Best Christmas Stocking Stuffers for Runners

Do you have a runner in your family that you wish to surprise with a delightfully fun stocking full of running gear? Here are my top eight top choices for 2009!

Gift #1: iTunes Gift Cards

As a runner I know first hand that running can be very pleasurable but even more so with the perfect songs streaming through your ears. Although I am still a beginner, I run around 30 miles a week in total and love listening to some of my favorite tunes. Unfortunately, after a few weeks of the same songs can get tiring and something new is appreciative. Gift Cards come in all price ranges and at many different stores and online.

Gift #2: Drymax Socks

A leader in the industry of running socks is Drymax socks which are made in America. These little running socks are not just your ordinary "keep your feet warm" socks but rather keep them almost perfectly dry after running through inches of water. These gems are perfect for any runner and can be purchased at many different stores around the nation and/or online.

Gift #3: akabill amulets

For your superstitious runner on your list this year, these adorable unisex amulets are the perfect solution. Each amulet is made by hand by "akabill" in Hawaii, an avid runner. For around $20.00 each, the runner wearing the amulet will have greater success during runs and may even be helpful in the next planned marathon race.

Gift #4: Ipod Shuffle

This may sound slightly pricy but every runner knows that this little gem is the perfect running companion - for long or short distance runners. It is small enough to clip onto your shorts or even bra-strap without bothering the runner. There are special deals going on over the internet where you can purchase one for less than $50.00 for 2GB (500 songs) or $80 for 4GB (1,000 songs).

Gift #5: Lace Stick

It never fails for me as a runner, whenever I am getting into my "groove" my shoelaces seems to get out of their double tied death lock. It happens to everyone and can be annoying especially when you are in a race and stopping to tie your shoes a millions times can be deadly to your finish line time. The Lace Stick is the simple solution for any runner and takes about two seconds to apply to any shoelace to keep it tight and together. Simply apply this special type of glue without any fuss or mess to your shoelaces and they will stay tight for hours!

Gift #6: Runner's World Magazine Subscription

Right now there is a deal going on for a full one-year subscription for Runner's World Magazine. The cover price is around $50.00 so this is an amazing deal for a stocking stuffer. Simply purchase the subscription and place a note in the stocking.

Gift #7: Protein Bars, Energy Gels and so on

Getting enough energy is one of the hardest things that a runner has to do to complete a long marathon or even just a 5K race. Help reduce some of the cost associated with running and purchase some protein bars, energy gels and so on. There are tons of different types out there on the market and can be purchased even at your general grocery store. Be careful to steer clear of the high sugary brands and focus on purchasing the high protein energy options for your runner.

Gift #8: Reflective Tape for Runners

There are many different types of reflective tapes out on the market but I have just chosen one (see link) that is available around the nation. Running is a wonderful sport and can get addictive, even when winter sunsets seem to come earlier and earlier. Reflective tape is for safety when a runner is outdoors during the darker parts of the day/nights. It can be placed on just about anything for long periods of time.