Gifting your favorite runner (or yourself) on a budget may seem like a daunting task. So we’ve compiled a list of tried-and-true presents that you don’t have to splurge for but they’ll appreciate all the same.
Not finding what you’re looking for? Check out our other gift guides for runners:
- Gifts Any Runner Will Absolutely Love
- 20 Last-Minute Gifts for Runners on Amazon Prime
- The Best Tech Gifts for Runners
Save yourself the anxiety of putting together a curated selection of gifts; RunnerBox will do it for you. The subscription service sends a shipment every two months, with gear like energy bars and smaller accessories included.
Forget the mess of a baggie full of ice cubes. Stash this wrap in the freezer to keep it frosty, then cinch it tight around aching body parts for a cold squeeze to help speed recovery.New Balance Lightweight Running Gloves
These gloves are perfect for chilly fall runs, and are lightweight enough to throw in your pocket if you get too hot. Plus they have touchscreen pads on the thumb and index finger which allows you to use your phone without removing the gloves.
Surprise your favorite runner with this cheeky book. Full of answers to every question you don’t want to ask and training tips to help improve performance, it contains (almost) all the knowledge they need.
What better way for them to celebrate finishing a marathon than by imbibing from a glass with the race’s route on it? The vessel is also a good conversation starter (read: an excuse to regale others with tales of running exploits).
It doesn’t look like much, but this minimalist belt has space to carry some money, your phone, gels, and keys.
You would never believe how long a pair of $25 shades could last. Whatever your favorite style or color, Goodr probably has it. The best part: On the run, these things don’t bounce or budge.
This beanie is the perfect gift for the late-night jogger who likes to get out all their energy after work. With three brightness settings and a rechargeable battery, this hat provides safety and warmth to runners of all distances.
These deodorizers use charcoal to absorb odors and moisture, which prevents bacteria from growing in your gear bag or shoes. Each pair keeps its funk-fighting power for up to one year.Whoop Strap 3.0
The Whoop is for those times when you’re not running, which is most of the day. It’ll compile data on your heart rate, movement, sleep habits, and more to give you a recovery score, a good gauge for how hard you should push exercising each day.
A deceptively simple tube of fabric, the Buff is amazingly versatile and can be worn as a scarf, a face mask, or a bandana. It keeps you warm, and the reflectivity ensures you’re seen.
Lightweight and breathable, these hats are great for sunny races, or every day runs. They are super adjustable, and come in 9 different colors, and even packs of 2 or more.
Now, we’re a bit biased here, of course. But a subscription to—or a year’s renewal of—a magazine packed with advice, inspiration stories, and gear recommendations can help maintain the stoke for running.
This ultra-light packable vest is great for your runner friend who likes to run in all kinds of weather. Easily layerable and water-repellent fabric, this vest makes for a practical gift at a low cost.
Think the runner in your life may need some extra inspiration? Get them the Runner’s World calendar with its photos of scenic trails, training and nutrition tips, and even a pace guide for races. It’s even on sale now for 25 percent off.
To be sure, managing sweat is an important—if not glamorous—part of running. Add a bit of flair with this patriotic headband.
This print is something they can hang on the wall to say, “I love running and cool art.”
KT Tape Pro
For runners with bad knees or ankles, the gift of stabilizing KT Tape can be a godsend. It’s easy to slap on and shore up creaky joints, which you’ll appreciate when you get home and aren’t laid up on the couch.
As phones get bigger and bigger, it gets harder to find an armband that doesn’t slip under the weight. Even though this Tribe can fit an iPhone X, its neoprene, Lycra, and polyurethane construction will help it stay in place.
Eight hours of battery life means the Ink’d have enough juice for several runs before they need to be charged. And they’re decently durable, holding up even after we’ve yanked them by the earbud out of our gym bag several times.
Or if you’re looking for something a little more tailored, Stance has its own subscription box. The brand includes a selection of its fun printed socks (men’s or women’s) or men’s underwear. And you can choose whether the boxes arrive monthly or quarterly, depending on how fast your giftee typically burns through socks.
These silicone wedding rings are designed to endure the moments you’d usually take off your traditional metal band, like lifting weights, swimming, cooking, and traveling.
Multiple settings on this waterproof headlamp will light up any dimly lit run. And you’ll get a lot of life out of just three AAA batteries.
A good performance trucker hat will vent well so sweat doesn’t build up on your dome. But the best will have a cool design on it.
Part of Cotopaxi’s (Re)Purpose Collection, the Bataan is made from fabric scraps left over from the production of other packs and gear. So it cuts down on waste, and since the craftspeople doing the sewing are working with what’s available, no two packs are exactly alike. As for practicality, the three-liter capacity is enough to stash things like a wallet, a phone, and some fuel.Honey Stinger Organic Waffle
Give them a break from the gels with these tasty stroopwafels. Yes, they take up more room in a pocket or pack, but the crunchy exterior and gooey honey inside are worth it.
It’s easy to take a sweaty beanie off at the end of a chilly run, throw it in a gym bag, and forget that it’s there until you pull it out again before you head out the door. The benefit of the merino in this hat is that it has natural odor-fighting prowess, so it won’t stew in its own funk between runs.Best Sellers From Clif Bar
You can use these as an easy stocking stuffer. Editors around Runner’s World have been known to hoard boxes for a quick snack after a run.
Putting together a 20-page book of some of their most memorable running moments captured in photos takes thought and care. Selecting the images will be the biggest challenge; Shutterfly will handle making the actual book for you.Whole Human LED Safety Lights
Using the included straps, you can attach these lights almost anywhere—to a wrist, ankle, or bike frame—for increased visibility.
Whether you’re out on a long run or hiking in the mountains, this bottle stays sturdy even as you sip from it. And when you’re done, it folds up small for easy storage.Runner’s World+ Exclusive Run Streak Tees
Love to run? Become a Runner’s World+ member and participate in the RW Run Streak this year by running at least one mile per day, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s!
Sign up here to receive unlimited access to RunnersWorld.com, a members-only newsletter, expert advice, and more!
Runner’s World+ members also have exclusive access to show off in these limited edition T-shirts, made of 100 percent cotton and available in both men’s and women’s cuts. Hit the ground running and grab a tee while they last!
