Winter wellness gift guide
- Mary Brooking
- Dec 4, 2025
- 3 min read
(for runners… and everyone else)
I find myself frequently recommending the same bits of gear to clients — not because I’m on anyone’s PR list (sadly), but because these items actually make a difference. So I’ve gathered them all here in one eclectic, extremely un-fancy list. Think of it as the opposite of a curated gift guide… but hopefully far more useful.
Massage balls (£5–£10)
If I could hand these out on street corners, I would. Small enough to live in your bag, powerful enough to melt tension in your glutes, hamstrings, feet and other tight spots you didn’t know you had. They’re ridiculously effective for the price.
Foam roller (£10–£20)
The loyal sidekick to the massage ball. Less portable, but oh, the joy of happier quads. Go for a smooth one — the knobbly, medieval-torture-device types are rarely necessary.
Toe separators (£5–£10)
Your feet deserve love too. These gently space your toes, helping them move and function better. Start with 10 minutes and build up. Choose the versions that separate all the toes at once — they’re usually more comfortable and effective.
Resistance bands (£5–£10)
Tiny but mighty. Minibands turn ordinary squats and lunges into proper strength work and are brilliant for muscle activation in warm-ups. They weigh next to nothing, so you can take them anywhere.
Running head torch or chest light (£15–£60)
For anyone who ventures out after dark (runner or not!), this is a game-changer. Bring your own light and avoid trips, cracks, potholes and unpredictable paving.
Urban running: 200–300 lumens is plenty.
Trails or uneven ground: 400–600+ lumens for confidence and clarity.
Hi-Vis clothing
Not glamorous, but essential. Whether you opt for a fully reflective jacket, subtle reflective flashes on sleeves and hats, or simply wearing bright colours (especially instead of black), the aim is the same: be seen.
Thin beanie & gloves (£5–£8)
Winter staples. Lightweight enough to stash away mid-run or commute, slim enough to fit under a cycling helmet, and inexpensive enough to gift freely. Decathlon does a fantastic range — including neon beanies for maximum visibility.
Running belt (Various)
Perfect for anyone who wants hands-free storage for hydration, gels, phone, keys, or layers they’ve peeled off. The Salomon Pulse Belt is a recent favourite, but there are plenty of great alternatives. Think about what you need to carry, then choose pockets/zips accordingly.
Trail shoes (Various)
If you’re heading anywhere muddy (hello winter parkruns), trail shoes are worth their weight in gold. Their deeper lugs grip soft, slippery ground and help prevent falls — and the potential injuries that follow. Not sure where to start? Look at the trail equivalents from the brand of road shoes you already like.
Event entry or gift voucher (Various)
Nothing motivates quite like having a date in the diary. Many race organisers, including RunThrough, offer gift vouchers — or you can create your own.
Gels/chews (A surprisingly generous gift!)
Yes, they’ve become expensive. If you’re gifting to someone who runs long distances, gels or chews are always appreciated. Choose ones containing both glucose (maltodextrin) and fructose for maximum effectiveness
.Pro tip: For runs over 75–90 minutes, start fuelling at 40–45 minutes — don’t wait for the brain fog or sudden loss of motivation or onset of fatigue.
Bone conduction headphones (£90–£180)
The only kind often allowed in races, and arguably the safest in everyday life. They sit on your cheekbones, leaving your ears open so you can hear what’s happening around you (cars, cyclists, dogs, general life). Shokz are the go-to brand, but others exist. There are swim friendly versions available too.
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