By Marnie Kunz,
Runstreet founder and head trainer

The best gifts for runners will bring a smile to the face of your special runner and offer hours of use. As a lifelong runner, I can attest to the fact that runners are a different breed. We can talk for miles about running shoes, go gaga for Garmin stats, and swoon over socks. Something I’ve learned from years of running is that no one brand has the best of everything, so being open to a variety of brands is the best way to find the top gear. Whether you’re shopping for a new runner or a longtime marathoner, these gift ideas will offer lots of practical use.

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Budget-Friendly Gifts for Runners Under $50

Running gear can get pretty pricey, but luckily there are some clutch accessories that runners love. From running gear to accessories, you can find the perfect gift with these budget-friendly gifts for runners that are all under $50.

Socks

For the average person, socks are not at the top of their wishlist. But for runners, socks can make or break a run, being the difference between blisters and cold, wet feet, or feet sailing along in dryness and comfort. Socks make great gifts for runners because they’re practical and most runners are always in need of more comfortable socks.

Before you shop for socks, it’s best to ask your runner what kind they like and what size they wear. Some runners swear by compression socks, which offer additional muscle recovery benefits.

My top picks for comfortable running socks are:

Feetures Elite Lite Cushion Quarter Socks are moisture-wicking, comfortable socks for daily runs. My Feetures socks have held up for a long time and are always comfortable.
Bombas Women’s Running Quarter Socks are my go-to favorite running socks for workouts and daily use. They’re sweat-wicking, lightweight but warm, and comfortable.
Feetures Elite Light Cushion Mini Crew Socks are comfortable, sweat-wicking socks that are perfect for trail running.
Zensah Tech+ Compression Socks are some of the most comfortable compression socks.

Running Hat

A running hat is one of the most versatile accessories that your runner can get a lot of miles out of. I wear hats year-round for protection from the sun and rain, and a comfortable performance running hat is one of my most-used accessories. When you look for a running hat, choose a lightweight, sweat-wicking one that is designed for workouts.

My top picks for running hats are:

Runstreet Embroidered Performance Hat is my staple running hat. This adidas performance hat is adjustable and comfortable, with moisture-wicking material and UPF 50+ protection. Support Runstreet and give the gift that keeps on giving with this versatile running hat that offers protection from the elements.
adidas Women’s Superlite 3.0 Relaxed Fit Adjustable Sports Performance Hat and adidas Men's Superlite 3.0 Relaxed Fit Adjustable Performance Hat. When I’m not wearing my Runstreet hat, this is my go-to running hat. It’s lightweight, flexible, and moisture-wicking, making it comfortable and versatile for all my runs.

Run Belt

A running belt is one of the best ways to stash essentials on runs. If your runner is training for a half marathon or marathon, a running belt is especially useful for carrying fuel on long runs. I also use a running belt to bring extra hydration on hot weather runs and for run commuting. A hydration belt is versatile, enabling runners to store keys, wallet, running fuel, and more.

My top picks for running belts are:

Fitletic Ultimate II Running Belt is the best all-around belt for carrying running gels, keys, credit cards, and more. The belt has secure pockets and also has a way to attach race bibs so you don’t have to make holes in your clothing.
Fitletic Hydration Running Belt with Water Bottles is the best belt for carrying water bottles. This hydration belt has lots of storage space and holds two 8-ounce water bottles.

Check out the Best Running Belts Based on Wear Tests for more belt recommendations.

Running Fuel

Running fuel is vital for long runs. Half marathon and marathon runners (as well as ultra runners!) need to consume carbs on the run to prevent energy crashes. Running gels and chews make excellent stocking stuffer presents. These inexpensive fuels come in different flavors and consistencies. Ask your giftee about their flavor or brand preferences before buying them fuel.

Electrolytes are another staple for long-distance runners. Adding electrolyte powders or tablets to water helps replenish essential electrolytes that get lost through sweat on intense or long runs. Most marathoners never have enough electrolytes, so these make welcome and practical gifts.

My top picks for running fuel and electrolytes are:

Honey Stinger Organic Waffles come in four flavor options, making this variety pack the best way to try out and find your favorites. I am impartial to the classic honey flavor, but the chocolate is super popular as well.
Huma Chia Energy Gel, Variety 12 Pack includes real food that harnesses the power of chia seeds. I love these vegan energy gels, and the variety pack lets you try all the flavors.
Skratch Labs Hydration Packets are my go-to hydration powder. The variety pack includes all the flavors to try. (My fave is strawberry lemonade).
Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets Variety Pack offers a variety of flavors in a convenient, dissolvable electrolyte tablet. These are some of my top electrolyte choices (especially the lemon-lime flavor), and they’re so easy to grab and drop in a water bottle when you’re in a hurry.

Headband

A running headband is a useful way to keep hair and sweat out of your face on the run. There are also warm headbands designed to keep your ears warm when running even on the coldest of days. Headbands make inexpensive gifts for runners that they can get a lot of use out of.

My top picks for running headbands are:

Adidas Alphaskin Headband is a warm and comfortable headband for running in the cold. It’s perfect for trail runners and road runners who want to keep their ears warm while running in the winter.
Halo Headband Halo II is a lightweight headband that wicks sweat away from your face and eyes. This versatile sweatband is a top choice on Amazon, with over 8,000 reviews and a rating of 4.5

Books

It’s no secret that I love to read, and books make inspiring gifts for runners. Check out some of these classic running books for a thoughtful present for your favorite runner:

Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow.: Quick-Fix Recipes for Hangry Athletes: A Cookbook is the perfect gift for the hungry runner in your life. This book by runners Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky offers endless recipes that are nutritious and easy to make, perfect for runners on the go. Buy it on Amazon or from Bookshop.
The Rise of the Ultra Runners: A Journey to the Edge of Human Endurance by Adharanand Finn offers an insightful look into the thrilling world of ultra running and explores what it’s like to run an ultra. Buy it on Amazon or from Bookshop.

Gift Card

What do you give the picky runner who seems to have everything? A gift card to their favorite running store! Grab a $50 gift card for a local running store, or go with their favorite chain with a gift card to REI, adidas, Nike, or other brands. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a gift card.

Splurge - Running Gifts Over $100

If you have a VIP runner on your list or want to treat yourself to something big, these are some of the best gifts for runners that cost over $100.

Massage Guns

For the runner who loves long distances, massage guns offer sweet relief from muscle soreness and tension. A good massage gun can range from $50 to over $200, depending on the brand and model.

These are my top picks for the best massage guns:

TheraGun Mini Massage Gun - Handheld Deep Tissue Percussion & Compact Personal Massager for On-The-Go is one of the most popular portable massage guns. You can stimulate circulation and speed up your recovery with this massage device. It offers incredible relief for tired legs and feet after a long run or hard workout.
Ekrin Athletics Bantam Mini Massage Gun - Compact Deep Tissue Muscle Massager with Adjustable Speeds is a top-rated massage gun for runners. This compact and powerful device is easy to hold and has a comfortable ergonomic design. It offers relief for muscle inflammation and saves the hassle of having to get professional massages.

GPS Smartwatch

The holy grail of running gifts is a GPS fitness tracker. A good GPS smartwatch will offer a host of helpful training stats, including step count, sleep scores, heart rate monitoring, and running pace and cadence information.

Here are my top picks for a GPS fitness tracker:

Garmin Forerunner 55 is my go-to running watch. This versatile fitness tracker includes everything you need to track your runs and daily step count, and you can even program speed workouts with this Garmin watch. It’s also more budget-friendly than many of the Garmin models.

Related Post: Garmin Forerunner 55 Watch Review

Running Vest

A running vest is something that non-runners may not know about. This useful apparel allows runners to store water, fuel, and essentials on the run and offers a balanced approach to weight carrying, often with pockets in the front and back.

Here is my top pick for a great quality running vest, based on my experience:

Salomon Adult Active Skin 8 is my current favorite hydration vest. This versatile vest has plenty of pockets in the front and a large zippered back compartment for extra storage. It comes with two flasks for carrying fluids, and you can put your running fuels in the front pockets for easy access on the run. I have run many long runs and trail races in this vest and have found it to be very comfortable and breathable.

What are your favorite gifts for runners? Comment below or follow and tag @Runstreet on Instagram to share your running recs and workouts and get cheered on.

For more gift guides for runners and fitness enthusiasts, check out Holiday Wellness Gift Guide and Best Running Gifts for All Budgets.

Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified personal trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach based in Brooklyn, NY. Marnie likes helping people get and stay active to enjoy a better quality of life. When she’s not doing fitness things, Marnie enjoys exploring with her dog, a mischievous rescue Akita.

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