If you have a runner or an aspiring runner on your holiday gift-buying list this year, but you aren’t a runner yourself, you may find yourself at a loss when trying to find a decent present. Here are some inexpensive and practical gift ideas for Christmas stocking stuffers that the runner in your life might appreciate this year.
BONUS: All stocking stuffers for runners gift ideas were $20 or less at the time of publishing. I want you to be able to be generous without breaking the bank!
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Budget-friendly Stocking Stuffers for Runners
Identification Tag or Bracelet
I will admit that this is not the most exciting Christmas gift in the world, but it is relatively inexpensive, extremely practical, and will definitely fit in a stocking! Many runners go out for their runs without identification because they don’t have a place to carry it. It’s always best to have some form of identification on you when you run just in case you have an accident, and you get injured while out on the road.
There are a wide variety of different identification products that runners can wear on their wrist, ankle, or shoe. Most options give you either 6 or 7 lines where you can include a range of information about the runner, such as name, address, emergency contact numbers, etc.
(Got a bigger budget? You can even buy “interactive” ID’s. These allow the runner to build an entire emergency profile on a secure website so that he or she can add even more data, like insurance information, physician contacts, and a full medical profile. The ID itself contains specific information that emergency responders can then use to access the runner’s profile.)
Bottom line: Protect your runner with a simple ID tag or bracelet.
Touchscreen Gloves
- Durable and Warmer Material: winter warm gloves are made of premium PU leather and Thicken Fleece. PU leather in full palm of cold weather gloves is effectively anti-slip, easily grip things and abrasion resistance; Thicken fleece lining with superior warmth is moisture wicking and breathable, keep your hands warm but sweat free
Want to keep hands warm but still be able to use your phone mid-run. (You know you want to catch that Insta-worthy multicolor sunrise!) These gloves are great for runners– thermal insulated to keep your hands really warm, but with a coated conductive material on the index finger tip.
Shoe Wallet
A shoe wallet is an especially good Christmas stocking stuffer for marathon runners. A long-distance racer may want to have a secure place to carry a few small items to use either during or after the race, such as band-aids or cash (your runner might want to buy beer or race merchandise after the race!). It’s ideal for stashing a car key even on weekday runs. A shoe wallet is an inexpensive but thoughtful gift for your favorite runner.
Water bottle
- HANDHELD HYDRATION - Ultra light, designed for the minimalist runner, hiker, climber or fits in running vests or pack pockets.
Runners should carry water or a sports drink with them if they are going to be out running for any significant length of time. There are many hydration options out there, like running belts, but these tend to be clunky, and they often weigh the runner down. But the Hydrapak SoftFlask is a pretty cool choice for carrying replenishing fluids because it is compact and it straps right to the runner’s hand.
Sunscreen
- 1.5-ounce Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Non-Greasy Sunscreen Stick with SPF 70 for lightweight broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection from sun damage
Even though getting plenty of sunshine to keep up your Vitamin D levels will boost your immune system, too much sun is not good. And most marathoners have– at least once– forgotten sunscreen on a long run. Whether it’s the tops of their shoulders or their cheeks that are bright red and burnt, a quick swipe of sunscreen could have saved a lot of pain.
Using a stick sunscreen means quick and easy reapplication even while on the run– without getting your hands greasy.
Energy Replacements
All marathon runners will go through some amount of experimentation to find their favorite type of energy replacement. Whether it’s a gel, a chew, or a jelly bean, the goal is to get quick-energy carbs into the runner’s body as quickly as possible.
Why not give your favorite marathon runner an assortment of energy replacements in her stocking? This is a fun way to try out new flavors– don’t forget to grab the seasonal options while you can! (Gingerbread, I’m looking at you!)
Books
Books probably don’t come to mind right away as a great Christmas gift for a runner, but they can be very inspirational and/or informative, especially for new runners. If you have an aspiring runner in your life, I recommend The Courage to Start: A Guide to Running Your Life, by John “The Penguin” Bingham. It provides a lot of motivation for new runners to stick with their goals.
- John "The Penguin" Bingham (Author)
The Runner’s Rule Book is also a great Christmas gift choice for new runners or for veteran runners. It covers many everyday running rules related to racing, track etiquette, etc. It’s perfect for the marathon runner you love who enjoys a side of snark with his reading.
If your favorite runner is contemplating running a marathon, maybe on of the books from my picking a marathon training plan list can help.
Socks
A good pair of socks makes a wonderful Christmas stocking stuffer, especially for runners who are training for a marathon. Socks do wear out and need to be replaced!
Running socks can be found in a variety of styles. Maybe your runner needs a little inspiration?! Best of all, socks don’t break the bank and fit easily into your runner’s Christmas stocking this year!
If you’ve got a bit more room in your budget, check out my best winter running clothes from head to toe for more gift ideas for runners!
Karen Shopoff Rooff is an ACE certified personal trainer and health coach with more than 20 years’ experience running marathons and ultramarathons. The Marathon Finish Line blog is for informational purposes. Please seek advice from a medical practitioner before engaging in a new fitness program.