25 Stocking Stuffers For Runners (Inexpensive + Under $20)

I always think it’s fun to buy Christmas gifts for running friends. You spend a lot of time clocking up miles with running buddies, and it’s always good to treat them to a little gift. The rule is that these gifts for runners must be practical, inexpensive, and under $20. Runners use many small items throughout the year, from protein bars to water bottles, blister plasters to running socks, and these make terrific stocking stuffers or gifts for running friends.

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😍 I’m always trying to convert non-runners. It may be a little pushy, but I’ve included this gift for beginner runners: the Beginner’s Luck Guide For Non-Runners.

3 Things To Consider When Buying Gifts For Runners, Especially Running Buddies

1. Keep to a budget. Spend too much on a present for your female running friends, and it’s going to get embarrassing. It will put pressure on your friendship. No matter how much you like your running buddy, keep your budget around $20-$25.
2. Buy practical gifts. Runners get through so many small items every year, from snack bars to shoe laces, and the costs start to add up. Giving practical gifts you know your buddy will use is going to be appreciated.
3. Make it personal. If one friend constantly complains about her feet, get her a soothing foot balm. If another gets very red in the sun, a running cap could be a great idea. Your friends will appreciate that you’ve put some thought into your gift buying.

Stocking Stuffers For Runners Under $20

1. Balega No Show Socks – Good running socks may seem expensive compared with cheap cotton versions, but the difference for runners is enormous. Socks that fit properly help prevent blisters and keep feet from sliding around in shoes, improving running form.
2. High Visibility Running Lights – Keep your friends safe and make sure they’re seen with this reflective vest and chest running light. It’s bright – 500 Lumens!
3. Running Belt – This adjustable belt has two secure zipped pockets for all running essentials – keys, phones, soft flask, energy bars.
4. Believe Journal – Inspire your friends with this running journal. It doesn’t matter how many running apps you have to record progress; a handwritten journal is better for planning your training and your year ahead. This one comes full of motivational tips and advice.
5. LED safety lights – These fun little lights can be clipped to a waistbelt, jacket, or running vest. They flash out a mighty warning to other road users.
6. Trailheads Touchscreen Gloves – Touchscreen convenience with these cool-weather running gloves. No more numb pinkies!
7. 2Toms SportShield – An anti-chaffing stick for all those sensitive areas. It even helps prevent blisters.
8. Race Medal Holder – Help your running friends celebrate their success.
9. Dr Scholl’s Reviving, Self-Heating Foot Mask – This one’s on my Christmas wish list. After a long run, your friend can slip on these self-heating booties infused with Epsom salts and essential oils. Bliss.
10. Merino Wool Buff – Slightly blowing the budget, but they’re currently on offer, these merino buffs will help to keep your running friends warm on cold winter days.
11. Foam Roller – A must-have item for all runners. Get rid of those knots and niggles!
12. Under Armour Launch Run Cap – Lightweight, breathable, and most importantly, it works for women with thick, long hair.
13. VeloChampion Race Number Belt – Your friends can securely fasten their race numbers to this belt, so they don’t have to struggle to pin them to their clothing. It’s a great gift idea if you’re all entering a race together.
14. Calf Compression Sleeves – Many runners suffer from tight calf muscles. Wearing compression sleeves helps prevent injuries and leaves calves feeling good at the end of a long run or race.
15. Fleece Ponytail Hat with Ear Warmers – When the cold wind blows, this hat keeps a runner cosy. Soft fleece cap with earflaps, push up to regulate temperature when the running pace picks up.
16. Mighty Paw Hands Free Dog Leash – Do your running buddies regularly run with their dogs? This hands-free leash keeps the dog under control and features a strong bungee construction to absorb all those jerks and lunges when the neighbor’s cat is on the prowl!
17. Gone For A Run Daily Desk Calendar – As much as we love running, all runners need a little inspiration. Your running friends will enjoy the daily quotes and can use the calendar to record daily mileage—a heartfelt product from a US company run by runners.
18. Smells Like She’s Signing Up For Another Race – this candle will amuse your running friends.
19. Wine Glass For Runners – This 16 oz glass will help your running friends celebrate their races – runner’s style.
20. Runner’s World How To Make Yourself Poop – This amusing and practical book, full of running tips, will be appreciated by beginner runners.

Stocking Stuffers For Runners Under $10

These must-have gifts for runners are all under $10 – just right for popping in a stocking!

1. SPF 50 sunscreen – Runners spend a lot of time outside, and SPF 50 is best.
2. Blister pack – For blister-prone running friends.
3. Hemp & Lavender bath bomb – For the relaxing bath after a run.
4. Cliff bars – Essential running nutrition.
5. Water bottles – From my experience, you can never have enough water bottles.

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