When you’re shopping to find the right gift for the runner in your life, the price tag can add up quickly.
Luckily, there are outstanding gift ideas for runners that come in under $25. For over 45 years Fleet Feet has been picking out affordable running gifts for every level and ability, making us experts in gift-giving for runners.
From bounce-free running sunglasses to technical socks that banish blisters, our team of Fleet Feet Editors hand-picked the best affordable presents that can help round out any runner’s kit.
- goodr Running Sunglasses ($25)
- Amphipod Vizlet ($10)
- Smartwool Run Zero Cushion Ankle Socks ($20)
- nuun Drink Tabs ($7.50)
- Feetures Elite Max Cushion No Show Tab socks ($18)
- Nathan Adjust Fit Zipster ($25)
- CEP The Run Compression Mid Cut Socks 4.0 ($19)
- Nathan Vibe Reflective Vest ($25)
- GU Energy Gel ($1.60)
- Honey Stinger Waffle ($1.50)
[This article is part of our 2022 Gift Guide for Runners. See all the best gifts for runners by price, category and more. Can’t make up your mind? No worries. Check out our gift cards for a gift that keeps on giving.]
Give the Gift of Style
Goodr Running Sunglasses
Goodr running sunglasses provide incredible value for their affordable price tag, making them perfect for a last-minute gift—or just something for yourself.
With UV400 protection, polarized lenses (in most models), lightweight plastic frames and non-slip coating, your runner can run, dance and play while looking good. The classic wayfarer frame shape gives you laid-back style for everyday wear, but wild patterns and colors can ramp up the style for any occasion.
Give the Gift of Visibility
Amphipod Vizlet
Give the gift of visibility with the Amphipod Vizlet. These wearable and ultra-bright flashing LED reflectors can be placed on just about anything for those who run, walk or cycle in the dark. They attach using an integrated dual magnet and have easy-to-turn on/off ultra-bright flashing LED lights. It is the perfect, inexpensive gift for any runner.
Give the Gift of Warm Feet
Smartwool Run Zero Cushion Ankle Socks
Give the gift of warm feet with Smartwool Run Zero Cushion Ankle Socks. These socks are made with merino wool that helps keep their feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer, while also helping reduce odors. Plus, the small, above-the-ankle cuff prevents a gap between their tights and socks to make sure they don’t have skin exposed to the cold.
Give the Gift of Hydration
nuun Drink Tabs
Runners lose a lot of sweat and having an electrolyte drink can help them run longer, perform better and recover faster. Place a tube of Nuun Sport in their gift to help them get all of the benefits of an electrolyte drink without any unnecessary sugar.
They just dissolve a tablet in 16oz of water for a delicious, slightly fizzy drink that will keep them going. There are both caffeinated and non-caffeinated options and a variety of flavors, so you can find something your runner will love.
Give the Gift of Cushion
Feetures Elite Max Cushion No Show Tab socks
Runners always love getting another pair of socks and they will love opening the soft and sustainable Feetures Elite Max Cushion No Show Tab socks. These socks are Feetures most cushioned model and are spun with yarn made from plastic bottles, so you can feel good about your sustainable gift.
Plus, the anatomical structure and targeted compression of these socks deliver a little extra support, while the moisture-wicking yarn keeps their feet dry, comfortable and blister-free.
Give the Gift of Storage
Nathan Adjust Fit Zipster
From keys and nutrition to a phone and wallet, there are a lot of things that runners may want to carry during their run, but pockets can only hold so much. Enter the Nathan Adjust Fit Zipster. One of the best running belts, the Zipster is easy to adjust and allows them to stash their essentials on the move. Plus, they can wear it while traveling, at sporting events, concerts and more.
Give the Gift of Compression
CEP The Run Compression Mid Cut Socks 4.0
The CEP Run Compression Mid Cut Socks provide targeted compression to support the ankles and arches during their workouts. It helps to stabilize tendons and ligaments while improving circulation. Plus, the mid-calf length gives them more coverage when running in the cold and prevents exposed skin in between their tights or pants and socks.
Give the Gift of Safety
Nathan Vibe Reflective Vest
You can make sure that your runner stays safe, even on a budget, with the Nathan Vibe Reflective Vest. Cold weather means less light to run in, make sure others can see your runner with this vest. One of the best reflective vests, it is minimalist, gives 360 degrees of reflectivity and is easy to throw on over any clothing. It’s easy to adjust and the body-hugging elastic design offers a full range of motion without interrupting their arm swing as they run.
GU Energy Gel
GU is one of the most well-known and best energy gels on the market, so your runner will love opening one of these in their gift. GU’s potent blend of carbs, electrolytes and amino acids makes it perfect for topping off your tank before or during a big run. Plus, its slurpable size and low price tag make it ideal for pairing with other running gifts.
With more than a dozen flavors to choose from, there’s a GU Energy Gel for everyone.
Give the Gift of a Snack
Honey Stinger Waffle
Waffles for breakfast? Yes, please.
This Honey Stinger Waffle makes the perfect pre-workout snack thanks to a layer of energizing honey sandwiched between two crispy waffles. The high-quality honey is naturally packed with carbs and antioxidants, giving them natural energy throughout your workout.
More Gifts for Runners
We narrowed down our favorite products by category so whether your runner likes to crush marathons or enjoys the daily stress-relief, these gifts will make your holiday shopping easy.
- Best Gifts for Runners
- For Women
- For Men
- Stocking Stuffers
- Trail Running
- Marathoners and Long Distance Runners
- New Runners and Beginners
- Triathletes
- At Home Workouts
- Mindfulness, Calm, Recovery
- Graduation Gifts
- For Yourself
- Cold Weather Gear
- Under $100
- Under $50
- Under $25
Why You Should Trust Us
At Fleet Feet one of our core values is that it is a privilege to serve. We take the thought of giving you advice and guiding you to pick out the perfect gift for the runner in your life very seriously and are honored that you chose to read this. Fleet Feet is the No. 1 run specialty store in the country. We serve more than 3 million customers across 250+ locations annually and have completed more than 4 million 3D foot scans (and counting) of different runners and walkers’ feet. Our goal is to help every customer find the correct shoes, apparel and gear for their goals.
We don’t just sell shoes and gear, we run, walk and hike with you in those shoes. We have had hundreds of thousands of runners and walkers participate in our training programs, community runs and events every year. We have locations all over the country running in the snow, desert and everything in between.
We take our sales data and talk with the different shoe companies, designers and our network of runners, walkers and hikers to cultivate this list of the best gifts for runners. We also review shoes and gear ourselves to provide you with the best information possible when making these guides. We update this guide regularly to make sure you have the latest information possible to make the best decision for you when it comes to giving your loved one a gift.
How We Picked the Best Gifts
With more than 45 years of experience, Fleet Feet is the expert in running (and gifting). What makes the perfect gift for a runner comes down to the personal experience, goals, preferences and style of that runner. We use a combination of real-life use, quality of materials, seasonal trends and our own top-seller lists to pick out the best gifts. With all that in mind, we picked gear that lived up to our personal (and professional) expectations. Plus, as people who live and breathe running, we know what we would like to unwrap ourselves.
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