Runner's Holiday Gift Guide

I put together this holiday gift guide to help you make out your list, buy something for your favorite runner, or feel free to pass along the link to Santa!

First on my list this year is a Running Skirt. I ordered one of these a few months ago and I am in LOVE. I have the pink argyle one on my list for Santa. Maybe I've been a really good girl and can get two. :) Become a Facebook fan and they sometimes post free shipping or other discounts.
Another thing on my list was compression socks. I kind of cheated and ordered these today to try out in an upcoming race. Katye gave me the recommendation and I'm sure she'd never steer me wrong! I also looked at (and will one day try) CEP Compression Socks as well.

Electronics:

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Garmin Forerunner that I got for Christmas last year. (Thanks Dad!) For the runner on your list, this is a fantastic gift thatwill get used over and over again. Garmin's technical support is also wonderful, so I feel a little loyalty to the Garmin brand. However, Timex has a GPS watch for runners that I saw at a race Saturday that looked pretty nice as well.

In addition to my watch, I rarely run without my ipod shuffle, which is another great gift for a runner. It's small and easy to go through playlists while running.

Accessories:

I really like both of the ifitness belts that I own. I have the Neoprene Double Pouch and the Ultimate Running Belt. They fit well and don't ride up while in motion. Either one fits my blackberry, tissues, Gels, etc.

I really like headbands. TMB Endurance Bands are really nice and don't slip. They are handmade by a runner (and who doesn't like to support another runner?) and are too cute! Another cute option are the headbands by Bondi Bands. Cute colors, patterns, mantras!

Memorabilia:

What runner doesn't like memorabilia of past runs, special PRs, or other races. I have a Bibfolio that I really really like. There are lots of different designs and they are able to be personlized as well.

Gone for a Run (home of the Bibfolio) is actually a great place for all kinds of gifts. They have cute (and comfy) t-shirts, socks, running lights (so awesome...click the link!), accessories, and other gifts. If you can't pick out something specific, a gift card from there would be welcome I'm sure!

Under $20!! :
Some (not all!!) of the gifts I have posted are a little pricey if you are looking for something in the $20 or under range. But, good news is that there are TONS of cheap (but great) gifts for runners. I bought a Nathan Handheld recently and love it. It comes in lots of great colors, has a pocket for gels, money, keys, and stays well on my hand.

Another great gift that you can buy even if you live in the middle of nowhere (such as myself) is an itunes gift card. Any runner will appreciate the ability to download a few songs to keep runs interesting!

I fell in love with these Zone Perfect cookie dough bars when they sent me a sample to try. Chocolate Chip is my favorite. The nutrtional benefit is great and the taste is much better than a normal "energy bar". These are great stocking stuffers!

Other suggestions along this line are Clif Bars (love the Peanut Butter), Shot Bloks, Shot Roks, Gu, Chomps, etc. I have found some of these products at Target, so they are fairly easily accessible. Again, these are great stocking stuffers.

Other great (and inexpensive gifts) are stickers and magnets. I have some from Gone for a Run and from One More Mile. I have this one, but there are also some to celebrate a half marathon or marathon.

One of my favorite gifts from last year was an assortment of socks that my brother bought. He bought me some Nike Fit socks, Thorlos socks, and DryMax socks. This let me try out different brands and find my favorites!

Still not sure? How about a Gone for a Run gift card, a Running Skirts gift card, or even pay an entry fee into a race that you know your loved one is wanting to enter? (I love both of the above companies because I have had the pleasure of talking/emailing with people from both companies who were BEYOND awesome, which had me sold) Another idea (and LOVE this person too!) is to purchase training from a trainer such as TMB Endurance Training.

I hope this helps make the madness of Christmas a little easier for you and Santa. Have fun shopping!!!!!

If there is someone that you would like to totally anonymously receive a link to this post, just email me the email address at littlemp at gmail dot com and I will take care of it. :)

**Disclaimer** I have not been paid or given free products for any of these endorsements at all. This is just a list based on personal experience. I am in no way being compensated for these suggestions. However, if these companies wanted to send me free stuff to try, I wouldn't turn them down. :)