THE BEST GIFTS FOR A RUNNER’S CARE PACKAGE
If you are looking for a runner’s care package, then look no further! Here are some of the very best gifts for runners! Plus, some ideas for encouraging that running mom in your life!
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Are you a runner? Do you know a runner? Chances are, if you are a runner or know a runner, then you know that runners are a little strange.
You know that they often enjoy getting up early on a Saturday…to run. That they often stay up late…to run. And that they will pay other people large quantities of money…to run.
Well, although I am no Boston qualifier, I do enjoy jogging with my husband, with my kids, and even alone. And, this year, I completed another half marathon even though it went virtual!
Running and being a mom
Even though my days are full of work, homework, cooking dinner, and breaking up fights, I try to make time for a workout.
RELATED POST: FITNESS AND KIDS: Tips for Prioritizing fitness as a working mom.
I love my running strollers; I enjoy the chats I get to have with my son during the hours we spend outside. And, of course, I enjoy that while we are out working out, I am not cooking, cleaning, or arguing with my children!
Ways to Encourage Runners
Before I get to gift ideas for runners, know that running and jogging for hours on end can be fun but also isolating. If you have a special runner in your life –maybe training for that big marathon– consider the gifts below but also consider some ways to encourage them.
- Water for a long run: Do you know that your runner friend/loved one is heading out for a 3 hour long run on Saturday morning? Bring her a fresh water bottle half way through!
A friendly face along the route and a fresh, cold bottle of water are a huge pick-me-up guaranteed to make the next few miles more fun.
If you are really good at planning in advance, and you know your runner’s trail, place a fresh bottle of water every 5 or so miles, then clean them up! Their own personal hydration stations.
2. Snacks and candy: A long run can be exhausting, and a snack or candy can be a great way to encourage your runner to keep going.
Try a Clif bar, a Snickers, or even some gummy snacks along the route for your runner.
3. Encouraging notes: One of my favorite parts of race day is reading all the signs and encouragement along the route. Why does that have to be exclusive to race day?
Pack a couple of encouraging sticky-notes in your runner’s shoes, water bottle case, or pocket. Better yet, make a big posterboard and bring it out to her training run!
Check out this post for encouraging verses for runners.
All of these bits of encouragement and support are major supports for runners. However, if you are looking for a finish line package, gift ideas for runners, or ways to encourage your budding runner, check out these ideas:
Runner’s Care Package Ideas
Make your runner’s day with this care package!
My extended family thinks that it is a little strange that I will leave for a hours to just run through the streets of our town. My friends find it odd that I am infatuated with running strollers. Yet, my husband and I are always looking for fun family races.
We enjoy local charitable races, half marathons, and even donut runs! He likes mud runs, but I can’t say that I have found enjoyment in those yet!
So, because runners are a little strange and maybe because you love them anyway, I wanted to share my ideas for a runner’s care package.
Meet your runner before race day with these gifts, and they will have the gear that they need for a fun race. Or, greet them at the finish line with these items as a way to tell them congratulations.
Maybe you could surprise your runner friend/family member with a box filled with these goodies half way through their training when they just aren’t sure whether it will all be worth it.
Here are my favorite items for running that your runner will be thrilled to have!
1. Reflective vest or safety colors
First, and foremost, let’s talk about safety. Reflective safety colors are really important. But, if you are going to be out when it is dark and can’t wear safety colors, then these ultra bright vests are a must for your runner.
If your runner isn’t into the vest, consider shirts, tanks, and hats in safety colors.
2. Water bottle with handle
Although I usually run with a stroller and thus have loads of storage. When I run on my own, I like to carry these small hand-held water bottles. I can use them for my water and a couple of Shot Bloks.
3.Flip belt
These flip belts are the scrunchies of running. They are colorful, collectable, and functional. They don’t slip, slide, or fall, but they look oh so cute!
They are just large enough to hold keys, a phone, or an identification, so your runner doesn’t have to carry them.
4. Phone case armband
After hours of running, my hand hurts from holding my phone. Further, not all running apparel is suited to holding large smart phones.
So, I find an arm band for my phone extremely convenient. I can track my distance, listen to music, and not worry about my shorts sliding down as I run.
5. Energy bites or Shot Bloks
Did you know that these crazy running people sometimes burn so many calories while running that they have to consume more just to keep going? Weird, huh? Well, I personally love these Shot Bloks for my long runs.
However, many runners have a personal favorite. Also check out these Gu pouches and these Honey Stinger chews.
A few of these blocks in a care package or a couple of energy bars are a huge boost for runners.
6. Garmin VivoActive
For that special someone who loves running, check out these watches from Garmin. Long-rated runner favorites, these fitness bands do more than tell time. They track speed, distance, pace, and more. All of this in addition to the high-tech features that you come to expect in a smart watch.
7. Headbands
Does your runner have long hair? Treat her (or him!) to a new set of no-slip headbands. I wear these every time that I go running, and it keeps the hair out of my face, doesn’t fall off, and looks cute!
It’s a small thing, but new hair accessories are still a huge pick-me-up for me. I love brightly colored hair bands to make me feel a little more stylish especially when I know that I look a mess!
8. Cushioned Running Socks
Want to know something really gross? Runner’s feet are disgusting! They are likely covered in unsightly callouses and might even have missing toenails. They might even be blistered and raw in other areas.
That’s why a great pair of running socks with a thick cushion and a high tabbed back can feel just like running on clouds. Treat your runner to a new pair of soft cushiony running socks to show them you care.
I really love the Disney collection from Bombas!
9. New Skin
Remember that raw and gross foot skin? Well, runners lose skin in other areas too. Don’t ask!
Just grab a bottle of this, and you will be your runner’s new best friend.
10. Running shorts
Some people love new dresses, others may love a new purse, but runners love new running gear. Grab a new pair of running shorts for your special runner.
I prefer double layer shorts like these to make me feel more confident and comfortable. The pocket is a bonus!
Finding a pair of shorts with built-in stretch shorts are the best. They keep your runner cool and comfortable!
11. An inspiring t-shirt
Don’t underestimate the power of a cheesy running joke. Your runner will love these silly, inspiring tshirts!
12. Cooling towel
On hot days, these cooling towels stay fresh and cool for a good long run. Give the gift of portable air conditioning.
13. Neck Gaiter
Or, for those cold days and social distancing, give the gift of a warm face and neck.
My husband just used these to run in Jackson Hole, Wyoming in JANUARY! He was glad that he had them!
14. Ear warmers
I pull my hair up while I run, and my husband has short hair. So, when we go for a run in the cold, we like to have one of these to keep our ears and head warm!
I prefer the contoured headbands like these for comfort.
15. Running stroller for the ultimate parent runner’s care package!
Want to make a running mom’s day/week/year? Need an idea for a baby shower gift for a runner. I love running strollers. My very favorite is the Mountain Buggy plus One (pictured above). But, they are back ordered. However, the very close second place is my Bob and my Duallie Bob (pictured at the top of this post).
If you want to know more about why these are the very best running strollers on the market for runners and for everyday use, watch for my review. But, if you don’t want to take my word for it, check out the thousands of reviews for the Bob and Bob Duallie Double running stroller. These strollers roll smooth as butter, boast mad safety features, and are versatile for kids and uses. I love my BOB. The worn handle bar, the tired tires, and the squeaky brakes can attest to that.
16. In-ear headphones
Finally, the pavement can get a little lonely at times. And, wireless pods may not always be the best choice for a long run. Instead I like to take tethered in ear headphones like these on my runs.
Treat your runner to these headphones with great sound, comfort, and no chance that they will be lost on the road.
Ideas for a Runner’s Care Package
No matter the time or the distance they run, your runner will love these gifts. A few of these items –large or small– will be a huge encouragement to your runner.
Greet your runner with new hair ties, a flip belt, a bag of snacks, and a water bottle holder, and they will run for miles on that energy! And, don’t forget to encourage them as they train along the way with water and notes of encouragement!
Runners chose a strange hobby and knowing that you care about them and support them will speak volumes. Further, your support will encourage them to keep working hard as they reach new speeds, distances, and goals.
Meet them at the end of a marathon, half-marathon, or training run with any of these items in their runner’s care package, and you are sure to win major points with a strange runner!