My Favorite Things: Gift Ideas for Walkers

I figured that if Oprah could have her Favorite Things, so could I. Walking doesn’t require a lot of fancy gear, but there are some things that fall into the category of “nice to have.” Also, if you’re looking for gift ideas for walkers, this is a good place to start. So without any further ado, here are my favorite items of walking gear…

Walking shoes: these definitely qualify for “must-have” status. Your best bet: find a local running store with a knowledgeable sales staff that can help you find the best shoe for you. The right shoe for your feet makes a big difference, and it’s worth the money. This is a tough one to give as a gift, so your best bet here would be a gift certificate to a local running store. My personal favorite shoes are Brooks Adrenaline, made for those who overpronate when they walk or run. I’ve tried others, but always come back to these.

Walking socks: After some trial and error, I found the perfect Thorlos socks. These have plenty of padding – but not too much – and in all the right places.

Moisture wicking shirts: If all you’ve ever worn while walking is cotton, you’re in for a treat. These technical fabrics pull sweat away from your skin, and dry quickly. You’ll stay comfortable no matter if it’s hot or cold out.

A good hat: If you’re like me and sweat a lot, a hat is essential. No more sweat stinging my eyes when I wear one of these. Extra bonus: it keeps rain and sun out of my face, and keeps heat in on cold days.

Road ID: This may be my gift to myself this year. It’s an easy way to keep your ID with you. Styles available include a shoe ID (with room for a driver’s license), wrist ID, and Fixx ID, which you wear like a necklace (similar to dog tags).

Reflective gear/lights: For those of us who walk before or after work, it’s important to be seen when it’s dark. Lots of options are available for these, from vests to reflective tape to bright lights. Two stores I like: RoadID.com and RoadRunnerSports.com.

iPod: My guilty pleasure. It definitely helps the miles go by faster, and I also find it helps me keep my pace up.
Want to give a gift but don’t have a lot to spend? Consider a gift certificate from iTunes, and your walking friends or family can choose their own tunes to walk with. Also, an armband for the iPod makes for easy hands-free listening while they walk.

Water bottle: Lots of options to choose from here. I typically only carry water on longer training walks, or on hikes. For long walks, I use a waist pack; for hikes, any standard water bottle will do. My current favorite for staying hydrated at work is the Kleen Kanteen. Consider also getting a neoprene sleeve to keep the water cold while you sip.

Sports bra: This may not be the most polite topic for mixed company, but a good sports bra (preferably one that wicks moisture) is a great investment for anyone who exercises frequently. My current favorite: the Champion Sport Wirefree Bra.


So what's on your list of must-have walking gear?