It’s the holiday season (It’s the holiday season!) and along with your hoop-de-do and dickory-dock, we’re coming in clutch with some gift ideas for the runner on your list—or some Christmastime treats to celebrate you. These gifts hit a lot of marks in our book: local, runner-related, and available!
Fleet Feet, Charlotte
HELE compression sleeves
Hele makes those wonderful compression socks and sleeves that can reduce swelling, improve circulation, and soothe tired and achy legs to accelerate recovery. And they are located right here in Charlotte! You can even find sleeves with branding from our local favorite, runCLTrun.
Cotopaxi bags
These are colorful and unique, definitely the coolest backpacks and daypacks around, with a focus on being ethically made, certified carbon-neutral, and using as many recycled materials as possible.
Ponya bands
These no-slip hair accessories are the perfect stocking stuffer! The moisture-wicking, micro-loop bamboo will keep the sweat out of your eyes so you can focus on your best performance. Plus, Ponya is a woman-owned company based out of Louisville, KY.
Vac & Dash, Albemarle
Aftershokz Aeropex headphones
An upgrade to the popular headphones that let you listen to your tunes while still being aware of your surroundings. As a bonus, Aeropex comes in two sizes — standard and mini — so our petite runners can wear them without them slipping off!
https://aftershokz.com/us/products/aeropex
Body Glide
No one likes chafing! Body Glide prevents chafing for runners, and comes in a number of varieties for men, women, outdoors, and now even your face — ideal for when you’re wearing a mask. You’re welcome.
The Stick Massager
Often imitated – not always duplicated, the original The Stick massager helps roll out those muscles after a tough workout. As simple and easy to use as… a stick. You can’t go wrong with this one!
Omega Sports
Goodr Sunglasses
Those Goodr people keep coming up with new designs with clever names. And with their very affordable price tag, you can own or give 12 different pairs of them! These wonderful, lightweight, polarized, non-slip shades are perfect for runners.
TriggerPoint Impact Percussion Gun
The scientific jury may be out, but we know of a lot of runners who swear by this massage gun for recovery. Like any good massage, a percussion gun will increase blood flow while soothing sore muscles. Hypervolt line also available.
Garmin watches
From the basic model to all the bells and whistles, they’ve got wearable tech that will keep you motivated and on target through the new year. The folks at Omega Sports will help you figure out which one is best for your level of activity.
Charlotte Running Company
CRC branded apparel
Show off your Queen City pride with branded apparel from the hometown Charlotte Running Company. Their runr hats will shade your eyes and show your good taste – and they’re only available at Charlotte Running Company!
Ultra Running Company
Naked Band
A lightweight running belt with pockets for phones and running flasks (not included) in multiple sizes for just the right fit. Holds everything you need, and won’t bounce around while you run. Accessories can hold your trekking poles or race bibs, too. Clothing suggested 🙂
Salomon Sense Pro5 vest
This minimalist running vest keeps all of your supplies handy for a day running trails. Its ultra-comfy fit with no friction points is made of a quick-drying fabric that won’t weigh a ton as you sweat. Compatible with hydration bladder. And bonus: Two 500ml flasks included!
Run For Your Life
Tee’s and Joggers
No list is complete without super-comfy tee’s and sweats for your winter day runs or relaxing by the fire afterward. These long-sleeved Run For Your Life T-shirts and joggers are perfect for both! Your favorite runner will appreciate that you thought of their post-run self-care, too.
And don’t forget to hang up your socks!
Yes, socks! Admit it, last year’s socks probably have holes in the toes and need to be replaced. We can do that! Our comfy, Merino wool-blend Feetures socks, along with our RFYL brand, make great stocking stuffers because runners always need socks. The old ones will make great reindeer sock puppets anyway! Cheers!