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Picking out the perfect gift isn’t always easy. You have the people who regularly buy for themselves, and the people that rarely ask for anything. But perhaps the hardest person to shop for —the one that has absolutely everything. So here’s our best suggestions for the runner that appears to already have all the gear they need.

1. Hydration & Nutrition: This is a solid category to consider because it includes items that get used up or used hard and need replacing regularly. Suggestions here include everything from regular water bottles to handheld bottles and even hydration vests. In addition you also have nutritional items such as energy bars, gels, and endurance drinks. However, runners are often particular about their food items, so we suggest investigating their current inventory before making any purchases. Some hydration suggestions include the following items:  

• Ultimate Direction Women’s Ultra Vest: This is a solid pack from a reputable brand. It includes two 10 ounce bottles stored up front. There are also two pockets on the front for smaller items plus two vertical zippered pockets and one horizontal pocket on the back for storage. Current pricing is around $125.

• Nathan Quickdraw Plus Handheld Bottle Carrier: This is a 22 ounce bottle with an adjustable hand strap from another trusted brand-Nathan. The pouch on the bottle isn’t huge, but it has more than enough room to carry keys, an ID/debit card, and some gels or salt tabs for longer runs.

• CamelBak Podium Big Chill 25 oz Insulated Water Bottle: We may not be too concerned with keeping our water cold this time of year, but wouldn’t it be nice to keep it from freezing solid during frigid runs? As an added bonus CamelBak provides a lifetime guarantee. This one can be purchased for roughly $15 depending on color.

2. General Purpose: While it is nice to be able to go out running with nothing more than your running shoes and the clothes you are wearing — that isn’t always possible. Frequently we need to carry something. That could be an ID card, keys, gel, phone, or portable music player. This is where a waist belt comes in handy.

3.Commemorative Jewelry and/or Collectibles: Here we shift from the practical gifts to the sentimental. Our shop, Milestones Sports Jewelry & Apparel, was created by runners for runners. We offer unique gifts for runners to commemorate their accomplishments. Our designs on our jewelry and clothing are all original. Our goal is capturing the emotions at finish line and presenting them to runners in personal long lasting mementos and keepsakes.

• Run Heart and Running Shoe Bead Combo: This combo of European running beads is perfect for any runner that already has a Pandora style bracelet. These beads are crafted of the finest quality .925 sterling silver and fits Pandora and most European brand bracelets. At only $44.99 this bead combo is a great value.

• RUN Snowflake Christmas Ornament: This adorable blue RUN snowflake Christmas ornament will be treasured by any runner year after year. Milestones has several ornament designs to choose from in pewter or ceramic: They pewter ornament measures 2-inches in diameter and is finished in red resin for $14.99. The ceramic ornament measure 3-inches in diameter and are available as low as $9.99.

• LIVE, LOVE, RUN Hoodie- She'll love this soft and comfy Hoodie. The front has "RUN" printed on the left of he full zipper opening. The back proclaims "Live, Love, Run" on the back. For only $49.99 this gift will delighted you both.

• Milestones E-gift certificate: Because sometimes getting a gift (certificate) and being able to shop for yourself truly is the best gift available.

4. Race Frame with finishers’ medal and/or finish line photo: Speaking yet again from personal experience, one of the best running gifts I’ve received was a series of framed pictures from a race. The photos featured: my finishers’ buckle, a mid-race shot, a photo just after the finish line, and a group picture of me with the crew that helped me get from the start to finish. There are plenty of online options to purchase but we’d suggest heading to a local framing shop. Or for those creative types — putting something together at home.

Gift Certificate: There are different options here, from a gift certificate to their favorite running supply store, or a generic (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express) gift card so they can register for an upcoming race. But perhaps the gift certificate we think is the most interesting is more homemade. Why not give the runner in your life a “gift certificate for time” so they can go out for a guilt-free run and truly enjoy the miles?

5. Safety: Perhaps just as important as the hydration and recovery items — is the often overlooked safety. Some suggestions here include a headlamp, small handheld flashlight, or even a reflector vest. These items may be especially useful right now due to the shorter days. Of course, an ID band with a name, emergency contact info, and any allergy info is also a perfect gift.

• Petzl Tikka Headlamp: This has a 100 lumen output, runs on 3AAA batteries, and it is available in a variety of colors. Plus, Petzl is a trusted name when it comes to headlamps.This item will set you back $30.

• Gerber Infinity Ultra Task Light: This light isn’t made especially for running, but we’ve used it and it’s reliable. This particular light runs on 1AAA battery, and is durable and lightweight. You can find it on Amazon for just over $20.

• Reflective Vest with 3M Safety Reflective Bands: Granted these aren’t the most exciting items, but while running the in the dark, safety is key. Passing cars will see you if you’re wearing one of these vests. This set is priced around $25, but that depends on size needed.

• Road ID: There are plenty of options for ID bracelets, but Road ID seems to be a favorite in the running community. We wear them, and have for years now. These bands are affordable and hold up well over time. Bracelets are available from $20-$40 depending on options in band material, colors, sizing and they even offer some bling to decorate.

Summary: But as this post comes to a close we find ourselves re-reading the title of this post, What To Buy The Runner Who Has Everything. And while gifts are important and gifts are nice to receive, we feel we should return to the “gift certificate for time” idea. After all, running can be a time-consuming hobby and sometimes it is the support and encouragement that can be most important. So just make sure to get out and enjoy those miles.