By Marnie Kunz,
NASM-certified trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect running gifts, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you want to send your best running buddy a small present or you’d like to treat yourself to a new running watch that can program your speed workouts, we’ve got you covered. For the running gift list, all of these brands have been tried and tested by members of the Runstreet team, so we were able to weed out the good from the bad and the hell yeah from the humdrum. Here is what we came up with:

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Our Top Picks for Running Gifts

Running is a pretty straightforward activity, so you may not think there would be a lot of gift options for runners, but you’d be surprised at all the choices. There are endless options, from running shoes to GPS running watches, running socks, moisture-wicking running clothing, and home fitness equipment for cross-training. We’ll keep it simple for you by breaking the items down into categories based on budget.

Budget-Friendly Running Gifts

Running Socks

Running socks are a practical and usually much-needed gift for runners. With a sport that is measured in miles traveled by foot, you can bet that runners always need comfortable, moisture-wicking socks.

After testing many running socks, we recommend Feetures for moisture-wicking performance socks that come in a variety of styles and length options. The Feetures socks are super comfortable, moisture-wicking, and don’t slide around in your running shoes.

Feetures Unisex Adult High-Performance Cushion Quarter Socks are my favorite for a mid-rise sock that keeps my ankles covered but isn’t too heavy on warmer days.

Another popular running sock brand is Balega. These performance running socks are a bestseller on Amazon and have thousands of five-star reviews.

Balega No-Show Unisex Running Socks are lightweight, moisture-wicking running socks that fit all genders. These no-show socks are perfect for warm-weather running.

Running Hats

Running hats are a runner’s best friend in all types of weather. For hot weather, running hats provide face shade and sun protection while running. Hats are also useful for protection from the rain. O

Our top pick for a baseball-style, warm weather running hat is the Adidas Superlite 2 Relaxed Adjustable Performance Hat. The lightweight, moisture-wicking cap is unisex and adjustable, making it easy to fit just about every runner. The lightweight material is perfect for staying cool during hot runs.

A running beanie is essential to keep your head warm if you're running in the cold. For winter running, we recommend the MERIWOOL Unisex Merino Wool Cuff Beanie, which is made with merino wool, a naturally warm and moisture-wicking material that’s perfect for winter running.

Running Gloves

Running gloves are another great budget-friendly gift item for runners. New Balance Lightweight Touchscreen Warm Running Gloves are our top pick for lightweight winter running gloves. These gloves have NB Dry and NB Heat technologies to wick sweat away from your skin and keep you warm and dry on winter runs. These running gloves are also budget-friendly if you’re looking for stocking stuffer running gifts.

The caveat is these gloves are lightweight, so they’re not made for extreme cold. For deep cold temperatures below about 30 degrees Fahrenheit, I would recommend a more heavily insulated pair of running gloves or layering these with another pair of running gloves.

For the coldest runs, try MOREOK Winter Gloves, which include multiple layers of 3M's 40g super-efficient Thinsulate insulation for maximum warmth.

Resistance Bands

Resistance bands should be in every runner’s toolbox as they are so useful for strength training, physical therapy, and injury prevention. Resistance bands also make for budget-friendly running gifts, and they’re easy to store, with a light space requirement.

Our top pick is Fit Simplify Resistance Bands, which are my go-to resistance bands for myself and the people I train. These bestselling bands are inexpensive and versatile, with five different resistance loops for varying strength levels. Beginners can start with the extra-light green band and gradually build up to the highest resistance level, the black band.

Mid-Level Running Gifts

If your budget is mid-level, up to $100, here are the best running gift options:

Running Clothes

Running clothing is a huge category that includes lots of running necessities - leggings, base layers, shirts, and more.

One of the bestselling long-sleeved running shirts on Amazon is the Under Armour Men’s Tech 2.0 Shirt. The versatile shirt is moisture-wicking and great for cool weather days or as a base layer under a running jacket for colder temperatures.

Running Shoes

Running shoes are another big category, and they can range in price from $50 up to $250, depending on the brand and model. If you’re looking for the best running gifts and your favorite runner needs shoes, you may want to opt for a gift card to their favorite running store.

If you decide to buy running shoes as a gift, ask your runner for their preferred running shoe brand name, size, model, and color preferences. Newer running shoe models will cost more, while last season’s color options are more likely to be on sale.

Here are some budget-friendly running those for under $100 that are highly rated:

When buying running shoes online, it’s usually best to try them on in a store first or shop for a model that you already wear so you know it fits well.

Related Post: Best Affordable Running Shoes

Home Gym Accessories

Home gym accessories such as mats and dumbbells are a great gift for runners. I’ve stocked most of my home gym from ProsourceFit.

I highly recommend ProSourceFit’s puzzle mats (which are also a bestseller on Amazon). The puzzle mats allow you to customize your workout space with interlocking, cushioned mats. You can choose from a variety of colors and thicknesses to suit your preferences and home gym space. These mats are so versatile and comfortable that my dog even likes to claim them for extra bed space.

Big Ticket Running Gifts

If you don’t mind spending some serious moolah for your running partner, spouse, or yourself, this section is for you. Why not invest in a high-quality running gift that your person will be able to use for many miles and seasons to come? Or if you’re shopping for yourself, you want to make sure you’re getting the best quality running gift if you’re putting down serious cash for the item.

Here are our top picks for high-end running gifts:

Running Watches

GPS Watches are a game-changer for helping runners track and improve their workouts and running speeds. They can range from $50 to over $300. I’ve always had great experiences with Garmin running watches, and I highly recommend my Garmin Forerunner 55 as an excellent mid-level running watch that includes the option to add customized Garmin workouts, which I wrote about here.

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a mid-priced running watch that has all the vital features for beginning to intermediate runners without the higher price tag of more advanced watches.

Customized Running Training Plan

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Running Jackets and Coats

Running jackets and coats can range from $100 and up for the best quality, but they’re worth it. A good running jacket will keep you or your loved one warm for years of winter running. I love the Nike Therma-FIT running jacket for winter running as it’s warm, stylish, and functional.

Gym Equipment

Home gym equipment can also be a big-ticket item if you are getting a barbell system, weight set, or weight machine. I got my ProSourceFit barbell and weight plates during the pandemic and have found them to be high quality and worth the investment.

With ProsourceFit you always know you’re getting high-quality, professional fitness equipment and they have excellent customer service if you have any questions or concerns.

…And the Ultimate VIP Running Gift

And last but not least, of course, the best running gifts you can give the runner in your life are your love and support! Whether you show your love with gifts or not, don’t forget to offer encouraging words and support for their training goals. Show your appreciation for all the hard work your runner is doing running in the heat, cold, and elements.

You can even help your runner (or yourself) stay on track to crush their goals with a Runstreet customized training plan. A training plan will create the roadmap to get your runner to where they want to be with their running goals. With a personalized Runstreet training plan from a certified running coach and trainer, you get the workouts you need to train smart and hit higher levels of fitness and performance while reducing your risk of injuries.

Happy running to you and your loved ones!😊

Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach, dog lover, Akita mom, and writer based in Brooklyn, NY.

Best Running Gifts for All Budgets