2021 Christmas Gift Guide For The Runner In Your Life
Even if the runner in your life already has their favourite running shoes good to go, there’s an amazing number of running essentials to wrap up your Christmas shopping – whether it’s to shed seconds off their PB in comfort or to take their passion for their sport to the next level.
Support their running journey by checking out Sportitude’s top 21 Christmas gifts for 2021. It’s not just about new running gear, but how that gear can inspire your #1 runner to achieve their fitness goals, elevate their performance and love every stride.
From running accessories that make fantastic stocking stuffers for new runners, to massage & recovery tools or sports watches for seasoned athletes that want to know their heart and body better – you can do all your Christmas shopping under one roof at Sportitude Running and help the runner in your life run merry.
Under $30
1. Koda Energy Gel - 45g Sachet ($2.50)
Your body needs fuel to run. Koda Energy Gels are the ultimate stocking stuffer for runners – providing fast-acting energy for athletes on-the-move without the worry of sugar spikes and sugar crashes.
Gentle on sensitive stomachs, this smooth formula supports your muscle movement and increases endurance while putting the flavour back into training and race day. They ward off fatigue to perform at your peak without making you feel heavy so you can beat the bloat and ensure there’s always room for Christmas dinner post-run.
2. Lock Laces Original - No Tie Elastic Shoe Laces ($14.95 - $17.95)
By far one of the best shoe laces for runners that want to lock-in and go, the Lock Laces Original tick all your boxes, providing a quick and secure fit for recreational runners, elite athletes and everyone in between. Literally hundreds of these no-tie elastic laces have flown off the Sportitude Running shelves and millions have been sold globally.
It’s no secret why - these time-saving laces reduce heel slippage without the need of a runner’s lock lace, stay out of the way to stop your laces from becoming a trip hazard, are water-resistant and durable for road to trail.
They even make your running shoes ‘pop’ with a variety of subtle or vibrant colours to choose from, and are adaptable to cinch in the fit of any shoe with a standard lacing system including your sneakers, netball shoes, tennis shoes or football boots.
3. Steigen Christmas Three Quarter Length Running Socks ($19.95)
Treat your feet this Christmas with Steigen - thin, barely there running socks that provide anti-blister protection while allowing the cushioning and support technologies of your best running shoes to shine. Steigen running socks work their magic during high-intensity training by providing sweat control, superb breathability and a second-skin fit that moves in harmony with your feet.
They feel as light as a snowflake on your feet and with a variety of vibrant colours and heights available including three quarter length, half length, quarter length and zero length – there is a Steigen sock for every runner this Christmas.
4. Nike Hyperfuel BPA Free Sport Water Bottle - 710ml ($24.95)
Keep the runner in your life hydrated while helping make one-use plastic bottles history with an ergonomic sport water bottle from Nike.
A run-ready design makes the Hyperfuel water bottle one of the smarter ways to carry water on your runs with a bold Nike Swoosh to show that you only drink from the best. Functional features including grip zones and a leak-proof spout makes it an instant favourite to fill, grab and go.
5. Halo II SweatBlock Headband ($27.95)
Don’t let sweat ruin your summer runs, get in the way of achieving faster race times or stop you from enjoying the festive season. The Halo II SweatBlock Headband is sweat control packed into a stylish and lightweight package – and it doesn’t stop at running.
Whatever sport, whatever distance Halo has you covered with moisture managing Dryline fabric and antimicrobial properties to keep the smell of success – sweat – from distracting your focus. SweatBlock technology catches perspiration and transfers it away from your skin to keep your vision clear and mind focussed on the run.
6. Top for him: Asics Silver Men's Running T-Shirt ($29.95)
Every runner needs that go-to running t-shirt to throw on and forget – forget about sweat and forget about discomfort to focus purely on the road. As always when it comes to running, Asics have it spot-on with breathable men’s running t-shirts like the Asics Silver running top.
Sweat-wicking power, a non-restrictive fit and irritation-free flat seams empower the runner in your life to run further and faster in comfort.
7. Tank for her: Asics Core Graphic Women's Training Tank Top ($29.95)
Sometimes the right women’s running tank top is all you need to light up your running motivation like a Christmas tree.
An absolute must-have for summer runs, this sweat-wicking running tank from Asics is at home on the road or at the gym. You can show off your logo love and move freely with the featherlight and super soft Triblend fabric.
Under $50
8. 1000 Mile UP Ridgeway Smartphone Armband ($38.95)
A running armband is essential for road warriors to stay connected on-the-go. It’s not only convenient to keep a phone close, but it’s a matter of safety.
With the needs of runners in mind, 1000 Mile have created a touchscreen-friendly smartphone armband that conforms to your body and minimises irritation during movement. Water-resistant fabric keeps your smartphone protected on particularly sweaty runs or rainy runs while a key pocket and credit card holder ensure all your small accessories have a home of their own.
9. Nike Sportswear Men’s T-Shirt & Nike Sportswear Essential Women’s T-Shirt ($34.95 - $39.95)
As much as you’d love to run forever, it’s important to unwind and recover. Join the Nike team on your off-duty days with this buttery-soft cotton tee. An instant favourite in your everyday rotation, it shows off your sport-inspired style so you always feel and look the part in between your running workouts.
10. Inner game 3 Month Performance Journal ($39.95)
You may find that you’re more successful achieving your fitness goal if you write it before you run it. The Inner Game Performance Journal supports you on your running journey with prompts to record your aspirations and daily/weekly progress, to keep track of your nutrition and performance data, and to encourage mindfulness in your training.
11. 1000 Mile UP Titan Running Waistpack ($41.95)
Another on-the-go goodie from 1000 Mile, this running waistpack provides bounce-free storage of your essentials and is ideal for everything from your 5K runs for fun and fitness to breaking away from the pack at your next marathon.
The Titan is 1000 Mile’s best-selling running waistpack. With a body-conforming fit, stretchy main pocket for easy organisation and a rubber opening for headphone cables – they’re the best mates of every runner from road warriors to trail blazers.
12. Go-to Shorts: Nike Challenger Brief-Lined Men's Running Shorts ($44.95)
These are Nike’s no-nonsense, hard-working men’s running shorts that are so comfy you’ll never want to take them off. They have a sporty yet simplistic look - and there’s a lot more going on than you’ll take in at first glance.
Dri-Fit technology sweeps sweat away from your skin, the built-in brief lining creates a supportive fit and storage options including side pockets and snap closure back pocket means you can run hands-free. Crafted from over 75% recycled fibres, it’s the perfect Christmas gift for the eco-conscious runner.
13. On Running Lightweight Running Cap ($49.95)
Top off your running kit with an all-weather running cap. The On Running lightweight running cap is summer-ready with a perforated design to allow cool air to enter and heat and humidity to escape. It dries fast, meaning it not only offers sun protection but keeps the rain out of your eyes when the weather takes a turn without remaining heavy with moisture.
A soft, integrated sweatband takes it to the next level to rule your outdoor sweat sessions and an adjustable clip-pull closure makes it quick and easy to personalise the fit.
14. Goodr The OG Polarised Sports Sunglasses ($49.95)
Goodr sports sunglasses are perfect for the runner in your life to shade their eyes during outdoor activity and add a pop of colour to your workout wardrobe. The polarised lenses provide 100% protection from damaging UVA and UVB rays and a glare-reducing design means you don’t have to shy away from the light.
The bounce-free, non-slip style means these sports sunglasses can handle the repetitive impacts of running without flying off. Even if there is a bump in the road, these affordable yet durable sunnies will keep you running strong and your eyes protected without distractions.
Under $100
15. Shorts for him: Nike Dri-Fit Flex Stride Men's Trail Running Shorts ($79.95)
Trade the concrete jungle for natural trails without hesitation with running shorts from the Nike Trail collection. Adventure-ready and made to move, they keep the needs of trail blazers in mind with stacks of utility pockets to stow away running nutrition, running gloves and other running accessories off the beaten path.
Nike Flex woven fabric teams up with Dri-Fit technology for natural mobility while wicking sweat away from your skin. The reflective Nike Trail graphic makes you easier to spot during low light runs.
16. Tights for her: Running Bare Karma Ab-Tastic Women's 3/4 Training Tights ($99.95)
Every runner needs that do-it-all black tight in her running rotation. The Karma Ab-Tastic running tight is all that and more with a luxurious next-to-skin feel, flattering cross-front waistband and versatile ¾ length.
Australian made and crafted from Running Bare’s best-selling Supplex Compress fabric for a blend of softness and support, they’re the one to beat in your running wardrobe.
Want to keep it short for summer? The Running Bare Karma Ab-Tastic 9 Inch women’s bike tights may have ‘bike’ in the name but they’re just as great for getting your legs moving during your running workouts.
17. CEP Nighttech Reflective Compression Socks ($99.95)
The best and brightest Christmas light street in the neighbourhood has got nothing on these reflective running socks. They deliver two big benefits in one – combining compression for muscle support, improved performance and faster recovery with 360-degree reflectivity to stay seen after dark.
Like Sportitude’s visibility accessories, they catch the eyes of other road users to run safely even once the sun goes to sleep and like your go-to technical running socks, they offer a blister-free ride.
18. Blackroll Blackbox Set - Foam Roller & Massage Ball Set ($99.90)
A black box full of running goodies and a favourite of the active Christmas elves on the Sportitude team, this massage & recovery set from Blackroll shouldn’t be missed. Recovery is just as important as putting the work in to run faster, further and more efficiently while boosting your flexibility and lowering your risk of injury.
Turn our foam rolling tips into action and speed up your post-run recovery with this ultimate self-massage kit, including a Blackroll Standard Foam Roller, black Blackroll Mini Foam Roller, Blackroll Massage Ball and Blackroll Massage DuoBall.
It really is the gift of self-care for runners. This foam roller and massage ball set is lighter on your wallet than if you were to purchase each massage tool individually. Blackroll even throw in an exercise card for inspiration to kick-start your recovery exercises to relieve tension of the muscles in your back, arms, legs and feet effectively.
Over $100
19. AfterShokz AeroPex Bone Conduction Open Ear Headphones ($249.95)
AfterShokz Bluetooth running headphones are essential for you to hear more – more of your music, podcasts, calls – and the world around you.
It's a well-thought-out gift for the runner in your life, with an open ear design that allows you to stay aware of ambient sounds including vehicles and nature. This allows you to stay safe and aware while soaking in the positive side effects of running and enjoying the benefits of music on your running performance. It can handle buckets of sweat with a lightweight, water-repelling design and stays put so you can focus on reaching your runner’s high.
Crystal clear audio quality and richer bass are in your future with PremiumPitch 2.0+ - the latest technology in bone conduction sound paired with vibration-reducing rotated transducers for listening at higher volumes - allowing runners to leave noise-cancelling headphones in the past.
If you want to go from run to swim in an instant, the AfterShokz Xtrainerz MP3 headphones are your best bet as the waterproof design allows you to enjoy the soundtrack of your life both on land and in the sea – without feeling like you’re in a soundproof bubble.
20. Coros Apex Multisport GPS Watch - 42mm ($499.95)
A personal trainer on your wrist, the Coros Apex not only tracks the performance data of your runs but provides guidance on your recovery. This GPS sports watch analyses your overall exertion, notifies you when you should wind down your workout based on your stamina and suggests a recovery window personalised to your fitness history and current effort.
The Coros Intelligent Stride Algorithm learns your unique running stride to fill in any gaps if you run into areas where the GPS signal is weak, and a wrist-based heart rate monitor lets you know your body better.
21. Brooks Levitate 5 Men's Running Shoes & Brooks Levitate 5 Women's Running Shoes - Run Merry ($259.95)
One of the most popular neutral running shoes from Brooks has been given a Christmas makeover! The Brooks Levitate 5 ‘Run Merry’ limited edition running shoes are the hero of our 2021 Christmas gift guide – allowing you to get your jolly on with a springy, energy-returning ride for your daily training.
It has all the tech runners love from the standard colours – with a new engineered circular knit upper hugging your feet with a blend of breathability, flexibility and support.
By pairing the bouncy cushioning of the DNA AMP midsole with an arrow-point traction pattern, Brooks lets you chase down Santa’s sleigh with a responsive, effortless feel that keeps you running strong all-year round.
Still stuck for ideas? You can't go wrong with a Sportitude e-Gift Card!
Merry running from the Sportitude team!