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The 30 Best Stocking Stuffers for Runners

These small gifts will leave your family believing in Santa.

By Gabrielle Hondorp
the best stocking stuffers for runners
Staff

Whether you're someone who starts gift shopping at the end of summer or someone who's scrambling to finish wrapping on Christmas eve, stocking stuffers are often an afterthought. Since smaller gift ideas can often be more difficult to come up with than the big ones, we have come up with this list of small gifts for your favorite runner that they are sure to love—and they're affordable, too.

From socks, to sunglasses, to the nutrition they need to get through their next training cycle, these stocking stuffers for runners are items that they will actually use and may have never realized that they needed.

Looking for more gift ideas? Check out our guide to the best gifts for runners, gifts for fitness lovers, and self-care gift ideas.

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1
Best for Sunny Days

Ciele BKT Hat

BKT Hat
1
Best for Sunny Days

Ciele BKT Hat

$60 at cieleathletics.com

While it's not the warmest hat, this Bucket Hat is great for three seasons out of the year. It is breathable, lightweight, and comes in two sizes—both of which have an adjustable fit, so everyone that wears it can get an individual sizing.

2
Best for Warming Chilly Hands

OCOOPA Rechargeable Hand Warmers

On Sale
Rechargeable Hand Warmers
2
Best for Warming Chilly Hands

OCOOPA Rechargeable Hand Warmers

Now 24% Off

Although shakable hand warmers work fast, they also lose their heat faster than most of us would like. This rechargeable one fits nicely in the palm, and since it's reusable it doesn't create waste.

3
Best for Apple Watch Users

AMSKY 6-Pack Sport Bands

On Sale
6-Pack Sport Bands
3
Best for Apple Watch Users

AMSKY 6-Pack Sport Bands

Now 26% Off

Help the runner with an Apple Watch mix up their style. These sport bands come in packs of six with a bunch of different color options, and they are waterproof and comfortable enough to wear all day.

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4
Best Easy Sun Protection

Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm

 SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm
4
Best Easy Sun Protection

Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm

Since the sun reflects off of snow, it's important to protect your lips like any other exposed skin. These lip balms come in three tropical flavors that will remind them of warmer weather, and provide SPF 30 protection.

5
Best For Running In the Dark

Apace Vision LED Safety Lights

Best Seller
LED Safety Lights
5
Best For Running In the Dark

Apace Vision LED Safety Lights

These lights are super easy to carry and won't hinder your performance. Simply clip them onto your clothing and they give you instant visibility.

6
Best for Nervous Racers

Rodale Books Runner’s World — ‘How to Make Yourself Poop: And 999 Other Tips All Runners Should Know’ by Meghan Kita

Runner’s World — ‘How to Make Yourself Poop: And 999 Other Tips All Runners Should Know’ by Meghan Kita
6
Best for Nervous Racers

Rodale Books Runner’s World — ‘How to Make Yourself Poop: And 999 Other Tips All Runners Should Know’ by Meghan Kita

For new joggers or long time run enthusiasts, this book is filled with our favorite tips and tricks to make you a more successful athlete.

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7
No More Stinky Feet

remodeez Activated Charcoal Shoe Deodorizer

Activated Charcoal Shoe Deodorizer
7
No More Stinky Feet

remodeez Activated Charcoal Shoe Deodorizer

All runners know how smelly our running shoes can get—especially when we start bounding through mud, rain, and snow. These activated charcoal deodorizers naturally absorb bad smells without releasing a synthetic scent.

8
The Best Running Socks

Balega Ultralight

Balega Ultralight
8
The Best Running Socks

Balega Ultralight

Balegas are a favorite for many runners for their snug, seamless fit. They won't fall down while you run, and the arch lock keeps them from moving around at all. Plus, they have a mostly no-show fit so they won't look odd while you run.

9
For Rushed Runners

Lock Laces

Lock Laces
9
For Rushed Runners

Lock Laces

Whether you are a triathlete or simply don't like tying your shoes, these lock laces allow you to slip on your shoes and get a perfect fit every time. They are snug and won't slip even on your fastest runs.

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10
For Holding Everything

FlipBelt

FlipBelt
10
For Holding Everything

FlipBelt

It's hard to find a running belt that holds what you need and also won't move around while you run, but this one fits the bill. It hugs snugly on the waist and the stretchy material can fit even the largest phones with ease.

11
For Protecting Their Seats

M Orange Mud Transition & Seat Wrap Towel

Transition & Seat Wrap Towel
11
For Protecting Their Seats

M Orange Mud Transition & Seat Wrap Towel

This microfiber towel serves two purposes—to cover you and your seats. It has both a Velcro strip to help keep it around your waist, as well as a zipper that keeps it anchored to the top of your car seat.

12
No More Chafing

Body Glide

Body Glide
12
No More Chafing

Body Glide

Bodyglide can be a lifesaver—especially on long runs. It is super versatile and you can put it anywhere you need to prevent chafing.

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13
Best for Recovery

Nuun Sport: Electrolyte Drink Tablets

On Sale
Nuun Sport: Electrolyte Drink Tablets
13
Best for Recovery

Nuun Sport: Electrolyte Drink Tablets

Now 14% Off

These Nuun sport tablets provide necessary electrolytes to keep you hydrated and help to recover faster. This one comes with a mixed box of four of the most popular flavors.

14
Best for Icy Runs

Yaktrax

On Sale
Yaktrax
14
Best for Icy Runs

Yaktrax

Now 13% Off

Snowy, icy roads have nothing on these. Yaktrax are made to grip even in the slipperiest conditions, and this model was designed specifically for running. The metal coils on the back help to give great grip, and the rubber front provides a cushioned pad that won't tear up your legs.

15
Best Running Glove

TrailHeads Men's Power Stretch Touchscreen Running Gloves

Men's Power Stretch Touchscreen Running Gloves
15
Best Running Glove

TrailHeads Men's Power Stretch Touchscreen Running Gloves

These lightweight gloves are the perfect transition from hot to cold weather. Plus they have palm grips and touchscreen fingertips so you don't have to take them off to send a text.

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16
Most Comfortable Phone Holder

Sprigs Armband

Sprigs Armband
16
Most Comfortable Phone Holder

Sprigs Armband

The Sprigs armband is comfortable, affordable, and so easy to use. It slides up the arm and stays put thanks to rubber grips on the inside surface.

17
For Their Emotional Support Water Bottle

Chill. Water Bottle Holder With Strap

Water Bottle Holder With Strap
17
For Their Emotional Support Water Bottle

Chill. Water Bottle Holder With Strap

Cute and practical, this water bottle strap makes any bottle easier to carry, and it comes in a bunch of fun patterns.

18
For Sunny Winter Days

TrailHeads Fleece Ponytail Hat

Fleece Ponytail Hat
18
For Sunny Winter Days

TrailHeads Fleece Ponytail Hat

On a sunny winters day you often have to choose between a cap and headband—no more. This hat combines the two and gives you sun protection and a head warmer all in one.

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19
For Tiny Home Gyms

Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands

On Sale
Resistance Loop Exercise Bands
19
For Tiny Home Gyms

Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands

Now 38% Off

Resistance bands are perhaps the most affordable addition to a home gym, but they can also be one of the most versatile. They are great for any runner to work on strengthening crucial muscles to keep them fast and healthy.

20
For Better Visibility

Foxelli Headlamp Flashlight

Headlamp Flashlight
20
For Better Visibility

Foxelli Headlamp Flashlight

As the days begin to shorten, this headlamp will allow you to train despite the dark. It has a comfortable elastic band, and it can fit easily on top of a winter hat or hood.

Headshot of Gabrielle Hondorp
Gabrielle Hondorp

Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track. 

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