6 Funny Gifts for Runners Who Love to Laugh (2021)

As the old saying goes, laughter is the best medicine, but running is also a great way of boosting a person’s mood and producing a state of increased positivity. Combining these two things, running and laughing, into one gift can be a great idea. The question is, what are the funniest gifts for runners who love to laugh?

The best funny gifts for runners who love to laugh are comedic badges, novelty protein shakers, and shirts or hoodies with humorous, running-related slogans on them. Always make sure the humor is in good taste and you closely understand the individual you are buying for.

This article will discuss the personality traits commonly found amongst runners and why this plays into selecting the appropriate gift. Next, we will look at the nature of humor in general, the do’s and don’ts, and what it means to give a funny gift. Lastly, we will provide our recommendations of the absolute greatest funny gifts for runners who love laughing, so keep reading.

Insight on the Personality Traits of Runners

To choose a gift for avid runners that is sure to make them laugh, it is first necessary to provide a little bit of insight into the typical personality traits of runners and what makes them tick. The better we are able to understand the psychology of runners the better equipped we will be to choose a gift that they will love.

First and foremost, runners are disciplined, goal-oriented, and they enjoy pushing the boundaries of their physical limitations in a way which the majority of the general population would be unwilling to. This can be very relevant to the gift you choose for them because it tells us that they will appreciate organizational values in nature and are prideful and strong in their sentiments.

Because running is so interwoven with health, runners will likely be very health-conscious individuals. This means that they are likely to appreciate gifts related to dieting, hydration, cooking, and health monitoring.

Avid runners also tend to have a sort of affinity for the outdoors, exploration, nature, and taking the less beaten path. For this reason, runners may enjoy things related to travel, the outdoors, and spirituality.

Runners are also likely to be very receptive to quality clothing that can be used during runs. For a runner, the attire is a huge part of the sport. Runners must dress appropriately, especially those who run year-round in a range of different climates. If a runner dressed too warmly in the summer, they would overheat, and if not warmly enough in the winter, they will freeze, so clothing plays a key role in their success.

Gloves, hats, sweatbands, shirts, shorts, pants, socks, compressive base-layers, etc., are all a fairly safe gift idea for runners. Just be sure that whatever the phrase or slogan you have written on them is suitable for that individual’s character. If you are buying for more general acquaintances who you are less familiar with, stick to more generic and all-purpose quotes suited to a broader range of people.

In closing this section, we can conclude by saying that the best gifts for runners will relate to health, prideful discipline, hard work, and the great outdoors. If you stay within these parameters, you are sure to produce a gift that they will no doubt love and cherish.

The Principles of Humor

Now that we have established what types of gifts are most suitable to runners based on the typical characteristics and personality traits exhibited amongst them, we can directly tie this in with the humorous aspect to bring about the perfect gift to make them laugh.

The first thing we must understand, however, is the nature of humor and its unwritten rules.

When it comes to humor, it is always good to push the boundaries but not go overboard to the point of being rude or insulting.

Humor is a delicate balancing act of teasing the subject with some shred of truth based in reality, which may be ironic or otherwise extreme, but to present it in a way which does not come across as vulgar, arrogant, conceited, or cruel.

Knowing your audience will also play into their taste in humor and what they find funny or unfunny. Running is a sport which is enjoyed by people from every demographic group. The universality of running is arguably its greatest appeal besides the incredible health benefits. Still, as such, you may want to consider that an older person and a young person may have a wholly different idea of what constitutes good humor, so be mindful of the person.

Some of the most humorous jokes can be derived from simply pointing out everyday realities, which may be ironic or brutally honest.

Another law of good humor is that delivery is more important than the actual content of the joke in most cases. The medium and presentation are equally, if not more important, than the actual message you are trying to convey. For example, a slogan that may be humorous when written on a shirt may be less or not funny if the same slogan were to be written on, say, a bumper sticker; so also be mindful of the context of the mode of delivery.

One rule widely regarded as a golden rule amongst the comedy community is, as they say, always punching up and never punching down. This means that it is still more well-received to poke fun at those who are perceived to be more fortunate than those who are less fortunate. Taking shots at the genuine misfortune of a person will trigger in others a sort of altruistic sympathy that will render the joke cruel and in poor taste.

The main takeaway here is to tease in good spirits without bullying. You want the recipient to feel included, not excluded.

An Overview on the Gifts

Now that the reader is familiar with the runner’s personality traits in a broad sense and is also aware of how jokes work from a strategic perspective, we can now get onto the fun part. We will now provide our list of the best gifts to make runners laugh this holiday season.

The great thing about quotes and slogans is that they are adaptable, customizable, and can be printed onto just about any item you could ever imagine. The items on this list will act as a great point of reference and will help to jog the reader’s imagination, but never be afraid to think outside the box and come up with something unique and one of a kind.

Many companies produce customized logos and products and generally do so at a relatively affordable price. Always remember that a great gift is not determined by the price but by its practical utility and the thought that goes into it. Any of the following gift items can be altered or reworded in any way which the gift giver sees fit or suitable.

Another great tip that may help determine a great gift is to look at the person who will be receiving the gift already owns. This will help you get a sense of their style and taste, and it can also help you determine anything that they may be missing and do not already own.

Study their favorite colors, their favorite brands and designs, and the small details; for instance, do they bring music with them on their run? Do they bring water with them? Things like this can help to generate great gift accessories.

Comedic Runner’s Pin Badge

The first gift on this list is a basic badge listed on Etsy that is sure to make the recipient laugh. It’s a funny runner’s pin badge. Featuring the quote “If I Collapse Can You Please Pause My Watch!” This pin is sure to rouse some smiles.

The great thing about the slogan featured on this pin is that anyone well acquainted with running will recognize that it is not far from reality, and there is always a certain level of truth behind every joke.

These pins are small and affordable, making them a great gift for casual acquaintances such as coworkers and friends-of-friends.

These pins are all completely handmade and guarantee the utmost quality. They are 1 ¾” in diameter, and they have a pin that is well protected then closed, so it will not stab, poke, or hurt the wearer in any way.

They can be easily pinned onto and displayed on shirts, hats, and gym bags, allowing others to share in the laughs wherever you may roam.

I’ve Got the Runs Christmas Tree Ornament

Next up on our list is another inexpensive but hilariously creative gift suitable for anyone who celebrates Christmas and has a fancy for holiday decorations.

This classical sphere-shaped ornament has imprinted on it the statement “I’ve Got The Runs” and features a runner’s silhouette in full stride. The humor in this is its play on words. On the one hand, “the runs” is typically used to refer to someone suffering from diarrhea. On the other hand, it is used to signify the insatiable urge to run experienced by runners in general.

This one will be a sure hit and is guaranteed to bring some smiles around the Christmas tree this season.

Dad Bod Protein Shaker

As mentioned earlier in this article, anything related to diet and nutrition will be a solid gift option for those involved in running.

Many runners will supplement protein powder shakes into their diet to recover the muscles from rigorous training bouts. Anyone accustomed to drinking protein shakes regularly knows that you can never have too many shaker bottles like this one.

The thing that sets this particular shaker apart and makes it humorous is the cup’s logo, which reads “Dad Bod,” accompanied by a father’s silhouette flexing and holding a young child.

The term dad bod refers to someone who is not considered fat but who carries on their frame a very few extra pounds. This is a lighthearted jest which is by no means worthy of being taken as an insult and is most suitable for fathers.

The best part about this shaker cup is its multitude of features. With the dad bod protein shaker, you will also get a built-in whisk to efficiently break down clumps of protein powder and a spill-proof lid that snaps down tight to seal, a threaded bottom compartment where protein powder can be stored until later when you are ready to use it. It is also easy to wash and dishwasher friendly to save yourself the hassle of scrubbing.

Note that this gift is not advisable for anyone who is overly conscious about their weight and physical appearance.

One Bad Mother Runner Socks

These playful socks, which have sewn into them with the highest quality, the playful phrase “one bad mother runner,” are stylish, comfortable, and feature an arch compression band that works to provide additional support to the natural arch of the foot while performing physical exercise.

This product is available in a dozen different colors, is flexible in its sizing, making it practically universal for all adults, and comes up to about the mid-shin level.

These socks are not merely for a show but were designed to be extremely durable and shock absorbent. These are by no means your everyday socks. They are fabricated from nylon, spandex, polyester for peak athletic performance and comfort.

My Sport Is Your Sport’s Punishment T-Shirt

From all the gifts on this list, this one may be most assured to make the recipient and all those who see it laugh.

This shirt, which says “My Sport Is Your Sport’s Punishment,” may be more accurate than anything. It is well known that even amongst committed athletes, running requires a different level of extreme mindset.

Those who play other more team-oriented sports such as soccer, football, baseball, or basketball, may resent and even disdain running. For precisely this reason, coaches have long been used to punish delinquent players who are either half-hearted in their efforts or who take the easy way out.

Running is somewhat of a self-torturous sport that requires the athletes to search within the deepest depths of their heart and determination to succeed. Unlike other sports that rely heavily on technique, strategy, and game planning—running, a lot of the time comes down to how bad you want it and how much you are willing to go through to accomplish your goals.

There is a certain understanding that running is a completely stand-alone feat, the brutality of which is not matched by any other form of competition. In running, unlike other sports, you are essentially competing against yourself.

A real runner will immediately relate with the phrase imprinted on this shirt on a very profound level, but it also allows them to poke fun at other sports in a friendly and jolly way.

Shut Up Legs Hoodie

The last gift on this list, which is sure to pack a comedic punch, is the “Shut Up Legs, You’re Fine” hoodie from Etsy.

A common theme on this list is that some of these slogans, while they may not seem overly funny to those unfamiliar with the sport of running, will be felt on a deep and intimate level by those who are frequent runners themselves.

Many of these catchphrases and quotes can only be understood by those who have undergone the turmoil of running to the limit on a regular basis. While it is rather funny to imagine someone telling their own legs to shut up and trying to convince them that they are okay, this is a very real sentiment for those who have been in that situation.

When it comes to running, what tends to separate the winners and the losers are their ability to tell themselves these motivational (and sometimes hilarious) quotes to draw upon their will and not give up.

This particular hoodie is available in black and red and is a pull-over, meaning it has no zipper. Created half from cotton and a half from polyester, meaning it is warm enough to keep you going on those cold falls and winter runs. The great thing about this hoodie is that it also features a front kangaroo pocket, which is great for holding gloves, hats, or headbands.

This hoodie is not overly fancy. It is a solid color, and rather bland, which many people will prefer. If the person you are shopping for is not the type to wear bright, colorful patterns and designs, this may be a great gift option for them.

Conclusion

In closing, it is safe to say that based on the personality traits most common to runners, which includes discipline, a tough mindset, and health consciousness, the best gifts to make them laugh will accentuate these characteristics and incorporate humorous elements.

Funny running-related slogans on clothing, protein shakers, badges, pendants, and other accessories are a simple and easy way to provide a fun gift to any runner.

Keep in mind that an individual’s personality is receiving the gift, and always keeps the jokes inside the limits of what is appropriate.