19 Best Gifts for Walkers and Runners
If you’re looking for the perfect gifts for walkers and runners on your list, we have found the best gift ideas for you! Look no further – with gift options to fit every budget, your fitness loving friends will be happy to hit the road with any of these presents!
Being someone who absolutely loves a good outdoor walk, this list of gifts has been very enjoyable for me to write about. Yeah, I’ll admit it – I love making gift guides full of my favorite things (plus a few new things that I am hoping my husband will gift to me, wink wink!).
If you are looking for the perfect gift for an athletic family member, or if your best friend likes to take day hikes, you have come to the right place. The selection of gift ideas that I am presenting to you range from the best gifts for short walks during the hot days, to a long run on rocky terrain during the winter months.
How to find the perfect gifts for walkers and runners
When it comes to having an excellent choice for a gift, don’t worry about trying to stray away from practical gifts. People who like to work on staying healthy appreciate useful gifts. I also wouldn’t worry too much about getting them something that they already have. Many items on this list are things that even I have more than one of.
So your friend or family member may enjoy sweating, however, you won’t be sweating this gift exchange, knowing you are giving them a wonderful gift that will fit perfectly in their lifestyle.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.
The Best Gifts for Walkers and Runners
Water Bottle
When it comes to being healthy, hydration is key. A good quality water bottle is always a good idea. The best part is even if they already have one, extra water bottles come in handy.
Get one with a shoulder strap, making it hassle free, and since they come in many different colors and stylish designs, it is a cakewalk to find one for their next hike.
I bought a different version of this water bottle for my son to help him keep up with how much water he drinks during the day. It’s a great quality bottle and really motivating to stay hydrated!
Pepper Spray
An important thing to consider when exercising alone, is to always be prepared for an emergency situation. While it’s scary to even put something like this on a gift list, pepper spray is actually a very practical gift that can come in handy.
You never know if a creepy person is going to jump out of the bushes. This is definitely something you would want in your fanny pack or waist belt.
Walking Sticks
For someone who is an avid hiker or who goes for daily walks, walking sticks are a great gift for them. These handy items can help with support when walking or hiking for a long distance. They offer greater stability for those who enjoy steep, uphill hikes.
These are collapsible and lightweight, making it easy to stash away in a backpack until they are needed.
Hydration Packs
These hydration packs would be a great addition to bundle with that brand new water bottle. Professional athletes recommend adding these to your water to make sure your body is fueled with the proper electrolytes and vitamins.
For anyone who likes to go on extra long runs or who may be training for a marathon, these make a great stocking stuffer!
Related: Stocking Stuffers for Fitness Lovers
Flip Belt
Listen, I know it looks like a fanny pack, and fanny packs just aren’t cool. But… a great way to tuck away all the important items is by using a Flip Belt.
Slick, with an ergonomic design makes it easy to keep all your belongings such as your mobile phone, house key and power bank, while taking a brisk walk, or doing a full body workout in the park.
Wearing one of these was essential when I was training for a half-marathon! They come in a variety of colors, but black goes with everything.
Bluetooth earbuds/ Wireless Headphones
An ideal gift for avid walkers or someone competing in the London Marathon is wireless music! Bluetooth earbuds or headphones are part of my daily routine. Those are a must! They will definitely get plenty of use from your friend or family member.
Not only can they enjoy their best playlists for hours, with the long battery life, but they can also take phone calls with ease.
First Aid Kit
Athletes love to go the extra mile. What better way to assure them that they can than gifting them this thoughtful gift. This first aid kit isn’t anything too big or bulky, just one with the essentials.
Pair of Socks
I honestly love getting socks! During the winter, my feet get so cold! Merino wool is perfect for everyday use, and are especially great for those who love hiking nature trails.
Very thick and water resistant. These socks help keep the body heat in and the cold out.
Related: Gifts for Runners Under $30
Fitness Tracker
This super awesome gift is a fitness tracker that is worn like a watch. Very lightweight, so it isn’t uncomfortable. It not only can track your heart rate and number of steps taken, but it also has the handy feature of tracking your sleep.
These also come in a variety of colors, which makes it easier for more personality. Plus, they have a rechargeable battery, so no worries about having to buy an expensive replacement battery.
Quick Flip Backpack Hoodie
We have all seen the show Shark Tank at least through flipping channels. Well, this invention went viral! This backpack hoodie is made out of high quality material, cotton and polyester, and it is not heavy.
As a backpack, it has two storage compartments to store all you may need for a day hike. It also comes in a range of sizes.
Grid Foam Roller
This vibrating foam roller has tons and tons of great reviews – including rave reviews from me! It is very durable and have five different levels of massage therapy.
Foam rollers are great for helping to relieve tight muscles and soreness – and this foam roller is the best one I’ve tried! The grid design really helps to get in there and loosen everything up.
Knee Brace
Many athletes, such as myself, suffer from joint pain. My shoulder prevents me from doing certain workouts. Some people, who don’t yet have severe pain, can benefit greatly by using a good quality brace, to give them additional support so that they can enjoy a nice walk or jog.
This knee brace can help support the knee so that your fitness lovers don’t have to stay down for long.
Muscle Rub
Following suit with soreness, if you have never tried a good muscle rub, you are missing out. It’s unbelievable how much better your body can feel, simply by rubbing this magical cream onto the tender spots.
Personally, I’d plan it like this: Take a nice walk/ run, then enjoy a relaxing hot shower, followed by the grid roller, then slather the muscle rub on all the tight spots and drift away into lala land as I soak my tired feet in the foot massager.
This pain relief gel is made by the same awesome people who make KT Tape – another way to relieve aching muscles!
Foot Massager
Who doesn’t love a good foot massage? What we don’t like, is having to make an appointment for a massage and still waiting.
Well, neither you nor your walker friend will have to wait anymore. No need for appointments with this awesome machine. It is amazing for someone with sore feet from walking, running, or plantar fasciitis (like my husband).
Sit back, relax, and enjoy happy feet.
Sunglasses
Another necessity for when I head out is my sunglasses (or sun hat). I love being able to enjoy all the beautiful places, however, sometimes the sun can be doing it’s job too well, and it shines so bright that it is all I can see.
My trusty shades always make sure that I can enjoy the entire scenery. My husband has this style from Rheos and loves them because they float if he ever drops them in the water!
Reflective Armband
For those folks who prefer to take a stroll after the bright sun goes down would greatly benefit from some type of reflective safety gear like these reflective armbands. While the sun is helpful when it comes to visual aid, while it’s shining on the other half of the world, make sure to take the extra step to help others notice you in the dark.
Portable Dog Bowl
I absolutely love when my dogs accompany me on my walks. Did you know about the portable dog bowl? Super light and foldable. Stash it with your water, and when it comes time for a water break, pour your best friend some clean water too.
It’s too big to stuff into a Flip Belt, but the carabiner clip lets it easily clip to your belt for hands-free convenience!
Protein Bars
Depending on how far you plan to venture, bringing a healthy snack is always a good idea. Keeping your nutrients up is very important. Protein bars don’t take up much space, and they are a perfect way to hold you over until meal time.
These bars are pretty tasty and make a great stocking stuffer or gift basket filler for your favorite runner!
Cooling Towel
These nifty cooling towels are amazing. We use them all the time here in Georgia, especially with the hot summer sun.
Simply wet it, swing it around, and put it on the back of your neck for immediate relief.
