The holiday-winning gift guide every runner needs
Outshine Santa Claus with our curated holiday picks that will making gifting effortless
The runner’s ultimate holiday gift guide is back–and with it comes our best lineup yet. Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned runner, a trail adventurer or yourself, this year’s picks will make gift-giving easy. We’ve included the best winter-proof essentials, unique running must-haves and the perfect stocking stuffers so that you one-up Santa every time.
Prepare for the elements
Kahtoola NANOspikes Footwear Traction help you stay steady when sidewalks turn to skating rinks. The NANOspikes use ten tungsten carbide spikes per foot to grip icy roads, without getting worn down during impact on pavement or other rough surfaces, making them durable, comfortable and reliable for boosting winter running performances. C$63.95
Hedgehog Drive portable dryer takes the dread out of wet winter training days. The lightweight, quiet and powerful dryer pushes warm air through your soaked running shoes, gloves, hats and other layers, using a fire-safe heating element to dry gear fast. A sleek design and just 240 grams, the dryer conveniently fits right into your running bag, and can be powered by your car, making it ideal for on-the-go. C$83.00
MEC T2 Merino Base Layer keeps you warm without overheating when temperatures dip. Its merino wool and polyester blend regulates heat, wicks moisture and resists odour, and the slim fit makes it an essential layer for cold-weather runs. C$95.96
For the trail runner:
Wanderlust Kitchen dehydrated meals are the gift that trail runners didn’t know they needed. Toronto-based Wanderlust Kitchen is saying goodbye to boring trail food with their “adventure-ready,” plant-based South Asian-inspired meals that include 25-29 grams of protein. All you have to do is add water and bam–you’ll have a flavourful lentil or chickpea curry, perfect for on the go. C$15.95 or three for C$39.95
Petzl Actik/Actik Core headlamp will make your winter running, trekking or mountaineering safer and easier. This powerful headlamp will extending the time you can spend outdoors, even as darkness falls earlier. The phosphorescent reflector also makes it easy to find in the dark, while its red lighting is more comfortable on the eyes of those around you. (The Actik uses batteries, while the Actik Core is rechargeable.) C$69.95 (Actik)/$104.95 (Actik Core)
Powered by music
Apple AirPods Pro 3 bring improved noise cancellation and battery life, plus new activity- and workout-tracking features. The revolutionary live translation detail makes them an ideal training companion for travelling runners. From C$329
Shokz OpenDots One bone-conduction earbuds leave your ears open to your surroundings while providing top-notch Dolby audio and mic quality. These earbuds boast 40 hours of battery life with in-case charging, making them perfect for busy days, long training blocks or forgetful runners. C$250
Run in style
The Oakley/Meta Vanguard sunglasses combine performance optics with built-in Meta AI for real-time feedback. View workout stats directly on your lens, record hands-free point-of-view footage and enjoy surprisingly crisp audio–even in 48 kph winds. The sweat, dust and water-resistant lenses also make the shades an unbeatable option for hard sessions and tough weather. C$679
Balmoral Sports creates premium running gear that blends style, comfort, function and responsible manufacturing. Using eco-conscious materials and fair-labour production, this Montreal-based brand offers unique pieces that aesthetic runners can look good in and feel good about wearing.
Run Commute Ultimate Kit by Kilometer Studios is ideal for run-commuting through the city. The zero-bounce backpack offers 14 L of capacity, a 16″ laptop compartment and has ergonomic S-shaped straps for a stable fit. You can add the 9 L space bag via MOLLE straps for overflow storage that you can keep separate–perfect for wet shoes from a snowy run. C$505
Unbeatable recovery
Cronometer Gold subscription gives runners ad-free, in-depth precision nutrition tracking to support fuelling, recovery and long-term health. The Canadian-built app makes it easy for users to track nutrients, spot trends and improve their performance. And really, what better gift than the tools to take your health to the next level? C$6.67/month or C$79.99/year billed annually
The Hypervolt Go 2 massage gun delivers powerful relief for tight muscles in a travel-friendly design. Weighing only 680 grams, the 40-watt, three-speed motor provides three hours of use per charge, helping runners focus on recovery even while on the go. C$199
The Norda 008 recovery slides are perfect for your tired feet after long training days. The cushiony, durable midsole still supports your arch while offering unbeatable comfort–just opt for a half-size larger than your usual. C$145
Stocking stuffers (under $50)
MEC Goto Fleece Mitts offer light and flexible warmth for cold-weather runs. They’re touchscreen-friendly and even slide easily under heavier mitts during extreme temperatures. C$29.95
NoNormal Outdoor Coffee is delicious–as well as handy and compact for outdoor adventures. Made from fair trade arabica beans, the paste comes in Classic Black or Sweet Black. All you need to do is add hot water and stir; one pack will make 30 cups. (Order from Geartrade.ca) C$23
NamedSport Race Fuel gels come backed with 40 g of carbs in an ideal 1:0.8 ratio of maltodextrin and fructose for top-tier fuelling during long runs, workouts or races. C$4.75 each
NamedSport Energybars make a great pre- or post-race snack, contain 28 g of carbohydrate, are lactose- and aspartame-free and vegetarian-friendly. C$33 for a box of 12
A good running book
Chasing The Grid, by Kenneth Posner, details one barefoot runner’s quest to conquer “The Grid”—summitting the 35 high peaks in New York State’s Catskill Mountains. C$27
The Endurance Artist, by Jared Beasley, delves into the bizarre history of Gary Cantrell, better known as Lazarus Lake, inventor of ultra-trail’s infamous Barkley Marathons (reviewed in our September & October 2025 issue). C$30
Runner 13, by award-winning U.K.-based writer Amy McCulloch, is a thriller set in the mysterious world of ultrarunning. C$25
