Father’s Day is just around the corner, and finding the perfect gift for the dad who loves running can be a challenge. Here’s a comprehensive gift guide with items that will make any runner dad’s life better and easier. I’ve used many of these exact products or similar ones. Most of these products are available on Amazon (there are affiliate links throughout), making them easy to purchase and deliver just in time.
Running/Fitness Father’s Day Gifts
GPS Running Watch
Does he run? How about swim? Maybe he bikes? Or, he does all three? The perfect Father’s Day gift for any fitness minded guy is a fitness wearable. I’ve used the Garmin Fenix 5 for over 5 years now, and my wife uses the Garmin Forerunner 245.
If he is into tracking many sports, go for the Fenix watch. I have the Fenix 5 and I love it. I use it every single day, all day. I can track swimming, biking, running, walking, kayaking, trail running, golf, and more. All of these watches have great discounts on them at the time this was written.
Just a runner, you can get a cheaper watch out of the Forerunner series. As you move to the higher versions, you just get extra features and insights. My wife loves the 245. It does the job well and she wears it all day every day.
Foam Roller
A foam roller can aid in post-run recovery and muscle relaxation. I have one and use it regularly for tight hamstrings, calves, and quads. Sure it can be painful, but man does it help!
Foam Roller ($29.85 + 5% coupon)
Hydration Pack
Hydration packs are really important, especially during summer training. They come in many shapes and sizes. If you are going for a short run, but want to bring some hydrations and nutrition, a belt is just fine. Going longer and further from home, then try a hydration vest.
Hydration Belt ($14.41)– Kelly uses this exact belt regularly. I like it too. It comes with water bottles, a pouch for food and a phone, and bib holders so you don’t have to pin the bib to your shirt.
Hydration Vest ($49.99) – A few years ago I bought a no-name brand at Walmart just to try out a vest. It’s pretty good and does the job. I would suggest going for slightly better-quality vests out there like the one I linked to here.
Wireless Earbuds
Music and podcasts can make runs more enjoyable. Here is what I would suggest:
Wireless Earbuds ($29.98 + 15% coupon) – I use these. They work great. The case is also a charger. You can charge the case which then charges the earbuds. The cool thing here is that they turn on and connect once they are taken out and turn off and disconnect once back in the case. There are many other brands, but this is budget friendly and ON SALE NOW!
Bone Conduction Headphones ($179.95) – I have friends who are crazy about these. They are a bit expensive, but when we are running, they can continue to listen to music and have a conversation. Meanwhile, I have to turn off my music and remove an earbud. It makes for safer running since you can hear cars and other things too.
Massage Gun
The perfect Father’s Day gift: A Massage. Maybe better, a massage gun helps with deep tissue recovery and it is cheaper than 1 professional massage (although I still rely on a professional massage too). I got one a few years back and use it regularly. It keeps a solid charge and comes with lots of attachments for different muscle groups and body areas. My specific gun is no longer available as massage guns with better features have hit the market.
Massage gun ($49.99 + 15% Coupon)- Try this which is similar to the one I use. Plus nearly 50k reviews is proof positive why they are making these things better and better.
Running Sunglasses
Protect his eyes from the sun and improve visibility on runs, or even just day to day.
Sun Glasses 3 Pack ($15.99)- These glasses don’t feel like a freebie pair you get at a street fair, but they only cost about $7 a pair. They block sun well and I find myself choosing these over any other pair I have for running and for just going out.
Night Running Gear
Safety gear for night runs can be very important. Things like reflective vests or LED lights can help save you from some bad night time moments. I’ve nearly been hit countless times, and now I have the gear to ensure I’m seen. If you do trail runs and ultra marathons, there are races that require this type of safety gear too. Why not make it a Father’s Day Gift this year?
Headlamp ($19.99 + 20% coupon)– I actually bough multiple pairs of headlamps on Temu, but find they work just ok. I’ve borrowed a race directors’ pair because night closed in on me quick away from basecamp, and his pair was incredible. I didn’t find what it was, but I suggest going for a good quality headlamp. One thing I suggest, don’t get one with the battery back at the back of your head. Those get uncomfortable.
Reflective vest ($16.99 + 5% coupon)– Don’t worry, you aren’t going into construction! HA Running vests have lights or just reflective material and are much smaller than what you might be thinking. But if you are up running before the sun, or after sunset, these could be lifesavers.
Portable Stretching Strap
Highly inexpensive, a simple stretching strap is a great Father’s Day gift that will help him stay loose and do certain stretches and exercises that may be hard without a partner.
Stretching strap ($5.99)– I’ve used a simple piece of rope to do this for many years and recently upgraded to this. It’s tough and folds smaller than the rope I used to use. Plus, I really like there are handles and places to put your arms and feet for specific stretches. It sure beats just tied knots at the end of a piece of rope. I’d recommend this to anyone who values stretching and staying flexible.
Running Hat
A lightweight, breathable hat for sunny runs can go a long way.
Running Hat ($12.99) Even on those days that are not so sunny, they can help keep sweat from your eyes. I’ve acquired some hats from race day giveaways and things, so I haven’t bought this hat myself, but it has great reviews.
Non-Running Related Father’s Day Gifts
Smart Home Assistant
A Father’s Day gift that will keep him relaxed on the couch could be a smart home assistant that can help manage schedules, set reminders, and control smart devices. We are a Google house, and we have one in every room. Quick questions and answers are sometimes a bit gimmicky, but I have put smart switches in the house and now Google can turn off lights and more without me getting up or stopping what I’m doing.
Amazon Echo ($49.99) – Keep it small and get music and answer quickly
Amazon Echo Show ($149.99) – Get a screen with your music for recipes and video.
Google Nest Mini ($49) – Small speaker with big sound, and smart answers.
Google Nest Hub ($99) – Get the screen for to watch videos and read recipes.
Smart Plug
Control appliances remotely for added convenience. There are many different makes and models for this. I recommend a few depending on where and how you plan to use them. I’ll make another post about Smart Homes in the future. The key is to make sure they are compatible with the smart home assistant you choose (Amazon or Google). This way they can connect and work for you, not against you.
Govee Plug in Plug 4-Pack ($29.99) – I have these all around the house. We use them for window air conditioners so they turn on automatically to pre-cool bedrooms, turn on lamps, and even put the fish tank on a timer controlled in the app. Simply plug it into an existing outlet and connect to the app.
UltraPro Wall Switch 4-Pack ($119.99) – I have these throughout the house. You need a neutral wire to use them, but they look and operate just like a regular switch. Yet, you can still control it remotely. There are other version of this available since I’ve installed these year ago like: Treatlife 4-Pack & Kasa Smart Switch
Multi-Tool
A versatile multi-tool is a must-have for any dad. They can be especially handy if they enjoy hiking or trail running since a multi-tool can help in so many different situations: First aid, trail maintenance, equipment repair, and more.
Leatherman Multi-tool ($69.95) – I have an old Leatherman that I got when I was a boy scout and it still works great. This is the most similar tool to what I have.
Grill Set
A complete grill set for the dad who loves to BBQ. Comes with just about everything he could need, including the carrying case to keep all the tools protected. Perfect for the backyard, or a camper!
Grill Tools 24 piece ($36.99 + 10% off) – I’ve been given tools over the years, so I don’t have this set, but it should would have come in handy when I got my first grill a little over 10 years ago!
Bluetooth Meat Thermometer
So, Dad loves grilling. Help make his life easier with a Bluetooth thermometer Father’s Day gift. Get more than 1 or a version with multiple probes to ensure he isn’t left guessing which piece is at the right temperature.
MEATER Plus Smart Meat Thermometer ($69.95 + $10 Coupon) – I don’t have this, but I love the idea of not having wires. It is a bit more expensive, and there is only 1, so if you are grilling 2 steaks to different temperatures, you may find yourself guessing on one of them. Govee Digital Meat Thermometer ($27.99 + 40% off coupon) – Staying in the Govee family as I mentioned earlier with plugs, this works great. I was able to get the 4 probe version at a warehouse sale, but this works great.
Wireless Charging Station
Keeps all his devices charged and organized. Garmin watch, tablets, phones, and everything else in one spot ready to grab and go!
Charging Station (33.99 + $5 Coupon) – Perfect for all devices. I put mine into a cabinet to store all the kids iPads, Chromebooks from school, and more. It conveniently charges all the devices simultaneously.
Conclusion
These gifts are sure to delight any runner dad, making his runs more enjoyable and his post-run recovery smoother. I offer these as suggestions because either I have used them or these products received many positive reviews. With a mix of essential running gear and thoughtful extras, you’re sure to find the perfect Father’s Day gift.
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