Shopping for the runner in your life can be fun; runners are a bunch of nerds who love testing out products, and who have spent a great deal of time as consumers, in order to better figure out how to take the next step, achieve the next goal. We’re excited for food. Gloves. Books. Shoes. Clothing. Packs. Food. Beer. Food. A new run – Give the gift of a new run, a new trail, company – a modern twist on the couple’s coupon book? As we are long time consumers in the running industry, we asked the women of BDP to share their Runner’s Gift Guide essentials. This is what they came up with:

1. Garmin 235 – to track runs and steps, with wrist based heart rate technology. “I still have a major tan line from the summer because I haven’t taken it off since I got it.” “Even while injured you can wear it cross training, even pool running. I geek out over all the data and love connecting with teammates on Garmin Connect. I can even track my ‘crutching’ steps!'”
2. Patagonia Houdini Jacket – “I own two Patagonia Houdini jackets and at one point I had 3 and felt embarrassed so I gave one away. Pretty sure I’ve convinced about 7-8 people to also make this purchase. It’s super lightweight so if I get too hot I can take it off and literally carry it in my hand. I wear it on almost every run during the winter. They are always coming out with new colors so I always want a new one.”
3. Patagonia Capilene Long Sleeve – “I wear my Patagonia capilene long sleeve from the Chuckanut 50K ALL THE TIME on these wet, cool days, even sometimes in the summer when I want to protect my skin from the sun. This piece is awesome because it’s lightweight and breathable, but thick enough to be protective. Bonus: it protects you from branches and other foliage, that I often run into off the trail while bushwacking through an adventure race or in exploring new local trails. Double bonus: It’s from and supports a local race.”
4. Native Sunglasses – “I have a hard time running without my Native sunglasses. From protecting my eyes from the sun to keeping my contacts from drying out, I feel more comfortable with shades on. For these gray PNW winter days I wear interchangeable lenses that make things look bright and cheerful. I call them my ‘Happy Glasses.'”
5. Ultimate Direction Meow Waist Pack – “I wear this almost every day to hold my phone, extra calories and toilet paper. Because it’s made for women, it’s small and fits really comfortably with an adjustable belt. It even comes with an extra hair tie in case of emergency.”
6. Trail Sisters Hat – “I can’t run in the rain without a hat; I’ve been loving my Trail Sisters hat – it keeps the rain out, looks cute, and keeps me motivated thinking about my teammates who are training hard in the weather too.”
7. Saucony Mitts– “My Saucony mitts are worn daily because my hands are always freezing, and gloves just don’t cut it.” Or, the Saucony Ulti-Mitt – “I wear my mitts most days during fall and winter. They’re great for the cold and rain as they’re water resistant and have touch screen/electronic finger technology.”
8. Saucony Speed Demon Jogger Pants – “I love my Saucony Speed Demon Jogger Pants. I wear them for everything – perfect for pre or post race, great for lounging around on weekends or sleeping in. They are fashionable to wear out to the store and have zip pockets that make for perfect and safe storing of personal items. I might just have to get a second pair…” And accompanying the jogger pant, the Saucony Speed Demon Cape – “I enjoy outside-the-box but subtle and simple design. I’ve been wearing my Saucony Speed Demon Cape and Saucony Speed Demon Jogger Pants like a suit, to work, social events, etc. The materials are very luxe and well made. The marketing elicits, ‘There’s a devil in these details.'”
9. Road ID – “I wear my Road ID bracelet everyday, all day. They’re cool because they can be customized with personal sayings, and it’s an easy way to have emergency contact information on your person at all times.
10. Salomon Pack – “Things I can’t live without – Definitely my Salomon Pack. Specifically the S-lab 5 set! This pack fits the body better than any other pack I’ve ever worn. You can use it with either a traditional hydration bladder or with bottles, with no bounce and slosh! It’s got plenty of pockets for snacks, your phone, a jacket and mittens. Even better, it comes with two 17 ounce soft flasks and a survival blanket!”
11. Believe Journal – “Created by Lauren Fleshman and Roisin McGettigan-Dumas, their Believe journal is much more than a workout log. It’s a personal diary + workbook that will help keep you honest and motivated for running while improving your mind and spirit alongside your body.”
12. Gu Energy’s Stroopwafel  – “A more recent love affair is with the newest adventure waffles on the market – Gu Energy’s Stroopwafel is so delicious you’ll have a hard time waiting until after your run to eat one!”
13. RX Bars – “I really didn’t want to get started on these, because I knew it would become an expensive habit. But someone gifted some to me, and lo-and-behold, I’m addicted. RX Bars host core ingredients of egg whites, fruits and nuts. Perfect for the runner’s stocking stuffer.”
14. Picky Bars – “BDP’s leading bar. Specifically, the Smooth Caffeinator. Used in training, during races, and stocked in the office desks of our hospital working ladies. Obsessed. Another awesome runner’s stocking stuffer.”
15. Run Gum – “Created by the Brad Pitt of middle distance running, Run Gum hosts cinnamon, mint and fruit flavored gum that is packed with caffeine, taurine and b-vitamins, similar to energy drinks, but able to enter into your system faster than drinks or gels. Buy Run Gum for Christmas and you’ll be hooked year round.”
16. Opening up a pair of shoes over the holidays or for your birthday is a treat. It’s where most of the runner’s money goes, and by gifting a pair, it’s like absorbing a monthly bill for the athlete. Some of our go-to shoes include Saucony Kinvara 7’s, Saucony Ride 9’s, La Sportiva Bushido’s, Nike Frees 5.0 and Nike Wildhorse 3.

All of the products listed above are linked to platforms for purchase (non-affiliated). Other avenues for best-price matching include Amazon, or if you’re local – Fairhaven Runners.