It’s that time of year again, and Canadians everywhere are heading to the malls (or retail websites) in droves in search of the perfect gift for that special someone. If you’ve got a runner in your life (or you’re putting together a wishlist to send to your grandma), check out our holiday gift guide to find the perfect present for every runner on your list.
FOR THE ENVIRONMENTALLY-CONSCIOUS RUNNER
BETTER BASICS STOCKING STUFFERS: Prices vary
Better Basics creates plastic-free, sustainable products for every runner in your life. From water bottles, reusable containers, grocery bags and sustainable-living starter kits, they have it all. Not sure what to get the runner on your list? They also offer $25 gift cards so you can let them choose for themselves. What makes this company even better is they plant a tree for every order.
FOR THE ROAD WARRIOR
RUNNER:
Avery Garrett-Patterson of Toronto
TOPS: The North Face Women’s Wander 1/4 Zip, $75
Under Armour Outrun the Storm Jacket, $140
BOTTOMS: Lululemon Fast and Free Hi-Rise Tight 25″, $138–$148
GLOVES: Smartwool Merino 250 Pattern Glove, $50
SHOES: Asics Gel 1130, $130
SOCKS: Smartwool PhD Pro Endurance, $32
EARBUDS: Apple Air Pods Pro $329
NUTRITION: Runner’s Protein $40
FOR THE TREADMILL TRAINER
RUNNER
Sergio Ráez Villanueva of Mississauga, Ont.
TOP: Roark Willow Long-sleeve Knit Atlas Tie Dye $90
BOTTOMS: Lululemon Surge Short 6″ Lined $68
SHOES: Nike Vomero 16 $190
SOCKS: Stance Light Cushion Crew Height $22
EARBUDS: Bose Sport Open Earbuds $249
FOR THE TRACKIE
TOP: Brooks Fusion Hybrid Jacket $140
BOTTOMS: Under Armour Empowered Tights $110
HEADWEAR: Saucony Solstice Headband $30
GLOVES: Brooks Fusion Midweight Glove $34
SHOES: Under Armour FLOW Velociti SE $160
WATCH: Garmin Forerunner 55 $260
EARBUDS: Apple Beats $180
FOR THE NEW RUNNER
TOPS: Puma Train Cloudspun Hoodie $100
Lululemon Down For It All Hoodie $198
BOTTOMS: Puma Train Cloudspun Jogger $90
HEADWEAR: Lululemon Cold Terrain Run Beanie $38
GLOVES: Asics Lite Show Gloves $45
SHOES: Saucony Triumph 18 $200
FOR THE (FEMALE) TRAILBLAZER
EARBUDS: Bose Sport Earbuds $235
WATCH: Coros Vertix $949
POLES: Leki Micro Trail Pro $260
TOP: The North Face Women’s Flight Jacket $390
BOTTOMS: Brooks Momentum Thermal Tights $95
HEAD & NECKWEAR: Ciele Athletics CR2 Beanie $45
Buff DryFlx Ultra Stretch $25
SHOES: The North Face Flight Vectiv $270
HYDRATION VEST: Salomon Sense Pro 5 $200
NUTRITION: Näak Nutrition Energy Waffles $20 (for a box of 12)
Skratch Labs Sport Hydration Drink Mix $35 (for a pack of 20 single servings)
FOR THE (MALE) TRAILBLAZER
WATCH: Garmin Enduro $1,100
TOP: Saucony Bluster Jacket $160
BOTTOMS: Lululemon Surge Warm Tights $138
SHOES: Saucony Endorphin Trail Mid (RunShield) $225
HYDRATION VEST: Salomon Sense Pro 5 $200
NUTRITION: Namedsport Sports Gel Hydration Formula Gel $33 (for a box of 15)
Näak Nutrition Ultra Energy bars $35 (for a box of 12)
HEADWEAR: 2XU Light Speed Trucker Hat $35
TOP: 2XU Light Speed Tee $55
BOTTOMS: 2XU MCS Run Compression Tights $150
FOR THE RUNNER WHO LIKES TO PLAY IT SAFE
PETZL BINDI HEADLAMP: $59.95
This ultra-compact rechargeable headlamp is just 35 grams, has three white and two red light modes and uses USB charging so you can top the battery up almost anywhere. The unique, cinch-cord head strap allows it to adjust to fit heads, hats and helmets, and can be easily rolled up when not in use.
PETZL IKO CORE: $89.96
This lightweight headlamp weighs in at 79 grams and packs a powerful (read: bright) punch at 500 lumens, so you’ll never get lost in the dark. The brand’s patented AIRFIT headband is balanced and comfortable so you’ll forget it’s even there. The lamp comes with a rechargeable battery, but is also compatible with three AAA batteries in a pinch.
FOR THE RUNNER WHO HAS EVERYTHING
REGISTRATION FOR CAMP KM: $55
From January 1-31, participants can set a distance goal and then run or walk to clock their kilometres — perfect for both the ambitious adventurer and the couch potato seeking motivation to get moving! Each entry fee will include a limited edition, five-panel run hat from Ambler (based in British Columbia with hats made in Canada!), an exclusive embroidered achievement badge, and a digital calendar to track progress. Adding to the season of giving, donations to Camp KM will go to Trans Canada Trail, the country’s longest trail network, spanning 28,000 km from coast to coast.
You can sign up yourself or purchase a gift registration here.
SUBSCRIPTION TO CANADIAN RUNNING: $2.99/month or $35.88/year
If the runner on your list loves keeping up-to-date with everything in the world of running, a web membership to Canadian Running Magazine will make sure they never miss a beat. You can purchase a subscription here.
SUBSCRIPTION TO ZWIFT RUNNING: Free, plus a $29.99 USD ($38 CAD) foot pod (*if they own a treadmill)
Even the most die-hard outdoor runners are sometimes forced inside when the weather gets ugly, and many runners are turning to Zwift to make their indoor training fun. As long as the person you’re buying for has a treadmill and a computer, phone or T.V., all you have to do is purchase a runpod and get them set up on the platform. Now, they can run explore different terrain in Zwift’s virtual world, and run in a group even when they’re alone in their living room. Learn more about Zwift here.
SUBSCRIPTION TO FUN RUN BOX: $36.99/box
With a subscription to Fun Run Box, the runner in your life will receive a box of goodies every month including running gear, gadgets and snacks. If the price for a full year is a little too steep for you, there is an option to purchase a one-month, three-month or six-month subscription as well. Learn more here.