The 15 Best Gifts for Women Runners

Here's the best way to celebrate the runners in your life

September 8, 2023 12:06 pm
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Runners are famously particular about their gear. So you can bet function counts more than form for these exacting athletes. Efficacy reigns supreme, so it’s no surprise that most running accessories have to do with minimizing weight and mitigating discomfort. While you would never gift a runner a pair of shoes (way too personal), there are plenty of other accouterments they’ll appreciate — we also added an option for a shoe we love, just in case. Whether it’s a collapsible water bottle or an exfoliating lip scrub, we’ve picked out the 15 best gifts for women runners that will keep them motivated for the next hundred miles.

The Best Running Shoes for Race Day and Speed Workouts
With their premium cushioning foams and lightweight, propulsive designs, racing shoes are built to help you set a new PR
Stuff We Swear By: The Nike Wildhorse Is the Only Outdoor Shoe You Need
Trail running, hiking, biking — this shoe has been with me through it all
iYoShop Hands-Free Dog Leash
iYoShop Hands-Free Dog Leash

The overlap between dog owners and runners is considerable, and this hands-free leash bridges the two worlds delightfully. Essentially a belt bag with a 58-inch leash attached, this design absorbs shock and keeps your hands free. Choose from two sizes suitable for medium or large dogs.

Bombas Women’s Ankle Sock 4-Pack
Bombas Women’s Ankle Sock 4-Pack

A perfect gift whether or not your recipient is already a Bombas loyalist, these socks are beloved by runners everywhere. A Michigan-based runner I spoke to said these are the best socks to ensure “no swampy feet, even on long runs.” They can be a little pricey ($13/pair) but it’s fun to splurge on someone else.

Body Glide Anti Chafing Stick
Body Glide Anti Chafing Stick

While chafe shorts are one way to alleviate discomfort, who wants to throw on an extra layer if it can be avoided? This anti-chafe balm is a miracle stick for runners who suffer (even just seasonally) from the hell of skin-on-skin chafing. It’s not just for thighs — you can use it on underarms, feet, chest and wherever you experience the (unwanted) burn.

Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill

You can read our in-depth review about the 7.0 AT here, but to summarize: the 7.0 AT is an affordable running machine that, unlike other modern fitness machines, you don’t need to pay for a monthly content subscription. Instead, the 7.0 replicates some of the innovative features found on the Peloton Tread and pairs with pretty much any fitness app you want (Peloton, Zwift, Studio). Or, be simply used without any app at all.

On Cloudmonster Womens
On Cloudmonster Womens

Featuring On’s biggest CloudTec® ever for massive cushioning, the Cloudmonster promises extremely soft landings and maximum rebound. Fittingly named to feel like running on clouds.

Girlfriend Collective Plum Simone High Support Bra
Girlfriend Collective Plum Simone High Support Bra

For regular runners, a high-support bra is non-negotiable and this crisscross design has thick, adjustable straps that will keep you secure. Despite the straps’ sturdiness, don’t worry about them cutting into shoulders because the mixed spandex and RPET fabric is ultra-soft. The cups are sewn in so they won’t shift (in the wash OR during long-distance training). Available in sizes XXS – 6XL.

Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex
Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex

The Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex. An off-road variant of Nike’s beloved Pegasus training shoe, this souped-up Peg features a Gore-Tex upper that does a great job of blocking out moisture and it works flawlessly.

Pluto Customizable Pillow
Pluto Customizable Pillow

What could be better than the gift of rest? Recovery is a critical part of any intense athletic activity, and the runner in your life deserves a customized pillow designed based on their unique metrics. Pluto builds to-order, temperature-regulating pillows that will restore your favorite runner to peak condition.

Nathan Collapsible Water Bottle
Nathan Collapsible Water Bottle

A wearable hydration solution isn’t for everyone, but if your recipient prefers something hand-held, try this no-grip water bottle. The lightweight flask has a strap that fits snugly on your hand so you don’t need to grip it with your thumb (or other fingers). It has a small pocket for keys and is available in 12 and 18-oz options.

Honey Stinger Waffles
Honey Stinger Waffles

Energy gels are a go-to running fuel but not everyone loves the gooey texture. For a delicious boost that requires chewing, try these honey-infused waffles. They’re easy to digest and release energy steadily (and immediately) to delay muscle fatigue. The taste is inspired by the European street corner snack (favored by professional cyclists), and the single-serve design makes them convenient on the go.

Curlsmith Weightless Air Dry Cream
Curlsmith Weightless Air Dry Cream

If you don’t want to pull a hamstring, you stretch, right? Think of this air dry cream as stretching for your hair. Prevent damage by protecting silky strands with moisturizing ingredients like castor oil, babassu, jojoba and murumuru butter. This cream has been designed to absorb into hair without leaving residue thereby minimizing gross-feeling scalp build-up.

Stakt Mat
Stakt Mat

As much as some runners may want to, running every single day of the year isn’t healthy. For cross-training occasions, they’ll love this Shark Tank-discovered stackable yoga mat. The genius design allows it to fold neatly into a block that can provide much-appreciated elevation for incline push-ups and planks, and an extra challenge for teaser holds.

Amphipod PURERUN® ULTRALIGHT™ Hydration Vest
Amphipod PURERUN® ULTRALIGHT™ Hydration Vest

If the hydration belt has proven better in theory than practice, it might be time to try a hydration vest. This camelback-esque design holds 600mL (a little more than 2.5 cups) of fluid that’s accessed from an 18-inch tube. The vest design hugs the torso so you won’t feel it jostling with each step and once it’s empty, you’ll barely notice it’s there.

Wear One’s At Simple Skort
Wear One’s At Simple Skort

Those who have joined the skort movement will fall in love with this effortlessly polished number that features UV-50 protection. With a 4.5-inch inseam, it’s not so long to inhibit your stride. Thanks to a buttery smooth built-in short, this skort will be your favorite running partner.

House of Dohwa Rice Bran Sunscreen
House of Dohwa Rice Bran Sunscreen

An SPF 50 sunscreen is an absolute must for anyone running outdoors regularly. This Korean formula feels like a lightweight moisturizer that has none of the stickiness (or greasiness) usually associated with sunblock. Rice extract nourishes the skin and daisy flower extract brightens. Bonus: the packaging is designed so you can get every last drop out.

Seadrop Hydrating Seafoam Cleanser
Seadrop Hydrating Seafoam Cleanser

Getting rid of sweat (and sunscreen) is a breeze with this dry, solid facial cleanser. It comes in compact drops that you crush into a powder and then mix with water for a sudsy cleanse. The liquid-free formula makes it great for traveling and portability.

Ghlee Lip Scrub
Ghlee Lip Scrub

During long runs, I’m constantly wetting my lips and wishing I had applied a thick layer of Vaseline. Instead of combating chapped lips with a slather of balm, try this ghee-based lip scrub to tackle the root of the problem. Ghee is clarified butter and a staple of South Asian cooking. It has natural moisturizing properties and combines with exfoliating brown sugar and Vitamin E to slough off dead skin and renew lips.

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