The 57 Best Gifts for Runners to Help Them Reach a New PR

This massage gun is a total game changer. It ends up saving you money since it can replace a massage. It’s also quiet and easy to use. —Sarah Rabourn, runner in Houston

I am the pickiest person I know when it comes to wireless earbuds for running. I want some that fit securely in my ears without pushing up against my cartilage piercings. These are comfortable, and I never worry about them falling out. Plus, I like that they’re small and discreet so other people can’t see that I’m wearing them. —Melissa Matthews, runner in New York City

I don’t love carrying things or dealing with pockets in hot months, so this running belt has been the perfect solution. —Elizabeth Corkum (AKA Coach Corky), runner and running coach in New York City

These shades make the perfect gift for the runner in your life. From superheroes to national parks, rainbows to shamrocks, the ever-changing selection gives you plenty of fun options to choose from. Best of all, these sunglasses stay put as you run and don’t fog up. Most runners start with one pair and soon find themselves with a collection. —Amanda Kernahan, founder of RememberGrams and runner

A foam roller like this one loosens tight muscles and helps you prepare for your race. I suggest runners use it before races to prevent injuries. —Elizabeth Clor, runner and marketing executive from Virginia

This is the perfect self-massage tool for a runner. I use these tools to work through tight areas of my muscles and fascia before I head out for a run every morning. Compared with the price of a massage, it pays for itself quickly. —Sara Hall, Asics athlete and professional marathoner

I don’t have to worry about keeping a hold of my dog’s lead while I’m running with this hands-free leash, and the dog gets to roam around more freely and have more fun. It also comes with a neat little storage section for treats, water bottles, and all kinds of other stuff. —Erika Barnes, runner and founder of Pet Smitten

I like the Supergoop! Play sunscreen in the jumbo-size bottle with the pump. It’s vegan, sweat-resistant, and super easy to apply on the way out the door for a run. —Nate Lipka, runner in Los Angeles

When it’s dark out, there’s nothing more important than staying safe and visible while getting those miles in. These spurs hook onto the back of any shoe, light up in multiple fun colors, and are so comfortable you’ll forget they’re there. —Lauren Ross, runner in Portland, Oregon

A good running hat fits well, protects your skin from the elements, and stands in for sunglasses if you forget them.

Recovery is essential for runners because it allows the body to rest before the next exercise. A massage gun (like this one from Therabody) is very useful in this area, relieving sore muscles and allowing you to return to the road in a better condition more quickly. —Rose Marry, runner and fitness expert with Trainer Academy

This compression leg massager is a great way to improve your recovery time, relieve soreness, and work out muscle kinks. Also, it just feels incredible. Runners should give their feet and legs a little extra attention, and this is a nice way to do it. I personally keep it under my desk and use it while I work or after a hard run. —Emily Higgins, runner, and founder of Girl Let’s Glow

I consider this an excellent gift for any active woman. A single application of Body Glide protects your skin and prevents chafing all day long. Whether they’re planning on running, biking, or any other outdoor activity, this balm will protect against unwanted soreness and keep you comfy. —Cara Murchie, runner and writer

Layering pieces are ideal for cool-weather running, and a lightweight hooded running jacket like this one keeps runners dry and warm without weighing them down.

I’ve used this running watch and love it so much more than the older Garmin models I previously trained with. I love that you can program speed workouts via the Garmin Connect app and then send them to your phone so that you don’t have to memorize intervals and remember to manually lap your splits. Another favorite feature is the race predictor, which gives me a snapshot of my marathon training progress relative to my goals. —E.B.

This is a great, no-bounce running belt for runners of all levels. The Nathan fuel belt allows you enough room to store your phone and enough liquid to get you through longer runs. The reflective design also improves your visibility to cars and cyclists on the road. —Jessica Quillin, runner, running influencer, and content strategist

Another Garmin that’s one of our top-recommended running products is the Venu 2S. Our reviewer writes: “I really liked this smartwatch: Its ease of use means I can devote that saved brainpower to my workout, not my watch. And then when I’m done, I’m left with some really helpful (and accurate) workout data to help me make the most of my training.”

I’ve been running the majority of my miles in this shoe since its release. The higher stacked foam provides a softer, more cushioned feel, which becomes extra important as your miles increase, and its sock-like liner keeps your foot secure, stable, and comfortable. —SELF associate fitness and food editor Christa Sgobba previously wrote for SELF

This running water bottle has a nice adjustable hand strap, so it’s easy to hold. The top can be locked so water doesn’t squirt out. And the little pocket is handy to hold keys, gummies, or a credit card/I.D. —Sara Gilles, runner in Naples, Florida

I rely on my Mobo Board to keep my feet (especially my Achilles’ tendons) healthy. I have found that spending quality time on therapy can make all the difference. —Briana Boehmer, runner, coach, and triathlete

These hand warmers are a great stocking stuffer because my hands otherwise won’t make it through winter runs, even with ski mittens. —Allison Goldstein, runner in Jersey City and 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier

I use these all the time while running, standing, walking, and coaching. It’s kept my arches happy—no plantar fasciitis in years! I usually have two to three pairs in rotation. They are great for people who are on their feet a lot, especially those who run too. —Elizabeth Corkum (aka Coach Corky), runner and running coach in New York City

I love The Runner’s Wall, which displays your medals. It’s such a great way to look back at your achievements—especially now. —Tinne Teugels, runner in New York City

I take more baths than anyone I know (seriously, unless we’re counting babies), and I swear by Dr. Teal’s Epsom salt-soaking solutions and foaming bath products. Two to four baths a week really help me recover quicker after long runs and workouts. —Vicky Oddi, runner in Houston and host of the Runners of Hou podcast

I love all Picky Bars products and a subscription is the best way to sample it all: The bars come in different flavors, performance oatmeal, and performance granola, delivered at a frequency you designate. As a runner myself, I eat the Picky Bars performance oatmeal every morning before my run, because it’s so easy and quick to make, and the bars are ideal for a long run and recovery because of their four-to-one carbs-to-protein ratio. —Jinghuan Liu Tervalon, runner in Altadena, California

These are great stocking stuffers for runners who need to stock up on electrolytes. —Kristina Scaviola, runner in Dracut, Massachusetts

This personal alarm provides that extra sense of safety during solo runs. —Terrieha LeighAnn Romer, runner in Greensboro, North Carolina

KT Tape Pro strips are great for most of the body when training and during recovery too. They are especially good for my knee and ankle when I run fast. —Molly Seidel, Olympic bronze medalist and professional long-distance runner

I have terrible stomach issues and am limited in what I can take in during a run. I love that these have all-natural ingredients and taste so good, too. —Ada Nieves, runner in Kissimmee, Florida

I’m always losing dark-colored gloves, so the bright colors on these make them hard to lose. Also, I love that they’re light yet warm since my hands are the sweatiest part of me when I finally warm up on a run. —Tonya Russell, runner in Woodbury, New Jersey

I used earbuds for many years before my husband bought these wireless headphones for me after a dog attacked me by surprise because I didn’t hear him coming. These headphones block out the noise by lying over your ear, not inside it. Even though it is an open-ear device, I can hear my music clearly, as well as any other noise around me. They are also super light and charge quickly. —Marcherie Vazquez, runner in Fort Worth, Texas

I got this fanny pack because I was constantly losing my credit cards, house key, and loose cash during runs. Previously, I just stuffed those items in my pockets or bra but they somehow managed to slip out. I like that this is big enough to carry some other items too, like a cell phone, lip balm, and reusable grocery bag. —M.M.

I love that this shoe has Bluetooth capability to connect to my MapMyRun app. It teaches me how to be a better runner by tracking my running metrics and also coaches me during runs. —Natalie Bell, runner in Winnipeg, Canada

This vest has been a game-changer for my marathon training. It carries my phone, water, and keys easily, and is so comfortable I forget I’m even wearing it on my long runs. —Maria Solis Belizaire, runner in New York City and founder of Latinos Run

I’m always hungry after a run and need to eat right away, as in I don’t want to prep or cook anything. That’s when I grab these Daily Harvest oatmeal bowls, smoothies, and snack bites (another meal kit favorite at SELF). The bowls and smoothies come frozen, and you just add your milk of choice before microwaving or blending. Usually, I eat one of the bites, which taste like cookie dough, while blending my smoothie. —M.M.

I love to do my nails before big races, so these marathon nail wraps would be a great gift for any runner who likes to do the same. —Molly Huddle, Saucony athlete and American half-marathon and 10K record holder

This beanie hat is my favorite because it covers my ears and has a hole in the back to pull my ponytail through. It stands up to my long, thick Latina hair! —Maria Suner-Kasher, runner in Chicago

There are a lot of marathon training guides out there, but not many are specifically tailored to the needs of women. Whether you’re embarking on training for your first marathon, or you want to zero in on the tweaks necessary to rock your next one, this book is a must-read that’s packed with solid expert advice. —E.B. 

This sports mask costs more than many other face masks, but I think it’s worth the price. I like the moisture-wicking material because it dries quickly so I’m not left with a sweaty, wet mask after my run. I wear this for hours at a time to walk through my neighborhood, and I barely even notice it is on my face. —M.M.

This cookbook for runners written by reputable dietitians Elyse Kopecky and Shalane Flanagan is simply amazing and a great gift idea. It helps develop a diet and promotes cooking styles that support sleep, wellness, good moods, recovery, and productivity—significant factors in a runner’s life. —Nataly Komova, runner and fitness expert at Just CBD

The On Cloudmonsters won a 2022 Sneaker Award for best responsive sneakers. If the runner in your life is looking for a high-quality running sneaker, our commerce editor tested these and found them to be excellent, cushioned sneakers.