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Runners aren’t really known to splurge. We’re practical people, with a healthy fitness obsession that doesn’t cost as much as say, skiing or cycling, or other expensive hobbies. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have running wishlists, right? If Santa came along and said you could ask for one running gift for the holidays, what would you choose?
Of course, the editors of RUN have some ideas. You know, it’s not like we went all out and said we wanted a magical cooling mattress (maybe because some of us already have it) or even a pair of robot-made spray-on shoes (actually, these came in second place for one editor). Instead, we opted for some beautiful, timeless running gifts that are made to last but just a little over our budget.
So if you’re looking to treat the runner in your life to something splurge-worthy, here are four items to consider. If you don’t want to spend too much, check out our holiday gift guide for some excellent but more sensibly priced products.
Shoe Storage Cabinet with LED Lighting
You might assume that, as a runner, my Christmas list would include a plethora of shoes—but honestly, I have more than I can handle. Even with their own designated closet, they’re piled up in unsightly heaps or randomly slotted into the pre-existing shelves. They deserve better. In my dream of dreams, I’d want the gift of organization—a shoe storage cabinet or shelf with LED lighting to illuminate my favorites (or just offer some help when I’m blindly scrambling to grab a pair in the early morning darkness). While I’d love the help of someone like Becky Shea, a New York-based interior designer who has experience in uber trendy shoe closets, I’d also settle for this 30 Pair Shoe Storage Cabinet with LED Lighting. It would be a gift for me, for my shoes, and for my poor husband, who has tripped over too many stray Hokas to count. —Mallory Arnold
Bandit Ripstop Lightweight Jacket
When it comes to gear knowledge, my specialty is finding the cheap-as-possible, sometimes second-hand stuff that I don’t mind getting covered in mud, dust, dog fur, and slobber. So if I were to be granted one gift, naturally, I would go for something super-luxe from a brand that I regularly ogle but have yet to buy. Bandit is that brand for me right now. I love the company’s mission to make running more inclusive for all types of people and levels. And this jacket is beyond-—I mean just look at the black-on-black design on the back and tell me this isn’t the coolest lightweight outer layer you’ve seen in a minute. (It’s also available for men.) In terms of functionality, I’m loving the hood and waterproof recycled nylon fabric. Plus, it’s easy to wash, which is essential for running jackets. I’ve nearly talked myself into retiring my smelly 10-year-old “swacket” (half sweatshirt, half jacket) and leveling up to this beautiful piece. —Ali Nolan
Satisfy FuzzMerino Long Tee
Like Ali, I’m not likely to splurge on myself. However, I’m more than happy to splurge in my fantasies and I can’t think of anything more simultaneously outrageous and luxurious than this long sleeve tee from Satisfy, purveyors of uber-high-end running wear. I’m one of those obnoxious people who will run outside absolutely no matter what—minus 15 degrees, mid-blizzard, sleet overhead, and ice rink underfoot, it doesn’t matter. Sure, I dread it, but not as much as I dread running on the treadmill and I’m a grinch if I don’t get my run in somehow. The only thing that makes downright terrible weather slightly less miserable (OK, actually kind of fun) is super high-quality apparel that actually keeps the yuck out and the warmth in. Last year, I received this ultralight Gore-tex shell from Arcteryx and it revolutionized my winter running degree so drastically I think I’m going to send it on the matching pants this year. Or maybe this pair from another delightfully high-quality brand, Bandit. But those are things I need. This shirt I can live without…or now that I know such a fuzzy, breathable, pretty running shirt exists as I’m out there trudging into a bone-chilling wind, can I? —Abby Levene
Salomon Winter Cross Spike Shoes
I run a lot of winter miles on icy, snowy, and slushy surfaces in Colorado, so I need a shoe that will serve up optimal traction without fail. I often drill my own hex-head sheet metal screws into the bottom of shoes, but those wear down and fall out over time. The Winter Cross Spike is a winterized trail running shoe that combines grip and cushioning with a protective upper designed for adverse and unpredictable weather conditions. Each shoe has 12 carbide tipped spikes secured and embedded in the rubber outsole lugs to ensure an aggressive grip, even on black ice. It has a soft, stable, and responsive Energy Foam midsole, while the breathable zip-up gaiter keeps snow and water at bay, giving you license to plow right through snow piles and slush puddles. The price might seem a bit steep, but it’s the ultimate shoe for running through the rigors of winter and one that will last for several seasons. —Brian Metzler
RELATED: Find Great Deals on Running Shoes and Gear at the REI Last-Minute Holiday Sale