Holiday Essentials for Every Runner

With the holidays coming up, I wanted to put together a simple list of gifts I genuinely love—things I use, things our HAX coaches swear by, and things any runner would be excited to unwrap. From small stocking stuffers to bigger upgrades, here’s my go-to guide for keeping the runners in your life moving happy this winter.

Stocking Stuffers

These are lower-cost, fun or useful items that fit easily in a stocking or under $50.

1. Gift #1 — Breathe Right Original Nasal Strips
   You’ve probably seen one of your favorite pro runners wearing these in races. My formula, is using them to sleep with at night. Game Changer.

2. Gift #2 — Puresport 1000 Mg Muscle and Joint Balm.
   I am a huge fan of stuff with Arnica, and I have been using it for sore muscles and joints since HS. This stuff is great to put on achey spots post run. I use it with a steel Gua Sha.

3. Gift #3 — Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter
   I know what you’re thinking, “you can’t put butter in a stocking.” There are no rules! I love this stuff, have it every morning with my bagel before my runs and with my eggs after my runs. Don’t be afraid of healthy fats!

4. Gift #4 — Sachajuan Thickening Shampoo
   Nobody wants a stinky runner in their life. I have been using this stuff for years and love it. And my wife usually tells me my hair smells great every time I use it! Win = win.

5. Gift #5 — Precision Fuel PF 30 Gel
   Fueling is new for me but there is tons of research coming out about how important it is. This is the cheapest and most bang for you buck option. Grab a few of these and chuck them in your shorts on long runs. Hide them on a loop you like to run, or use them between intervals on a grueling track session. There isn’t a long run I don’t use these on anymore.

6. Gift #6 — Olipop

   A nice healthy soda for when we’re all having too much sugar around the holidays.

7. Gift #7 — Celestial Honey Vanila Chamomile Tea 1 Box.

   My Daughter and I drink this every night (she loves tea.) And we train at this fun little loop in Boulder around the Celestial Seasons Tea Factory so this feels like the perfect stocking stuffer for runners.

8. Gift #8 — MUSH Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip

   One of my favorite post run snacks. In my opinion, it’s hard to create a good tasting protein bar, MUSH nails it here.

9. Gift #9 — ASICS Ultra Lightweight Running Cap

   I run with a hat every single day (or a beanie if it’s really cold out.) This one is my favorite currently and is the perfect stocking stuffer because it is small and can bend.

10. Gift #10 — Everyman Jack Aluminum Free Deodorant

    I’ve used this for years — trust me on this one. But maybe don’t pair it with the shampoo unless you want to send a message.

The Classics / Mid-Range Gifts

These are go-to runner gifts in the ~$50–300 range (or equivalent value) — practical gear that many runners want.

1. Gift #1 — Novablast 5. 
   This is the daily trainer I wear for ~70% of my weekly mileage. You won’t find a better run shoe or gift for distance runners.

2. Gift #2 — Precision Fuel Carb Only Drink Mix.
   Reed Fischer’s long run fuel— and he’s fast! And if that doesn’t convince you, it’s what I sip on every day at practice between intervals.

3. Gift #3 — ASICS Double Weave Relaxed Pull Over Jacket.
   I wore this for an ASICS shoot and got non-stop compliments.

4. Gift #4 — Asics Metaspeed Edge Tokyo.
   This is a must have for anyone who wants to PR on the roads in 2026. I have worn these for my mile PB on the roads all the way up to 10 mile race. Great marathon shoe if that’s what you’re eyeing in 2026.

5. Gift #5 — Kettle and Fire Chicken Bone Broth 6 pack.

   I love making soup around the holidays and this is the perfect way to make some great chicken noodle soup to keep everyones immune systems nice and strong when you're around lots of family.

6. Gift #6 — ROKA Oslo 2.0

   Elite performance sunglasses that look great on the run and off it. One of my favorite pieces of gear.

7. Gift #7 — Garmin HRM 600

   Best bang-for-your-buck tech upgrade, especially for threshold training. Essential for data nerds (we all know a few).

8. Gift #8 — ASICS Gel - Kayano 14

   This is the shoe I travel in for most races. IT looks great in sweats, jeans, shorts, etc… It is the ultimate dad shoe.

9. Gift #9 — ASICS Road 7IN Short

   Dad shorts are back. I use these for gym work, easy jogging, and walking to the mailbox to get Amazon packages.

10. Gift #10 — ASICS Gym Tote Bag 20L

    I’ll be honest, I lift in my basement so I don’t NEED a gym bag. However, this becomes very handy once track season is here for all the different shoes you need to bring. It is also great for groceries.

Premium / Splurge Gifts

High-end gifts for the dedicated runner — think tech, major gear upgrades, or big ticket items.

11. Gift #1 — Thule Glide 3

    The Best run stroller in the game. I can’t wait to break the stroller mile world record in this thing. If you have kids and still want some speed, look no further. Great on roads or for offroading on crushed gravel trails.

12. Gift #2 — Rapid Reboot Regen Boots Package
    I am on my feet and legs all day and this is the only thing that really seems to do the trick of making them feel better the next day. Throw them on at the end of the day with a show or a book for 30-45 minutes. For people who take recovery very seriously!

13. Gift #3 — Garmin Forerunner 970
    A serious watch for serious runners. Tracks everything you need, and then some.

14. Gift #4 — Breville the Barista Touch Impress
    My gateway into good coffee. I used to drink black sludge… now I’m a snob and proud of it. Cappuccino is my go-to.

15. Gift #5 — Thule Approach M
    Confession: I didn’t like camping — until this. Fire, s’mores, nature… and a great night’s sleep on top of your car. Perfect for runners who want adventure without sacrificing comfort.

Whether you’re shopping for a runner, a runner dad, or someone who just wants to feel a little healthier heading into the new year, I hope this list gives you a few ideas. If you want to see everything in one place (plus some extras I didn’t include here), you can browse my full FAVES storefront here. Hope this helps you find something fun for the runner in your life — or for yourself. You’ve earned it.