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Gift Guide for Runners

My second gift guide of the season is for anyone who is a runner themselves or has a runner on their shopping list this holiday season.  This list includes a mix of my favorite running gear, that I’ve relied on for years, as well as a few new items I’ve recently discovered. Hopefully these items will make it harder to make excuses due to stress or bad weather. This list includes 10 perfect items for any runner on your list, or even yourself. I did my best to include items across all price points whether you need an small item for someone in your running club or are looking to spend more on your favorite runner.

  • Gift Certificate for a Sports Massage – Last year, my mother-in-law gave me a gift certificate to a local spa and I loved indulging in a sports massage. Even if it isn’t within your budget to gift them a full massage, a gift card can allow you to give money towards a treatment of their choice.
  • Grid Foam Roller – This little guy is the perfect foam roller for everyone. It’s cheaper than others, is small enough to bring on trips but still gets all the knots. Everyone, regardless their fitness or running level, can benefit from foam rolling!
  • GOODR Sunglasses – These lightweight sunglasses will protect your favorite runner’s eyes as well as prevent wrinkles from squinting.  These $25 sunglasses are fun, polarized and stay in place during even the longest of runs!
  • Brooks Cascadia Thermal Vest – While I have so many favorite pieces of running gear from Brooks, this vest is perfect this time of year as it can be a top-layer or can easily have a wind-breaker or waterproof shell thrown on top. The quilting keeps my core warm while the pockets make it easy to carry things with me on the run. If you’re looking for other items, this is a great running jacket for anyone who runs in the dark and these gloves will keep hands coldy during the cold-weather months.
  • Run Fast, Cook Fast, Eat Slow cookbook – This cookbook provides more than delicious recipes, perfect for runners. It also includes inspiration and running tips from a pro. I’ve loved every recipe I’ve tried, especially her muffins, soups and side dishes!
  • Sarah Marie Designs – There are so many great items in this shop, including my favorite mug and the coziest sweatshirt. In fact, anytime I share a picture of either of them on social media, I get so many comments asking where I found them! The fun gear says everything so many of us are thinking such as “Kinda wanna go for a run. Kinda wanna stay in bed.” or “Run all the miles drink all the wine.”
  • Erica Sara Designs – Celebrate their love of running with a custom necklace, ring, cufflinks or key chain. Erica’s pieces are beautiful and a special way to commemorate a race PR or their favorite race. I’ve given her necklaces, key rings and cuff links as gifts historically and they are beautifully packaged and wonderful quality.
  • Amphipod Water Bottle – I’ve used this water bottle for five years and still love it! It’s lightweight size and easy-to-hold shape makes it an easy way to enjoy water during runs and providing a spot to keep subway card, keys and more!
  • Running Socks – I don’t know a runner who wouldn’t enjoy a few fresh pairs of running socks. I’ve tried a number of different brands over the years and seem to come back to Bombas or Thorlos.

 

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ashleyd /

Gift Guide – For Your Friends Who Love to Workout

Gift Guide for Runners

Each year, I put together a gift guide for runners and friends who like to sweat.  This year, every item on the list below is something that I either own and love or have on my own wishlist. Keep in mind, since there are only a few days until Christmas, these are items that are available either in-store or via express shipping.

Epson 307 GPS

  • Epson ProSense 307 Multisport Watch – Over the years I’ve tried a number of different GPS watches and this is hands-down my favorite. I’ve used the watch for outdoor and indoor runs, HIIT workouts and even spin classes and I’m amazed with the accuracy of the GPS and the HR monitor. The watch is very intuitive and I never found myself confused on how to set, program or use the watch. The battery is better than any I’ve tried, lasting through many workouts and even daily wear while running errands or tracking steps. If you want to give it as a gift for a loved one or to yourself, make sure to use the code DIAMOND17 for free 2-day shipping and a discount!
  • Brooks LSD Jacket – This jacket is perfect for running or outdoor workouts all year-round as it is wind & rain resistant while still being light enough to tie around your waist or stash in a pocket or bag. I love that it’s available in 8 fun colors.
  • Athleta Criss Cross Sweatshirt – The detail on this sweatshirt makes it perfect for errands or going to and from workouts. Available in 9 colors and a range of fits and sizes, I would love to open the rain check color on Christmas morning.
  • Sarah Marie Designs Kinda Wanna Run Sweatshirt – This is the coziest sweatshirt I own and therefore was one of the first things I packed in my bag for Savannah. Whether I’m working from home, running errands, or dashing to a workout you can expect to see me wearing this sweatshirt multiple times per week.
  • Brooks Threshold Glove – I have sworn by these gloves for winter running the past few winters. The water-resistant and windproof mitten cover keeps hands warm and dry while the tech-friendly glove fingers allow you to easily switch to the next song or check your splits on your watch.
  • YurBuds Inspire Sport Earphones – Four years later, I still love running with my Yurbuds.  I never have to adjust my headphones or worry about them falling out.
  • Ahava Bath Salts – I love these naturally healing, lavender bath salts after a workout or stressful week.
  • Trigger Point Mini Grid Foam Roller – This little guy is the perfect foam roller for everyone. It’s cheaper than others, is small enough to bring on trips but still gets all the knots. Everyone, regardless their fitness or running level, can benefit from foam rolling!
  • Brooks Run Happy Hat – I wear this hat throughout the year and love the Run Happy logo on front as well as the comfortable fit and sweat-wicking material.
  • Sweaty Betty Ear Warmer – This fleece, colorful ear warmer protects your ears from the winter weather while holding your hair in place.  I bought the black version three years ago, while living abroad, and where it for both running and cold, winter errands and commutes.

 

Disclaimer: Thank you to Epson for partnering with me on this sponsored post. As always, all opinions are my own. 

 

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Gift Guide for Runners: Starting at $10

Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful.

The cold, weather running season has arrived. It’s easy to make excuses this time of year whether due to holiday parties or bad weather. This gift guide features 14 perfect gifts for any runner on your list or even yourself. These are items that I love and use on an almost daily basis!

When I put this list together, I did my best to include items across all price points whether you need a secret Santa item for someone in your running club or you’re looking to spend more on your favorite person. Hint, hint family & friends, I would love 2, 4, 6 and 10!

Runners Gift Guide

1. GRID Mini Foam Roller – This little guy is the perfect foam roller for everyone. It’s cheaper than others, is small enough to bring on trips but still gets all the knots. Everyone, regardless their fitness or running level, can benefit from foam rolling!

2. C9 by Champion Women’s Leggings – My yoga instructor was wearing these bright, gorgeous turquoise leggings last week and I almost fell over when she told me they were a Target purchase during her last trip stateside.

3. Lululemon Run with Me Earwarmer (Final Sale) – I’ve used this earwarmer for 4 winter running seasons. While they’ve updated the style a bit it is a winter running essential. It holds hair back like a headband while keeping ears toasty!

4. SheaMoisture Lavender & Wild Orchid Dead Sea Salt – Oh how I miss warm, soaking baths with wonderful lavender sea salt. Back when I had a tub this was a regular in our household. For under $10 this is perfect for anyone who needs to rest and relax their tired muscles.

5. YurBuds Inspire Sport Earphones – These days I can’t run with anything except YurBuds. I never have to adjust my headphones or worry about them falling out.

6. Run Now Wine Later Tank Top – As soon as I saw this tank, I ordered it for three women on my Christmas list. It’s fun, light weight and the burnout style is super cute.

7. Enso Travel Roller – More intense than the grid foam roller, this little guy is crazy effective and is able to adjust based on your desired intensity level. The travel version is small enough to throw in your gym bag or suitcase and under $50!

8. Petzl Headlamp – Want your favorite runner to stay safe when they’re running before and after work? This lightweight headlamp will help ensure that cars and other runners see them. I’ve had a Petzl headlamp for years and typically wear it on a baseball hat for my early morning or late night runs. The hat helps keep it in place as well as keep my head warm!

9. GU Energy Gels – GU has stepped up the game these days with terrific new flavors such as salted caramel and macchiato. If the runner in your life swears by GU as their fuel of choice, surprise them with either their favorite flavor or a new one. These are especially great if they are training for a half marathon or marathon.

10. LED Wearable Lights – These are a cheaper and more flexible alternative to the Petzl headlamp. These can be attached to pants, tops, or even a Camelbak. They use regular batteries so replacing them is no stress. The bright colors make them a fun addition to any runner’s outfit while also keeping them safe!

11. Wunder Under Crop – I’ve sworn by these crops for 5 years. However, until last month, I’d only worn black. Now that I’ve moved into the colored crop territory I can’t remember what took me so long. The bright cranberry color is perfect for the holidays and brightens my mood as soon as I pull them out of my gym bag!

12. ProCompression Leggings – I wore these leggings for Saturday’s 10k race and fell in love with them.  The pockets held my phone and keys, the moisture wicking fabric kept me dry, while the wide waistband never budged. Made by ProCompression, these are awesome and have more benefits than your average crop!

13. Mizuno Breath Thermo Windshell Glove – If there is one item that every runner needs in order to survive the winter, it’s a great pair of gloves. These gloves feature a special windshell material that blocks out the wind and keeps your body heat inside!

14. Under Armour Fly-By Turtleneck  – My first winter running top was an Under Amrour turtleneck back in the days when I was braving Philadelphia winters. My six year old turtleneck was just replaced by this one and I LOVE the new style. The fun colors, thumb holes, soft inside and an extra high neck can protect your favorite runner from the elements in style!

Which of these do you want this holiday season?

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