Christmas Gifts for Runners: A Handy Guide for the Last-Minute Shopper
Too Soon?
With a November and December birthday in our house, we're not allowed to officially start Christmas preparations until a couple of weeks before the big day.
Which usually means rushing around on Christmas Eve trying to buy last-minute gifts for loved ones and me hating mayself for not starting earlier.
So, if you're buying for a runner this Christmas, here's a handy guide to finding them something thoughtful and, more importantly, something they'll actually use.
And yes, before you ask, this does include our OnTrack Gift Vouchers. More on those later.
OnTrack Gift Vouchers
Let's start with the easiest option.
Our gift vouchers can be used across all OnTrack services, including:
Physiotherapy
Sports Massage
Running Assessments
Lactate Testing
Performance Screening
And more
Stress-Free Shopping in 3 Simple Steps
Complete our gift voucher enquiry form.
Receive your payment link and complete your purchase.
Your voucher is posted or emailed to either you or the lucky recipient in plenty of time for Christmas Day.
Simple.
No crowds. No wrapping paper-related arguments. No panic buying.
Christmas Gifts for Runners
Socks... Really?!
I had an aunty who used to buy me and my cousins a box of crackers every Christmas.
Not the fun edible kind.
It became one of those slightly questionable Christmas traditions that nobody wanted but everyone expected.
Running socks might sound like they're heading in the same direction.
But hear me out.
Running socks are different.
Every runner genuinely needs them.
We've all got pairs with holes in, mystery single socks without partners, or ones that should have been retired months ago that absolutely stink.
Good running socks are usually high quality, surprisingly expensive, and genuinely useful. You'll come across as thoughtful rather than the person who clearly realised they'd forgotten a present on Christmas Eve.
A win all round.
Great Stocking Fillers
1. Energy Gels
A runner can never have too many gels.
Just make sure you know which ones they normally use.
Christmas indulgence combined with experimenting with new nutrition products can be... unpredictable.
That's all I'll say on the matter.
2. Bib Magnets
One of those simple inventions that makes you wonder why nobody thought of it sooner.
They keep race numbers secure without putting holes in your favourite running top.
Small gift. Big appreciation.
3. Soft Flasks
Or "sausages" as I affectionately call them.
This did create some confusion during my Bob Graham Round when I started asking my support team where my sausages were.
A story for another day.
They're brilliant for carrying fluids on longer runs and fit easily into running packs, race vests and even many pairs of running shorts.
A Decent Head Torch
'Tis the season.
Most of my runs this week have been in the dark and a decent head torch is arguably one of the most useful pieces of kit a runner can own.
Quite literally a lifesaver.
There are plenty of smaller lighting and high-visibility accessories that also make great stocking fillers if you're working with a smaller budget.
But if your runner regularly heads out before work or after dark, a good head torch will get plenty of use over winter.
The Gift Most Runners Secretly Want
Gift Vouchers
Whatever you do...
Don't buy running shoes.
Seriously.
I don't even trust myself to buy the right pair half the time, never mind asking someone else to do it.
Running shoes are a deeply personal choice.
The chances of getting exactly the right model, size, width, colour, cushioning level and terrain-specific requirements are slim.
And you also remove one of the great joys of being a runner:
Shopping for new shoes.
This is exactly why gift vouchers are such a good option.
Our OnTrack Gift Vouchers can be used towards any of our services, with appointments starting from £40 for a 30-minute sports massage, right through to specialist services such as Lactate Testing and Performance Screening.
A Final Shameless Plug
Yes, this has been a shameless plug for our gift vouchers, but I hope some insight from an actual runner has helped guide your christmas shopping.
There are plenty of fantastic businesses that runners will love receiving gifts from.
If you're looking for running kit, accessories or something a little different, we'd also recommend supporting local independent businesses such as Twisted Running, who produce some brilliant quality kit in some fantastic designs.
Whatever you choose, try to make it something they'll genuinely use.
Because unlike that novelty Christmas jumper, a runner will probably still be talking about a good pair of socks come March.
Happy Christmas from all of us at OnTrack Health & Performance.
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