The 30 Best Gifts For Runners in 2023
Updated: November 16, 2023
We know finding the perfect presents for your family and friends this holiday season can be a difficult task, so we have rounded up our Running Warehouse staff's favourite items that make great gifts for every type of runner in your life. With both splurge-worthy and budget-friendly options that won't break the bank, there's a gift in here that they'll be sure to love!
Best Gifts for the Beginner Runner
The Splurge: ASICS Gel Nimbus
Gift your beginner runner superior comfort and cushioning with the revamped ASICS Nimbus. Their tootsies will appreciate the luxuriously soft and comfortable ride that will inspire your novice runner to rack up their daily miles in this versatile running shoe. Check out our list of The Best Running Shoes for Beginners to discover other top choices for that new runner in your life.
The Budget Pick: The SPIbelt
Your runner is going to need a secure place to store their phone, nutrition, keys, cards, and other essentials on the run. Help your runner be prepared with the newest running belts for a hands-free run. The SPIbelt is a favourite of ours for a value-priced option with a low-profile expandable (bounce-free) pocket and an adjustable band for a comfortable, personalised fit.
Best Gift for the Road Runner
The Splurge: 2XU Aero Singlet
Featuring X-VENT fabric technology, the 2XU Aero Singlet combines a double-knit constructed main panel, leveraging an inner layer to transport sweat away from skin and an outer layer to disperse moisture on the surface, delivering rapid moisture management. The lightweight breathable mesh back panel, engineered to enhance breathability and ventilation, keeps you dry and cool so you can perform in at your best. Be sure to be seen, with reflective logos and trims on front, arms and back, providing 360-degree visibility in low-light conditions.
The Budget Pick: Salomon Active Handheld Bottle 500ml
Having fluids on runs can make a huge difference for runners and help avoid cramps and injuries. The Salomon Active Handheld 500ml offers a minimalist design for running with hydration. An adjustable hand strap fits securely around your hand while the Soft Flask comfortably shrinks as your drink it. With it's 42 mm wide opening, you can fill the Soft Flask much quicker and a twist on/off valve keeps fluid from accidentally spilling out as you run.
Best Gift for the Trail Runner
The Spurge: Salomon Adv Skin Hydration Vest
If there is one thing that can take a runner's long trail efforts to the next level, it's a hydration vest. The Salomon Adv Skin Set Pack is light, easy to use, and offers convenient storage for water and supplies with comfortable straps to carry all the essentials while on the move. This vest comes in both a 5L and 12L storage capacity option for stowing extra layers and gear and two dual Soft Flasks. Help the trail runner in your life stay hydrated and energised and get the most out of their next adventure with this awesome and exceptional hydration vest.
The Budget Pick: Fractel F-Series Cap
The Janji AFO HyperLight Cap offers ultra-lightweight performance for all your racing and training needs. Featuring Hyperlight AFO stretch fabric, this cap quickly wicks sweat to keep your head cool and dry throughout your run. Thanks to the flexible foam brim, you can easily stash this hat in a pocket or vest when not in use. As an added benefit, the adjustable bungee in the back lets you secure the cap comfortably to your head, while reflective details increase your visibility while running in low-light conditions.
Best Gift for the Marathon Runner
The Splurge: Saucony Endorphin Speed 3
The Endorphin Pro 3 is an elite marathon racing shoe designed to help runners slash time off their personal bests. The Endorphin Pro 3 features Saucony’s highly responsive and cushioned PWRRUNPB foam wrapped around an S-curve carbon-fiber plate for maximum energy return with each step.
The Budget Pick: Maurten Nutrition
Maurten is the complete package when it comes to nutrition and the top choice for endurance athletes worldwide. With its digestion-friendly formula, every runner would love to be equipped with this carb-infused hydration mix for their next long run or big race.
Best Gift for the Ultra Runner
The Splurge: HOKA Speedgoat 5
Gift your ultrarunner with the tools they need to compete successfully on their next ultra-race with a pair of HOKA Speedgoat Trail Shoes. The HOKA Speedgoat 5 is a trail workhorse that has the durability and comfort to handle countless miles on a wide variety of terrain.
The Budget Pick: PURE Nutrition
Having adequate fuel is essential for your ultrarunner's endurance. PURE Sports Nutrition is a company that specialises in producing real food-based energy gels for athletes. Unlike many conventional gels, which can be highly processed and contain artificial ingredients, PURE Sports Nutrition is made with natural, whole food ingredients that are easy to digest and provide sustained energy. PURE focus' on sports science and the nutrient quality of the ingredients that are used which are the best, highest quality, natural ingredients available.
Best Gift for the Track Athlete
The Splurge: rabbit EZ Joggers
Velvety soft and luxuriously comfortable, the rabbit EZ Joggers are a staff favourite and will help keep your athlete's muscles warm before and after their track meet.
The Budget Pick: Omni-Lite Spikes
Omni-Lite track spikes are standard features in the track shoes designed and manufactured by the world's leading athletic shoe companies. Their space-age ceramic track spikes are utilised by olympic champions and world record holders.
Best Recovery Gift
The Splurge: Therabody Theragun PRO Percussion Massager
The Therabody Theragun PRO Percussion Massager offers professional-level massage therapy that can be used for recovery by runners of any level.Compared to the previous PRO model, this device features a number of welcomed upgrades like a 55% noise reduction, up to 5 hours of battery life, and smart app integration for guided routines and customisable settings.
The Budget Pick: Trigger Point Grid Foam Roller
Giving the gift of recovery will make any runner happy. For an affordable option, the Trigger Point Grid Foam Roller is one of the best ways to loosen muscles, get rid of soreness, and help any runner feel great day in and day out. This roller is covered in a foam grid system of varying widths and three densities, allowing your runner to choose the level of intensity that works best for them.
Best Running Accessory Gift
The Splurge: Garmin Forerunner 965 GPS Watch
Watches can pretty much do everything now! Reward your runner with a gift that helps them track almost every part of their training by providing biometric data and adding fun, safety, and convenience with music and app capabilities and even contactless pay. The Garmin Forerunner 965 GPS Watch is an invaluable training tool that your devoted runner will love to sport on their wrist, even after their run. Discover more of our favourite running watches in our Best GPS Watch Guide.
The Budget Pick: goodr Sunglasses
It's hard to get a better deal than the all-around awesome goodr sunglasses. Lightweight, stylish, functional, and affordable with a comfy no-slip grip, goodr sunglasses are a perfect gift for any runner. Protect your runner's peeps from the sun's harsh UV rays with a fashionable pair of shades.
Best Stocking Stuffers
The Splurge: Drymax Extra Protection Hot Weather Socks
The Drymax Extra Protection Hot Weather Run 1/4 Crew Socks offer a cushioned feel with a tough Teflon coating for durability and dryness even in the warmest weather conditions. A strategic mesh arch band and upper allows airflow to keep feet cool while light cushioning underfoot prevents blisters and chafing. As an added benefit, Drymax fibers woven into the sock fight bacteria buildup to avoid the unwanted stink.
The Budget Pick: Steigen Performance Socks 1/4
Out run your competition whilst staying blister free in the Steigen Performance Socks 1/4. Forefoot Padding for comfort and durability, seamless construction, lightweight fabric for fast moisture transfer and air flow mesh on top for breathability. Creating an environment where blisters are less likely to form.
Best Gift for the Early Morning/Evening Runner
The Splurge: Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
The Petzl Actik Core Headlamp continues to offer a versatile and lightweight design while improving its brightness to a whopping 600 lumens. Thanks to its HYBRID CONCEPT design, this headlamp can utilise the included CORE rechargeable battery and also works with 3 AAA batteries (not included). You can easily select between brightness settings as well as different beam options, depending on whether you need to illuminate near or far on the path. As an added benefit, reflective details around the headband improve visibility in low-light conditions.
The Budget Pick: Petzl Tikkina Headlamp
Now offering 300 lumens of brightness, the lightweight and compact Petzl Tikkina Headlamp just got a little more powerful. The efficient brightness settings make this headlamp ideal for urban running or trails in low-light conditions. A single push button on top of the Tikkina lets you select between proximity and distance settings, depending on whether you need to see close at hand or further down the road.
Best Gift for Pronators
The Splurge: ASICS Gel Kayano 30
The ASICS Gel Kayano 30 is a stability running shoe that offers reliable support and plush comfort for everyday runs and walks, no matter the distance.
The Budget Pick: Lightfeet Performance Support Insoles
Support and comfort with Lightfeet Performance Support Insoles which feature a speed foam top layer for shock absorption, energy return, moisture wicking, anti-bacterial and breathability. Lightweight and durable support insoles designed by Australian Podiatrists for comfort and support to maximise your performance.
Best Fun Gift for Runners
The Splurge: ASICS Noosa Tri
Not just for tri-athletes, these fashion-forward shoes are lightweight and deliver optimal performance for versatile runs. Support your runner's unique style with these daily trainers and supply a bit of flair and swag to their running game
The Budget Pick: Janji AFO Shorts
The Janji AFO Short is a bold and breathable option for the runner who wants to be race-ready. The shorts feature a flat waistband with an adjustable external drawcord and a soft, moisture-wicking, built-in liner for a distraction-free fit. The ultra-light, breathable AFO fabric will help keep you cool and comfortable for a weightless feel. A rear zipper pocket can securely store your essentials, while reflective elements deliver visibility in low-light conditions.
Best Post-Run Comfort Gift
The Splurge: 2XU Light Speed Compression Tights
The 2XU Light Speed Compression Tights are high-performance tights with compressive qualities targeted to key areas and provide muscle protection, support, and recovery. Compressive support for the glute, hamstring, and calf, as well as powerful compression for the abductor, quad, and shin maximises muscle protection.
The Budget Pick: HOKA Ora Recovery Slide
Built with maximum cushioning in mind, the HOKA Ora Recovery Slide 3 is an everyday recovery sandal that will have you riding in comfort from post-run or race to everyday strides to the store.
Best Sustainable Gift for Runners
The Splurge: Patagonia Houdini Jacket
The Patagonia Houdini Jacket is an ultra-light and protective layer, ideal for bringing along on your trail run when you fear the weather may be blustery. With windproof fabric, the DWR finish also makes this jacket water-resistant, should it start to rain. An adjustable cinch at the hood and on the lower hemline provides an adjustable fit, and a slightly dropped back hem provides a no-gap fit. The whole jacket packs into the chest pocket so you can easily stow it away if the weather improves.
The Budget Pick: Fractel Cap-M Series
The Fractel Cap M-Series Caps are a cutting-edge cap featuring Polartec¨ Power Dry¨ fabric for exceptional moisture management. Crafted from 100% recycled yarns, this cap is not only environmentally conscious but also highly breathable, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking, making it the perfect headwear option for hot weather conditions.
Best Gift for Every Runner
Running Warehouse Gift Card
For a gift that every runner is guaranteed to love, you can't go wrong with a gift card from Running Warehouse. Choose the monetary amount you desire and select your delivery preference (via mail or email) for a quick and easy process. We offer free shipping and returns, and our exceptional customer service team is always ready to partner with you and assist with your shopping needs.