Unique Gifts for Runners: 12 Ideas They Do Not Have

Finding unique gifts for runners takes a bit of thought: someone who has been running for years usually has a watch, shoes and kit, and what excites them most is something they would never have thought of buying. This guide has less obvious ideas, from a heart rate sensor worn on the arm to a scale that measures body composition or a race entry. Everything comes from well-known brands, and we explain what each one is for.

We chose these products for their brand, buyer ratings and what they are for; we have not tested all of them. Prices change often, so we only give budget ranges. This guide contains affiliate links: if you buy through them, KnowPace may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, KnowPace earns from qualifying purchases.

Tech they probably do not have

These are unique gifts for runners because runners rarely buy them for themselves, and then use them every day.

Polar Verity Sense heart rate sensor

An optical sensor worn on the arm instead of the chest. It connects over Bluetooth and ANT+, stores workouts in its memory and also works for swimming. For anyone who cannot stand a chest strap.

For the runner who wants to train by heart rate but cannot stand a chest strap.

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Garmin Index S2 smart scale

It measures weight and body composition and sends the data over Wi-Fi to Garmin Connect, the same app as the watch. It supports up to 16 users, so the whole household can use it.

For the runner who logs every number and wants to see how their body changes with training.

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Shokz OpenMove headphones

Bone conduction headphones that leave your ears open, so you can hear traffic while you run.

For the runner who never goes out without music and worries about not hearing cars.

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Polar says its H10 chest strap is more accurate than an optical sensor, especially for heart rate variability, as explained on the official Verity Sense page. For training by heart rate zones, the Verity Sense is enough.

Gifts for better recovery

Theragun Mini 2.0 massage gun

The compact version of Therabody’s massage gun, easy to take to races.

For the runner who comes home with heavy legs and asks you for a massage.

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TriggerPoint massage ball

For loosening calves, the sole of the foot and glutes after a run. A cheap and unusual gift that ends up on the bedside table.

For the runner who complains about tight calves every Sunday after the long run.

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Fitness gear with a smartwatch seen from above, unique gifts for runners

Small things for race day

Salomon Soft Flask 500 ml

It collapses as you drink, so it does not bounce in a pocket.

For the runner whose bottle bounces and sloshes with every step.

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Box of 12 Maurten Gel 100

The gels many elite athletes use, with 25 g of carbohydrate each. A full box covers the build-up to a half marathon or a marathon.

For the runner preparing their first marathon and reading forums about what to take during the race.

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Steel medal hanger to display race medals on the wall instead of keeping them in a drawer.

Experiences: unique gifts for runners that take up no space

If they already have everything, an experience is often a better choice than an object.

An entry to a special race, such as a marathon in another city or a mountain race with views. Our race calendar lets you search by distance and month.
A gait analysis at a specialist running store, useful before changing shoes.
A physiotherapy or sports massage session after their next marathon.