The holidays are a great time to find that special gift for the runner in your life. But what to get them? Gift cards are perfect for runners to be able to pick out exactly what kind of gear they want, because, let’s be honest, you probably don’t want to grab clothes or shoes without knowing exactly what your runner is comfortable wearing, but below are a few favorites that fit any runner.

Road ID – This is one of my favorite running accessories. Road IDs come in bracelets, necklaces, shoe tags and in various materials. Mine is fabric and although it’s a bracelet I often wear it looped through my shoelaces. Your name, address, and important numbers or allergies can be inscribed on the tag. Even if you always run on populated roads in daylight, there’s always that unaccounted for X factor that makes this a great running addition for that extra peace of mind.

Running jewelry – There are a great number of necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry items that any runner would love. They vary in style and price to suit a wide range of tastes. My favorite place to buy unique gifts such as this is Etsy.com.

   Race shirt quilt – If you’re not particularly crafty or don’t have access, or the time, to sew one yourself, there are several companies that offer their services. After so many races, runners either have closets filled with t-shirts that probably remain unworn for most of the year or they have to choose their favorites and donate or give away the others. This is a perfect way to save those shirts and have something a runner can continue to enjoy for years to come.

Stick Traveler Roller Massager – I would love to have one of these for those pesky knots in my calves that aren’t as easy to get out with a larger roller. These are a great way to get out knots, increase blood flow, and improve flexibility.

 Trigger Point Roller – I have one of these and absolutely love it. I used to have one of the old school foam rollers and it just wasn’t enough support and quickly bowed in the middle after a few weeks of use. This roller is way more durable. I’ve had it for a couple of years and it looks the same as the day I got it. The hard plastic interior is embraced by padding on the outside that are meant to mimic hands and fingers, massaging those aching muscles and tight ligaments with perfect pressure. I used to deal with IT band pain and by using this roller every day, it quickly disappeared – when nothing else helped!

Happy running! 🙂