20 Cheap Gifts for Runners Under $25 That They’ll Actually Use

Yes, we’re talking Christmas gifts before the Thanksgiving table has even been set. But it’s never too early to start getting into the holiday spirit. Besides, budget-friendly gifts for runners should really be a year-round thing, right?

Yup, this list has a little bit of something for everyone on your gifts-for-runners list, and it won’t break the bank if you need to thank a running buddy or add something fun to the stocking for the ones you love.

Plus, these generally work for anyone in your life who loves fitness.

Best Gifts for Runners Under $25

Here are just a handful of the things our gear-testing team has loved this year! Who knows, you may also wind up finding something you want to treat yourself to as well.

Gifts Under $10

Car Run Decal – $5+

Why we’d gift it: It’s a fun way to spot other runners in the wild and to show off their love of running.

It’s true I have yet to put one on my car, but I LOVE seeing them because I always know there is a fellow crazy runner nearby.

​ Shop Runner Car Magnets Now

Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick – $7

Why we’d gift it: We’ve put this through plenty of sweaty training miles, and it’s a must-have to prevent that miserable chafing.

Trust us, this is absolutely at the top of every runner’s MUST-HAVE list. We need one stashed everywhere so that we are never without.

It’s Coach Amanda’s personal favorite as it glides on so smoothly compared to others that seem to dry out faster. Plus, talk about cheap gifts for runners; you could snag this and something else on the list!

​ Shop Anti-Chafe Now

Gifts from $10 to $20

LED Reflective Vest – $10

Why we’d gift it: Running is year round, which can me a lot of early mornings in the dark. This is a super comfortable and easy way to ensure you remain visible!

There are many brands and options out there, but this is a great affordable choice. It recharges and you can pick your color based on your mood! Just saying pink feels like party vibes and orange feels like get out of my way.

​ Shop LED Vest Now

High Density Foam Roller – $18

Why we’d gift it: This is one of those recovery tools you use again and again to loosen tight, achy muscles at home or on the go.

It may just look like a foam cylinder to some folks, but this foam roll gets the job done.

You don’t need a super fancy high-tech foam roller; sometimes the budget-friendly options are even better.

This is going to be great for at-home use or if you’re traveling to a race.

​ Shop Foam Roller Now

Run To The Finish the BOOK!!! – $12

Why we’d gift it: Packed with practical advice and some humor for the everyday runner.

Yes, it’s written by Coach Amanda, so we may be a little biased here.

Still, we think all of you middle-of-the-pack runners will enjoy her approach to embracing your role in the running lifestyle and staying injury-free!

​ Shop Run To the Finish Book Now

Microfiber Towel – $15

Why we’d gift it: We’ve used this after plenty of sweaty workouts and runs; it’s lightweight, absorbent, and easy to throw in your gym bag.

Honestly, this goes for all of us sweat lovers, but can be especially great if we’re hitting the cardio hard in the gym, whether that means CrossFit, a cycling class, or kickboxing.

We like this set of 3 in different sizes because it also means you have one to throw over your seat after a sweaty summer run.

​ Shop Microfiber Towels Now

Trailheads Touchscreen Running Gloves  – $16 to $20

Why we’d gift it: Even the runner who wears shorts all winter finds their fingers getting cold! And with a great touchscreen ability no need to take them off to change a podcast.

One of the things that has long impressed us about this brands is they strive to keep their prices down while still providing great quality. Our gear has lasted many seasons! They also have a mitten style that folds over and thus gives you warmer gloves AND touchscreen. So all depends on your level of cold needs.

​ Shop Trailheads Gloves Now

We Run on Art Prints – $18

Why we’d gift it: It’s a more personal way to celebrate a big race, PR, or just celebrate your running besties’ love of running.

If you’re looking for something special to celebrate a race or hitting a big goal, We Run on Art is a must. Every piece of art is one of a kind and makes the perfect gift for the runner in your life, or let’s be honest, yourself!

Artist and runner Jess also creates pieces that celebrate the everyday joy of running. Think motivational quotes, inside jokes only runners get, and artwork that reminds you why you love this sport in the first place.

​ Shop We Run on Art Now

Runner Medal Display – $9-$19

Why we’d gift it: It’s a great way to give your hard-earned medals a home instead of leaving them thrown in a box somewhere.

Nothing says I’m a runner like a great wall display of your proudest moments. Coach Amanda may have a few of these in our basement alongside the treadmill!

They have a few options like Beast Mode for your intense friends, “She Believed She Could and She Did” for when you want to remind her just how far she has come. And then the great I can and I will.

​ Shop Runner Medal Display Now

Swiftwick Socks – $17

Why we’d gift it: Our team has worn these through plenty of training miles; they’re not just moisture-wicking, but odor-controlling fabric makes them perfect for traveling.

We always joke about getting underwear and socks for Christmas, but the thing is, your runner will LOVE getting some great running socks!! Seriously, we feel guilty spending $17 for 1 pair ourselves, but we love it when you do.

We recommend these specifically because of their moisture-wicking and SMELL-controlling properties. Seriously, days on end of wear during a trip and no smell…Coach Amanda pleads the 5th on how she knows this.

Whether you want ankle or crew or no shoe, wild patterns or basics, they have you covered.

​ Shop Swiftwick Socks Now

Ukoly Sport Sunglasses – $19

Why we’d gift it: We’ve tested this pair of sunglasses through lots of miles, in all seasons, and they never fog or bounce around.

If you’re looking for stylish sunglasses that don’t bounce around or break the budget, these are it.

We love these sunglasses from Ukoly because they look high-end but are under $20. So if you tend to lose or break your sunglasses, it won’t be too terrible to replace them.

Plus, they don’t fog up or move as you run, which is always a bonus!

​ Shop Ukoly Sunglasses Now

Gifts from $20 to $25

Mini Resistance Bands ($20)

Why we’d gift it: We love these because they let you get in your strength training no matter where you are; just throw them in your carry-on, and you’re set!

These bands have become the darlings of Instagram workouts this year, but for some reason are oddly hard to find!

Be the superhero who shows up with a pack that has a variety of resistance levels that can be used to strengthen our glutes, IT Band and so much more! We like this brand because many PT’s use it knowing that they won’t break.

Especially great for people who are always on the go!

​ Shop Mini Resistance Bands Now

Runner Strength Training Plan for At Home – $20+

Why we’d gift it: Take the guesswork out of strength training by following these training plans created by runners, for runners.

Love working out at home, but need some ongoing ideas to keep it fresh? This is a great way to find new moves or remind you to work muscles in different ways.

​ Shop Runner Strength Training Plans Now

Skratch Labs Sports Hydration Mix – starting at $22

Why we’d gift it: Our team loves Skratch to replace electrolytes during training because it doesn’t have a heavy or overly sweet flavor. Plus they always have fun seasonal flavors.

Skratch Sport Hydration Drink Mix replaces the electrolytes you lose when you sweat and gives you a little energy without upsetting your stomach. It’s all natural, it’s a very light flavor, and really well thought out.

They offer a variety of flavors and always have seasonal options like watermelon in the summer and spiced apple in the fall.

Use Skratch Discount AMANDA 20 at checkout.

​ Shop Skratch Hydration Now

Lululemon Yoga Mat Strap – $24

Why we’d gift it: We love this because it doubles as a stretching strap post-run and a way to carry your yoga mat.

Coach Amanda LOVES her little strap. You can quickly put it on your mat, instead of trying to shove it in a bag.

BONUS points: This strap is durable and long enough to use during class to help with those stretches! It’s a 2-for-1 gift for athletic women.

​ Shop Lululemon Yoga Mat Strap Now

Butt Napkins – $23.95

Why we’d gift it: It’s a funny gift that’s actually useful, because let’s be honest, we’ve all been there at one point. 

Before you laugh, these are actually great to keep in your hydration pack/vest, especially if you’re running out on the trails or stopping by a porta potty that’s run out of TP.

They’re water-based wipes that open up into a 7 in x 7 in square. Use them for running potty emergencies or to clean yourself off if you’re super sweaty post-run.

​ Shop Butt Napkins Now

Buff Multifunctional Neckwear – $25

Why we’d gift it: It’s a simple piece of gear that runners can use in a million different ways- neck gaiter, headband and more.

This is a piece of gear that our team thinks everyone should own, runner or not. It works year-round: add warmth during winter training, provide sun protection in spring and fall, or help keep sweat out of your eyes during hot summer miles.

Coach Amanda even has a trick for wrapping one around a soft flask to turn it into a makeshift handheld!

Plus, with so many colors and prints to choose from, it’s an easy way to add a little pizzazz to your running gear.

SPIbelt – $25

Why we’d gift it: We tested it by packing it with a large cell phone, fuel, keys, and maybe a few other essentials, and it didn’t bounce around once.

These style belts were perfect for short runs where you didn’t have to carry gels or hydration support. You can carry everything that you need-  phone, a few gels, and some Saltstick chews, and if you packed it just right, it was easy to grab what you needed!

Bonus points because it never moves around on the run.

​ Shop Spibelt Now

PR Running Hat –  $25

Why we’d gift it: This super lightweight hat doubles as a way to show off your favorite finish lines.

This is such a fun way to celebrate your finish lines all year long. These PR Running hats are super lightweight and breathable, perfect for runs, races, or everyday wear.

But the really cool part is that you can customize them with snap-in race badges ($9.99) that fit right into the holes on the back and side panels. Their site has tons of race badges, so you can add one for your latest PR.

​ Shop PR Running Hats Now

SaltStick Electrolyte Capsules ($25)

Why we’d gift it: It’s perfect if you find yourself a little extra sweaty on runs; coming in multiple flavors, there’s an option for every runner.

It doesn’t make my must-have list every year for no reason! Cramps are the foe of every runner and we’ve seen these help many keep them at bay.

If you have a sweaty runner in your life, they may not even realize how much electrolytes could help them!

​ Shop Saltstick Electrolyte Capsules Now

Why trust our budget runner gift recommendations?

Our team of 25 gear testers includes men and women with different body types, running paces, and preferences. But at the end of the day, we’re all everyday runners looking for the same things you are: quality gear that maybe doesn’t break the budget.

Looking for other gift guides?

• Stocking Stuffers – when size is a more important factor
• Trail Running Gifts – you know they have more specific needs
• Men’s Fitness Gift Guide – when he’s more of a gym or outdoors guy than runner