Christmas Gift Ideas for Runners

Whether your loved one is a seasoned trail runner or gearing up for their first marathon, finding the perfect gift can be tricky.

 

Whether your loved one is a seasoned trail runner or gearing up for their first marathon, finding the perfect gift can be tricky. Lucky for you, we’ve got the inside scoop on the best gifts for runners—straight from our staff who have been helping runners tackle trails, races, and adventures for years.

 

Our team knows the gear inside and out, and we’re here to help you pick the right gifts that will make any runner’s holiday season truly special. From budget-friendly stocking stuffers to gear that’ll knock their (running) socks off, here’s our guide to Christmas gifts for runners.

 

Gift Ideas by Price Range:

 

Gifts Under $25:

Stocking stuffers are the perfect way to treat a runner to some essentials they’ll appreciate all year long. Some great ideas under $25 include:

Hydration Tablets & Energy Gels: A great stocking stuffer, although hydration and nutrition can be tough to buy for someone since everyone has different preferences. Gifting a variety pack of gels or bars lets them sample new options and find what works best for their body.

 

Anti-Chafe Products & Blister Prevention: Items like Blister Wool and Body Glide can be lifesavers, especially for those hitting long runs or venturing onto rough trails.

 

 

 

Elastic Lock Laces: Perfect for runners who hate tying their shoes. These laces lock in place, allowing for easy slip-on, and slip-off convenience while keeping the shoes snug throughout any run.
 

 

My Faves

Pure Energy Gels 

Remember the days when you would have to force down gels, and would dread every 45 minutes because you’d have to bring yourself to eat another one? Well that has all changed now because these gels from Pure are not thick all all (they are kind of like a little shot of fresh squeezed juice) and honestly taste pretty nice! 

PURE Fluid Energy Gels are a premium natural sports gel using real fruit concentrates, juices, carbohydrates, and electrolytes. You can't go wrong with Lemon-Lime, but I also like Raspberry or Cola.

 

Blister Wool

If you’ve never tried this you wouldn’t believe how this stuff could be so good at preventing blisters! Different variations of Blister Wool has been around for decades but this blend is not only super comfortable but very hardy as well, meaning that you can put it in your socks and knock out an all-day hike or 100km trail run. 

All you need to do is stuff a bit inside your socks anywhere that you know you get blisters, or when you feel a hot spot coming on, and the natural properties in wool wick away moisture, relieve pressure points and reduce friction. That means the blister doesn’t eventuate! A life-saver for any marathoner, ultra-runner, or hiker.

 

 

Gifts from $25-$50:

This price range opens up a few more thoughtful options for runners who might already have the basics:

 

Sunglasses: A great pair of running sunglasses can make a huge difference on those long trail runs, offering UV protection and a secure, lightweight fit.

 

Foam Rollers & Massage Tools: Recovery is key for any runner, and tools like foam rollers, massage balls, and stretching bands help ease post-run soreness.

 

Moisture-Wicking Socks: Runners can never have too many pairs of good socks. Look for brands that offer cushioned, breathable options to keep their feet happy on the move.

 

My Faves

Goodr Running Sunglasses 

Polarised, good-looking sunnies for under fifty bucks? Yes, please! Full disclosure - like any bona-fede gear nerd, of course, I also have a bunch of sunnies that cost $300 a pop, but in the under $50 range you cant beat a pair of these. The Goodr range is lightweight, doesn’t bounce when you run, and unlike a lot of running sunglasses, you can actually wear out to a cafe or pub without looking like you just finished a stage of the Tour de France. You cant go wrong with any of the colours, but a plain black lens on a black frame (A Ginger’s Soul) will suit pretty much anyone!

 

Pro-Tec Travel Roller

They call it a travel roller but this one is just as good at home as it doesn’t take up too much space. Massage is a must for any semi-serious runner, and this roller helps to reduce muscle fatigue and tightness, promotes flexibility, and enhances performance. Mine lives beside my bed and gets used a few times a week so this would make a great present for any runner in your life. The added bonus is that if they ever travel to race or just want to run while on holiday, it weighs barely anything and is super easy to pack.

 

Balega Socks

Balega's Blister Resist running socks perfectly blend nature and technology to create some of the best running socks out there. A favourite with many of the Wild Earth running crew.

 

Gifts from $50-$100:

Now we’re getting into gear that really makes an impact:

Performance Running Hats: High-quality running hats aren’t just for sun protection—they wick sweat and stay in place during tough runs. A good running hat is always a hit.

 

Running Apparel: Lightweight, moisture-wicking running shirts or shorts are perfect for trail runners who value comfort on long adventures. Look for technical fabrics that breathe well and resist chafing.

 

Running Belts: Running belts are the perfect solution for runners who need to carry essentials like keys, gels, or a phone but don’t want the bulk of a vest or pack. They provide a comfortable, no-bounce fit and allow easy access during a run.

 

 

My Faves

Ciele Caps

Canadian brand Ciele make a heap of different style running caps, and they are all lightweight, breathable, packable and machine washable. An essential item for any runner, especially here in Australia. There are so many styles and colours that you are guaranteed to find something that they will love to unwrap! Personally, I have the Gocap, but from what I hear, they are all super nice.

 

Salomon Running Belt 

You know those runs that are a bit too far to not take any water, but not far enough for a full running vest? That’s when you need a running belt! These Salomon belts are super-slim fit, and allow you to carry essentials like your phone, keys, gels and a bottle so that you can stay out running for longer. Super popular for both training runs and marathons when you just might want to carry those couple of little items with you.

 

Gifts from $100-$200:

Looking to spoil the runner in your life? This price range offers gifts that any serious runner will love:

 

Comfortable Slides: Even the most dedicated runner isn’t always out on the trails. A pair of comfortable slides gives them something to relax in between runs, offering support and comfort while their feet recover.

 

Hydration Vests: For runners who like to go the distance, hydration vests are a game-changer, providing easy access to water and storage for nutrition and essentials.

 

Bluetooth Running Headphones: Wireless headphones designed for running are a fantastic gift for runners who love to zone out to music or podcasts while they train. Look for sweat-resistant, secure-fit options that stay in place even on tough runs.

 

My Faves

Hoka Unisex Slide: 

Designed for downtime, these slides keep your feet cushioned and supported. Let's be honest, I wear these specifically as my “inside shoe” at home because I get sore feet walking around on the tiles after a run, but don’t be afraid to take them out of the house either! They would be awesome as an everyday summer slide. True to form, Hoka have made a slide just as plush as their infamous running shoes, so you know that you are going to get a comfy ride in these. Slip them on effortlessly, and enjoy breathable comfort with four airflow channels.

 

Salomon Active Skin 12: 

This one is probably our most popular vest at Wild Earth. The beauty of the 12L capacity allows you to carry all of the gear you need for a 50km or 100km race, but the back panel is stretchy so when it's not full, still fits like a much slimmer vest. If you have someone in your life who is starting to get into longer runs and thinking about doing long events, this is something they will need and will use for years to come. Sizing is pretty important for a vest so if possible try to get into a store for some advice, or have a guess so that they have something to unwrap, then they can come in and do a swapsie to nail the fit.

 

Shokz Openfit Wireless Headphones: 

These sweat-resistant headphones use bone-conduction technology that allows you to listen to music without anything in your ears. Perfect for runners who need to hear what’s going on around them while out on the road or trail. I have a pair of these and not only run in them, but wear in the office so I can still hear if someone mentions they are going for a coffee run! Full disclosure, they don’t sound like a pair of Bose QuietComfort headphones for audio quality, but they are pretty good and I can't imagine running in anything else just in terms of the safety factor.

 

The Gift for the Person Who Has Everything:

Blackroll Electronic Compression Boots

When writing this section I was thinking “What is something that would be the coolest present ever, but that I would probably never actually buy myself?” And its the Blackroll Electronic Compression Boots. If the runner in your life already has all the gear they need, give them something they didn’t even know they wanted! Basically, a pair of boots that cover your entire legs, and use compression to massage your legs. These compression boots are the ultimate in recovery. They are what the professionals use to help tired legs bounce back faster after tough workouts. Perfect for the dedicated runner who takes their training—and recovery—seriously.

 

 

Not Sure What to Get? Gift Vouchers to the Rescue!

If you’re still unsure about which gift will be a hit, a gift voucher is always a great option. Let your runner choose exactly what they need, whether it’s a new pair of trail shoes, that hydration vest they’ve been eyeing, or even some of those recovery tools they’ve been talking about. Plus, it’s the perfect last-minute gift that ensures they get something they’ll love and use!

 

Why Shop With Us?

At our store, we’re more than just gear experts—we’re runners ourselves. Whether you’re shopping for a beginner or an ultra-marathoner, we’ve got the advice and products to help them achieve their goals. From finding the right trail shoes to recommending the best hydration vests, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

 

Not sure what gear you need for your adventure? Chat with our friendly team of Outdoor Gear Specialists in-store or online today and don’t forget to share your adventures with us on Instagram by tagging @wildearthaustralia and #mywildearth in your next post.

 

About the contributor:

I guess you could call Adam Inglis the adventurous type. He proposed to his wife Dani on Mont Blanc before riding 7 stages of that years' Tour de France together, spent their honeymoon climbing Mt Kilimanjaro and dog-sledding across the Arctic Circle in Norway, and completed an Everesting "just for fun” on his bike. He has now made the Gold Coast home and spends a couple of days a week working in our Burleigh store as his “fun job”.

Follow his adventures on Instagram at @adinglis.