Gift Ideas for Runner

My daughter is a runner (she made the state competition for track this year). She is always asking for protein bars (lower sugar the better), Muscle Milk, she loves the gel cloths that you wet and they get nice and cool, running socks and running ear buds always make her list also. She also likes Starbucks since she read caffeine can help.

If your friend is a runner, honestly doing 3 miles is nothing. My mom does 3 miles for fun :) for her, anything over 5 mi is "training" - anything under 5 mi she doesn't even count. So, I would say put it into perspective when choosing a thank you gift.

I don't run nearly as much as my mom and I personally have too much running junk around my house. I know my mom has WAY more than I do, so I don't think I would give anything in the running department. Personally? I'd give a gift certificate to a local coffee or sandwich shop and call it a day.

One other thing - some registration fees for races are expensive. Sure, you get a t-shirt or water bottle, but it doesn't offset the cost of the registration. 5ks are usually pretty cheap, but some have music or something after and they use the proceeds from the race to offset the other costs. Perhaps offer to pay the registration fee if you haven't already. My mom and I specifically choose races that have lower registration fees - if you are doing a race or two a month, it adds up quickly!

Both my son and my husband are avid runners.

For a relatively serious runner, I'd skip the bath pampering stuff and go for running gear. If you have a real running store in your town, get her a gift card. Or go yourself and ask for suggestions - real running socks (sweat wicking), calf sleeves (can be expensive, so ask), a headband and 2 wrist bands, even a sweat-wicking tank top, and maybe a protein bar (no caffeine - it dehydrates). You could also include one of those sunscreen sticks, the type that doesn't run into the eyes like most lotions do. There are also some great runner ID bracelets that have contact info (you have a metal band printed with name, address, phone of someone to call) and then you purchase any decorative band you like. Since runners don't carry wallets or usually even a phone, it's a great safety thing. My husband wears his all the time. If you want to give a pain reliever, give ibuprofen (e.g. Motrin) instead of acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Quality running gear is expensive. I would get her a gift card to a shop that specializes in this kind of stuff. That is what I would really appreciate!

You've already received some good suggestions, I won't repeat those...

A couple years ago, a woman (runner) in our community had cancer-- when I made a small gift basket for her chemo days, I included a product to pamper her feet, it's called "Heel Balm" by Natralia. I don't know if a Whole Foods or other similar place near you has this, but she raved about it for quite a while, really loved it. Just an idea.... :)

I like the running gear gift card idea - or if you really want to give little gifts in a treat bag, I'd go to a running shop, and pick up some fun accessories/gear things to put in a thank you bag. Personally though, if it were me, I'd prefer to receive a gift card. I usually do a gift card with something fun in a little bag - like a protein bar.

What a nice idea. I would pack a banana, some pita and hummus, carrot sticks and some savory but mix, a bottle of water a damp washcloth and some blistex for each. Otherwise send flowers or greet them at the finish line with a flask of homemade lemonade and oatmeal cookies.

Your runner friend probably already has a post race kit. You will better hit the mark with offering comfort/ appreciation than getting a foot powder or reflective pinny she might never use.

Best F. B.

ditto Military Mom 100% lol

If she's a runner and runs regularly, she won't need healing after a 5k really. That length of run could easily be a routine workout for a runner. I know when I was running, EVERY time I ran I did minimum of 3 miles. No blisters or healing required. Just normal stretching and rehydrating after, and a decent snack.

Most 5k races have bananas and water (or gatorade) at the end for the participants.

The gesture is really sweet though, and I'd suggest something different. Snap a few pics of her with your daughter pre-race and post race (with their completion bling) and frame it for her. Or gift card her with a quality sandwich place for after. Or a new foam roller (they can get spendy though).

Honestly, if she's really a runner, she will enjoy just doing it. :)