Good Gifts for Runners Under $20

Gifts for runners can easily creep in to the expensive category because we do love fancy technical gear, but there are tons of stocking stuffers that we NEED and genuinely love receiving!

I mean very few of us will turn down a great GPS watch or new running shoes, but the list is much broader!

If you’re looking to fill out that stocking or something to give to your good running buddy after watching them blow snot rockets throughout winter training runs.

Under $20 Good Gifts for Runners

Grab one or grab multiple, you’ll still be keeping the price reasonable.

(yes most are linked to Amazon as affiliate links, no I don’t know what you buy, yes it throws pennies at RTTF to keep the hundreds of articles each year free!)

I’ve gotten a lot of feedback that most of these make great gifts for cross country runners. Team gifts or filling up those stockings with the little things that we just don’t always think of, but can enhance our enjoyment of the run.

Good Gifts for Runners

Outdoor Research Melody Beanie with ponytail hole – {$20}
Keeping the head warm and dry makes a big difference for those winter runs!

Not only are you keeping the heat in, but allowing the sweat to evaporate which doesn’t happen with just a regular stocking cap. Truly makes cold weather bearable.

Lightweight Running Gloves – {$17}
Just as holding ice can cool the body during summer runs, keeping the hands warm and dry can help during the winter!

I like these because they have a little grip to them too so you can tie your shoes, plus they have the touchscreen tips. No more taking off your gloves to get your Strava running!

👉🏽Checkout my complete list of best running gloves, if you’re going this route to buy ones that are right for the weather they run in.

Lock Laces – {$9.99}
Speaking of tying your shoes, stop! I did a whole post on why these are purchased by 1 in 10 Ironman finishers! My husband is obsessed with them and puts them in every pair of shoes that he gets.

Charcoal Inserts – {$10}
I have loved these for after a rainy or snowy run to help dry out the shoes and maintain shape. I find they tend to work faster than balled up newspaper because they fit the shoe are are really easy to carry with us during winter or wet travels. Bonus points because they also help to kill bacteria from sweating.

Zone Naturals Chub Rub Anti-Chafe Stick – {$10}

Trust me this is absolutely at the top of every runners MUST HAVE list. We need one stashed every where so that we are never without.

Throw Away Gloves ($15 for 12)
I know you are think, what the h$%*, but every runner has found themselves on a cold starting line wishing they had a pair of gloves…but not an expensive pair they’d need to hold on to for the duration of the race.

Nope just a cheap pair they can toss when they warm up.

Rock Tape ($20)

The variety of ways that we can use kinesiology tape to deal with all the aches you hear us talk about is incredible. Tape up a knee for support, an ankle we rolled, a lower back that just tight and aching. Another incredible gift that they’ll be amazed you thought of!

Disposable Ponchos ($12 x 5)
To go along with those gloves, having a few ponchos around means no worries about staying dry on race morning! If we only have one we get weird about potentially throwing it away! Plus you can help out your friends who didn’t plan ahead.

Runner Ornament ($4)
Of course you can decorate the tree with medals, but the rest of the family might prefer to continue seeing ornaments. These are super cute and come in male, female, blonde, brunette, African American. My MIL got me one and it proudly hangs on our tree!

Motivational Book ($16)
I’ve got a list of 50 running books for you to pick from, but if you need just one I’d say checkout Finding Ultra by Rich Roll.

I’ve heard there’s a really stellar one called Run To The Finish – which is designed to help the middle of the pack love the run, get smarter, faster and prevent injuries.

Sabre Pepper Spray Gel – {$13}
I’ve talked a lot about tools to help us feel safer on the run this year and this one surprised me. I have always been afraid of carrying a spray, but this one is a gel. Meaning when sprayed it will stick and not blow back.

It’s also got a hand hold that makes it ideal for runners.

Ultimate IT Band Ebook – {$12}
No time to shop and ship, then help them recover with a complete guide on preventing and eliminating IT Band issues. Unfortunately this all too common injury sidelines runners for ages unnecessarily.

Swiftwick Socks – {$11}
I know, I know we always joke about getting underwear and socks for Christmas, but the thing is your runner will LOVE getting some great running socks!!

I recommend these specifically because of their moisture wicking and SMELL controlling properties. Seriously days on end of wear during a trip and no smell…I plead the 5th on how I know this.

High Density Foam Roller – {$13}
They’ll both love and hate you for this gift. If you have a runner with tight muscles or constantly battling IT band issues this is where it’s at this holiday season.

Giving them one more reason to take care of their bodies. If your runner travels a lot then consider getting them The Stick instead as it is won’t take up space in their luggage.

Ice Cleats ($8)
We don’t earn our title of being “crazy runners” by avoiding the weather, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be a little safer too. Ice Cleats fit easily over existing shoes to provide some traction in the winter weather.

Low cut compression socks ($12 x 3 pairs)
You’ve seen plenty of runners in colorful knee high compression socks, but sometimes all we need is something to hug our tired feet. I’ve fallen in love with low cut compression socks to wear during runs and with regular shoes.

Trigger Point Foam Massage Ball ($15)
It’s a bit of an evil gift because it’s painful to use, but they really will thank you!! It’s perfect for traveling and being able to work out those knots to ensure we come home feeling great.

Need more good fitness gift ideas?

• 21 Best Fitness Gifts for Her
• Fitness gadgets – when you’re ready to spoil them silly
• Wellness Gift Guide (helping them recover better!)
• Trail Running Gifts
• Men’s Fitness Gift Guide

Do you do gift exchanges with running buddies?

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