Stuff I Like - December Edition

the procrastinator's gift guide for the runner in your life

Have you been putting off your holiday shopping as much as I’ve been putting off writing about it? Do you feel a mild sense of panic every time you receive an email warning you that today is the last day to order in time for Christmas delivery? Stressed every time you glance at the bare tree in the corner of your living room?

Have no fear, I got you. Here’s a gift guide for the runner in your life filled with goodies you can literally buy at the drug store. We runners are a humble folk, we like things that make us feel better, that allow us a few tiny morsels of self care to offset the extra miles or minutes we’ve squeezed out of our legs.

1. A gift card to your local run store

   Or wherever the runner in your life prefers to buy their shoes - as long as it isn’t amazon because honestly. (I also know a really awesome running store that just opened a couple weeks ago if you don’t know where they buy their shoes and need a suggestion.) I don’t know anyone who’s unwrapped a gift card and been disappointed; just make sure you get an amount that covers the price of whatever shoes said runner in your life might wish to buy. In our store shoes range from $140-$200, so if you wanted to aim for somewhere in the middle, $180 would allow them to pick out something very nice and very shiny for themselves. This very generous gift will also help make up for and mask the fact that you got everything else in their stocking from the CVS next door.

   

   most running stores also sell digital gift cards - you don’t even have to leave the house!

2. Epsom Salts

   We sell some bougie ones in store, by a women’s owned brand based out of Santa Cruz if you happen to be an SF local. Otherwise, hit up your local Target/Walgreens/Rite Aid and get some Dr. Teal’s for your favorite runner’s recovery needs. Back when I was training for anything other than life, baths were a weekly ritual and I used to buy these so much I should have bought stock in the company. Now that I have a toddler and a store, baths are a very rare occurrence so bougie is as bougie does these days.

   

3. Arnica Ointment

   Acceptable alt : Tiger Balm. Name a runner you know who isn’t complaining of some new ache/pain/maybe injury. Next to a foam roller (see below) this stuff is a miracle worker.

   

   low brow + high brow options because life is all about choices

4. Foam Roller

   The runner in your life should already own this. If not do them a favor and buy them one. Don’t even wait until Christmas, just give it to them now and say ‘you’re welcome’.

   

   this image looks like it was created by chat GPT

5. Nail Polish

   Even if the runner in your life sizes up for their shoes, chances are their toes still aren’t pretty. I haven’t lost a toenail in over a year (knocks on wood) but my feet are still a hot mess. Pedicure? Who has the time.

   

   the darker the better to hide all the bruises

6. Run Snacks

   Trash snacks make the best run snacks. Running gels are basically just gummy bears in liquid form. A good friend also recommends Pringles for their high carb + salt ratio. Can’t speak from experience as my Pringles are best enjoyed from the comfort of my couch.

   

   ‘share size’? don’t know her

7. Those Weird Little Hand Warmers

   These are amazing if the runner in your life runs in a climate where winter is actually a thing, or has race goals of completing a race in the near future where temps might be hovering around ‘why did I get out of bed for this’ lows that make them question their life choices. Crack two of these open, tuck them in between your hands and bask in their luxurious warmth while the rest of your body tries not to settle into a hypothermia induced coma.

i’ve also put these in my shoes (when *not* running)

God speed if you’re just now doing your holiday shopping. Good news all these products are also available on Instacart should you find yourself empty handed and strapped for time.

May your holidays be merry, however and where ever you celebrate. See you in 2025.

*k