Buying for a runner is harder than it looks. They already have trainers. They have opinions about socks. And they definitely don't need another medal hanger.
So here's a list from someone who runs, and who gets asked this every December. Some of it is ours. Most of it isn't. All of it gets used.
Gifts for runners under £25
1. A slogan tee they'll wear on the days off
Runners have plenty of kit for running. What they don't have is something for the rest of the week. Our Lace Up, Zone Out and Tired Legs, Clear Head tees are £24, heavyweight cotton, and hand-printed by us. Made for the coffee after, not the race.
2. Good running socks
Not exciting. Always welcome. A runner never has enough socks that don't slip or rub. Our Ember Ridge trail socks are built for uneven ground and just as happy on the sofa after.
3. A parkrun barcode wristband or tag
If they do parkrun, they've forgotten their barcode at least once. A wristband or keyring tag fixes that for good.
4. A small keyring
A good stocking filler and an everyday reminder that rest counts too. Our leather keyring is £4.
5. A running cap
For sun, rain and bad hair on race day. The Rest Day trucker cap is for after the run. The technical running cap is for during.
Gifts for runners under £60
6. A proper jumper for cold mornings
The walk to the start line. The cool-down that turns into a coffee. Our deep teal organic cotton jumper is £55 and we've only made 20.
7. A foam roller or massage ball
Most runners know they should stretch more. Most don't. Something that lives by the sofa makes it easier.
8. A race entry
Ask first - runners are fussy about which races and when. But a paid-for entry to a race they've been eyeing is a gift with a whole training block attached.
9. A running book
Something about the joy of running rather than another training plan. Ask a local bookshop - they'll have ideas.
Bigger gifts and easy wins
10. The Rest Day bundle (from December)
The jumper, the white tee and the cap in one box - and the cap's on us. £79, one size choice, done. It lands on the site in December.
11. A sports massage
Book them one for January, when the legs are tired and the motivation is low.
12. A gift card
Not sure what they'd pick? A Rest Day gift card arrives by email, works on anything, and 10% still goes to Mind.
The one thing most runners actually want
Time. A Saturday morning covered so they can do their long run. A lie-in after it. If you're buying for a runner who's also juggling work and family, that might be the best present on this list.
Order by Wednesday 16 December for UK delivery before Christmas. Every Rest Day order is printed, packed and posted by us, with free UK delivery and 100-day returns. 10% of every order goes to Mind.