Budget-Friendly Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas for Active People
You can get the best stocking stuffers without breaking your budget.
By Marnie Kunz, certified trainer and run coach
In partnership with adidas
If you’re looking for budget-friendly stocking stuffer gift ideas this holiday season, there are endless options to choose from. I’ve narrowed down the list to the best items for the active people in your life. As a lifelong runner and trainer, I understand how helpful certain accessories can be to encourage working out. Whether your loved one needs some new shoes for the gym or an extra warm layer to go hiking in winter, these stocking stuffers will bring lots of holiday cheer (and good use). You can find all of these gifts for under $100 to stay within your budget.
Budget-Friendly Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas for Outdoor Lovers
These budget-friendly stocking stuffer gift ideas are perfect for people who love to explore the Great Outdoors even in cold weather. Keep your friends and family warm and happy with these thoughtful gifts designed to keep them comfortable in the wintertime.
Winter accessories such as hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves make excellent stocking stuffers. You can pick festive holiday colors or go for more practical styles in black, gray, or white for accessories your giftee will be able to use for many seasons to come.
Warm clothing like fleece offers essential warmth to allow hours of outdoor adventures in comfort. A basic fleece will keep your outdoor explorer cozy on even the coldest days and can be easily layered with a winter coat on top for the coldest weather.
Merino wool socks are a game-changer for warmer feet in the winter months. They also make great stocking stuffers, and most outdoors people can never have too many warm socks.
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Best Stocking Stuffer Gifts for Gym Lovers
Gym accessories are always welcome for fitness buffs.
If someone on your list loves spending time at the gym, these are excellent stocking stuffer gift ideas that won’t break the bank:
Shoes can quickly get expensive, but these shoes under $100 offer plenty of options for lifestyle and activewear shoes that won’t break your $100 budget. Whether your fitness fanatic needs some shoes for days off or shoes to hit the gym, you’ll find plenty to pick from.
Resistance bands are the perfect tool for home workouts or strength training while traveling. These low-cost tools are small and easy to pack, making them excellent for gym lovers on the go.
Gym towels are functional gifts that are budget-friendly and come in handy for all those sweaty workout sessions. You can even go all out and get personalized gym towels on sites like Etsy for a truly unique gift.
Sweatbands are a popular gym accessory that combines fashion and functionality. Your gym lover can keep sweat out of their eyes and off their face with a sweatband in their favorite color.
Grip gloves are popular for heavy weightlifters and make excellent gifts to protect hands. You can find grip gloves on weightlifting sites.
Protein bars are a fun holiday gift that gives you the option of choosing your giftee’s favorite flavors and brands.
Dumbbells may be too heavy to actually put in a stocking, but they are affordable and practical gifts for anyone who wants to do winter workouts at home. Make sure you know if you’re getting one dumbbell or a pair when you order (they often come individually, so you’ll need to order two if you want a pair).
Wireless headphones come in a variety of price ranges and offer the ability to zone out and listen to a pumped-up playlist at the gym. Look for headphones with good user reviews or some you’ve tried yourself so you know they’ll work well.
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Top Stocking Stuffer Gifts for Runners
Runners are a special breed, and they have an assortment of accessories and clothing that can bring them holiday cheer. As a lifelong runner, I know I am not the only one who gets excited about things like running watch bands and sweat-wicking socks. Here are some of my top picks for running gifts under $100:
A foam roller is especially useful for long distance runners.
Watch bands are fun and inexpensive stocking stuffer gifts. If your giftee has a Garmin watch or other smartwatch for tracking runs, you can find lots of band options online. After years of using the same turquoise Garmin Forerunner 55 watch, I was tired of the color. I recently gifted myself with a new black Garmin band from StrapsCo. I love it so much, I only wish I’d gotten it sooner!
A running belt is a useful gift for anyone training for longer-distance races. Some fuel belts are also perfect for running in hot weather, as they allow runners to carry water hands-free.
A foam roller offers sweet relief from sore legs and muscle aches for runners. Many foam rollers come in compact, budget-friendly options that make great holiday stocking stuffers. A bonus of a small foam roller is it can also be used for travel as it’ll be easier to pack than larger options.
Running socks are something every runner can always use more of. Opt for a moisture-wicking pair in a color that your runner likes. Ask the runner in your life what their favorite sock style and brand is so you can get the perfect pair (after listening to a long story about running socks, no doubt:).
Get more gift ideas, fitness tips, and free workouts by signing up for our Runstreet Newsletter. If you need a training plan to help you crush your next race, visit the Runstreet Training Center. Happy sweating to you, and happy holidays!
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Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified 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.
