I LOVE the holidays, and I LOVE gifting! So I was so excited to put together my first-ever gift guide for the blog – with plenty of time left to do your holiday shopping. Below I’ve curated some of my absolute favorite products (things I’ve been loving and want to shout from the rooftops), as well as things I’ve been coveting myself – all perfect for the runners and sweaty people in your life.
I’ve included a wide range of products for all budget types (from $ to $$$), and I’ve also tried to include women-run and small or local businesses wherever possible.
Obsession-worthy running gear
(1) Lululemon Speed Up Tight 28″ Full-On Luxtreme – $108 – This is my current favorite Lululemon tight for running (and that’s saying something, because I love my Lulu). It has just the right amount of compression, so it’s supportive but doesn’t make you feel like a sausage; it has big, stretchy side pockets that can safely store car keys, gels, etc.; and it has a nice, thick, comfortable waistband that hits in just the right places.
(2) Lululemon Align Pant II 25″ – $98 – If you think your wife or friend has enough Lululemon Align Pants, you’re wrong. Buy her more colors. If your wife or friend has never *tried* a Lululemon Align Pant, do her a favor and change her life. These are my absolute favorite non-running tights of all time. (Note: I do run in them, but they’re not ‘technically’ running tights, and won’t have pockets for storing things.) They are buttery soft, and have a super flattering high (but not too high) waist. I plan on wearing these well into pregnancy, since they’re nice and stretchy… but they’re just as flattering and forgiving for non-pregnant people who want to indulge in a few extra holiday desserts š
(3) Athleta Speedlight Glow Top – $79 – I love Athleta’s long sleeves for running. They really nail all of the technical details – from the sweat-wicking material, to the length, to the grippy fabric on the bottom seam that keeps it from riding up while you run, and of course – thumb holes. And I love that this style has a little sparkle in it – super fun and festive for the holidays!
(4) Oiselle Crest Vest – $162 – This is on my coveting list. Warm base layers – and vests – are a must for cold-weather running, and Oiselle’s outerwear is to-die-for. I love the high (but not too high) neck and hidden pockets of this design, as well as how well-insulated it is! This is something I would reach for day-after-day on freezing 5 AM runs.
(5) Aftershokx Aeropex Headphones – $159.99 – Something I’ve been coveting big-time! Everyone I know who has these raves about them. They’re wireless headphones that actually stay put in your ears, but more importantly they let you still hear sounds and noises around you for safety. A great tool for all runners – especially women – who do the bulk of their running alone.
For someone you REALLY love (higher $$ items)
(6) Run coaching – $139-159/month – What better gift for a runner than the gift of a (potential) new PR? Obviously I am a little biased, but I’ve seen firsthand how 1-on-1 run coaching has helped people enjoy their running more, set better goals, feel more fulfilled and purposeful in their working out, and knock off PRs at every distance. There’s nothing like having someone on your team and writing training that it totally customized to you. If you have any questions or doubts about how run coaching works, feel free to shoot me an e-mail – I’m always happy to chat! Bonus – Lift Run Perform, the coaching service I’m a part of, is a women (and mom) run small business.
(7) Stumptown Coffee subscription – $120-390/month – For the runner who loves really good coffee, there is really nothing better than Stumptown, which is roasted daily in Portland, Oregon. I think this is a such a sweet, unique gift, especially for the person who seems to ‘have it all’ already. Food and experience gifts – to me – are the master trump card.
(8) The Garmin fenix 5S Plus – $749.99 – You can definitely get everything you need from a cheaper Garmin model (I’ve been using the Forerunner 235 for years and love it) – but how pretty is the fenix model with the white and rose gold band?! High on my coveting (want, not need) list, I love that this looks nice enough to wear when not running, and I love that it would sync up with my music, give me route feedback, and let me make post-run Apple Pay purchases, should I want a sweaty Starbucks or smoothie somewhere.
(9) Le Creuset Signature Oven, 5 1/2-Quart – $330 – I’m a firm believer that homecooking is one of the single best things you can do for your health (and your running). Another really thoughtful gift – and a great home investment – is a giant Le Creuset dutch oven. These things will never go out of style and are perfect for everything from big batches of soups and stews, to roast chickens, and even homemade hot chocolate for a crowd in the wintertime. This one pot will replace 3 or 4 others already in your arsenal and save you so much counter space. I’m a sucker for this gorgeous pink color (!), but if pink isn’t your thing, I LOVE it in the Sur-la-Tab-exclusive Sea Salt, too.
For race weekend getaways
(10) The Forestbound ESCAPE Traveler in Olive – $299 – I have the plain canvas version of this bag and have gotten compliments on it for YEARS wherever I go! It is my most-loved weekender, and perfect for packing 2-3 days worth of clothes, plus all your race supplies. My only regret is not getting my bag in a darker color, because it picks up stains easily. This beautiful new olive color should fit the bill perfectly, though. I love supporting Forestbound because it’s a women-run business local to New England, and everything is 100% made in America.
Jewelry
(11) Erica Sara Designs – “Because you can’t wear your race medal forever.” ESD is an amazing women-run business, and she does everything by hand and by herself. I had the pleasure of meeting her at a running retreat this Fall (and receiving a piece of her jewelry!). She is truly the real deal, and one of the sweetest people you’ll meet in the running community. I had trouble choosing just one of my favorites to feature, so here are a couple:
- Personalized Silhouette Necklace – $128 – You send her a picture of your running stride, and she’ll create a custom necklace with your silhouette on it. Perfect for commemorating a great race (or favorite race photo).
- Mantra Washer Necklace – $74 – I really like the look of this washer charm necklace, which you can have engraved with your own personal mantra and wear around your neck. Such a meaningful piece to wear with you on training runs and race day.
- Race elevation map necklaces – $60-78 – Totally one-of-a-kind – I LOVE these! She makes necklaces with the elevation maps of famous marathons, from Boston to New York to Marine Corps and more. Such a unique gift for your favorite marathoner.
Relaxation, recovery, and gear for outside running
(12) Deep tissue massage – $80-200 (roughly) – Find a really good local massage therapist or studio that works with athletes, and gift your favorite runner some TLC time for their muscles. A relaxed and uninjured runner = a happy runner š
(13) Sarah Marie Design Studios RUN Muscle Tank – $40 – A cute lounging around tank for runners. I have several SMDS tanks and tees and love them all! (It’s where I got the tank top in my pregnancy announcement post.) SMDS is a women-owned business, which I love, and she makes some of the cutest (and comfiest) gear.
(14) Patagonia Women’s Los Gatos 1/4-Zip Fleece – $99 – Ok, so obviously teddy jackets are super trendy right now. But why fight a trend when it’s this comfy? I want to wrap myself in this and wear it all winter. Perfect for before and after chilly runs, and cute enough to go out shopping in. Also – if you like supporting companies doing cool things, Patagonia is one to buy from. This fleece is sustainably made, and they do awesome work with conservation and recycling efforts.
(15) Outdoor Voices CloudKnit Hoodie & Sweatpants – $85 each – Truly the lux-est of fabrics, and makes the cutest lounge set together! Outdoor Voices really nailed this one. Perfect for rest days, or hanging around in post-long-run.
Stocking stuffers & gifts under $50
(16) Oiselle Rainbow Knit Beanie – $34 – If you have to bundle up to hit the roads, you might as well make it festive. I love pom beanies, and I especially love the fun, bright colors of this one, which will help you to be seen out on the roads.
(17) Oiselle A.T. Mittens – $34 – Sorry not sorry for all the sherpa spam. Another fleecy staple I want to wear all winter long. I get Reynaud’s in my hands during the winter, so mittens are a must for me. They trap heat so much better, and keep you so much warmer than gloves.
(18) Athleta Workout Wash Kit – $34 – How cute are the metallic colors of these dopp kits?! Women always need more bags to store all their stuff, and this is the perfect, compact size to throw into even the smallest of gym bags or backpacks.
(19) Minimalist Baker Everyday Cooking: 101 Entirely Plant-Based, Mostly Gluten-Free, Easy and Delicious Recipes cookbook – $24.48 – One of my most-used cookbooks. It’s a great entry-level cookbook for someone looking to add more plants into their diet – but just as good for an experienced cook looking to mix things up and add new recipes to their repertoire. You have to check out her Pizza Burger recipe (it’s on the front cover for a reason). The premise of Minimalist Baker is that all recipes require 10 ingredients or less, 1 bowl, or 30 minutes or less to prepare.
(20) Yeti Rambler 10 oz. Mug – $24.99 – I bought one for my husband for Christmas last year and kind of regret not getting a second for myself! This super durable camp-style mug will hold up against dings and scratches and keeps your coffee hot FOREVER. Perfect for the multitasker, commuter, or mom of young kids. And perfect for your pre-run coffee. I like that it’s aesthetically-pleasing and comes in lots of fun colors.
(21) Stance Uncommon Solid Wool Crew Socks – $20 – Crew-length wool socks are a must in the winter, and these are made with performance wool, which means they’ll keep you warm AND wick sweat while you run. Super comfy, and stylish (like all their socks), this is a great stocking stuffer for any runner on your list.
(22) Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes – Bag of 20 – $24 – This brand has been life-changing for my skin, and these have quickly become my favorite post-run face wipe to stash in my gym bag. Not only do they smell AMAZING, but they do a really good job of getting all the post-workout sweat and grime off, without leaving a weird residue. They’re also a clean and nontoxic skincare brand. I’ve converted several others to Ursa Major, and everyone who tries them loves them.
