2011 Runner's World Holiday Gift Guide

Need a gift for your favorite runner? Here's the coolest (and most affordable) gear of the year.

The 48 Best Gifts for Runners Who Love Gear
We have a thing for wool--it keeps us warm when it's cold and cool when it's steamy. Of late the Patagonia Merino 2 LIGHTWEIGHT T-SHIRT ($65) is the best wool base we've seen. And with a touch of recycled polyester, this T excels at wicking sweat.
patagonia.com

THE UN-LEASH
We abide leash laws when told, but on stretches where our pooches can run free, the MY RAD DOG RELEASE N RUN DOG COLLAR ($33ñ$35) comes in handy. The shoelace-thin, superstrong leash retracts into the collar (think a vacuum cleaner cord disappearing with a light pull), so it's easy to let Fido roam. The leash is available in four sizes.
myraddog.com

QUICK CHANGE
At last! The THE 110% JUGGLER KNICKERS ($280) ends our search for sunglasses with interchangeable lenses--one for low light and another for blaring sun, for instance--that lock and load faster than we could tie our laces. Plus, the clarity of the polarized lenses kept our eyes fresh so we could stay focused on the road ahead.
oakley.com

PRETTY SMART
We left a floral footprint wherever we ran (including to the coffee shop) in the Our hands turn white just cruising a frozen-food aisle. But with the ($42). This long-sleeve beauty is made from a high-performance fabric that wicks sweat; its longer cut meant our bellies didn't get exposed midrun. It's part of a new women's apparel line with lots of flattering-yet-hardworking T's and tanks.
runprettyfar.com

BARE ESSENTIAL
Don't let winter's frigid, messy weather cool your interest in barefoot-style running. The 6.5-ounce SONIC GLOVE ($125), part of the Merrell Barefoot series, is designed to let you feel the terrain underfoot while staying dry. It boasts a water-repelling soft-shell upper, a Vibram rubber sole, and a mere four millimeters of foam cushioning underfoot.
merrell.com

The 8 Best Running Jackets for Surviving Winter
Our hands turn white just cruising a frozen-food aisle. But with the VERSALINER gloves ($45), we were ready for bone-chilling runs, even those when temps hovered near 20 degrees. And for even colder outings, we could stash a heat pack in the pocket on the back of each one.
outdoorresearch.com

ICE IS NICE
At last! The ($150) are our legs' newest best friend. While we're moving, two layers of gradient compression help keep blood flowing to and from our muscles. Once we stop, these hardworking pants shift roles, letting us stash ice packs into pockets next to our hammies, quads, and hips. Yes, a moveable ice bath.
110playharder.com

ALL-IN-WONDER
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article ($30) is the runner's version of a Russian nesting doll. It's a massage stick nestled inside a low-density foam roller, which is stashed inside a high-density foam roller. These tools gave us plenty of self-massage options on our tight IT bands, clenched calves, and thrashed quads without turning the living room into a physical therapist's office.
nordictrack.com

DASH WITH FLASH
We've loved running skirts for years, and (as we said earlier) we swear by wool for its temperature-modulating properties. Now our two loves connect in the A Part of Hearst Digital Media ($70). Its sassy style reminds us of a kilt, making it fun to wear with compression socks. And the shorts underneath stay in place thanks to elastic grippers.
icebreaker.com

CAP IT OFF
Ask most women and they'll say they hate having to stash a key in their shorts when they run. It's uncomfortable, unsightly, and worrisome (the key might jump out and get lost). The Best Winter Running Shoes for Traction and Warmth ($32) offers a clever solution--a discreet zippered side pocket. We also loved how the lightweight, wicking fabric conformed to our noggins.
lululemon.com

STORM CHASER
Rain? Snow? Typhoon? Bring 'em on when you're running with We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article ($129). Featherlight at 4.2 ounces, it repels the elements while letting your sweat escape through small holes on the upper back and the side of the torso where runners tend to overheat. The well-thought-out design is comfortable, too.
thenorthface.com

This Adrenaline Fan Loved the Newest Model
Say goodbye to chafing: OAKLEY POLARIZED FAST JACKET XL ($45) have a mesh inner boxer brief underneath a superlight nylon-mesh outer short. And while designed for wearing in 40-to 65-degree temperatures, these shorts are airy enough to work in stuffy gyms. You can also stash gels in the holster-style pockets on long runs.
brooksrunning.com