They're your coach, your teammate, and the person you can always count on to cheer you on from the sidelines. If you want to thank them for all they do, there's no better way to celebrate the special runner in your life this year than with a thoughtful gift for Valentine's Day.
However, it's easy to find yourself overwhelmed with options when you're browsing online or venturing out to a store. (And, to be clear, virtually no one above the age of 10 wants to be surprised with one of those enormous teddy bears holding a heart.) Instead, a thoughtful gift that proves how well you know them—and how passionate you are about supporting their interests—is key to showing you care.
This year, if you want to wow your sole mate—be it your spouse or your BFF—these genius Valentine's Day gifts for runners are sure to have them happy crying harder than when they finished their last 5K.
Looking for a great way to helped your loved one relax after an intense run? Draw them a warm bath, light some candles, and toss in one of these brightly colored bath bombs.
The bath bombs are infused with deliciously scented essential oils, including lavender, orange, and peppermint, and contain Epsom salts, which help with inflammation and achy muscles.
Roses are red, but they're so hard to grow, especially when the ground is still covered in snow!
Luckily, these gorgeous roses can last up to a full year without any maintenance, making them a great gift for someone who loves the look of a floral centerpiece but isn't confident in their ability to grown their own flowers.
Now your loved one can stop and smell the roses any time they please—not just when they pass by a neighbor's garden on a jogging break.
Instead of running to Starbucks for their coffee fix, give that special someone the luxury of enjoying their favorite coffee drinks at home. Whether they love a good latte or start the day with a shot of espresso, this genius device heats up in just three seconds and packs a 67-ounce water tank, making it perfect for entertaining.
While it is a bit pricey, it's an investment that will undoubtedly pay itself off over time.
Your love may warm your their heart, but it's probably not doing them a whole lot of good when it comes to actually battling the cold. Instead, amp up their outdoor area this with a romantic fit pit.
This one is suitable for up to five people to gather around, yet is small enough that it's easy to take along when you're camping or heading to the beach.
These chocolate bars are gluten-free, vegan, paleo, and fair-trade—not to mention delicious. They're a great alternative to traditional chocolate bars for picky eaters or those with sensitive stomachs. Plus, there are options with 70% dark chocolate, making them a particularly tasty way to get an antioxidant boost.
Looking for the ideal gift for someone stylish? Then look no further than these fashionable shades. These sunglasses are affordable, durable, and come in tons of cute colors, like black, purple, blue, gray, and pink, pictured here. The O.G. style is lightweight, won't slip, and is polarized, making it an ideal pair of running sunglasses.
If they already have enough running shoes, try getting them a pair of casual sneakers they can enjoy wearing on their days off. Not only are they comfortable and stylish, they come in 39 different color options—including this Valentine’s-appropriate colorway.
These love-themed compression socks will keep them warm and comfortable during their longest runs by increasing circulation and speeding up recovery time. Even when they're not pounding the pavement, these socks are also great for frequent travelers and can help prevent blood clots on long flights.
These joggers may finally get your spouse to stop stealing your sweatpants once and for all. They are super soft and have a relaxed fit that's perfect for cuddling up for movie night or covering up before leaving the gym. They come in five different colors and sizes range from XXS to XXL. (And if you want a pair for yourself, they also come in men's sizes!)
Moisture-wicking undies might not be the first type of unmentionables that come to mind for Valentine's Day, but we can guarantee that your favorite runner will appreciate them.
This pair is quick-drying and seamless, which will help prevent chafing and keep them comfy on their longest runs. (They come in a boxer-brief cut, too!)
A favorite among Runner’s World editors, The Feel Good Lab Natural Pain Cream combines plant-extracted ingredients that’ll soothe sore muscles with a cooling effect. Plus, who doesn’t love a good Valentine’s Day massage?
Forgive us if we’re being forward, but a new set of bedsheets is sure to win hearts this Valentine's Day. These silky-soft Brooklinen Luxe Hardcore sheets will guarantee a great night’s sleep—and after all, rest is training, too! The only downside? They may make it hard to resist the snooze button.
Keep their feet roasty toasty with these fan favorites from Smartwool. The Run Cold line guarantees warmth for the long run without adding bulk. Plus, merino wool is known for blocking odor, making these socks the perfect choice whether they're hitting the road for a run or hanging out at home.
Why yes, that is a wine tumbler from trusted hydration company Camelbak. Gift a set of two sleek, insulated wine tumblers (and add the bottle to complete the set!) to that special runner, so you can say “cheers” no matter where your adventures take you.
Spare the real thing during tough activities—cycling, lifting weights—with a comfortable, durable silicone ring that looks cool, too. This particular model comes in five stylish colors, including black, green, gray, navy, and burgundy, pictured here.
There are few things more wonderful than seeing someone you love achieve their goals. Help that special someone plan to hit those milestones with the classic Believe Training Journal, penned by Lauren Fleshman and Roisin McGettigan.
Unlike traditional training logs, Believe covers topics on goal-setting, how personality affects performance, fueling tips, thoughts about body image, how to reflect on the past season, and more.
If your Valentine could use some serious R and R, a one-time massage gift certificate just won't cut it. Instead, give them this Theragun Pro, perfect for alleviating those aches and pains and improving post-workout recovery. You can even get it personalized for an additional fee!
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
Heather is the former food and nutrition editor for Runner’s World, the author of The Runner’s World Vegetarian Cookbook, and a seven-time marathoner with a best of 3:31—but she is most proud of her 1:32 half, 19:44 5K, and 5:33 mile. Her work has been published in The Boston Globe, Popular Mechanics, The Wall Street Journal Buy Side, Cooking Light, CNN, Glamour, The Associated Press, and Livestrong.com.