My 13-year-old daughter runs cross country and wants to keep running this winter

 


A Reader Asks:

"My 13-year-old daughter runs cross country and wants to keep running this winter. She doesn’t have a phone yet, but I’d love to get her something with music and earbuds for her runs—something like the old-school Walkmans or CD players we had back in the day (minus the skipping discs). What’s out there now where she can download music at home via Wi-Fi and take it on the go? Worth a shot?"

The Answer:
Ah, the nostalgia of Walkmans and skipping CD players! Back then, we’d jog with a device the size of a brick bouncing around in our fanny packs. Thankfully, tech has evolved, and you’ve got options that won’t weigh her down or make her look like a time traveler.

Options to Keep Her Running (and Jamming):

  1. MP3 Players:
    Yes, they still exist! Brands like SanDisk Clip Sport Plus are lightweight, durable, and perfect for running. Bonus: They won’t break the bank or distract her with text notifications about the latest TikTok trend.

  2. iPod Touch:
    If you’re okay with something that’s kind of like a phone but without the calling/texting feature, the iPod Touch lets her download music and run apps like Spotify—Wi-Fi only.

  3. Wearables:
    Consider a smartwatch like the Garmin Forerunner or Apple Watch SE. Many models let you store music directly on the watch, so all she needs is a pair of Bluetooth earbuds. Plus, it tracks her runs, which she’ll love.

  4. Old-School Charm:
    If you’re feeling retro, hunt down a refurbished iPod Shuffle or iPod Nano. Super lightweight, no distractions, and 100% runner-friendly.

Earbuds for Runners:

You’ll be giving her the gift of music and independence—without diving straight into the smartphone rabbit hole. It’s the best of both worlds.

Worth a shot?

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