10 Great Stocking Stuffers for Running Moms

 

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Since holiday gift buying season is now – with the help of other running mama’s – I gathered enough information to write a two part series on great gifts for active moms: 10 Great Stocking Stuffers for Running Moms and 10 Must Have Holiday Gifts Every Running Mom needs.

Part One focuses on 10 Great Stocking Stuffers for the running, multi-sport mom or a special woman in your life. These little gifts are small enough to be placed into an already stuffed stocking. Just remember, although these items are small, doesn’t always mean inexpensive.

I organized the 10 Great Stocking Stuffers into five categories: Accessories, Fashion, Motivation, Music Lovers, and Recovery and Relaxation.

 

ACCESSORIES

If your loved one loves to be active—and stylish—then accessories are the way to go.

1.  Road ID

Road ID

The Road ID ($19.99) offers stylish bracelets in different colors to fit your athlete’s persona.  In the event of an accident, if you can’t speak for yourself, your Road ID will.  I use my Road ID for every activity. I have mine in hot pink and my hubby has his in orange.

2.  Head Bands

If you’re looking for something more fun, yet practical, why not pick up some headbands. Running or working out with hair in your face is annoying—a sturdy headband keeps hair in its place, and your athlete can focus on her workout.

Sweaty Bands

Many running and triathlete moms I asked suggest Bondi Bands. Bondi Bands are are a comfy, colorful and creative way to hold your hair back with a wicking favorite.  According to some moms, you can also get them personalized as well.

Active.com suggests Sweaty Bands ($6) offers cute styles and never slips.  Sweaty Bands are the ultimate sports and fitness

headband, uniquely designed for women and girls who want to show their style, even when they sweat a while!

 

FASHION

3.  Compression Socks

Compression Socks By Running Skirts

These are not just a fashion statement.  You probably now more than ever see runners and triathletes on training runs wearing knee length compression socks; these are used to increase blood flow.  I am not necessarily fond of the look, but the socks work. But, since I started to wear them I want them to look cute.

Some of the top brands that seem to be circulating more in the runner’s community are CEP, Oxysox, Recovery Socks, 2XU and Zensah compression socks and sleeves that just cover the calves.

Here is an online store of fashionable, cute compression socks for women.

http://store.runningskirts.com/accessories/compression-socks

 

Balega Socks

4.  Balega Socks

Balega running socks are ultra soft, durable, and well designed.  Balega means “To Move with Speed” and the socks they offer provide outstanding results regardless of the speed you move at.  All of Balega socks offer a seamless toe, deep heel pocket, and terrific moisture management technology.

 

MOTIVATION

5.  Race Registration

It can take a lot to fund a runner’s racing budget. From flights and hotel rooms to transportation and meals on the road, races—especially destination ones—can add up. Sign your runner up for his or her next event. It’s an investment in their health and fitness—what could be better than that? Find a race the whole family can enjoy or pick something close to home.

Runner’s World

6.  Magazine Subscriptions

Magazine subscriptions are a gift that continues to give every month of the year.  Mostly likely you can purchase the online subscription in addition to the hard copy for a minimal cost. There are several internet sites which offer discount magazines at a big savings.

It may not be expensive or high-tech, but the magazine subscription you received just might offer hours of old-fashioned pleasure.

Here are suggestions of three great magazines.

Banana Blossom Cards

7.  Note Cards from Banana Blossom Press

Send a word of encouragement about to embark on their first 5K. Send a congratulations note to someone special who just completed their 1st marathon. Send a note of inspiration for that new mommy who is just getting back into exercise.

Banana Blossom note cards and tees inspired by everyday athletes and fitness enthusiasts. They cleverly captured that love/hate relationship you have with fitness and exercise.

 

ITunes Gift Cards

MUSIC LOVERS

8.  ITunes Gift Card

ITunes Gift Card is a perfect stocking stuffer and/or gift for a running mom who you do not know well. This is also a great gift for those unexpected guests that show up at the holidays with a gift for you and you are unprepared. Purchase a couple $15 ITunes cards to have around your house.

ITunes gift cards can be purchase online at the Apple Store or Amazon.com.  You can also buy them at physical stores such as Apple, Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, grocery stores, and many more

iPod Shuffles

They can be purchased in denominations of $10, $15, $25, and $50.

9.  MP3 Player

Studies show that music motivates and helps boost performance during a race or workout. There are so many options when it comes to MP3 players, but an iPod Shuffle ($49) is sleek, light, user-friendly, and great to use during a workout session.

 

RECOVERY AND RELAXATION

10.  Massage Gift Certificate

Deep Tissue Massage

Massage gift cards are a great 2011 gift idea because they provide the recipient with an experience to remember – an experience that could lead her to relax and enjoy life more.

You will find that many massage businesses, day spas, and even some independent massage therapists will offer the ability for you to order a gift certificate online and instantly

print it out or email it. You can often customize these online gift cards with your name and a special message. Check out SpaFinder to find a place that offers massages near you.

 

Come back next week to check out Part 2: 10 Must Have Holiday Gifts every fit and running mom needs.

Thank you to all my wonderful fit, running mamas for their contribution to the 10 Great Stock Stuffers for Running Moms.

Ashley, mom of 2,  Mississippi 

Stephanie, mom of 2, Houston, Texas

StevieLynne, mom of 2, New York

Kaleigh, mom of 4, Georgia

Nicole, mom to 1, Portland, Oregon

Victoria, mom of 2, Baltimore, Maryland

Sarah, mom of 3, Portland, Oregon