Looking for great stocking stuffers for the runner in your life? Discover some amazing inexpensive gift ideas (many under $10!) that will be well loved. Whether the person you’re shopping for has just started jogging or has been pounding the pavement for years, there are present ideas for every type of runner. Let’s get shopping!
Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon and Etsy affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.
1. Running Book
Is there anyone that doesn’t love curling up to a good book?! (OK, I’m sure there are, but it’s typically a good option!). Running books are full of tips, tricks and strategies to help someone reach their goals.
You can easily purchase a new book on Amazon or at any bookstore, and there are links to some favorites below. But you can also search for these at thrift stores or used bookstores, which makes for a great budget-friendly option.
I’d really love to make second hand gifts more socially acceptable – and I think books are one of the easiest secondhand gifts to give, because they often still appear brand new.
Check those stores browse their selection of running books. Most of the time, secondhand books will go for just $2-$3, making them an excellent cost-effective gift.
Here are a few favorites to keep an eye out for:
- The Runner’s World Big Book of Running for Beginners (for beginner runners)
- Run Forever: Your Complete Guide to Healthy Lifetime Running (for any runner)
- Running Your First Ultra (training guide for ultra runners)
- Advanced Marathoning (for experienced marathon runners)
- Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide (for beginner or experienced marathoners)
- Daniels’ Running Formula (for those that want to understand the science and develop better training plans)
- Nancy Clark’s Sports Nutrition Guidebook (for folks interested in nutrition to support their running)
- Run Fast, Eat Slow (cookbook for runners)
You can find more of my favorite running books for gifts here.
2. Running Bumper Sticker
Know someone that just finished up a big race? Commemorate it with a running bumper sticker stocking stuffer – these are typically less than $10, and you can find them for a variety of races like:
You can also find other fun images or sayings related to running – Etsy is usually a great spot for finding those.
3. Reflective Gear
It’s important to stay safe when running in the early morning or nighttime, and part of that includes reflective gear so cars know you’re there.
While I’m partial to the Nox Tracer360 Vest (amazing for visibility), it is a pricier option (and more of a true gift than a stocking stuffer). But there are plenty of cheaper options too.
For example, you could grab the 247 Viz Reflective Vest, which is typically priced under $10-$15. There are also reflective wrist and arm bands available rather than vests, and these also usually fall under that price range too.
4. Good Running Socks
A good pair of moisture-wicking and breathable socks will keep your feet dry and comfortable during those long runs, so they don’t end up with blisters or hot spots.
Here are two ideal options:
- Swiftwick socks – The Vibe Zero (my favorite), Aspire Zero, Aspire One, and FLITE XT ZERO are all great options produced by the brand. Typically, one pair will run you less than $20, making them a great stocking stuffer option.
- Balega – Try their Compression Fit Performance or their Blister Resistance Performance socks.
5. Digital Art Turned Poster Print
There are some beautiful digital running art prints on Etsy, including a few that I have designed like this “I Run, I Become” print! You can often purchase these for as little as $2-$3.
Once you purchase it, keep an eye out for coupon codes for poster prints at Walgreens Photo (or other locations, like CVS or Staples). Around the holidays, there is almost always a coupon code floating around.
For example, at the time I wrote this, their normal 11×14 poster print was $12.99 – but there was a 50% off coupon code displayed on their site, making it just $6.49 to print.
By keeping an eye out for these deals, you can easily purchase beautiful art and get it printed into a poster for under $10 total.
6. Energy Gels
If you’re shopping for a long-distance runner, they will typically need fuel to use on runs lasting more than 90 minutes. Energy gels are available at local running stores or online, and typically run around $2-3 each.
Purchasing them online typically requires buying a bulk box which is a little pricier, so if you’re on a tight budget, I recommend going to a brick-and-mortar location where you can grab a few individual packs.
Otherwise, grab a variety pack online so you can give your runner an abundance of flavor choices in their stocking.
7. Resistance Bands
Every runner should be working on some functional strength training as part of their training routine, and resistance bands can be a great tool to help with that. They’re light and take up little space, which also makes them great for traveling.
There are tons of resistance band exercises for runners, some of which use looped bands, some use a tube-style, and some use elastic band strips.
All three options can be found at reasonable prices! This TechStone set of five looped bands is extremely reasonable and makes for a great stocking stuffer. This RENRANRING Resistance Bands Set is a great option for an injured runner that’s looking to do some PT exercises to help with injury recovery.
8. Anti-Chafing Products
Chafing can be a real uncomfortable problem for runners – whether that’s thighs rubbing together or an irritated sports bra line. Luckily, some anti-chafing balm can work wonders, and is a cheap stocking stuffer that any runner will love.
Here are a few options:
- Body Glide for Her – Great option for ladies! This has been my go-to for years.
- Zone Naturals Chub Rub – I haven’t personally used this but it’s gotten rave reviews among those I know who have.
- Squirrel’s Nut Butter – Tee-hee. Silly name and great product = win-win.
9. Running Headband
If you’re shopping for the lady in your life, a good headband can be really helpful for preventing annoying wispy hairs from getting in their face during a run, as well as preventing sweat from dripping in the eyes.
Look for one made with moisture-wicking material, so that it doesn’t keep sweat clinging to your head the entire time.
For winter runners, check out the TrailHeads Women’s Ponytail Headband. It’s perfect for keeping your ears warm in addition to keeping hair out of your face, and has a loop through the back to pop your ponytail through.
For summer running, try the Jesries Women’s Workout Headbands. They’re super stretchy and lightweight, and come with great reviews.
10. Handwarmers
Probably not a concern for those of you in the Southern parts of the US, but for those of us up here in the Northeast, it can get pretty frigid during winter runs! Handwarmers can keep those fingers toasty under your gloves.
Grab some inexpensive disposable handwarmers as a great stocking stuffer. (While I love reusable hand warmers, some are a little bulky to carry on a run.)
11. Massage Ball
A massage ball is a great stocking stuffer for runners. You roll your foot over it for self-massage, helping to keep the muscles, tendons, and fascia in your feet healthy. It can also be useful when dealing with certain common running injuries, like plantar fasciitis.
There are either smooth hard massage balls, or you can get spiky massage balls that offer a different sensation. Either way, they usually run around $10 or less per ball.
12. Sunglasses
Cheap sunglasses (a la Dollar Tree and other similar stores) have consistently been one of my favorite stocking stuffers. They’re only a few bucks, so if I lose a pair, I’m not frustrated. And when I’m running, I’m sweating on ’em (and sometimes occasionally falling if I’m trail running) so it’s not like I want to wear a super nice pair.
Many of the runners in your life would also probably love an extra pair or two of sunglasses for their runs.
Of course, if you want, you can upgrade to a higher quality pair of running sunglasses, most of which still aren’t super pricey ($10-$30 range). You can find a variety of options on Amazon.
13. $10 Gift Card To A Local Running Store
Really stumped and not sure what to get? A $10 gift card to a local running store is inexpensive and will allow your loved one to get exactly what they want. This is great for runners that can be picky about the things they like, or if it’s hard for you to guess their size when purchasing apparel online.
The Bottom Line
There are plenty of thoughtful stocking stuffers for runners that are sure to be appreciated! From books to reflective gear to fueling products, there’s something for every type of runner and every budget. Happy shopping!
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