Oh my goodness! There are only ten more days until Christmas! Just because you can pick up something lame last minute at Duane Reade doesn’t mean you should! (read 21 Things That Will Happen to You While Christmas Shopping in NYC)
If you’re like me and in a pinch to cross everyone off your shopping list, here are some fun and affordable gifts for your favorite runner.
1. Make a charitable donation in their name to a running organization such as Back on My Feet, Girls on the Run, or Team for Kids. Price = whatever fits in your gifting budget
2. Mala Beads: while this might seem a bit odd for a non-yogi to get as a gift, meditating on mantras and intentions is important for any athlete. Help your favorite runner start the year off by giving them a fashionable way to meditate on their goals or race day mantra. Price: varies
3. Movie tickets + Book: Unbroken tops the list of best books I’ve read in the past five years. Louis Zamperini was a 1930’s track star who survived being a POW during World War II. Give them the book to read then take them to see the movie. Price: $25-$40
4. Greenblender recipe cards and superfood sampler: What runner doesn’t love a smoothie? Greenblender delivers smoothie boxes in NYC, but this gift can be shipped anywhere! Price = $25.00
5. Runner’s World Desk Calendar: This might seem a bit cheesy, but what runner couldn’t use a little extra motivation during the work day? This is the perfect gift for your favorite co-worker or desk jockey. Price = $13.49
6. Satin Headband from Sparkly Soul: Is your best running buddy not a sparkly kind of girl or is your niece that runs cross country more tomboy than princess? She can still wear the best headband out there! Sparkly Soul non-slip satin headbands are just as great as their sparkly counterpart! This one is my personal favorite! Price = $15- $17
7. Training Journal from Believe I Am: While I don’t have the updated version of this insightful and motivating training journal written by professional runners Lauren Fleshman and Ro McGettigan-Dumas, it’s on my Christmas list. I’ve used the old version for several training cycles and it’s one of my all time favorite training tools. Price = $11.98
8. 1-on-1 Running Specific Strength Training Session: Every runner can benefit from working on getting stronger and doing exercises that will specifically help them become a better runner. Purchase a gift card for a private session with your favorite qualified fitness professional. Your favorite runner can request to have the workout emailed to them after the session and use it again and again throughout the year. Price = varies
9. Intention Plate Bracelet from Erica Sara Designs: Okay, so it might be a bit late to place an order for a custom bracelet, but I think your giftee will forgive you when you give them this gorgeous gift. Price: starts at $78
10. Brooks Running Nightlife Jacket or Vest: Help your favorite runner stay on track of reaching their spring running goals by staying visible and warm all winter. The jacket will keep them dry, warm and safe. The vest is extremely versatile, it can be worn as a layering piece in many weather conditions. Price = $85-$90
Purchase a gift card for a private session with your favorite qualified fitness professional. Your favorite runner can request to have the workout emailed to them after the session and use it again and again throughout the year. Gifts for Ham Radio Enthusiasts