Gifts for Trail Runners

Looking for gifts for the trail runners in your life? Here are some of our favorite ideas, from budget-friendly to splurges!

Do you have a friend or family member who's taken up trail running? It potentially brings with it a whole new set of gear and accessories! If you'd like to cheer someone on with a useful or fun gift, here are some ideas.

Budget-Friendly Gifts for Trail Runners

Looking for a gift that will be appreciated but won’t break the bank? The items below might be just the thing (especially if you catch them on sale).

• Sprints car towels or Orange Mud car towels. Driving home from a trail run has the potential to make your car seats smell funky. We have and love both of these towel options. They keep the car fresh and protected from smelly running clothes.

• Trail running ankle gaiters. Gaiters are very practical for keeping debris from the trail out of your shoes. And these gaiters are pretty.

• Hollow alpaca socks. These are our personal favorites for keeping feet dry and blister-free. Here are more thoughts on running gear for winter.

• Electrolytes. Our favorite brand is LMNT. I especially love the lemonade and grapefruit flavors.
• A collection of their favorite run fuel. Ours favorites include: Nerds gummy clusters, gummy bears and Honey Stinger gels.
• Fun new running clothes, like nature-themed shorts or leggings from Constantly Varied Gear.

Splurge-Worthy Gifts for Trail Runners

Looking for a bigger gift idea? Here are some of our favorites.

• Another pair of their favorite trail runners. People who run often or run long distances likely need to replace shoes frequently, and will always appreciate an extra pair! Our personal favorites are Altras and Topos.

• A running vest. Even if they have one, a backup is always a good thing, since these vests get dirty and benefit from regular washes.

• An upgraded version of their favorite running watch, such as a Garmin Fenix.

• A pair of high-end running poles, such as these trail-running specific Leki poles. (You will need to know the height pole that they need before ordering.)

For Race Day

If your trail runner friend signs up for races, here are some goodies we love for race day.

• Bibboard race bib pins. These are a fun way to replace race day safety pins!

• A collapsible cup, often needed for race day.

• A post-run goodie bag, with their favorite protein drink, clean socks, slide sandals and (possibly) an oversized hoodie. As someone who’s often waiting around after a race for a runner doing a longer distance, I love having something warm to put on after the race.

Recovery Tools

Trail running is wonderful, but also tough. Recovery day items like these are always appreciated.

• Mini massager. I love this tiny version way more than the larger ones I've tried!

• RAD massage ball. I use this to stretch out my feet before runs.

• RAD travel muscle roller kit. I use these to roll out muscles both before and after runs.

• Cork massage balls, which are lightweight enough to carry along for very long runs.

• Squirrel Nut Butter balm, my favorite balm for preventing chaffing.

• Toups and Co Frankincense balm, my favorite for chafed skin.

All these are the items that have made the biggest difference in my own trail running, and so I believe they'd be enjoyed by others!