Best gifts for runners that they'll actually want and use

One of the biggest bugbears for runners? Chafing. Whether it's around the nips or under the hips, there's nothing quite as bad as the feeling of skin being rubbed raw. Mio’s pocket-friendly 100ml offering is a safe bet, not only because it helps prevent irritation ahead of a run, but alleviates discomfort when you’ve forgotten to put it on - all while moisturising and softening the skin. Plus, it's vegan-friendly and cruelty-free.

Trail runners are always looking for some inspo when it comes to their next route. Give them the gift of inspiration with a subscription to AllTrails, an app perfect for discovering fresh routes to rack up some miles on. It even lets you search for routes filtered by distance, elevation and difficulty and with built-in GPS tracking to ensure runners stay on course and can navigate unfamiliar terrains with ease.

It’s a scientific fact music helps improve running performance. And while it can offer some much-needed motivation, runners opting to block out their surroundings with a banging playlist might want to rethink - especially when hitting up busy areas. Enter the Shokz Openfit earphones. With an open-ear design, these bone conduction buds offer the stimulus all runners need while staying tuned in to their environment. Plus, they're comfy and sweat-resistant - a perfect, safe gift for the music-loving running enthusiast in your life.

Wear a pair of ultra-low padding shoes like the Vibram FiveFingers and running suddenly feels completely different. Shoes like these take away the thick foam and gel used in most trainers, so you can feel the terrain much more keenly.

It’s a bit like running barefoot, but with enough of a barrier to avoid tearing up your feet. You become much more conscious of your technique. It helps avoid unnecessary injuries.

Why would any runner carry a water bottle when they can look like a badass with the Duro 15 running vest by Osprey? Equipped with two 500ML soft flasks, ample storage for essentials with easy-access pockets and a sleek eco-friendly design, it’s an ideal gift for those long-distance runners who need some extra support in smashing their next PB.

Vitamins and supplements can benefit runners and help them go that extra mile by addressing nutrient gaps, enhancing energy production, bolstering immunity, supporting bone health and aiding muscle recovery. Nutravita has a great selection to help do just that. Take its Sports Bundle, for instance, which includes a Vegan Protein Powder to support muscle growth and an L-carnitine complex to help reduce tiredness and fatigue. A great way to show your running gift recipient just how much you care.

Anyone remotely serious about running needs a running watch. They provide crucial data like distance, pace and heart rate, helping runners track their progress, set goals and stay motivated. Our top pick for runners is the Pacer Pro by Polar. Working with Android or iPhone smartphones, it helps runners level up their training by providing features such as running power measurements, ascent and descent tracking, sleep and recovery stats, all without costing the earth.

Every runner should own a muscle gun. They’re proven to reduce post-workout soreness and muscle pain, improving blood circulation and eliminating lactic acid buildup. One of our top picks is the Ignite Mini Massage Gun by PulseRoll. Why? It has a unique head that delivers targeted heat to muscles and blood vessels alongside its massaging action to soothe tightness. There are also four speed settings, six attachment heads and battery life of about six hours per charge.

Running isn’t just about cardiovascular health. Nutrition plays a big role too. A food intolerance test is a great gift for the avid runner, especially those looking to optimise their performance and overall well-being. SupplyLife is the best in the business, helping athletes uncover potential food sensitivities that can help them fine-tune their diet, reduce digestive discomfort and enhance nutrient absorption. The result? Increased energy levels, improved recovery and better running performance.

Those who run 5km a few times a week may not need a water bottle. You’re simply not out long enough to really need mid-run hydration.

Longer-distance runners will benefit from a bottle like this, though. You hold it as you run, using the moulded grip. This model only holds 300ml, but it doesn’t leak and the smaller stature makes it more comfortable to hold.

Containing a blend of magnesium chloride and energising lemon oil, arnica and capsicum, BetterYou’s Magnesium muscle spray has been designed to soothe runners’ hard-working muscles. The spray also adds a gentle heat on application to speed up recovery, reduce tiredness and fatigue and restore electrolyte balance. Saving achy calves, one spray at a time.

Built for everyday training, tempo runs and races from 10km to marathons, the Cloudsurfer by On is a great all-round pair of kicks for most runners. They’re light, comfortable and well-balanced making them suitable for most running activities, from casual jogs to faster-paced jaunts. Is your gift recipient more of a trail runner? Have a gander at On’s Cloudvista shoes, instead.

A staple running accessory? A good pair of sun blockers. Koo’s Nova shades are a great shout. At just 21g, they’re so light most runners will forget they’re even wearing them, which is exactly what you need from something that sits on your face for hours at a time. And with shatter-proof, anti-reflective lenses boasting 100% UV protection, they don’t get any better than this.

Touting a scrumptious mix of natural oils including eucalyptus and clove bud alongside a nourishing coconut oil, ESPA’s Fitness Collection is an ideal reviver for any tired runner. The bundle contains ESPA’s Muscle Rescue Balm for applying directly to sore muscles, Fitness Shower Gel to wash away the stench from those post-run pits, and some Fitness Bath Salts to soak tender legs in until they feel human again.

The Lumi Recovery Pod is the ultimate recovery gizmo for those who suffer from post-run DOMS. It’s essentially an ice bath that you plonk yourself in to reduce muscle soreness and inflammation. This works by constricting blood vessels and promoting tissue repair. With a compact and portable design, it eliminates the need for costly custom ice baths. Whoever you gift this to might think you hate them at first, but once they’ve experienced the long-term benefits, you’ll be back in their good books in no time. Promise.

You’ll find all sorts of strange salves and gels that claim to relieve muscle ache. Morgan Blue’s is used by loads of professional teams, particularly cyclists. How do they work? These formulations use essential oils that can relieve aches. Eycalyptus oil is one of the most common, although Morgan Blue’s is a proprietary recipe. It’s a particularly good choice if you’re buying for someone who might turn their nose up at the concept of “essential oils” as the packaging is very matter-of-fact.