Gifts for Runners

If you've ever been labeled "hard to buy for", it's frustrating.  My kids sometimes describe me that way, but if they look at my interests around running, there are an abundance of gift ideas. 

Amy and I would love to give everyone their very own Runners' Lounge gift card, except we don't sell anything here.  So we have been out shoplifting—a combination of shopping + lifting URLs—to make it easier for everyone.

We found this site with unique running gifts (running bag, boxers, ties, socks, t-shirts).

Some favorites of mine—you gotta love the site names—are Gifts For Runners and Get Fit Gifts.  They really have great ideas so you might just end up shopping there yourself.

I wonder is there an equivalent for runners of the Hockey Jesus gift?  For marathoners needing help fleshing out a holiday wish list, you might be interested in Top 3 gifts from marathon rookie. 

Some items are just awkward to ask for.  So be careful that others don't read too much into what you've been up to if you're asking for NipGuards, or what you have in mind if you ask for The Stick. 

Looking at others' gift lists can generate ideas too.  If you want to peek at other runners' letters to Santa, Runners' World has a recent list as well as last year's list.

It's rare when you find that perfect gift for a runner, but Marcy and Bill might enjoy checking out these. 

Amy, you might want to check out these Santa Milk & Cookie cards.

One of the best ways to drum up ideas is to talk with other runners—see what they're asking for or hoping for.  Check out the Holiday Weight Loss Challenge for ideas of what runners will give themselves.

Actually I think runners don't really expect a lot from others.  We're more givers and truly appreciate the joys of non-material gifts such as health, friendships, and personal accomplishments.

Now would all of you please make sure I get one of everything...

 

Comments

[Topher]

I've got to quit reading your posts at work. People look at me disapprovingly when I start laughing. I don't play hockey, but I'm totally digging that statue. That is truley a unique gift.

Thanks for the links. I've been thinking I should tell my wife to get me running stuff for Christmas, but since I'm a newer runner, I don't know what I need but don't know that I need yet.

[Sandy]

Ooooh! I loved this post so much I checked out each of your gift suggestions and drooled at many. The best running gift I ever received was my Garmin GPS. I love that I always know how far I've run.

Thanks for the great post, Amy!
Sandy

[Amy]

Tom - I love those cards. I didn't know that they were able to take my last TRI photo and turn it into a card so soon. That belly is unmistakenable - and of course the cookies - and god knows I have had enough problems with deer this year.

[Marcy]

OMG TOM!!!!! HAHAHAHHAHAAAA You crack me up!! You KNOW I'd buy that in a heartbeat if I were a triathlete

[Danielle in Iowa]

I totally asked for The Stick for xmas last year. Obviously I didn't explain it well enough since my mom was wandering around random stores like REI asking for The Stick :-)

[Estee]

ha ha!! nice reading your post..

estee
www.attractyourabundance.com/interview.htm

[William carter]

Tom
You will probably not believe this and I am going to have to post a picture on one of my future blogs, but I have the "runner dude" sticker proudly pasted to the back of the Honda Pilot.. I think you already know me to well. I really would have thought you would also put me down for the Nip Guards (JK). Thanks for thinking of me and a great, useful post as always.