Last Minute Gift Ideas for Runners

Okay, if you are like me and haven't finished your shopping, like me, you are probably getting a bit stressed. I hope not. I thought this would be a good time to provide some ideas of gifts for runners, so here is my list.

• At the more expensive end, every runner enjoys buying running shoes, and anyone who does a lot of running will go through a pair in only three months, maybe less. Also, consider that experts recommend having at least two pair and swapping them out for a variety of reasons.
• If the person you're buying for ever runs off road, then a pair of trail shoes might be just the ticket. If you don't know what kind, just get the off road version of the model they wear on road.
• If the person likes to be different or  is the person who already 'has everything,' try a pair of Vibrum Five Fingers shoes. They are the closest thing to barefoot I've ever seen, and while they probably don't have the necessary cushioning for running, they would be fun to have - a great conversation piece - for yoga classes and the like. Locally, Tampa Bay Outfitters carries them in South Tampa. Google them to get a description.

Also on the expensive end would be a Garmin; I received my 205 last Christmas, and I love it. I know it improves both my training runs and my races.

If the person you are buying for has an iPod or other MP3 player, I suggest a subscription to iTunes or audible.com. Audible is a site of recorded books. Well, they are books that you can download  right onto your  portable player. You can purchase a subscription for around $25 a month. That gets you two book credits. Then you go online every month and select a book - from thousands - to download. I love listening to books while I run. I'll  write a post about some of my favorites soon, but I highly recommend Animals in Translation by Temple Granden, non-fiction, and The Life of Pi. Also, The Secret Life of Bees
and The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, to name just a few.

I can't imagine any runner or walker - or human being, for that matter - who wouldn't appreciate a gift certificate for a massage. Don't know who to get it from? Try Carrollwood Massage Therapy on North Dale Mabry, Elements Massage in Oldsmar, or Pete Pfannerstill's Ultra Sport Massage Therapy. 

A gift certificate for a gym membership would be another idea.

A book about running, stretching, or eating right would be a good idea.

Any runner/walker can use a gift certificate to a running store.
How about a collection of cool sox? Try going to a bike store. They usually have some neat sox, but your local running store will have some that are made especially for running.
Bill Davison of The Running Center is selling a neat gadget. It's a cardboard  wheel that you turn to look up training  data. It's simple but fascinating. He said  lots  of high school coaches are buying them. The data on the wheel is available from various sites online, but the  wheel is so much handier. It would be very helpful for any serious runner to help determine training pace for various workouts, etc. I think it sells for under $20.

Another idea would be a good pair sunglasses.

AND perhaps the best idea of all, how about ordering a photo from this website? Have I photographed the person you are buying for at a recent  road race? If so, go to www.runtampa.smugmug.com and click on that race to see the photos. You can order the print or a tee shirt, mug, or other merchandise imprinted with that print.

Comments

[Dana Felice]

Here are more holiday ideas for runners...

Most runners have nasty feet and/or toes. Get them a gift certificate for a pedicure or get them a pedicure kit that includes a pumice stone, soaking salts, foot cream and for ladies, nail polish. Don't forget the comfy socks.

Runners. Eat. Alot. So gift certificates to Publix are always a good idea.

Runners always trash their cars with dirty clothes and dusty shoes. Anything to clean the car or keep things organized in the car is useful.

Safety items such as reflective clothing and a whistle for women. You can find most of these items in the camping section of Wal-Mart or Target.

[Debbie Voiles]

All excellent ideas! And speaking of reflective clothing, I hear Take the First Step has reflective vests for sale.