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Stocking Stuffers for Runners : 20+ Gift Ideas Under $20

Last Updated on by Amanda Brooks
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Small gifts for runners can easily creep into the expensive category because we do love fancy technical gear. Still, there are tons of stocking stuffers that we NEED and genuinely love receiving!

small gift guide under $20

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.

#1 Lightweight Ear Band for Cold Runs: Junk Coldsnap Ear Warmer ($19.99)

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.

warm running ear warmer

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!

#2 Touchscreen Friendly Gloves – New Balance Lightweight Running Gloves ($18.98)

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!!

New Balance Lightweight Running Gloves

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 No More Untied Shoes – 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.

lock laces
image from @carleedaub

#4 For Wet Weather Runners- Charcoal Shoe Drying Inserts ($9.95)

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.

odor bags
image from @sethg605

#5 Avoid Chafing – Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick ($6.26)

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!

best anti-chafing cream for runners

#6 Perfect for Cold Weather Racing – Throw Away Gloves ($14.99 for 12)

I know you are thinking, 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 Perfect for Rainy Race Mornings – Disposable Ponchos ($7.49 for 5)

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 be the hero and help out your friends who didn’t plan ahead.

disposable poncho

#8 For Dealing with Injuries or Aches – KT Tape (starting at $17.97)

The variety of ways we can use kinesiology tape to address the aches you hear us talk about is incredible. Tape up a knee for support, an ankle we rolled, a lower back that is 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!

kt tape

  • Price:$17.97 on Amazon.com
  • Colors: 7 available
  • Pre-cut in 10-inch strips for convenience
  • Latex free
  • Different options are available for longer wear and for use in water

#9 A More Personalized Gift – Runner Ornament ($11.45)

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 can help celebrate both the big and small wins throughout the race calendar!

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.

https://www.instagram.com/p/TtjS4KO3ju/
image from @allisonkayemyers
  • Price: $11.45 on Amazon.com
  • Size: 4.5 inches
  • Personalization available
  • High quality resin
  • Available in male, female, blonde, brunette, African American

#10 Motivational Book – Run To The Finish Book ($10.83)

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!

audiobook for runners

#11 Safety First –  Sabre Pepper Spray Gel – ($9.98)

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 loop that makes it ideal for runners.

running safety gear

  • Price: $9.98 on Amazon.com
  • Colors: 8 available
  • Weight: 19 grams
  • Spray Distance: up to 16 feet

#12 For Their Big Goals – SUB Two Hour Half Marathon Plan– ($19)

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 guide them 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.

swiftwick socks

  • Price: $17 a pair from Amazon.com
  • Fabric: 55% Nylon/40% Olefin/5% Spandex
  • Size: SM-XL
  • Care: machine wash
  • Colors: lots available!

#14 For Happy Muscles – High Density Foam Roller – ($14.16)

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.

foam roller

#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.

small gifts for runners

#16 Low Cut Compression Socks – CEP Low Cut Running Socks ($18)

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.

low cut compression socks

#17 Best Recovery Tool – Trigger Point Foam Massage Ball ($19.99)

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.

trigger point ball

  • Price:$19.99 from Amazon.com
  • Material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
  • Colors: 4 available
  • Size:2.6 x 2.6 x 2.6 inches

#18 Improving Hydration – Tailwind Nutrition Rapid Hydration ($19)

Unlike Tailwind’s Endurance Fuel line, Rapid Hydration is an electrolyte mix, not a sports drink.

While it does contain some carbs – 12 grams – these are intended mainly to support sodium absorption and aren’t enough to fuel a run on their own.

Rapid Hydration is best used to meet daily electrolyte needs (which are probably higher than usual in the summer heat) or to supplement a lower-sodium sports drink during exercise.

tailwind rapid hydration packs review
Alyssa

Rapid Hydration strikes that just-right Goldilocks balance – not too sweet, not too salty… just right.

#19 Lightweight Waterbottle – Handheld Water Bottle ($19)

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.

good runner gifts

  • Price: $19 from Amazon.com
  • Material: Thermoplastic Polyurethane
  • Colors: 3 available
  • Size: 500ML soft flask
  • Small pouch for storage

#20 Deals with Blisters – Compeed Blister Covers ($12.96)

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.

blister

#21 Fuel Us Up – Never Second Gel ($3.50)

When we’re swimming through a sea of fancy buzz words designed to get you to buy one packet of sugar over the next, sometimes it’s best to cut through the fluff and just get down to trying things out yourself.

As someone who has tried over a dozen brands and only ever found two (of the higher-priced varieties) I’m generally happy with, I’m always on the lookout for additional options.

Formulated with 30 grams of carbohydrates in a 2-to-1 glucose to fructose ratio, Never Second’s gels come with an added 200 mg of sodium, and their C30+ gels have 75 mg of caffeine for an added boost of alertness.never second gel

  • Available in 6 flavors: Espresso and Berry flavors, while the C30 are available in Citrus, Berry, Passionfruit, and Orange flavors
  • At $3.50 per gel they’re priced higher than something like a Gu or Honey Stinger, but they’re well worth a try.
  • Grab them from Amazon.com starting at $3.50 for individual gels

#22 Fancy Accessories – K’lani Rise Hair Ties ($20)

Few things annoy me more while running than the feeling of my hair gradually slipping out of its ponytail or bun. So I’m happy to report that K’Lani’s “Rise” hair ties stayed secure even on hilly trails and windy days.

The set comes with five elastics: four with various beaded designs, including one with its namesake gold and cream sunrise charm looped into the elastic, all of which would look as cute at the end of a braid as they would on your wrist.

k'lani hair tie bracelets

The brand advertises these as two-in-one jewelry and functional hair wear, so if you’re like me and tend to find bracelets uncomfortable, the K’Lani beaded elastics could be for you. They felt as inconspicuous on my wrist as a normal hair tie.

#23 Let them Show Off – Runner Medal Display ($9-$19)

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.

medal display

#24 Clean Up Our Sweat – Microfiber Towel ($14.29)

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!

microfiber towel

#25 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.

runner stocking

#26 Dry Fit Underwear – New Balance Breathe Hipster Panty ($19 for 3 pack)

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!

new balance hipster

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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Amanda Brooks Avatar

Author

Amanda Brooks
I am a running coach with over a decade of experience helping thousands of runners to achieve their goals from running injury free to crossing that marathon finish line with a PR. I’ve run over 28,000 miles in my own running journey since 2002. Run To The Finish is my place to share that love and my deep dive in to researching all things running. I hold multiple run coaching certifications, as well as a personal training certification. But it’s my ongoing desire to learn and progress as a coach that has allowed me to help runners from their 20’s through their 70’s! More ways to connect with me:

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