Can you believe that Christmas is just 5 days away?! Are you looking for last minute ideas for a runner in your life? Or is someone special in your life looking for ideas to fill YOUR stocking? We have some great ideas to share!  Feel free to share our list with your someone special. Be sure to be very specific so they know exactly what to get you.  Please add any ideas you have in the comments below; we'd love to know what you have had your eye on this year!

Gift Certificate to Run a 2019 Race with a Friend
My most memorable races are the ones I have trained for and/or completed with a friend by my side.  A gift certificate to run a race (and possibly a coupon for a babysitter, if needed) would be a wonderful gift and memory for anyone on your list!

Sunglasses
Sunglasses protect your eyes and make your runs oh so much more enjoyable. GoodR brand have become popular as of late, while my Oakleys have served me well for many years… Roka and Nike are some other options to check out too. 

Magazine Subscription
Everyone loves snail mail, motivation and encouragement!  Consider a fitness magazine subscription – Runner’s World, Women’s Running, Men’s Running, Trail Runner, etc.

Small Foam Roller or Lacrosse Ball
Foam rollers or stick rollers, like a Tiger Tail Massage Stick, and lacrosse balls are just a few of the items that you can roll over various areas of your body, to help break up adhesions and scar tissue and speed up the healing and recovery process after your workout. Newer models of foam rollers and balls have heating elements (heated via the microwave) or vibrating elements. There is some great new technology out there for rollers! 

Massage Gift Certificate
Many rarely take enough time to slow down and get a massage for themselves, but if it’s already paid for… we are more likely to go and enjoy, right?! As an added bonus you can throw in the offer for free child care if needed.

Headbands
I think we all tend to find our favorites, Hippie Runner, Bondi Band, etc., but if you want to get crafty... check out a previous blog, by Stroller Warriors current CEO, Kelly, who walks you step by step, on how to make your own!

Photo Christmas Ornament
Does your runner friend or family member have a 2018 race that they made many memories training for and running… find the perfect finisher photo, or group photo and make it into an ornament! I used MPix for the ornament above. :) But here is another option from Hallmark that might work just as well. 

 Self-Defense Items
Please research to be aware of local laws and regulations before purchasing any self defense items. As military families we move around a lot and the regulations change based on the State or Country you live in. Unfortunately, if you run alone, which at some point, we all do, a little extra protection could help save your life.  My husband got me this Go Guarded finger knife (see photo) a few Christmases ago and I love it!  It has varying sizes to fit on any finger.

Here is a link to the one I have have as well as a few other links with various options for you to explore.

Go Guarded

Pepper Spray (type item)

A little extra kick for your kicks…

Socks and Hair Ties
I don’t know what it is about these two items, but they are always disappearing and needing to be replaced.  Be sure to share the specifics about your favorite kind of socks, because we all have that special type and brand that we run best in – maybe it’s cotton, sweat wicking material or maybe wool, depending on the season. Maybe you like arch support or compression socks. There are lots of variety and options out there. Even buying your favorites to share with someone else is a great gift idea! 

Race Medal Coasters
I saw this being shared on Facebook and thought it was a great idea! What a wonderful conversation starter these would be sitting on your coffee table. Be aware though, some of your bling may be too big. For the company I linked, the medals have to be “up to 3.75″ in diameter and 0.5″ thick” or they won’t fit. 

Reusable Water Bottle
Last year I received a Hydro Flask and have really enjoyed having COLD water to drink all throughout the day! There are many brands, with all kinds of different tops and exterior colors and designs.  You might even want to ask for a handheld water bottle for running that can hold your phone too - so many options!

Run SANS Stroller Coupons
While running with the stroller makes Stroller Warriors who we are… it is always refreshing to run sans stroller too! You get to see just how much that extra weight has been helping your endurance and let’s be real, it’s nice to not have to hand snacks to anyone and get lost in your own thoughts.

Headphones
While I usually run with just one ear bud in, so I can hear things going on around me, wireless headphones would be an upgrade to consider.  And if you really want to bring it up a level, check out AfterShokz wireless headphones. (Bone conduction technology delivers music through your cheekbones, ensuring ears remain completely open to hear ambient sounds)

Stroller Warriors® Gear
I don't believe you can ever have TOO much Stroller Warriors gear.... so that is always a great gift option! There is something for everyone... Moms, Dads, Mini Warriors, buttons, tote bags, mugs, a bandana for your four-legged running partner and even maternity wear. Check it all out here.  

Fitness Tracker
Last, but certainly not least, if you really want to go BIG on a stocking stuffer… a fitness tracker type watch! Garmin and Apple are probably the top two brand names. Both offer many models with a multitude of different features! Some can even run your music playlist while tracking your run. Research and compare to find the best fit for your favorite runner.

In the spirit of Christmas, I’m going to share with you my top 10 gifts for runners!
 
10. Headbands! Something to keep the hair back and away from the face is always awesome. If you are interested in making some for yourself or your friends, you can follow along with our stocking stuffer blog from last year here. 
 
9. Hair ties. This goes along with the headbands, I personally have to have good quality stuff holding my hair back from my face while I run. These, available at Target are my absolute favorite. My hair is heavy and thick so I need really strong hair ties to hold everything in place.
 
8. Stroller Warriors gear! I admit it, I'm a SW gear junkie. I just love the team feel of our gear and am oh so proud to be a Stroller Warrior! Your local chapter will have gear orders periodically but you can also buy SW gear year-round from our website. Here's a direct link for you so you don't have to search around. We even have Christmas Stroller Warrior gear! 

7. A good bra. I’m sure I don’t need to explain why this one is so important! The moving comfort Juno is one of my favorites. I like that it’s easy to breastfeed in, you can just un-velcro the strap and slide it down. I also like that I can adjust the straps to get a more comfortable fit depending on the day and how full I am at that moment in time.
 
6. GPS watch. I personally own a Suunto and really like it. Other popular brands are Garmin and TomTom to name a few. Do your research and find one with features you like best.
 
5. Good running shoes. If you want to gift someone running shoes you’ll likely have to go with them to pick out a pair or give them a gift card. It’s really important for every runner to know what kind of shoes their feet need. I recommend going to a professional to get fitted. It’s important to know what kind of arches you have as well as how your foot lands when you’re running. If you happen to know what kind of shoes someone wears and you know the brand/style is a good fit for them you can order a second pair online.

​4. Socks (not cotton!). Good socks are oh so important in the prevention of blisters! I recommend avoiding cotton socks as cotton once it gets wet (sweat, rain, puddles) is really good at giving you blisters and hot spots. Balega socks are pricey but are one of my favorites.
 
3. Underarm Deodorant wipes. I recently was gifted these by a fellow warrior and not only were they perfect for my upcoming Ragnar they've become a staple in my car. It's really nice to be able to run into a store after a SW run to do a quick errant and know for a fact I'm not stinky.
 
2. Bracelet with medical information and/or personal information. Heaven forbid you get in a car accident or have a medical emergency while on a run, having a bracelet with the important info readily available is a great idea!
 
1. A self-defense class. You can never be too safe! A self-defense course will give you or your friend even more power and confidence. Check your local area for the options.
 
 
What’s on your list of great gifts for runners?
 
Happy Running!
Kelly