It’s bad enough that the stores feel the need to open at night on Thanksgiving but did you know that the Gap locations near me will be opened during the day on Thursday?

So few are the moments in life where it’s okay and expected to hang out at home in your pajamas until 2:00 pm watching the parade followed by flipping between every movie marathon until it’s time to eat stuffing and apple crisp.

As someone who doesn’t celebrate Christmas, I always appreciated the few stores and restaurants which were opened on December 25th but those were usually stores owned and operated by Jewish people like myself.

Thanksgiving is a National holiday for everyone, not determined by religion.

Taking away the ability for people to rely on holidays as a time to relax and disconnect from the outside world just feeds into the growing problem of constant connection, no downtime and the complete imbalance between work/obligations and a personal life.

I just felt the need to get that out, thanks for listening.

If you are looking to get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping, I put together an awesome (well I think awesome) #HolidayRunList full of terrific ideas for the runners on your holiday gift-giving list.

Please note a few things about my list:

*I tried to be a bit out of the box. I hate to see the same recommendations over and over again.

*I don’t know about you, but I like to be creative in my gift-giving, focusing not on a dollar amount but on what I think would make a terrific gift for the special people in my life.

*I kept the price point relatively low because again, it’s not what you spend, it’s the thought that counts, not to mention, maybe all you need is a stocking stuffer, office grab bag gift or something awesome that doesn’t cost a lot of money.

*Runner’s are tough to buy for, especially when it comes to apparel. I don’t like to buy anyone clothing because I never know their size and don’t want to be rude in making the decision if I end up buying too big.

I hope you like my suggestions!

1. Mittens

 

Runners need mittens if they are dealing with cold weather runs. Not gloves, mittens!

Keeping your fingers close together helps to generate body heat and keep you warm far better than the tradition glove.

I know this through my own trial and error and crazy-insane high and low searching for the perfect pair of finger coverings ever since sharing my winter workout accessories essentials post a few weeks ago.

Even if the runner in your life already has a pair of running gloves, I am recommending mittens, preferably the Lulu Run With Me Mittens *Fleece in the picture above, or, if you want to spend $48 and can actually locate the Fluff Over Mittens below, go for it!

I finally found them the other day at my local Lululemon store and every run since owning them has been just what I am looking for in terms of finger/hand warmth.

Basically, the Fluff Over Mitten is the  Run With Me Mitten with the addition of a removable “Fluff-Over” layer which keeps your hands nice and cozy.

Both pairs of mittens feature Polartec® Power Stretch® Fleece top and Rulu™ fabric palm which means sweat-wicking,  four-way stretch and tech-friendly for easy phone swiping!

2. What runner doesn’t love peanut butter with oatmeal?!

 

The Peanut Butter & Co. website offers a variety of Nuts About Oats gift ideas, including the set above which features three jars of Peanut Butter & Co. peanut butter, Bob’s Red Mill Old-Fashioned Oats and an adorable oatmeal mug complete with a spoon!

Feel free to send me this as a gift. I probably won’t share but telling you ahead of time makes it okay.

3. Pro Compression

No run or recovery from a run is complete without a pair of Pro Compression socks or calf sleeves.

I own both the Pro Compression Calf Sleeves and Marathon Socks (pictured above) and don’t know how I made it before wearing them during my runs and especially after my long runs.

Why choose Pro Compression?

• True Graduated Compression – promotes circulation by pushing fluid up from your feet and ankles towards your knees which also helps to reduce swelling and inflammation while providing critical support to your muscles and tendons
• Arch support with just the right amount of compression
• Stabilization zone through the sides to midfoot – helps to provide food bed comfort.
• Open tow box so it will not keep your toes too tight
• Wide cuff for added comfort
• Moisture wicking materials

You need them. Get yourself a pair while ordering for the people on your list.

I even have Pro Compression discount code for you! Just enter PINK2 at checkout for a 40% discount. This code is valid through December 15, 2014.

4. Dior Addict Lip Glow

 

Running in the cold weather can create chapped lips.

What I love about Dior Addict Lip Glow is that it is super hydrating (plus spf 10) while also enhancing the natural pigment in your lips giving you a pop of color unique to each individual. It reacts with the chemistry of your lips or something like that.

 

5. Sparkly Soul headbands

 

I mentioned these Sparkly Soul headbands in my accessories essentials post and I am still loving them as my go-to headband.

They come in pretty colors and patterns plus they really don’t slip around your head or cause headaches. What’s nice too is that they are slim enough to fit under a hat without getting in the way.

So what’s on your #HolidayRunList?

Will you be shopping on Thanksgiving? Do you have to work on Thursday?

What color Pro Compression socks will you be ordering?!

I received the black Pro Compression Marathon Socks and discount code for you as part of my Sweat Pink ambassadorship in exchange for sharing my #HolidayRunList. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own.