Running & fitness gift guide & trends for the holidays
Gifting season is upon us, and the loved ones of runners & fitness freaks everywhere will soon be searching for the perfect gifts to get for those milers and marathoners alike. In fact, the total search volume for running gifts will likely be in the hundreds of thousands this year. So how can you make the best running & fitness gift guide possible, and reach the greatest amount of people? Follow along and we’ll pick out some of our favorite products and share some top trends.
running & fitness Market Trends & Keyword Research
Running and fitness have seen sustained growth since the outset of the COVID pandemic, with people prioritizing healthy lifestyles. Runners are putting in more miles than ever before, and more people are hitting the pavement and trails. Large retailers such as REI have recently invested in the category, showing that there is confidence in the running consumer base. “We expect that in 2022, running shoes will outperform the rest of the athletic shoe market,” Matt Powell, senior industry advisor for sports at NDP Group told Running Insight. “The market hasn’t been this strong since 2013.”
A few key trends we’re seeing are running shoes, women’s running gear, trail running, and recovery. Searches for running shoe topics are off the charts, and we see people really looking to learn more about how to get the best products for them - showing us that runners are looking for a quality shoe. This makes sense - people are running more, so they’re investing time in making running more comfortable. Searches for keywords like “how to pick the best running shoes” are seeing double the volume, or more, year over year. Likewise, women’s-specific queries are doubling or tripling in volume, too. Finally, more runners are hitting the dirt, with a 31% growth in search volume for “trail running” - that’s growth on top of the COVID boom. Smaller niche queries around shoes and women’s gear are seeing even bigger growth.
If you are interested in featuring any of these products in an upcoming story, please contact us.
our favorite running & fitness gifts
Under Armour HOVR Sonic 5
The UA HOVR™ Sonic is a no-brainer for runners who like distance but want more flexibility, a breathable feel, and the real-time feedback of Form Coaching from UA MapMyRun™ to help you run better every time you lace them up.
CONNECTS TO UA MAPMYRUN™: tracks & analyzes your running metrics to help make you a better runner
Engineered spacer upper with a minimalist design for breathability, durability & lightweight containment
External TPU heel wrap provides lightweight structure & support for added lockdown
Molded EVA sockliner provides added comfort, resiliency & cushioning for high-mileage performance
Responsive UA HOVR™ cushioning reduces impact, returns energy & helps propel you forward
Carbon rubber in heel & toe-off for added traction & durability & blown rubber forefoot for energy return
MSRP: $110.00
Available on Amazon? Yes
Brand has Affiliate Program? No
Under Armour Women’s Fly Fast 3.0 Ankle Tights
Tights need to be tight—but not too tight. UA Armour Fly Fast's fit gives you just that and more. Soft, quick-drying fabric sculpts and supports for a locked-in feel that's super flattering and made to sweat in.
Super-light, fast-drying HeatGear® fabric delivers superior coverage without weighing you down
Material wicks sweat & dries really fast
4-way stretch material moves better in every direction
Strategic laser perforations for added breathability where you need it
High-rise waistband with interior drawcord for a optimal coverage & a perfect stay-put fit
Side drop-in pocket
MSRP: $60
Available on Amazon? Yes
Brand has Affiliate Program? No
ROLL Recovery R8 Plus
Introducing the R8 Plus. We’ve taken everything we’ve learned over the years and designed the next evolution of R8. Dial in the perfect amount of deep tissue massage force with the adjustment dial. With a Patented integrated mechanism hidden in the frame we designed the R8 Plus to be easy to use, reliable, and built with the highest quality of materials. Use the adjustment dial to reduce or increase the force as needed for the perfect feel. An FDA Registered Medical Device, the R8 Plus targets the IT-bands, quads, hamstrings, calves, shins, gluteus, arms and more. It takes the work out of rolling and is compact enough to take anywhere.
MSRP: $169
Available on Amazon? No
Brand has Affiliate Program? No
ROll Recovery R1 Percussion
Introducing the R1™ Percussion Device. Developed using feedback from elite and professional athletes, the R1 was designed with four key elements: compact and powerful, exceptionally quiet operation, over 7-hours of battery life, and built with the highest quality of materials. The R1™ operates with 40W of power (50W max power), has 4-speed settings, 4-unique attachment heads and is packaged in a beautiful, aircraft-grade aluminum anodized body for long lasting durability. Charging the Lithium Ion battery is accomplished with a USB-C charger (included). It looks just as good as it works and will be an asset in your recovery arsenal.
MSRP: $129.00
Available on Amazon? No
Brand has Affiliate Program? No
SCARPA Golden Gate ATR
From town to trail, the Golden Gate ATR is the ideal choice for those looking for a versatile transitional shoe that is not only comfortable on paved surfaces, but also performs on park paths, gravel roads and groomed single track trails. Our most cushioned shoe to date, the ATR has superior impact absorption capabilities due to its iRespond Midsole System, designed to absorb and return energy efficiently. The Presa outsole with Super Gum rubber endures great traction both on and off road, inspiring confidence as you expand your running horizons.
MSRP: $150
Available on Amazon? Yes
Brand has Affiliate Program? No
Tailwind Nutrition Active Hydration
Active Hydration is a refreshing way to keep your body well balanced during light workouts - at the gym, on a hike, grabbing a quick run or ride – or just to stay hydrated on your busy days. Active Hydration includes electrolytes, collagen, and Vitamin C to support your active lifestyle. With no artificial or salty aftertaste typically found in electrolyte drinks, Active Hydration delivers a subtle yet satisfying flavor that will leave your tastebuds happy. For the best you ever, just add water!
MSRP: $21.00
Available on Amazon? No
Brand has Affiliate Program? No
Tailwind Nutrition Starter Kit
Tailwind’s Starter Kit is the perfect way to sample all Endurance Fuel and Recovery Mix flavors before committing to a larger bag. The single-serving stick packs are perfect for fueling and recovering wherever your adventure takes you.
MSRP: $29
Available on Amazon? No
Brand has Affiliate Program? No
Outdoor Research Women's Helium Wind Hoodie
Featured in Backpacker Magazine’s 2021 Gear Guide among top trail-tested products, this wind shell is powered by the same durable lightweight Diamond Fuse technology that you'll find in our Down and Rain Helium gear, reimagined to take on gusty runs, climbs, bike rides, and anywhere else you'd encounter a headwind. Complementing the super strong Diamond Fuse exterior, the Helium Wind Hoodie sports a hidden interior mesh venting at the waist to dump built-up heat. The Women's Helium Wind Hoodie uses our beloved Krypta stretch woven fabric at the hip, complete with stretchy secure pockets, for a close fit that stays put even as you move fast with your phone or GPS device tucked away
MSRP: $119
Available on Amazon? No
Brand has Affiliate Program? No
Life Time Athletic Events
With 30+ events nationwide, we provide premium experiences designed to highlight and fulfill your training at any level. Race as a beginner. Reach a milestone as a lifer. Run with mountains ahead, or ride with the woods at your back. Bring the family and be a part of a community that helps each other cross the finish line. Start somewhere.
MSRP: $250
Available on Amazon? No
Brand has Affiliate Program? No
Costa Caleta Sunglasses
Caleta is named after the small coastal coves of Chile. Its fluid lines and feminine shape make it the perfect frame for the waterwoman in all of us. The Caleta performs as well as you.
580G polarized glass lens for superior quality & scratch-resistance
Hooding and side shields help keep your eyes free from light leaks and focused on the water
Keeper-ready temples designed to keep you fishing no matter how rough it gets out there
97% recycled fishing nets with 3% performance additive for increased durability and performance
MSRP: $209
Available on Amazon? Yes
Brand has Affiliate Program? No
Kitsbow Cycling Apparel Superflow Cooling Tee
Beat the heat with super-cooling Superflow Tee. On hot days, the fabric wicks moisture away and the slightest airflow produces a refreshing cooling effect. When we say they're air-conditioned, we aren't joking. As the Polartec Delta fabric wicks moisture away from you, the slightest airflow produces a refreshing cooling effect, even on the hottest of days. Even cools in extreme humidity, the moment you descend or gain speed on the flats.
MSRP: $69
Available on Amazon? No
Brand has Affiliate Program? Yes
Kitsbow Cycling Apparel Marlette Merino Tank
The Women’s Marlette Merino Tank is the perfect blend of merino and synthetic fabric, for a luxurious feel, improved stretch recovery, and moisture control while keeping the odor resistance that merino provides. This flattering tank is great for all active outdoor activities, active layering, and casual adventuring – the perfect balance between style and performance. Consider adding the Laurel Mountain ¾ Sleeve Merino Tee to your lineup, wear comfort on your sleeves.
MSRP: $65
Available on Amazon? No
Brand has Affiliate Program? Yes
Chamois Butt’r Ultra Balm
Chamois Butt’r Ultra is an anti-chafe balm that’s made for the most demanding conditions and the most extreme athletic endeavors, whether they be measured by distance, time, weather, humidity or whatever a rider, runner, or athlete may encounter.
Chamois Butt’r Ultra balm is a premium, natural oil and beeswax-based balm that’s made with high quality all-natural ingredients for use on all skin areas. While Ultra balm can be used everyday, it’s made to protect athletes’ skin on the most demanding rides, runs and chafing situations (in extreme distances, time between applications, or weather conditions like rain or high humidity). The brand’s Ultra balm stays on all day and will not sweat off as easily as water-based creams. One application will last all day, allowing riders to ride farther and without the need to reapply.
MSRP: $29.99
Available on Amazon? Yes
Brand has Affiliate Program? Yes
Chamois Butt’r GoStik
Solid spot lubricant made to prevent uncomfortable chafing and skin irritation outside of the chamois area. GoStik provides better lubrication and a higher melting point other solid anti-chafe products so it stays where you put it longer for longer. It is excellent for runners, cyclists, triathletes, and swimmers, along with anyone who experiences chafing during athletic or on-the-job activities. Commonly used around clothing neck openings, under arms, between thighs, backs of ankles, balls of feet, or anywhere skin rubs against skin, fabric, leather, rubber, etc.
MSRP: $2.99-14.99
Available on Amazon? Yes
Brand has Affiliate Program? Yes