Disclaimer: I received Buff DryFlx+ & Turtle Gloves to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!

Tis the season for giving! As I write this there are 18 days left until Christmas, well 18 days, 11 hours, and change (4 days until Hanukkah begins). Regardless, we are just over 2 weeks until the gift exchange begins. I don’t know about the runners in your life, but my list is full of all of the run gear!

Since 2020 has already been wonky, this year I have decided to actually go out and run in the cold, eschewing my treadmill as much as possible. Cold weather running requires cold-weather gear. Here in Kentucky, it doesn’t get painfully cold often, but being the southern belle that I am, anything below 40 chills my bones and I hate running in it. I don’t actually mind running in the cold, as much as being cold while running. So if I have something that can keep me toasty and keep my muscles firing in the cold I am a happy girl.

Because of my new cold running adventure, I have come to find a handful of staples that really keep me in the happy zone of running outside when the blistery weather starts! These are great gifts for all of the runners in your life and easy to grab before Christmas! Let’s get to it!

Buff DryFlx+ System $27-$49

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The Buff DryFlx+ system is a thin, breathable yet warm fabric that is seamlessly knitted. It creates warmth in targeted zones while also allowing the right heat to escape so you stay warm but not overly so. One of my biggest mistakes, when I have run in cold weather, is overdressing in the wrong fabrics. I have always avoided lightweight fabrics because to me heavier = warmer. However, with heavier fabrics that didn’t breathe, I also ended up chilled to my sweat-soaked bones during any runs, including the marathon I ran last November. These fabrics avoid that and keep you in the Goldie Locks zone. This system comes in Pink, Blue, Gray, and Black and includes headbands, hats, neckwarmers, and balaclavas.

Turtle Gloves Mid-weight run mittens $28.99

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Run gloves, I hate them and love them. The main reason I love them is I hate my hands to be cold. The main reason I hate them, I hate my hands to be cold. However with the Turtle gloves mitten flip glove, I don’t experience this. Years ago when I worked in an ice skating rink someone told me to always wear mittens because your fingers keep each other warm. Simple & Brilliant. So I have tried to find mittens that are warm yet functional. None of them have met my expectations except Turtle Gloves. These mittens are warm and cozy, but still breathable so I don’t get lava hands, and if they do get too warm or I want to pop a selfie mid-run I just flip the gloves and bam my fingers are free. They are also easy to take on and off, if there is a reason to do so, even over sweaty hands.

Running Socks $15-$25

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If you follow me on social you will see I am not a sock person. Not just when running, just in life in general. Socks are for snuggling and keeping my feet warm on my hardwood floors, not shoving in shoes. True story, a friend and I hiked once when it was 31 degrees out with a windchill in the 20s, and I didn’t wear socks in my trial shoes. My feet were numb by the end, so I started looking into running socks. There are tons of brands out there but Smartwool & Feetures are my personal favorite. They both offer ultra-lightweight socks that don’t make my feet feel crowded, plus Smartwool keeps my feet warm and dry with that wooly voodoo.

Insulated Vest $60-$180

This is probably my most consistent running item when running in the cold. I have tried all sorts of different running jackets but I just feel too restricted, running vests leave my arms free to move and keep my core warm. It is also the layer that keeps me coziest since I just can’t seem to find a run shirt to keep me comfortable. It is sort of like having your leg out of the blankets cozy. I am currently running in a casual wear vest from Old Navy but have asked for an upgrade. While researching I found there are tons out there ranging from $60 all of the way to $180. I requested a lightweight run vest from Columbia which was listed at $60 on their website. In black of course!

Lighting for Darker Days $7.99 and up

While this does sound like a way to pep up the runner in your life from the darkness of 2020, I really mean literal darkness. Days are getting shorter & shorter and lots of runners are having to resort to running in the dark. To be honest, we have had some days that are pretty dark just with the cloudy overcast, where I would personally wear my light and reflective gear. Currently, I have been using these Spi Beams from Spi Belt. They are reactor lights that light up with the movement of my feet. However, there are lots of light-up items for any budget ranging from armbands to headlamps, to vests.

Stocking Stuffers

Just in case you are really short on ideas and are looking for more running goodies here is a quick list of stocking stuffers! There are a million little items we can use daily that we may or may not buy for ourselves. I think any runner would be beyond happy to see these in their stocking!

• Race/Run Fuel – gels & single serve packs
• Running themed ornament
• Hydration packets
• K-Tape
• Chaffe Cream (I recommend Chafe zone, Squirrel’s nut butter, and Lume)
• Blister pads (K-Tape makes great ones)
• Run themed car decals
• Sunglasses (knockaround is a great brand)
• Running headbands

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So don’t stress this Christmas, grab a couple of these great gifts and call it a day!!

Interested in Buff or Turtle gloves? Check out my discounts page for 15% off of both brands!