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For a ceramic option, try these handcrafted mugs from Masienda, which are a pleasure to drink from. They have a smooth, thick rim; a sturdy base; and a handle that’s satisfying to hold. Just like with its masa, the company sources these earth-tone beauties from Mexico.
These handblown glass mugs are a favorite of Bomford, who owns several sets himself, because they feel much more expensive than they are. “One of the main appeals of a good cocktail would have to be the nice glassware,” he says. “Likewise, coffee just tastes better when it is served in an elegant glass. It’s not just about the way it looks, but about how your drink opens up, how you get your nose into it.”
These cappuccino cups, designed for professional baristas, first became popular about two decades ago when “third-wave coffee was still just a few main companies, like Stumptown and Intelligentsia,” says Mody. “But I’ve started using them after a long hiatus.” He loves the feel, with the handle at the perfect height, as well as the thickness of the walls, which provides great heat retention. “It gives you the feeling of being in an Italian café,” he says, “one of those where you stand at the bar and drink an espresso shot and walk away. I think they’d be great as a simple, classic choice to add to someone’s mug collection.”
We named this tumbler the best overall travel mug after talking to a bunch of experts. “It’s super-sleek and retains heat and cold really well,” says Allie Caran, the product manager at Barista Valet in New York City. Morrison explains that the double-walled interior is responsible for the temperature hold. “It’s stainless steel, so it washes really easily,” he says, “and doesn’t hold on to any flavors.”
The KeepCup also came up multiple times among our experts. It’s made of glass, so it’s easy to clean, and it has an ecofriendly cork ring so you can comfortably hold it while on the go.
Runners can be picky about their gear — and rightly so. Your friend’s favorite energy gel might make you feel sick, and your tried-and-true sneakers could leave another runner with shin splints. That lands runners firmly in the “hard to shop for” category, but it is still possible to find gifts for the runners in your life that they’re sure to love. (We didn’t include any running shoes on this list, because we think the best kicks are dependent on fit and feel and trying them out in person. And, of course, we’ve got a guide on how to choose the right ones for yourself.)
Drawing on our favorites, plus the input of avid runners, coaches, Strategist staffers, and other experts, we’ve compiled the best gifts for all runners — whether they’re tackling their first miles or collecting medals. To help you shop, we’ve sorted all our gift ideas by price range.
Between work, other hobbies, and spending time with family, busy runners squeeze in their runs either early in the morning or late at night — often when it’s dark outside. These clip-on lights can help them stay safe and visible to cars and others.
Strategist junior writer and former Division I distance runner Brenley Goertzen prefers this Cyclops-looking beanie with a removable light over a traditional headlamp because it’s “less conspicuous, very lightweight, and much more secure,” she writes. It’s kept Goertzen warm and visible on below-zero runs, but she also uses the beanie as a nighttime reading light.
Death Cab for Cutie’s Ben Gibbard keeps this “spiky pain ball” in his bag at all times and uses it for breaking up tight muscles after long runs. “It is not a pleasant device,” he writes, “but if I could get one that was made of metal, I probably would.”
Author Shalane Flanagan is a four-time Olympian and winner of the 2017 New York City Marathon. Together with runner and nutrition coach Elyse Kopecky, she has written a collection of tasty recipes (like the popular superhero muffins) specifically for runners.
Runners in need of some mental fortitude will find it in the pages of sports journalist Alex Hutchinson’s book, Endure. Hutchinson shadows elite athletes pushing the limits of human endurance, discovering that breaking barriers is as much of a psychological challenge as a physical one. Roche says it’s “a must-read for any runner looking to understand how their brain interacts with performance.”
While it’s not going to teach you how to structure an interval workout or what to eat before a marathon, Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami’s meditative memoir on long-distance running is a love letter to the sport that will resonate with any runner. “This is a book that truly can inspire someone to lace up and take this journey on their own,” says David Siik, the co-founder and creative director of Precision Run.
A runner who’s sidelined by injury may have more time to read, and Rebound, recommended by Running Ruminations blogger Erin Mink Garvey, will teach them how to develop the confidence, focus, and resilience to return to the sport even stronger than before. “A lot of books in running lit right now are talking about mental strength and resilience during workouts and races,” says Garvey, “but very few talk about how to develop that skill when you’re injured and on the mend.”
Buffs have long been a favorite among runners for many purposes. Because they’re made from breathable, quick-drying material that doesn’t get soggy, they’re useful for staying warm in the winter or wicking away sweat in the summer. Professional endurance runner Susie Chan says a Buff is “great for many things, from keeping your hair out of your face to a sweatband on your wrist.”
When you’re running outside for several hours each week, you’re going to get a lot of sun exposure, but runners often neglect to wear sunscreen, thinking they’ll either sweat it off or it’ll run into their eyes. Jennifer Stein, a dermatologist at NYU Langone Health, says “a stick is a good way to get a sunscreen that doesn’t run as much.” Treat the runners in your life to this high-SPF, water-resistant sunscreen stick (a favorite of dermatologist Marnie Nussbaum) to keep their skin looking just as good as their form.
New York features editor Katy Schneider uses this slim waist pack from Nike to turn errands into an aerobic workout. “My weird stop-and-go style of running makes carrying a credit card while I jog necessary,” she says. “And my Nike fanny pack is the object that makes that possible.”
A wet cotton sock rubbing against the foot can cause painful blisters that may stop new runners in their tracks, which is why experienced runners know to invest in moisture-wicking socks made from synthetics or wool. Merino wool is an all-natural fabric that keeps you dry and regulates temperature whether it’s hot or cold out. Strategist contributor Steven John likes this pair because, he says, “along with all the compression and support you’d expect from a good running sock, they feature a specifically anatomical design tailored to each foot.”
Do reliable socks one better with a fun print, as on this pair from Stance. David Roche, the coach and founder of the SWAP running team and co-author of The Happy Runner, says this is “so key for wanting to get out the door each day.”
You Need This GiftIf you’ve got a long-distance runner in your life, consider gifting them a pack of these gels from Maurten, the Swedish company famous for its carbohydrate-heavy hydrogel drink mix that Eliud Kipchoge uses to fuel his marathon races. These have a sweet, Jell-O–like texture, are easy on the stomach, and aren’t syrupy or thick like other gels.
Bandit is relatively new to the running-apparel scene, but its sleek designs geared toward competitive runners have made the brand noticeable among the urban running crowd, especially in New York City, where its first brick-and-mortar location opened in 2022. Bandit’s mid-weight socks (with its signature “current” logo) are frequently out of stock, but you can sign up for restock notifications.
These gloves are one of our favorite men’s pairs for winter running. Jeff Lane, a former snow ranger for the Mount Washington Avalanche Center, likes their thickness for high-output aerobic activities: “I start a run in mitten mode and after 15 minutes or so, when my blood is finally flowing through the fingertips, it’s super-easy to pull back the shell and let the fingers breathe a bit more.”
I’ve been using this 35-gram rechargeable Bindi as my main headlamp for nighttime runs since 2018. It’s small enough to fit in the back pocket of my running shorts, but it doesn’t skimp on brightness: It pumps out 200 lumens on its highest setting.
These shades are part of ultramarathoner Emily Halnon’s running kit, and she likes them because they never slip or bounce when she’s running, skiing, or climbing. Plus the frames and lenses come in a ton of fun color combinations, so you can pick the perfect pair for your giftee.
Professional rock climber Alex Honnold powered through his recent 32-hour continuous mountain mission almost exclusively with ProBar Bolts. They’re a tasty snack for any endurance athlete. “It’s hard to fuel big pushes in the mountains, and these are one of the best things that I’ve found,” he says.
Chris Chavez, founder of the running-commentary website and podcast network Citius Mag, swears by this running belt for carrying his phone and other essentials. “It doesn’t even look like I’m wearing it when it’s over my shorts and under my shirt,” he says.
Chris Chavez, founder of the running-commentary website and podcast network Citius Mag, swears by this running belt for carrying his phone and other essentials. “It doesn’t even look like I’m wearing it when it’s over my shorts and under my shirt,” he says.
While performing self-massage with a foam roller might not be quite as relaxing as a massage in a spa, devoting a few minutes to rolling out your muscles after each run is important for staying loose and preventing injuries. The extra-firm TriggerPoint has raised bumps and lines to get even deeper into muscle tissue. “It’s just the right density to be effective without bruising,” says Radan Sturm, the founder of the Liftonic studio. “It’s the perfect size that allows you to target all major parts of the body, while being compact enough to travel with.”
For runners who regularly run off-road or on trails where there aren’t any fountains, a handheld water bottle lets them take their hydration on the go. Roche likes that this model, with its simple and ergonomic design, isn’t a hassle to carry while running. “The 18-ounce handheld is curved to fit in your hand, and I usually forget about it after ten minutes,” he says.
The runner you’re shopping for has likely already read Born to Run (which David Spandorfer, a co-founder of running-apparel brand Janji, calls “the preeminent running book of all time”). So instead of gifting that title, impress them with the author’s newest book, Running With Sherman. It’s about his experience running with, and ultimately adopting, a donkey. “I’m almost through this right now, and honestly, I had no idea I’d ever be rooting for a donkey so much in my life,” says Erin Mink Garvey, a blogger at Running Ruminations.
Figuring out where to stash your phone and keys while running is often a hassle, especially for women whose shorts don’t have much pocket space. As a solution, Garvey likes the waterproof Koala Clip sports bra pouch. “It’s designed to sit on the back of a sports bra, making it fairly easy to access mid-run if need be, but with the peace of mind that everything is secure,” she says. “No bounce, no chafe — can’t go wrong.”
Health-conscious runners will likely prefer a gel like Spring that’s all-natural and vegan. Roche says the canaberry flavor (containing banana, strawberry, and maple syrup) is a top pick among the athletes he coaches. With a box of 20 gels, runners won’t be caught before a run without their fuel.
Shorts are the foundations of a runner’s wardrobe, with lots of dedicated athletes wearing them well into the fall and winter. An inexpensive pick for guys, writer and runner Steven John says, these “lightweight, quick-drying, and secure-fitting shorts are suitable for use in just about any conditions.” He likes that they have a liner that’s supportive but not too snug if you’re wearing tights underneath to stay warm.
For a comparable women’s pair, try these affordable Nike shorts. Former Strategist senior writer Karen Iorio Adelson has worn them for everything from 5Ks to marathons, and they’ve always been comfortable with no annoying chafing or riding up, she says. They last forever and, with a 3.5-inch inseam, they’re neither too long nor too short.
Dog parents like to bring their pup along on the road or trails, too. This hands-free leash attaches to your waist so it doesn’t mess with your stride. Annie Grossman — the owner and co-founder of School for the Dogs and co-founder of Store for the Dogs — says that, compared to regular leashes, this has “a little bit more flexibility so that if the dog goes to one side or the other, it’s not going to be pulling you along with him.”
Writer Alison Freer bought these compression socks for her mom when she was recovering from surgery, but they’re just as useful for runners dealing with tight calves. Compression socks speed up muscle recovery and decrease muscle vibration caused by the high impact of running. Get the moisture-wicking ones to avoid overheating.
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