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The holiday season well underway and time to shop is running out. Not sure what to get your favorite runner for the holidays? We asked our Chaski coaches for their best gift recommendations and running necessities. Check out this list for gifts that are Chaski-approved and won't break the bank.

[Editors Note: No brands asked us to mention their products. These are genuine recommendations from athletes who enjoy the products.]

Photo by Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash
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‍Looking For A New Gadget?

1.

Carolyn Stocker recommends these Aftershokz headphones which are awesome for runners because they are sweat-proof and rest outside the ears allowing for optimal awareness of surroundings.

2.

Louis Tobias loves Whoop, a device that tracks heart rate throughout the day as well as sleep needs and different trends to show how coffee, meditation, and hydration impact recovery. This is a great gift for anyone who is looking to take their training to the next level (and they are offering 6 months free if you order now!)

3.

Jes Woods takes her Theragun mini

to every practice. It's small enough to commute with and isn't loud enough to bother people around you. Compact but powerful, Theragun mini is the most agile massage device that goes wherever you do.

Upgrade Your Recovery With These Awesome Tools

4.

This deep tissue massage roller from Roll Recovery is perfect for working out all that post-workout soreness. This is perfect for trail runners like Ashley Brasovan, who recommends it as a great alternative if access to in-person recovery options are limited. This would make a great gift for anyone looking to elevate their recovery.

5.

Rollga rollers are another type of recovery tool that coach Calvin Lehn swears by. Rollga is a contoured foam roller that is great for pre-workout activation, post-workout stretching, and fascial release. Check out all their products here!

6.

If you're feeling extra generous this year, Devon Yanko recommends her daily recovery tool, the NormaTec Leg Recovery System Pulse 2.0. NormaTec's patented technology increases circulation, reduces pain and soreness, and gives you that competitive edge, aka the perfect gift.

7.

Check out Stretch Zone, a company that is expanding into many major cities and towns (find your closest location here). Runners love the 30 minute stretch sessions and the first stretch is usually free!

All our coaches recognise the benefits of massage treatment and some even add it into their recovery routine once a week. Gifting a massage to your friends and family is always an enjoyable gift that'll give back. Find a local massage therapist to help support with the purchase of a gift card and maybe even treat yourself after all the holiday shopping is over.

Winter Running Essentials

8.

Vertex Micro Crew Ultra-Light socks

Darn Tough Vermont socks are a necessity for anyone venturing out into the cold (which according to Tyler is anything colder than 60 degrees). In all seriousness, Carolyn Stocker recommends Darn Tough because their socks are so versatile and are made for running, hiking, and anything in between. A great place to start is the Vertex Micro Crew Ultra-Light Cushion socks.

9.

Much of the Northeast just got the first significant snow of the winter, and Sue McNatt loves these Kahtoola NANOspikes for staying safe on icy roads. This is a great investment for this winter when access to indoor gyms or treadmills might be limited.

10.

When the days get shorter, it is always important to stay visible while running. Resident coach Zandy Mangold swears by this Lumen waist light (it made him retire his headlamp!).

11.

If you're looking for a great base-layer, don't pass up this ribbit SS shirt. Dani Moreno loves this shirt because it's "super light but also great for the cold."  Chaski coach Izzy Ray agrees and recommends it as a great base layer for skiing as well.

(Full disclosure: Dani is sponsored by Rabbit)‍

Running With Kids

12.

For all the parents out there, it can be tough to squeeze your run in with busy kids. Pete Kostelnick recommends the Thule Glide 2 stroller because it is lightweight and specifically designed for runners, allowing you to get the most out of your run while also spending more time with your kids!

Miscellaneous Must-Haves - Perfect Stocking Stuffers

13.

Tired of carrying your phone and keys while running? This Koala clip, recommended by Chaski team member Amelia Boone, solves those problems and more. Handily clipping to the back of your sports bra, you can barely tell it's there and you don't have to pick between comfort and safety anymore.

14.

Sometimes it can be hard to find the perfect fuel for training and racing, but Spring Energy gels are 100% natural and recommended by Megan Flanagan, a new Chaski Resident. All of the flavors are awesome but Megan especially loves Canaberry (pictured) or Koffee if you're looking for a caffeine kick.

15.

Dani Moreno loves this Kos Organic Plant Protein for natural and healthy post-workout fuel. Flavors include chocolate, vanilla, PB chocolate, and mint chocolate chip. Fun fact, Kos is a Greek island and the birthplace of Hippocrates (the father of medicine!)

(Full disclosure: Dani is partnered with KOS)‍

16.

Chaski coach Alicja Konieczek created a training journal designed specifically for runners! This is an awesome gift for your favorite runner going into 2021 when more in-person races will be taking place! It is always a good idea to keep track of your training and mileage, and what better way to do that than support Chaski coaches!

17.

Resident coach Shawn Jenkins says these soft flasks with filters are awesome for long adventures in the mountains! Ideal for longer expeditions like ultra-trails, the SOFT FLASK XA FILTER filters bacteria and protozoa from natural water sources, so you can drink easily and safely without needing to carrying huge volumes of water.

18.

If you're still looking for the perfect face mask, Mike Wardian recommends the Micro-Shield mask. Breathable and comfortable to wear, the Micro-Shield mask uses an ergonomic earloop design for maximum comfort, copper thread technology for extra protection and silk-like fabric to be light and soft.

(Full disclosure: Mike is sponsored by Zansors)

19.

For your foodie friends and those who love proper nutrition Tyler Andrews recommends Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow.: Quick-Fix Recipes for Hangry Athletes by Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky. Cook the recipes that Shalane Flanagan ate while training for her 2017 TCS New York City Marathon historic win!

20.

Lastly, our Director of Marketing always suggests to keep running a fashionable affair. Brannon Harbur stands by his reliable Goodr sunglasses, perfect for trail, road or avocado coast runs.

Chaski hopes your holidays are merry, food delicious, and shopping brief!

If your still looking for ideas here's a bonus option.

21. (for 2021) Check out our Chaski Merch. Gear for runners and fans alike.