Best Christmas Gifts for Runners in 2016

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The Active Guy 2016 Holiday Gift Guide

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays for a few different reasons. It’s a great time to see old friends, family, and ask for things you normally wouldn’t want to buy on your own. This is where a holiday gift guide is something I enjoy putting together. Last year’s holiday gift guide received a number of views, and wanted to put another one together for 2016.

My wife asked what I wanted for Christmas last week and this prompted me to do some research and put together a list for the upcoming holiday. My favorite Christmas gifts are the things I want but don’t want to buy either because they are expensive or just not fun to buy.

Top 5 holiday gifts for runners, cyclists, and active people.

Having the right workout gear makes anything more enjoyable and comfortable. Add technology to enjoyable and comfort, and you have a great combo to succeed with your new years resolution.

Below are my top 5 gifts for the 2016 holiday season.

1. Garmin Forerunner 630 (GPS running watch)

Garmin Forerunner 630

Image courtesy of Best GPS Tech

If you are an avid runner or cyclist, then you know that Garmin makes the best GPS running watches. Last year I picked the Garmin Forerunner 235, but this year my top rated Christmas gift is the Garmin Forerunner 630.

This watch has so many incredible features like a color touchscreen, smart notifications, heart rate, activity tracking, connect IQ, and more.

I also have a Garmin Vivoactive and one of the things I like about the smart notifications is that I can read text messages and know when people are calling, all without having to have my phone in my hand.

This watch takes the top spot as it provides the most value for your money. The watch itself retails for $399, but you can find it on sale for under $300.

Where to Buy: Amazon.com | JackRabbit.com | TriVillage.com | Holabird Sports | REI.com | HRM USA

Similar Items: Garmin Forerunner 235, Garmin Forerunner 230, Garmin Forerunner 225, Suunto Ambit2, Polar M400 GPS

2. Balega Hidden Comfort Socks (socks)

Balega Hidden Comfort

If you have read my Best Running Socks of 2016 post, then you know my favorite running sock is the Balega Hidden Comfort sock. These socks feel amazing, look great, and are reasonably priced (can get for around $8).

The Balega Hidden Comfort sock are available in over 10 colors so there is a color for everything. These socks feel a little thicker than the average sock, but feel great while being worn.

I was first introduced to these socks a few years back when I was talking to someone about the Smartwool PhD Ultra Light and how quickly the toe area wore out.

After someone suggested trying these socks, I purchased a pair. I was impressed with the feel, fit, and color options of these great socks. After a few runs these quickly became my go to socks for my daily runs.

These retail for $12, but you can usually find for around $8.

Where to Buy: Amazon.com | JackRabbit.com | Road Runner Sports | REI.com | Holabird Sports | Paragon Sports

Similar Items: Smartwool PhD Ultra Light, Thorlo Socks, Swiftwick Socks, Feetures Socks

3. Road ID Band/ID (safety gear)

Road ID

Image courtesy of Road ID

I have Road ID on my Christmas list every year for two reasons. First, it only costs around $20, and second, it could save your life. A Road ID is a bracelet type that has critical contact and health information that first responders can use to treat you if something were to happen to you. People typically put phone numbers of loved ones and any allergies or known conditions they have.

I am a believer in the products they make and the importance of being safe for less than $20. Below is the Road ID model I wear along with a link to extra bands.

If you have questions about the different models, just let me know. I have just about every model they now sell.

Where to Buy: RoadID.com (coupon link)

Similar Items: Reflective Vests, Running and Cycling Lights

4. Yaktrax Run (winter running gear)

Yaktrax Run

If you live in a place where the winters are cold and snow is present, I recommend picking up a pair of Yaktrax. These lightweight devices that attach to your shoe as shown above. These devices give you superb traction while running in dirt, snow, and slush.

During the winter I also use them while hiking or walking in the snow. They are great for shoveling snow too.

If you are running in the snow in these, you can barely tell you have anything attached to your shoe. These make a great gift and retail for around $40.

Where to Buy: Amazon.com | Eastern Mtn Sports | JackRabbit.com | Holabird Sports | REI.com

Similar Items: Kahtoola Microspikes

5. Nike Element Sphere Half-Zip (apparel)

Nike Element Sphere Half-Zip

I recently had a Jack Rabbit and Nike social media contest and one of the items included was the Nike Element Sphere Half-Zip. I have been a big fan of all my other Nike half-zip tops and this one doesn’t disappoint.

This half-zip is one of the most comfortable tops I have ever worn. It is light, warm, and has built-in fold-over mittens for those chilly morning runs.

This half-zip is available in over 10 colors and retails for $85, but you can find it on sale at almost any online store.

Where to Buy: Amazon.com | JackRabbit.com | Road Runner Sports | 6pm

Similar Items: Patagonia Capilene, Saucony Omni Drylete

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If all else fails, I recommend picking up an Amazon Gift Card or buying a Peloton. Millions of products and Prime shipping makes this an easy and great holiday gift for anyone.


Last week, I received a few suggestions from Twitter folks. Below are some of their suggestions.

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What items are you looking forward to getting this holiday season?

Please note, theActiveGuy.com may earn a commission when you follow some of the links and make a purchase.

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