Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Smartwatch, 43 mm
Garmin's Forerunner 165 is a lightweight 43 mm running watch with built-in GPS for pace and distance, wrist-based heart rate, a bright AMOLED touchscreen and traditional buttons that still work with gloves on a cold morning. Battery life reaches up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours in GPS mode. Garmin Coach and race-adaptive plans suggest workouts ahead of a specific event, and 25+ activity profiles cover cycling, strength and more. Rated 4.6 across 5,200+ reviews on Amazon US, at about $206 in Whitestone.
Why it makes a good gift
Best for : A runner who still tracks runs with a phone or an old watch.
Best occasion : Christmas, a birthday, before a first race.
Why it works : It is the one piece of gear a runner looks at on every run, and the training plans give a new goal, such as a first half marathon, a structure the day it is unwrapped.
Avoid if : They already own a recent GPS watch, or they run without data on purpose.
For
Him, Her, Friend
Budget
$$$$ — Premium
Frequently asked questions
How long does the battery last?
Up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours with GPS, according to Garmin.
Does it need a phone to track a run?
No, GPS is built in for pace and distance; the phone is used to sync and for some safety features.
What size is it?
43 mm; the listing also offers other colors.
