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Gifts for runners can easily creep in to the expensive category because we do love fancy technical gear, but there are tons of stocking stuffers that we NEED and genuinely love receiving!
I mean very few of us will turn down a great GPS watch or new running shoes, but the list is much broader! Luckily there are a lot of small gifts for runners that don’t require you to know a shoe size, shirt size or any of our other weird runner preferences.
If you’re looking to fill out that stocking or something to give to your good running buddy after watching them blow snot rockets throughout winter training runs, I’ve got you covered.
Running since 2002, I’ve had all manner of good and bad cheap gifts for runners thrust my way. Can I just be honest and say almost none of us need another keychain or random wall decal. Let’s save you some time and money, by pointing out the ones we actually want!
Under $20 Good Gifts for Runners
Grab one or grab multiple, you’ll still be keeping the price reasonable. Each item is linked so you can quickly find it and get on with your day! Because I know this isn’t the only thing on your list to accomplish today.
I’ve gotten a lot of feedback that most of these make great gifts for cross country runners. Team gifts or filling up those stockings with the little things that we just don’t always think of, but can enhance our enjoyment of the run.
I picked this ear warmer by Junk for a number of reasons. First, Junk offers some really neat prints for their ear bands. This one is no exception.
This ear warmer offers 4-way stretch for comfort, the performance fleece fabric is sweat-wicking and breathable, and it’s non-slip so it’s not going anywhere.
Some added bonuses are it offers UPF 50+ protection, is one size fits all, and is machine washable and dryable. It’s also arguably the best budget option!
- Price: $20
- Fabric: 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex
- Weight: Lightweight
- Care: Machine wash, tumble dry
Just as holding ice can cool the body during summer runs, keeping the hands warm and dry can help during the winter! All of your body heat is being directed to the organs, so those fingers get cold long before anything else and cotton gloves are a HUGE NO-NO!!
I like these because they have a little grip to them too so you can tie your shoes, plus they have the touchscreen tips. No more taking off your gloves to get your Strava running.
👉🏽Checkout my complete list of best running gloves, if you’re going this route to buy ones that are right for the weather they run in.
#3 Help Their Shoes Fit Better – Lock Laces – {$9.99}
Speaking of tying your shoes, stop! I did a whole post on why these are purchased by 1 in 10 Ironman finishers! My husband is obsessed with them and puts them in every pair of shoes that he gets.
You just swap out your existing laces with these and you’ll be able to create a more secure fit, plus you can loosen and tighten them quickly. As someone who never unties my shoes, this is probably better for the life of the shoe.
Tada Christmas gifts for runners where you don’t even need to know their shoe size. You can probably make an informed choice about the color of laces you choose.
I have loved these for after a rainy or snowy run to help dry out the shoes and maintain shape. I find they tend to work faster than balled up newspaper because they fit the shoe and are really easy to carry with us during winter or wet travels.
Bonus points because they also help to kill bacteria from sweating and thus will kill the SMELL.
That might just fall under Christmas gifts for runners that give back to the whole family.
Trust me this is absolutely at the top of every runners MUST HAVE list. We need one stashed every where so that we are never without.
My personal favorite as it glides on so smoothly compared to others that seem to dry out faster. Plus talk about cheap gifts for runners, you could snag this and something else on the list!
#6 For Cold Weather Racing – Throw Away Gloves ($13 for 12)
I know you are think, what the h$%*, but every runner has found themselves on a cold starting line wishing they had a pair of gloves…but not an expensive pair they’d need to hold on to for the duration of the race.
Nope just a cheap pair they can toss when they warm up.
#7 For Dealing with Injuries or Aches – Rock Tape ($19)
The variety of ways that we can use kinesiology tape to deal with all the aches you hear us talk about is incredible. Tape up a knee for support, an ankle we rolled, a lower back that just tight and aching.
Another incredible gift that they’ll be amazed you thought of! It’s useful if they have a sore lower back, a running knee pain or just about anything else. I’ve used it post surgery and a lot of times since on other areas to keep running!
To go along with those gloves, having a few ponchos around means no worries about staying dry on race morning! If we only have one we get weird about potentially throwing it away! Plus you can help out your friends who didn’t plan ahead.
#9 Christmas Tree Gift – Runner Ornament ($8.72)
Of course you can decorate the tree with medals, but the rest of the family might prefer to continue seeing ornaments. These are super cute and come in male, female, blonde, brunette, African American.
My MIL got me one and it proudly hangs on our tree! It’s one of the few times she was able to find a good gift for runners when she went looking.
#10 Motivational Book ($16)
I’ve got a list of 50 running books for you to pick from, but if you need just one I’d say checkout Finding Ultra by Rich Roll.
I’ve heard there’s a really stellar one called Run To The Finish – which is designed to help the middle of the pack love the run, get smarter, faster and prevent injuries. Also available in Audio, so they can get motivated WHILE running!
I’ve talked a lot about tools to help us feel safer on the run this year and this one surprised me. I have always been afraid of carrying a spray, but this one is a gel. Meaning when sprayed it will stick and not blow back.
It’s also got a hand hold that makes it ideal for runners.
No time to shop and ship, then help them hit a new goal this year! This is one of the most common goals I see runners set and then struggle with where to turn to make it happen.
This plan has worked for hundreds of runners and will give them the guidance to make it happen, then they’ll have you to thank!!
#13 The Gift WE NEED Swiftwick Socks – {$17}
I know, I know we always joke about getting underwear and socks for Christmas, but the thing is your runner will LOVE getting some great running socks!! Seriously, we feel guilty spending $17 for 1 pair on our own, but love it when you do.
I recommend these specifically because of their moisture wicking and SMELL controlling properties. Seriously days on end of wear during a trip and no smell…I plead the 5th on how I know this.
They’ll both love and hate you for this gift. If you have a runner with tight muscles or constantly battling IT band issues this is where it’s at this holiday season.
Giving them one more reason to take care of their bodies. If your runner travels a lot then consider getting them The Stick instead as it is won’t take up space in their luggage.
#15 Serious Winter Runner – Ice Cleats ($9.99)
We don’t earn our title of being “crazy runners” by avoiding the weather, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be a little safer too. Ice Cleats fit easily over existing shoes to provide some traction in the winter weather.
Bonus points they can use them on boots for shoveling or hiking too! So I guess this stocking stuffer for runners could end up being a gift for you.
We’ve all seen the tall knee high socks that are so loved on marathon day. But our feet deserve some love other times too and these low cut socks can easily be worn any time to help those tired dogs whether on the run or in my case when we’re walking all over for vacation post race!
Compression can help with tired feet from training or standing around all day.
It’s a bit of an evil gift because it’s painful to use, but they really will thank you!! It’s perfect for traveling and being able to work out those knots to ensure we come home feeling great.
Different sizes are available, but I recommend the smallest and cheapest one. It’s ideal for working on things like Plantar Fasciitis, tight glues, even tight shoulders from all that time running with a hydration pack.
One thing every runner needs, year round, is something to help them stay on top of hydration. Being dehydrated can make workouts feel tougher, cause cramps and impact our mood.
The great thing about electrolytes is that they not only replace minerals like sodium that we lose while out there working hard, but they encourage us to drink more! The combination of something slightly sweet and sodium keeps us sipping.
This is a great option for someone who needs to drink more all the time and might not want to amp up their calories. So consider this an all day hydrator! I’ve always liked the Propel flavor too, it’s not overpowering so it’s a good option for a lot of folks.
Speaking of staying on top of our hydration, give them something to put those electrolytes in on the run! Too many runners are heading out with zero hydration and it’s biting them in the butt later in the day when they’re exhausted.
This is a fun option because it’s collapsible, so as they drink it’s going to get lighter and feel like even less to carry. The case also ensures we have a handle to make it easy to hold AND it’s designed to help keep that water cool! Nothing worse on a hot summer day than hot water to wet your whistle.
Whether you’ve got a long distance runner, trail runner or just a new runner on your hands, blisters can happen. They’re a frustrating part of finding the best fitting shoe and dealing with changing weather conditions.
I like these because they are flexible to fit over different areas, but also provide some cushion. AND they’re actually designed to speed up healing. I’ve used them before and now carry some in my hydration pack for those uh oh moments.
#21 Fuel Us Up – Honey Stinger ($2-$9)
Funny story, while this is listed here as inexpensive gifts for runners, the truth is we spend A LOT on running fuel. So if you are going to help add to our stash in anyway it’s a freaking awesome gift.
Since people tend to be picky about gels, I actually love recommending Honey Stinger waffles because they can be a great pre-run snack, at the start line or for some folks a good option during the run. Meanwhile the gels and chews are fantastic for sensitive stomachs, so there are few runners who would turn up their nose at these!
Or snag the variety pack so they can test out a few options to find their winner.
#22 “Just Keep Running” – Engraved Bracelet ($12)
When you want to let them know that you believe in their goals, this is a really sweet gift. There are a lot of options to choose from for the engraving so you can give them a laugh with a “I am a badass unicorn” or stick to the more classic “just keep running”.
And at $15 even if they only wear it a few times or just for a special race, it’s still going to be worthwhile.
Nothing says I’m a runner like a great wall display of your proudest moments. I may have a few of these in our basement alongside the treadmill myself!
They have a few options like Beast Mode for your intense friends, “She Believed She Could and She Did” for when you want to remind her just how far she has come. And then the great I can and I will.
#24 Help Them With Tracking – Day-by-Day Log ($17)
One of the most helpful things for runners during training is having a better way to look back at their workouts. We too often just let the watch do the work and don’t record things like how we were feeling, the weather, mood, etc.
Being able to quickly look back gives us both confidence on race day and a reminder that perhaps when we have a lot of life stress our runs get harder and that doesn’t mean we’re doing something wrong. Now that’s a small gift for runners with a big impact.
#25 Clean Up Our Sweat – Microfiber Towel ($13)
I like this set of 3 with different sizes because it also means I have one to throw over my seat in the summer post run… ya I’m pretty disgusting. I also keep one in my trail bag, so I can easily clean my face after our big outings.
Basically they have a ton of uses and might keep your car and house a tad cleaner!
#26 Help Us Stay Safe – LED Safety Lights ($19 for 2)
This is a go to for so many of us. I have lots of blinking lights, so that I can attach on to the back of hydration pack, one to the front and that means all winter long they are right there and I don’t have to do anything but turn them on and start running.
Take the thinking out of their safety and just make it happen. Super lightweight and easy to use, there will be no excuses.
In one list I’ve told you to buy socks and underwear, I know it sounds crazy. But hear me out! A lot of folks choose to wear underwear with their gear and it becomes REALLY important that they aren’t wearing cotton because oh man the bacteria, the chafing…ick.
But like so many things, it’s expensive to upgrade. So get in our good graces with this stocking stuffer!
Besides being called a panty, everything else about this bikini style is right on par with what you need.
Cheaper than so many of the other running brand names, a variety of colors and sizes, and no tags to worry about, this seamless underwear is designed to help eliminate odor (a staple I appreciate in all running gear).
Need more good fitness gift ideas?
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