Coach Approved: The Only 6 Gifts Runners Actually Need in 2025
Every December, I see the same “gift guides” circulating on social media. They are full of novelty mugs, flimsy phone holders, and gadgets that will be collecting dust by February.
If you are buying for a serious runner—or someone who wants to be one—don’t buy them fluff. Buy them tools that help them solve the three biggest problems we face: injury, inconsistency, and boredom.
As a coach, my job is to get athletes to the starting line healthy. This list isn’t about what’s trendy; it’s about what works. Here are my top 6 recommendations for 2025, vetted for performance and longevity.
1. The Upgrade: Garmin Forerunner 165 (Music Edition)
- The Ideal Recipient: The runner ready to ditch their phone, or the runner still using an old Forerunner 35 or an Apple Watch who complains about battery life but is intimidated by the price tag of the “Pro” models.
- Approx. Price: ~$299.99
- Where to Buy: $249.99 on Amazon
The Coach’s Pitch
In 2025, the barrier to entry for elite training data has finally lowered. The Forerunner 165 is the new “sweet spot” for most of my athletes. It features the brilliant AMOLED screen previously reserved for $500+ watches but strips away the niche multisport features most road runners never touch. It gives you exactly what you need: accurate multi-band GPS, Heart Rate Variability (HRV) status, and onboard music.
Why It’s a Must-Buy
Your runner is going to train in January regardless. But do you want them training blind? This watch gives them an important metric that actually helps prevent overtraining: a heart rate monitor. Buy this now to ensure their 2026 season is a success.
2. The Safety Net: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
- The Ideal Recipient: “The Road Warrior.” The runner who logs miles early in the morning or late at night on suburban streets and needs to be aware of their surroundings.
- Approx. Price: ~$179.95
- Where to Buy: $179.95 on Amazon
The Coach’s Pitch
I have a strict rule: no noise cancelling headphones or earbuds on the road. It is a safety hazard. However, the OpenRun Pro 2 uses bone conduction technology, leaving the ear canal completely open. The “Pro 2” update has significantly fixed the bass issues of previous models and boosted battery life to 10 hours. It allows runners to hear traffic, dogs, and fellow runners while still getting their podcast or power playlist. I use these regularly to stay safe on the roads.
Why It’s a Must-Buy
You worry about them when they run alone in the dark. They worry about being bored on long runs. This solves both problems instantly. It’s not just a headphone; it’s an insurance policy for their situational awareness.
3. The Recovery Portable: Theragun Mini (3rd Gen)
- The Ideal Recipient: “The Frequent Flyer.” The runner who travels for work or races and complains about stiffness after flights/drives.
- Approx. Price: ~$199.00
- Where to Buy: $159 on Amazon
The Coach’s Pitch
Consistency is king, and consistency is killed by “niggles”—tight calves, sore glutes, and stiff hamstrings. Full-sized massage guns are great, but they often sit in the closet because they are heavy and loud. The Mini 2.0 fits in a carry-on or a gym bag and is whisper-quiet. It turns “recovery” from a chore into something they can do while watching Netflix.
Why It’s a Must-Buy
The hardest part of training isn’t the running; it’s the recovery between the runs. Give them the tool that removes the excuse of “I didn’t have time to foam roll.” This is the gift of fresh legs for every Tuesday track workout.
4. The Long Haul Hero: Salomon Adv Skin 12 Hydration Vest
- The Ideal Recipient: “The Trail Dreamer.” The runner looking to move from the half-marathon to the marathon, or from the road to the trails, who needs to carry their own fuel.
- Approx. Price: ~$180.00
- Where to Buy: $175.00 on Amazon
The Coach’s Pitch
There is a reason you see this specific vest at the front of every ultra marathon. It doesn’t bounce. Most hydration packs chafe or jiggle, but the Adv Skin 12 fits like a second layer of clothing. It holds two soft flasks (included) for easy drinking and has enough “kangaroo” storage for layers, nutrition, and a phone.
Why It’s a Must-Buy
Dehydration is the silent killer of performance. If your runner is planning a spring marathon (Boston) or ultra, their long runs start in January. Don’t let them suffer through 16-milers without water. This vest is the single best investment for long-distance comfort and safety.
5. The “Buy It For Life” Stocking Stuffer: Darn Tough Run Socks
- The Ideal Recipient: “The Pragmatist.” The runner who has everything and hates waste.
- Approx. Price: ~$24.00/pair
- Where to Buy: $17.95 on Amazon
The Coach’s Pitch
A $20 pair of socks seems crazy until you realize you never have to buy them again. Darn Tough (made in Vermont) offers an unconditional lifetime guarantee. If you wear a hole in them, you send them back, and they send you a new pair. No questions asked. They are Merino wool, meaning they regulate temperature and prevent blisters better than any synthetic sock on the market.
Why It’s a Must-Buy
Socks are usually a boring gift. These are a challenge. Buy them a pair and tell them, “I bet you can’t destroy these.” It’s the only piece of gear in their stocking that will literally last them for the rest of their life.
6. The 2025 Read: “The Running Ground” by Nicholas Thompson
- The Ideal Recipient: “The Philosopher.” The runner who treats their morning miles as their therapy session and loves reading about the deeper meaning of the sport.
- Approx. Price: ~$28.00 (Hardcover)
- Where to Buy: $20.35 on Amazon
The Coach’s Pitch
Runners don’t just need gear; they need motivation. Released just in time for the holidays, Nicholas Thompson’s The Running Ground is a brilliant exploration of running as a through-line in life, fatherhood, and endurance. Unlike dry training manuals, this narrative speaks to the soul of the sport. It connects the discipline of the daily grind to the larger challenges of life.
Why It’s a Must-Buy
January is when motivation is high, but February is when it dips. This book isn’t about how to run faster intervals; it’s about why we run at all. Give them the mental fuel to keep lacing up when the novelty of the New Year wears off.
Disclaimer: I only recommend gear I would use myself or prescribe to my athletes. Some links above may be affiliate links, which support the blog at no extra cost to you.