holiday gift list for runners. Sometimes I include items I'd like to receive but this year, I'm featuring items that I own and love. Everything has been tested by me. Hopefully, you'll find something here that will make your runs better and more fun.

So what's on my gift list? I'd love plane tickets to do some traveling. I've got some fun plans for the upcoming year that I'm hoping come to fruition. Continued good health is always a wish, too! What's on your wish list?


I shared in my coffee talk post that my hubs early-gifted me this coffee maker and I am in love! Fresh ground coffee every morning? One cup at a time? Yes, please! If you like the concept of a Keurig but don't like the waste of the K-cup, this is the coffee maker for you. I love that I can brew a cup for my pre-run!



While I've always been a fan of pool running, it wasn't until last year when I was sidelined with a broken ankle and foot that I discovered the Fluid Running system. I used these guided workouts to recover and was able to seamlessly resume running on land once I healed. I've continued to use the classes once weekly and am always surprised at what a great workout it is! I have a coupon code for you to receive $30 off the full system or the digital app: GiftGuide2022. If you want to read my full review, click HERE



After a year as a member of the RunHappy team, I've had the chance to try ALL the Brooks gear and shoes and I would have a hard time picking just one item to share on my gift list. I thought I'd share a couple of favorites, but feel free to reach out to ask me any questions about any of their gear. A note on sizing: most of the items run small, so unless you like your running gear really tight, size up. Some of my favorite items include the Ghost shoes for road running and the Cascadias for trails. My favorite tights are the Momentum and I am a big fan of the Notch pullover.

A few years ago, Cindy, the artist and runner behind the Pens and Paces shop, sent me a few items to share on my holiday gift list. I loved the Chicago marathon map and mug, which I use to drink coffee when I need some motivation (aka every time I lace up). The marathon map is framed and hangs by my treadmill. She's really expanded her shop and there are so many items--it was hard for me to pick. I chose the 2 gift sets to share here. There is also a Boston Marathon gift set if you know anyone who is training for it!


I've been a ROADiD ambassador for several years because I feel that safety is so important for runners! Whether you run alone or in a group, it's important to have identification on your person. ROADiD makes a variety of ID bands for active people. They are super light and completely customizable. My favorite style is the pintuck band, which is adjustable. They also make DOGiD products, which my pup Cocoa proudly wears. Currently, ROADiD is offering a limited edition winter collection with a mountain theme. 



GoGuarded is a self-defense ring knife that can be discreetly worn while running--or at any time for that matter. I prefer it to carrying pepper spray or any other weapon because I know that my first instinct would be to push away or fight back against an attacker. I don't know that I would be able to use any other weapon. The ring comes in a variety of colors and would be a great stocking stuffer. 

Christopher McDougall wrote the book Born to Run, which launched the barefoot running craze. Fortunately, that has mostly subsided. His new release is a training guide that would be a great gift for both novice and experienced runners. Chock full of illustrations and photos, McDougall shares guidance under the tenets of food, fitness, form, footwear, focus, fun, and family. 



My son's girlfriend gave me this for Mother's Day earlier this year and it has quickly become my favorite thing. All the cool kids have them and they wear them like a crossbody bag instead of a fanny pack. Me too. There is a zippered phone pocket on the back and inside you can put a lot of things. I gifted the fleece one to my sister for her birthday and she loves it too. Right now, they are out of stock at Lululemon, but I did find some on Amazon. 



So many people have asked me where I got this tank so I decided to share it here. Old Lady Gains is a line of apparel made to empower women of a certain age. Because we all know that we're still kicking a**. I adore their sassy tees. 
Regular readers know that I have a sock obsession, but when I head out for a run, these are the socks that I always pick over any others. Swiftwick has really upped their design game and I'm loving the crew height socks for my trail runs! They have no seams, are wicking, and I NEVER get blisters.


What's on your Christmas wish list? What are you gifting the runners in your life? 

I'm linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics, with the Runners' Roundup: DebbieDeborahJen, and Lisa.

21 comments :

  1. I always wondered where you got that shirt from! Thanks for the link!
    I just browsed the "Old Lady Gains" website. I can't believe they are the ONLY online store focusing on shirts with slogans for women over 35. So many brands missing out on our purchasing power!

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    1. Seriously!!! It really seems that brands think older women are invisible.

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  2. Yes, I want that shirt! I'm glad you reminded me. I also want the GoGuarded ring. And we both have Born to Run 2 on our lists! It sounds so good- I heard both authors interviewed on a podcast recently. I'm definitely getting it!

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  3. You really can't go wrong with any items from Brooks! I have a pair of Brooks sneakers on my holiday wish list :)

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  4. All great ideas, and I did, indeed, notice the tank! I'm in the market for a new coffee maker, but since I drink so much, the one-cup brewers are not for me.

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  5. That is the best shirt!

    Born to Run2 is on my list too.

    That coffee maker is tempting but I only drink ne cup and use a Keurig.

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    1. Well, that's the whole point of this coffee maker. It only makes one cup at a time, just like a Keurig but without the waste of the k-cup.

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  6. This is a great list! As I shared on IG, I want to check out that book. I am also intrigued by that coffee maker, but I just got a new one this fall to replace my Keurig.

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    1. I just love the coffee maker! It might be my new favorite thing!

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  7. Thank you for your list! I have always loved your recommendations. I have running mittens on my wish list, ones that you can pull off the fingers if you get too warm. Do you have any mitten recommendations?

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    1. I have a pair of Brooks convertible mittens from their hi-viz collection and I like those a lot. They also have a pair of 'lobster' mittens that are really warm for those cold runs. I lost mine so I just ordered another pair.

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  8. Looks like a good selection of stuff for gifts for runners. LOVE the design/picture on those socks. One thing I like when I walk, that I think would make a good runners gift also is bluetooth hat and or headband. I listen to audio books when I walk, but would imagine some folks would like some upbeat music while they run.
    Sandy's Space

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    1. In the past, I have shared a bluetooth headband (I own one myself!) as well as my favorite bluetooth headphones, AfterShokz. Thanks for checking it out!

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  9. I really think I need that tank in my life LOL And, you know I share your love for all things Brooks :)

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  10. LOVE the new RoadID. I got mine in navy. And we just got a new Ninja coffee maker. It has a frother on the side, so that's exciting.

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    1. I haven't see the new Ninja coffee maker. What don't they make? And everything is so great, too!

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  11. So many great gift options! I forgot to add RoadID to my list. I always wear mine. Yes, to the lululemon bag!!

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