Better than cookies — runners’ gift list

Over the weekend a friend of mine asked me for some Christmas gift ideas for her daughter who’s a new mother and a runner.

Here are some I came up with for her, plus a few more. I’m calling it my “better than cookies” — runners’ gift list. You can nibble on them sans the calories.

I mixed it up and tried to provide variety to the list. Some items are practical, some fun, some are unisex options and some girly.

I hope it helps you find the perfect gift for the runner on your list.

Enjoy and happy shopping!

1. To hold runner “bling”: Race medal hanger by Gone for a Run, $47.99


I just received one of these myself recently and I think they are pretty cool. The info from the company’s website says it can hold up to 24 medals.

2. For the runner girl who has it all — original bling:
Inspired Endurance runner/race charms for necklaces and bracelets, $12.50-$50; OR

This one, shown below, from JessicaGifts Sole Sister Sterling Silver Charm, $16.50. (Note prices are for charms only.)

3. Practical and stylish items: TrailHeads Goodbye Girl Ponytail Hat, $26, Headband, $20

I like this because it’s useful and cute at the same time. It comes in several color options.

Here’s a great hat deal, below, for male runners or if you don’t need the ponytail holder, a unisex option: Colder Boulder fleece beanie, $9.99 (Normally $22; FYI, they had a ponytail holder version on sale, same price, but it looks like they sold out already.)

4. Knee socks are popular these days, usually in the compression variety. I don’t believe these are compression from what I gathered from the company’s site but they are funky and sassy: “Bad Ass” knee socks, $9 by Marathon Pride Stickers


Marathon Stickers Pride offers these knee-high socks in a bunch of other playful colors/styles combinations.

5. Pacing tattoos $2.99 from Marathon Pride Stickers

I’ve been to a few races where they offer pacing tats, and I liked them very much. So did the kiddos — Tarzan and Jane.

6. Headband with ear plugs built in for music, $19.99 at Tooks Hats

I haven’t tried these myself but they seem like a good idea, especially if you ever run with music on cold days. They also come in other color combos and without the ear buds.

6. Manzella Convertible Running Mitten/Glove, $29-$26; Road Runner Sports

I like the idea behind these. I get cold fingers easily during winter running and mittens keep you warmer but you lose dexterity. This version addresses both needs.

7. Pearl Izumi Thermal Lite Arm Warmer, $19.99 -$17.99, Road Runner Sports

I liked these because there are many, many out there, but these come with a Santa-friendly price tag. They also offer in a few other colors/styles.

8. For girly-girl runners out there, plus covering up blackened toe nails, Essie Nail Polish, color: Swept me off my feet, $8, Nordstrom.

9. And finally … suggestions for new duds to add some spring to your training miles …

Under Armour Women’s UA EVO Coldgear Hoody, $59.99.

I like winter hoodies and shirts that come in tech materials with the thumb holes.

Nike Women’s Mixed Fabric Shorts, $34.99, Road Runner Sports.

I liked the pattern on these, plus Nike’s cut on women’s shorts tends to be forgiving and flattering for most people.

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Aging is inevitable, but growing old is a choice. Lace up your shoes, and let’s go!!

Mileage today: 10.1; Mileage since Boston: 1,028.

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