Running News Daily

The easiest gifts for runners this Christmas

If there is a runner in your family who hasn’t sent you their Christmas list yet, don’t worry, we have you covered. You shouldn’t stress about buying Christmas gifts for runners, as they are the easiest demographic to shop for. Here are a few ideas.

Stance performance socks

Runners can never have too many pairs of socks. Stance socks are made of a performance polyester called ‘FEEL360,’ a sewn fibre that reacts to your body’s temperature for high-performance comfort. They also feature moisture-wicking technologies guaranteed to keep you feeling fresh and dry in the summer heat and warm in the winter. A bonus is that these socks can be purchased in unique colours and designs, such as, Wu-Tang Clan, Forrest Gump and Bob Marley styles. Stance socks range from $25 to $45 per pair and can be purchased online at MEC.

A nice pair of running gloves

A runner truly appreciates a nice pair of running gloves to get them through the winter. The run liner gloves from Under Armour are a great base layer for your hands. They’re form-fitting, light and stretchy, with the right warmth when temperatures are below zero. These gloves have water and wind-resistant panelling on the front and a plush interior for the right amount of warmth. They’re also touchscreen-friendly, allowing you to use your phone without having to take your gloves off. 

Smartwool merino men’s sport boxer brief

Men, it’s time to upgrade your running underwear this Christmas. These performance-style briefs are designed to help you operate in comfort regardless of the conditions. They feature a double front panelling designed to provide extra support down low, and sewn with a flatlock seam to eliminate chafing. These briefs are made to help keep you cool and dry while you’re out for a long winter run. Smartwool boxer briefs can be purchased online at MEC.

Petzl Bindi headlamp (200 lumens)

Light up the night sky with the Bindi headlamp from Petzl. This headlamp is ultra-compact and ideal for training in everyday urban environments. The headlamp has a range of 40 metres and is convenient to charge via a micro USB port. The Bindi headlamp is minimalist, yet functional, combining style and performance. The headlamp retails at MEC for $59.95.

Hydration is important all year for runners. They need an electrolyte mix to replace the nutrients lost in sweat during exercise. Skratch sports mix has a light, easy-drinking taste. The Skratch powder is non-GMO, non-dairy and gluten-free, so it will be easy on the stomach during or after a run. You can purchase Skratch online or at your local independent running retailer or MEC, prices ranging from $19.99 to $69.99