Between all of us bloggers, we run … a lot. And we all have our “favorite” things that may not seem like a big deal, but if forget them on race day or go to reach for it at the trailhead of our long run and it’s not there, it is a big deal. So, here’s a sampling of some of our favorite little (low-cost) things for you to consider as stocking stuffers for the runners in your life.
Beer is big here in the Pacific Northwest (duh), and this cool contraption makes drinking the hoppy elixir even cooler. With can designs becoming more and more awesome, why is it that crack open a top, pour into a glass, and immediately toss the outer. The Draft Top helps in keeping your can as the vessel – while safely popping off the top so you can drink it like straight out of a glass.
We have been trying this the last few weeks and think it’s super awesome. Simply clamp it on the top of the can, give it a little twist, and pop off the top (with NO jagged edges). I have actually turned some of my favorite cans into indoor plant “pots”. Some cans are just too good to go to waste! The Draft Tap 2.0 runs $24.99 and will be delivered by Christmas!
Body Glide is such a necessity for long runs for the I know at our founder Kelly’s wedding, there was even a joke about using Body Glide to get the ring on over her husband’s bony knuckles. And it’s available in a number of sizes, so it can reside day after day day in your running bag or (during the cooler months) in your car. These mini sticks are 0.35 oz and are small enough to fit in your pocket, which can be helpful on those hot summer runs where there’s no substitute for re-applying. You can pick these up at most running stores, and the mini is listed for $4.99 on the Body Glide website.
Gu (or Hammer Gel):
The key to gifting Gu is to find out which flavors and brand your favorite runner like. Living in the same house as them is the easiest; as you probably already know what they like and don’t like. Otherwise, you can just ask them … as runners, Gu flavors are right up there on the list of “things runners talk about” along with the best long run routes and when racing is coming back on line.. And if all else fails, just get them a gift card to your favorite local running store and let them pick out their own!
The NATHAN Hipster Running Belt:
It’s small, it’s lightweight, and it fits comfortably around the hips. Available in five colors, the Hipster is sized, so you’ll need to have an idea of your friends’ preferred fit. I wear around a size 10 pants and the size L was perfect for me; I like that it doesn’t have any zippers so it’s easy to get into with one hand. I used to just carry my phone in my hand when running, but now it annoys me to do so when my Hipster is in the wash! The pockets are an overlapping clamshell, so you don’t have to worry about losing things on the run. I usually run with my phone, but there’s also plenty of room to also hold my car key, Gu, gloves (once I warm up), and a credit card – which I carry with me when running on work trips (along with, of course, my hotel keycard). It’s available on the NATHAN website for $8.99!
Gummy Bears/jelly beans:
While some Run Oregon bloggers swear that the Haribo brand is the only Gummi worth eating, there are a lot of brands you can pick up pretty much anywhere for just a few bucks. Slap a “Runner Emergency Food” label on the bag and you’ve got a customized runner gift!
