Gifts for runners
Runners are easy to buy for if you get the basics right: things they use up (socks, gels, anti-chafe), things that make dark winter runs safer, and one or two bits of kit they'd never buy themselves.
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Quick picks
Stocking fillers: Balega socks, Body Glide, SiS gels, LED armbands. Mid-range: a head torch, a TriggerPoint roller, a SPIbelt. Big-ticket: Shokz OpenRun headphones, a Theragun Mini or a Garmin Forerunner.
How to buy for a runner without guessing
Avoid anything that has to fit a particular foot or stride, such as running shoes, unless they've told you the exact model and size. Consumables and accessories are safe: runners wear out socks, run out of gels and lose head torches. For the big-ticket gifts, check which watch or phone they already use; a chest strap or headphones that pair with it will be used every week. If they're training for a charity place next spring, see our race-day kit checklist for what they'll need.
Stocking fillers
Balega Hidden Comfort running socks
Cushioned no-show running socks with a seamless toe that runners rebuy for years. A stocking filler that genuinely gets used.
£15
Body Glide anti-chafe balm
The anti-chafe stick runners swear by for long runs and race day: thighs, underarms, bra lines and anywhere a seam rubs.
£16.99
SiS GO Isotonic energy gels (7 mixed)
Isotonic gels from Science in Sport that don't need washing down with water, which makes them easy on the stomach for first marathons. A mixed pack to find your flavour.
£8.98
flintronic LED armbands (2-pack)
Rechargeable flashing armbands that make you visible to drivers from much further away than reflective strips alone. A cheap, sensible stocking filler.
£5.49
Ronhill Reflect beanie
A lightweight running beanie from British running brand Ronhill, with reflective detailing for dark mornings.
£15.25
KNDRD running logbook (A5)
A wire-bound A5 running log with daily entries. A thoughtful gift for a runner starting a training block.
£10.50
1000 Mile Run anklet socks (twin pack)
British double-layer running socks designed so the layers rub against each other instead of your skin, to cut down on blisters.
£13.95Mid-range presents
BioLite HeadLamp 200
A slim 200-lumen rechargeable head torch built to sit flat and not bounce, with the battery at the back for balance. Popular with road runners who hate a jiggling lamp.
£34.99
TriggerPoint GRID foam roller
The foam roller most physios and running shops stock: a hollow core with a firm, textured surface that doesn't lose its shape.
£26.99
SPIbelt Large Pocket running belt
A slim, no-bounce belt with an expanding pocket that fits big phones, keys and a gel or two.
£22.99
Maurten Gel 100 mix box (6-pack)
Maurten's hydrogel sports gels, 25g of carbohydrate each, in a mixed box including caffeinated gels. The gel many elite marathoners use.
£19.90
RENPHO Reach Mini massage gun
A mini massage gun with an extension handle, so you can reach your own back and shoulders without help.
£39.99
OOFOS OOriginal recovery sandals
Soft, rocker-shaped recovery sandals to slip into after a long run or race. OOFOS says its foam absorbs more impact than standard footwear foam.
£55Big-ticket gifts
Shokz OpenRun
The standard-setter for open-ear running headphones: light, secure wraparound band, sweat- and rain-proof, and you can hear the road around you. The one most UK running clubs will point you to.
£129.95
Theragun Mini
Therabody's pocket-sized massage gun. Small enough for a kit bag, with enough power for calves, quads and glutes after a long run.
£89
Garmin Forerunner 55
The simplest way into Garmin: GPS, heart rate and suggested workouts at a lower price. Ideal for a first charity 10K or half.
£115.90
Garmin Forerunner 165
Garmin's entry into AMOLED running watches: a bright screen, suggested workouts and training plans at a mid-range price.
£153.72£153.20–£160.90 since 8 Sep
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
Shokz's flagship open-ear running headphones. They sit in front of your ears, not in them, so you still hear traffic, cyclists and marshals, and the Pro 2 adds a separate air-conduction driver for fuller bass than older bone-conduction sets.
£169
Polar H10 chest strap
The chest strap many sports scientists use as a reference. Works with almost any watch, phone app or gym kit over Bluetooth and ANT+.
£61.99Books for new runners
Running Like a Girl by Alexandra Heminsley
A warm, funny account of going from non-runner to marathoner. A great gift for someone with a new charity place.
£9.75
Jog On by Bella Mackie
The funny, honest book about how running helped with anxiety. Loved by new runners.
£6.99£6.05–£6.99 since 8 SepFrequently asked questions
What do you buy a runner for Christmas?
Things they use up or lose: good running socks, anti-chafe balm, energy gels and a head torch for winter. For a bigger present, open-ear headphones, a massage gun or a GPS watch.
What's a good stocking filler for a runner?
Running socks (Balega or 1000 Mile), a Body Glide anti-chafe stick, a mixed box of gels or rechargeable LED armbands.
Should I buy running shoes as a gift?
Only if you know the exact model and size they already run in. Fit is personal; a gift card or voucher is safer otherwise.
What's the best gift for someone doing their first marathon?
Race-day consumables (gels, anti-chafe, blister socks), a running belt to carry them, and a book like Running Like a Girl for the long training months.
Keep reading
How we choose: we don’t lab-test products. Picks are based on published specifications, what each product is designed for, brand track record with UK runners and UK availability. Prices on the buttons update hourly from Amazon UK. About Run For It.