TOP TEN HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR RUNNERS

Oh M goodness...the holidays are officially here! It's the season for festive music, cozy sweaters, and long distance training runs (I'm looking at you, Princess Half-marathoners!)
If you have yet to finish your Christmas shopping and need gift ideas for the runner in your life, then look no further! I listed below TEN amazing stocking stuffers/Christmas presents for any endurance athlete! 
​*All items have links to shop!
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NUMBER ONE: S'WELL BOTTLE

I LOVE my S'well bottle because it's stainless steel and keeps my water cold for 24 hours!! The smooth and sleek design is so pretty and 100% condensation free. S'well bottles come in a variety of stylish colors, limited edition designs, and stone-like textures. The newest S'well bottles even come covered in Swarovski crystals... #fancy. Plus, it's the perfect fit for any Christmas stocking. 
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Price range: $25 - $45, unless you're buying a bottle with crystals on it. 
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NUMBER TWO & THREE: XTEND BCAAs &
ROCKET SCIENCE 

These two little beauties really come in handy for when I have to log a lot of miles. Scivation XTEND BCAAs helps to replenish electrolytes lost while running for extended periods of time. BCAAs (branch chain amino acids) play an important role in muscle and energy production during exercise, and help to reduce muscle soreness. This product comes in a powder form and is very easy to pour into your shaker bottle. Not only is it beneficial for athletes, but it tastes good too! The Blue Raspberry is my favorite flavor but I also like Watermelon and Pineapple. All flavors are sugar free. 

Magnum Nutraceuticals Rocket Science is a clinically proven exercise intensifier. I usually take two of these pills prior to a long distance run, and I've seen an amazing difference in my stamina and focus. This product is perfect for anyone who wants to break through endurance plateaus and have unlimited energy. All Magnum products are 100% pharmaceutical grade. You'll be wanting to go to infinity and beyond, trust me.

Price Range: 
BCAA's - $20 - $40
Rocket Science - $29.99

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NUMBER FOUR & FIVE: TONE IT UP PERFECT FIT PROTEIN & BOOTY BANDS

I have been a Tone It Up girl for years now, and I've been using their Perfect Fit Protein consistently for a longggg time. The TIU protein is plant-based and comes in recyclable tubs, as well as small on-the-go packages. The vanilla is my favorite flavor, and I use this protein powder a lot for baking mini muffins and making yummy smoothies. The texture, smell, and taste cannot be beat! TIU also has amazing and affordable workout gear! The "Booty Bands" are my favorite, because they are easy to bring on vacation, and they are perfect to use before a run to warm up those glutes! I use these bands to improve my hip strength, and they are my go-to whenever I deal with IT Band Syndrome (which is very common among runners). These bands come in three different resistance levels. 

Price:
Protein - $49
Booty Bands - $12

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NUMBER SIX: BEATS BY DRE, POWER BEATS WIRELESS

Let me just say that prior to using these small pieces of ear candy, I didn't realize what I was missing out on. I wish I had a nickel for every time I used to have to detangle my sad little non-bluetooth earbuds, however, all of that has now changed. Beats by Dre Power Beats Wireless earphones help me focus better on my workout and the sound quality is top notch, y'all.  I no longer have to struggle with keeping my phone in my hand at all times. Running has become a lot less of a hassle, because I can move more freely and the buds stay snug in my ears at all times. These earphones are water and sweat resistant, which means they are perfect for any outdoor running. I got them from my boyfriend last year as a Christmas gift, and they're definitely one of my top "must haves".

Price:
​$159 *Special Holiday Offer 

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​NUMBER SEVEN: GRAPHIC SWEATSHIRT

Every girl needs a good graphic sweatshirt, and I find that the best ones are usually fitness related. My current go-to is Shop Private Party "I Sleigh All Day". This sweatshirt is festive, soft, and speaks nothing but the truth. We all know Beyonce wasn't built in a day, but you'll definitely be feeling like you woke up like this. Crew neck sweatshirts are fun to run in because you don't have to bother with the annoyance of a hood, but I also love to lounge in them. Check out Private Party for plenty of other fun items. 

Price: 
$79

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NUMBER EIGHT: TRIGGER POINT MASSAGE BALL

I first came across the TP massage ball after ordering a Trigger Point foam roller. Trigger Point has so many quality products that help any athlete relieve minor aches and pains. I usually use the TP massage ball for targeted muscle relief on my calf muscles and glutes. Often times after a run I'll feel knot begin to build up, and that's when I rely on this little ball to help release any tightness in a particular area. I would highly recommend this item for anyone who is active and plans on staying active. It's the perfect fit for any stocking! The TP foam roller receives honorable mention!

Price: $19.99


NUMBER NINE: HOT HANDS HAND WARMERS

I never thought such a simple item could mean so much! These palm sized Hot Hands hand warmers are perfect for any runner who endures the colder weather to stay in shape. I personally love to run outside, but sometimes it becomes hard when the temperature begins to drop. I received about a dozen of these as a gift a couple years back, and they have kept me warm throughout multiple outdoor runs. If you're in need  of a quick and creative idea, look no further! These really do come in "handy".

Price: 
$4.50 - $50 (depending on where you purchase them and the quantity)


NUMBER TEN: NEW BALANCE RUNNING SHOES

I purchased my first pair of New Balance sneakers at the Run Disney Expo before the 2016 Princess Half Marathon. Each year Disney announces the characters/themes on the designs of the New Balance shoes prior to the race events. Runners usually make a mad dash for the design they want once they arrive on Disney property. I knew I had to have these "Little Mermaid" themed sneakers the moment I saw them! Aside from the aesthetics, I was really hoping they would deliver in comfort and durability. Overall, New Balance definitely lives up to the hype. They keep coming out with new and improved running shoes that are flexible and supportive for any foot-type. I've been dying to try their new Fresh Foam series, but until then, my Run Disney Vazee series shoes will work swimmingly. < See what I did there. ;) If the runner in your life needs new kicks, have them try out a pair of New Balance shoes. They fit like a glove, but definitely size up!

Price Range: 
$79.99 - $159.99


...And that concludes my Top Ten Holiday Gifts for Runners! I hope you like my suggestions, and if you end up buying one of the items I listed, please leave a comment below! I'd also love to hear about any other items that could've made this list! It was definitely hard to narrow down, so maybe next year I'll have to do a Top Twenty! 

​Happy Holidays, folks!