Runners are always on the go, determined to hit that next record and push themselves just a little harder. Many runners use very specialized equipment – special running shoes, headbands, and even compression socks. This can make it difficult for non-runners to pick the perfect gift for their running friends and family members. How are you supposed to know what is high-quality and what is a gimmick?
We searched far and wide for the best gifts for runners available. We finally narrowed our search down to these 25 products that are promised to wow any runner in your life. For more fitness gift ideas, you might also be interested in our review of the best fitness trackers.
Budget Gifts for Runners ($15 or Less)
1. Chill Pal The Original PVA Cooling Towel
This cooling towel is one of the best on the market. High-grade and extra-thick PVA with evaporation technology help whisk away heat before, after, and during a run. All you have to do is soak it in cold water, wring it out, give it a quick “snap,” and it is ready to drape around your neck and cool you down fast.
Key Features:
- Five color options
- High-quality materials
- It really works
2. CJ&M When Your Legs Get Tired
Inspire the runner in your life with these stainless-steel lace tags. Engraved with the quote “when your legs get tired… run with your heart,” these lace tags provide plenty of motivation to anyone running or working out.
Key Features:
- Inspirational quote
- Easy to put on
- Aesthetic
- Durable
3. Going Long
After you’ve done it for a while, running can become monotonous and seem kind of lonely, especially if you don’t have any running partners. Even runners could use a little inspiration now and then to get back their motivation. This book provides just that. With dozens of stories by runners for runners, this book includes some of the most compelling sports narratives ever written.
Key Features:
- Includes the best stories from Runner’s World
- More than 40 stories
- Contains everything from running advice, inspirational stories, and analytical essays
4. Gone For a RUN Twas The Night Before The Race Ceramic Mug
This funny yet fitting mug is a perfect budget gift. Its exclusive design tells the story of the night before the big race in a funny re-telling of the night before Christmas. Besides its cute design, it is also extremely functional and has an enormous capacity. The high-quality materials used also ensure that it won’t wear down after only a few uses.
Key Features:
- Funny design
- Large capacity
- High-quality materials
5. Higo LED Slap Armband
Safety is a runner’s number one concern, especially if they’re running at night or early in the morning. This snap, glow bracelet helps keep them stay safe by providing a visible marker for motorists to spot them by. Its snap design allows it to be worn on the arm, wrist, ankle, or even a bag.
Key Features:
- Snap bracelet
- Replaceable batteries
- Versatile
- Patented Protection
6. iotrevor fitness Reflective Running Gear
These reflective running bracelets are a must-have for every runner. These extremely high-quality bracelets are break-free and produce no drag, while still providing plenty of visibility. They are also one-size-fits-all, which makes them a great gift option. You don’t have to worry about choosing the right size or giving away your gift idea by asking.
Key Features:
- Break free
- One size fits all
- No drag
- Produces lots of visibility
7. Live Infinitely 32 oz. Fruit Infuser
Runners need to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated. But, water can get quite boring after you drink bottle after bottle of it. This fruit infuser water bottle allows you to infuse your water with fruit for added nutrients, vitamins, and tastes. It even comes with time marks to encourage you to drink enough to stay hydrated.
Key Features:
- Time marked water lines
- Color matched insulation sleeve
- Infuses fruit into water
- Dishwasher safe
8. Running, A Runners Journal
It is imperative for runners to keep track of their progress. After all, if you can’t look back and see what you were doing a year ago, it can be difficult to see the astonishing progress you’re making. Plus, keeping track of when their runs feel great vs. when they fall flat can help runners pick up on subtle yet important details and help maximize their run. This notebook is slim and durable enough for runners to take along with them and comes ready to be filled out with all their exercise information.
Key Features:
- Prompt format makes keeping track of runs easy
- Durable
- Slim design
- 160 pages
9. Running Necklace with Titanium Chain by Lolly Llama
This running necklace is a great option for any runner in your life. Created with titanium, it never tarnishes and is extremely break-resistant. Even the chain is made with break-resistant titanium material, which is ten times stronger than most jewelry materials.
Key Features:
- Never tarnishes
- Break-resistant chain
- 100% money back guarantee
10. Running with the Mind of Meditation
This book contains a unique training program that blends physical and spiritual practice to benefit the body and the soul. It is written by a revered Tibetan lama, who found that physical activity is required for spiritual wellbeing. This book is accessible to everyone, no matter their previous training or spiritual experiences.
Key Features:
- Written by a spiritual leader
- Blends physical and spiritual practice
- Presents basic meditation instruction
11. Såk Gear Hydrosak Collapsible Water Bottle with Carrying Handle
Nothing quite makes such a perfect gift for a runner as this collapsible water bottle. We’ve all been there – in the middle of a tough run holding our crinkly, empty water bottle. Water bottles can be quite the pain to carry, especially when they’re empty and have already outlived their usefulness. This water bottle, however, it collapsible, allowing you to easily take it anywhere and collapse it whenever you’re done.
Key Features:
- 26-ounce capacity
- Nontoxic
- Heat and cold resistant
- Collapsible
12. Savvy Infusion Water Bottle
This top-rated gift allows you to infuse tasty fruits into water, making it the perfect gift for a hydrating runner. It provides extra vitamin and minerals while also giving your water a little extra flavor. This bottle is available in 24- and 32-ounce options and is 100% leak-proof. It is even designed to fit perfectly into cup holders.
Key Features:
- 24-ounce and 32-ounce options available
- Leak-free
- Fits into cupholders
13. The Gift of Running
This book shows both beginners and experienced runners how to get started and stay motivated. It will tell you how to run faster and longer, how to prepare for longer runs, and even how to stay healthy and happy while you’re running. It also includes training programs for specific races, such as 5Ks and marathons.
Key Features:
- Includes everything a runner needs to get started
- Teaches you how to run faster and longer
- Training programs included
14. The Little Red Book of Running
This book is written by Scott Douglas, a long-term runner who has been involved in the running community for nearly three decades. This book contains 250 tips on how to run faster, better, and longer. This is the next best thing to a personal running coach. It will even teach you how to choose running equipment, fit running into a busy schedule, and set meaningful goals
Key Features:
- 250 tips included
- Perfect for beginner and experienced runners
- Covers everything you need to know about running
Gifts Under $30 for Runners
15. Runner’s Daily Desk Calendar by Gone for a Run
This calendar is designed for runners who want to make the most out of every day. With a motivational quote on every page, the runner in your life can begin every day with a little bit of inspiration. This calendar also helps you keep track of your day and running goals with a built-in training tracker.
Key Features:
- Training tracker on each page
- Inspirational quotes
- Colorful pages
16. Headlamp by SmarterLife
Most lights for runners are designed to help them be spotted by passing motorist. But, there are very few lights that help the runner see where they’re going. While it is important for others to be able to see you, it is equally important for you to be able to see where you’re going as well. After all, no runner wants to trip and injure themselves. This headlight allows them to do just that with a powerful LED light.
Key Features:
- Four color options
- LED lighting
- Water resistant
- Six light modes
17. Inspirational Athletic Running Socks by Gone for a Run
Runners go through a lot of socks. Every time a runner goes running, the socks their wearing absolutely must be washed before they are worn again. Simply put, a runner can never have too many socks. These socks are a perfect option. They keep your feet dry and comfortable and are one size fits most, so you don’t have to worry about choosing a correct size.
Key Features:
- Many color options available
- One size fits all
- Includes three socks
18. LED Safety Light
These slim, lightweight LED safety lights are the premium in running safety. They can be set to three different eye-catching lighting modes: steady, slow flash, and fast flash. Industry-leading batteries are included to provide a battery life of up to 100 hours. Plus, these lights weigh less than an ounce each, so you won’t even know you’re wearing them.
Key Features:
- Includes four batteries
- Three lighting modes
- Versatile
- Weather resistant
19. NEWZILL Compression Socks
Shin splits are the bane of many runner’s existences. But, they are decently preventable – if you have the correct socks. Compression socks do absolute wonders for shin splits. They keep them from hurting, help them heal faster, and can even prevent them from forming in the first place. These particular compression socks come in a variety of colors and sizes, ensuring that you’ll find something to match the receiver’s style.
Key Features:
- Many design options
- Provide appropriate pressure without being uncomfortable
- Promotes blood flow and circulation
- Relieves pain from shin splits
20. Runner’s Measurements Engraved Stemless Wine Glass
This wine glass is made for a runner. It comes with runner’s measurements etched on the side, making it a wonderful gift for any runner in your life. It can help inspire any runner to kick back and relax after a long, hard run.
Key Features:
- Exclusive design
- Runner’s measurements etched on the side
- Durable
21. Sport2People Waist Bag for Running
This running belt has enough storage space to hold everything a runner needs. With two large pockets, this belt can easily hold a smartphone, wallet, and snack. No bouncing, no scratching, no rubbing. It is even waterproof and comes with a special-shaped zipper to keep each pocket water-tight.
Key Features:
- Two large pockets
- Waterproof
- Specially designed waterproof zipper
- Earphone hole
22. The Runtasty Runners Fanny Pack
This simplistic runner’s pack fits iPhones effortlessly and stays snug through even the longest run. It features two unique, expandable pockets that easily fit anything you might need to carry and even comes with a waterproof guarantee. Gift the runner in your life the peace of mind of knowing that all their precious belongings will stay safe while they’re running.
Key Features:
- Three color options
- Waterproof
- Stays snug
- Two storage pockets
Gifts Under $100 for Runners
23. Gone for a Run BibFOLIO Plus Race Bib and Medal Display
If the runner in your life has participated in a lot of marathons and other running events, this is the perfect gift. Now, they can display all of their medals and race bibs in one place with this high-capacity display. It is easily installed and comes with all necessary mounting hardware. Plus, extensions can be purchased and installed to allow this display to hold even more medals.
Key Features:
- Holds up to 24 medals and 100 race bibs
- Easy installation
- Extensions available
24. Hydrosleeve Package
Forget carrying water bottles all together with this armband hydration pack. Now you can carry all the water you need hands-free with this easy to use hydrosleeve. You don’t even have to stop to unscrew or take the cap off anything, simply drink while you’re running. The bladder holds 7.5-ounces, enough for most runs and workouts.
Key Features:
- 100% hands-free
- Anti-slosh
- Holds 7.5-ounces
25. FinBurst Running Belt
This is the highest quality running belt money can buy. It is nearly impossible to run extensively without a good running belt. Without one, you can’t carry anything such as your phone, wallet, and keys. But, many running belts are bulky and tend to bounce quite a bit, which can throw a runner of their game. This one is sleek and easily holds a phone or even a water bottle without bouncing or providing unnecessary drag.
Key Features:
- Minimum bouncing
- Sleek
- Large capacity
