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The 30 best gifts for walkers of all ages and all levels
You'll hit your stride as the best gift giver with top picks for walkers, including water bottles, headphones and foam rollers.
Earlier in my life, when I had more discretionary time and inclination, I was a serious hiker. But in recent years, I've come to appreciate the great joy and wide-ranging health benefits of the humble walk — unbeatable for physical conditioning, a major mental health balm (three cheers for self-care!) and a simple act that requires no specialized turf.
So, I walk regularly in my neighborhood — and all around the world — in my capacity as a travel writer and lifestyle product reviewer (if you like to travel, check out the best travel gifts). I've found that a few products and tools can make all the difference in terms of turning a walk in the park into ... well, a walk in the park, so to speak. Of course, walking requires supportive shoes and clothing that protects against the elements, but I also swear by audiobooks and podcasts while I'm on the go. And nothing feels better than some postwalk muscle relief in the form of a massage or a handy foam roller.
If there's someone in your life who loves to walk as much as I do, I'm here to help you check off your holiday gift list with recommendations for my favorite gifts for walkers — including water bottles, headphones, walking shoes, personal safety gear and more. And if your favorite walker happens to spend their walks with their dog, consider these dog-friendly gifts, too. Happy shopping — and here's to many happy, healthy steps in their future.
Read more:
The best gifts for dog lovers, according to people who pamper their own pooches
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Staying hydrated is critical when doing any type of exercise and this bottle from the brand du jour makes an on-trend — and highly practical — gift. Stainless steel construction is built tough, and the cap is leakproof with a mouthpiece that opens at the touch of a button.
Not everyone wants to hold their water bottle in-hand while logging their steps. This handy cross-body water bottle strap is universally designed to hold water bottles from 24–40 ounces (including the Stanley we just suggested). It's the perfect simple accessory that your friend may never have known they needed.
These ball rollers make a genius stocking stuffer for a walker, providing massaging relief right where it aches in an eco-friendly, analog way. They're made from natural and overabundant bloom algae foam; removing it from the ocean helps to clean water, restore aquatic ecosystems and capture CO2 emissions — so, win, win, win for this eco-friendly gift.
For the walker who indulges in e-books or podcasts during their moving me-time, a pair of lightweight wireless headphones is a must. These AirPod dupes do the trick at a stocking-stuffer-friendly price. And they come in eight colors to match any style.
A fraction of the price of custom orthotics, this reviewer-loved brand slips right into shoes to help align, support and banish pain. They mold to the feet for a bespoke fit; no trimming required.
Walking requires a comfortable and supportive pair of shoes; these come with premium orthotic insoles and excellent arch support with seven layers of padding and cushioning to protect and relieve arch pain, heel pain and plantar fasciitis. Therafit is a top-notch choice for walkers of all kinds because the brand carries the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance for footwear. Plus, these are lightweight and stand out in a light, pretty pink.
It's no fun to walk with an armload of gear, but some things — like a house key, ID and phone, for instance — are just plain essential. This lightweight belt holds all that stuff and more in a streamlined, hands-free way, with no unnecessary bulk or weight.
For walkers who cover more distance and stay out longer (or just carry more), this ultra-popular belt bag has a 1-liter capacity to take more stuff along for the journey. It's made of water-repellent fabric and can be worn multiple ways across the body.
This is the gift for the friend who wears leggings to get her steps in and wants to banish the VPL (that's "visible panty line" to the uninitiated). It's the undies alternative she didn't know she needed, sticking right to the inside of the leggings. Made from organic cotton, they're comfy and breathable — and give the sleek silhouette of going commando.
Who says socks can't make a great gift? Serious walkers are sure to appreciate these ultralight and performance-driven socks, made with built-in cushioning to pamper their feet stride after stride.
Apace Vision
For the one who walks after the sun goes down (or before it comes up), this is a practical gift that helps keep them safe from traffic and other hazards by increasing their nighttime visibility. It comes with two lights, each weighing just a fraction of an ounce, that clip on easily and alternate between steady and flashing lights at the push of a button.
PhysioNatural
What could be cozier than a pair of warm booties to pamper the feet after a long walk? Your favorite walker can just pop these in the microwave to warm them up before throwing them on after their walk.
CIVPOWER
Even if it's cool outside, brisk walking raises the heart rate and can warm up a body quickly. A personal neck fan helps manage any discomfort while hanging hands-free around the neck, headphones style. This one charges easily by USB so it's always at-the-ready when it's time to get steppin'.
A committed walking routine can go off the rails fast with a single blister. Throw a package of this blister prevention tape into your favorite walker's stocking to help keep their feet health, happy and logging those miles.
A sense of safety is important for walkers — especially those who walk alone or at night. Offer your friend valuable peace of mind with this tiny pepper spray device that hangs discreetly on a keychain. At under $10, it's a no-brainer stocking stuffer for a walker.
Walking in cold conditions can take the joy out of the activity. These rechargeable hand warmers make quick work of warming up cold hands, helping extend the outdoor walking season well into the colder winter months.