Aside from a quality pair of running shoes, there are countless accessories and gifts that a runner needs to run safely, comfortably and in style.
Gloves, hats, safety lights, hydration bottles and other accessories are simple and affordable pieces of gear that many runners don’t know they need until they’re in the middle of a run. Especially if you are buying gifts for a new runner.
With over 45 years of experience outfitting, training and sweating alongside runners of all different abilities, our team of Fleet Feet Editors handpicked our favorite gear under $50 that makes our runs, and the time in between, a little bit better.
Here’s our list of the 11 best running gifts under $50 that all types of runners will not only use but appreciate every day:
- ROLL Recovery R3 ($30)
- Superfeet Dynamic Run & Run Max Insoles($50)
- TriggerPoint Grid Foam Roller ($35)
- Amphipod Hydraform Ergo-Lite Ultra 20oz ($35)
- Nathan Luna Fire 250 RX Run Chest/Waist Light ($40)
- Sprints Running Hat ($32)
- Craft Hybrid Weather Glove ($40)
- CEP x Fleet Feet The Run Compression Calf Sleeves 4.0 ($40)
- Brooks Notch Thermal Beanie ($28)
- Saucony Solstice Vizi Headband ($25)
- Amphipod Xinglet ($35)
[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 runners for a gift that keeps on giving.]
Give the Gift of Foot Massage
ROLL Recovery R3
Runners often get sore or tight feet from the repetitive impact of running. With this rolling, deep-foot massager, they can target and stretch high-injury areas of the foot and relieve soreness from things like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.
Small enough to fit in a suitcase or gym bag to use on race day, the Roll Recovery R3 is a great gift for runners who could use a free foot massage.
Give the Gift of Personalized Arch Support
Superfeet x Fleet Feet Dynamic Run & Dynamic Run Max Insoles
Superfeet Dynamic Run & Run Max insoles will make your runner think of you every time they lace up. Running insoles can instantly improve the comfort of their shoe and give some added arch support. This helps fight fatigue and will keep them feeling fresh when they hit the pavement.
These insoles replace the sockliner that comes in their running shoes to give a more personalized fit that helps their foot move the way it was designed to. If you know your runner has high arches, check out Superfeet Dynamic Run Max Insoles.
Give the Gift of Deep Tissue Massage
TriggerPoint Grid Foam Roller
The best massage tools are relatively simple to use and versatile. Gifting your runner the TriggerPoint Grid Foam Roller will give them all of the best aspects of foam rolling without getting too fancy.
Engineered to mimic a massage therapist's hands, there are three different surface textures molded onto the GRID that each serve a specific purpose, so they can find the perfect pressure and angle to optimize their rolling session
Give the Gift of Hydration
Amphipod Hydraform Ergo-Lite Ultra 20oz
Runners can experience a notable decline in performance with as little as 2% fluid loss. Since carrying a sloshing water bottle around can ruin a run, Amphipod designed the Hydraform Ergo-Lite Ultra to make drinking water during runs a cinch.
It’s shaped to fit perfectly in the palm and has a hand strap and thumb-lock sleeve that keeps the water bottle in place so they won’t have to use a vise-like grip the entire run. Plus, it has an expandable zipper pocket on the side to carry keys, a small trail map, some cards or a few energy gels.
Nathan Luna Fire 250 RX Run Chest/Waist Light
Great for running and hiking in low-light conditions, Nathan packed 250 lumens of power into a lightweight and easy-to-wear running light that makes a great gift for a runner who’s afraid of the dark.
What do 250 lumens mean? It’s like strapping the light from 250 candles to your chest, without the burn.
This high-powered running light has five different power levels and clips securely onto an adjustable strap that they can wear around their chest or waist, rather than bouncing on their forehead.
Give the Gift of Fun Style & Coverage
Sprints Running Hat
Sprints Running Hats use cool designs and performance fabrics for a fun gift that runners can use for daily training, race-day outfits and post-run drinks. These running hats combine lightweight, moisture-wicking polyester fabrics with strategically placed mesh inserts to quickly cool you down during a run.
Machine washable for when you get extra sweaty during a workout and adjustable for most head sizes, Sprints Running Hats are a great gift for the runner who likes to have a good time.
Give the Gift of Versatile Handwear
Craft Hybrid Weather Glove
Perfect to give to a runner whose hands get too hot and sweaty, the Craft Hybrid Weather Glove has a brushed wind and waterproof cover that they can pull on or off depending on the temperature.
The gloves are compatible with smartphone screens so they don’t have to pull their hands out in cold weather, and a silicone print in the palm gives them a better grip and touch. Plus, these running gloves have reflective details for added safety and visibility.
Give the Gift of Compression
CEP The Run Compression Calf Sleeves 4.0
If you’ve ever heard your runner complain about sore legs, shin splints or calf cramps, these calf sleeves will be a game-changer.
The CEP The Run Compression Calf Sleeve 4.0 is a compression sleeve that uses medical-grade compression to increase blood flow and decrease fatigue and cramping, so their legs will feel fresher and stronger as they run. Plus, they have Smart Dry Extreme Air Technology that adapts to the weather, keeping their legs cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Give the Gift of Warmth
Brooks Notch Thermal Beanie
A winter running hat that is both comfortable and effective can be difficult to find. The Brooks Notch Thermal Beanie is the perfect gift for their cold weather runs. It’s lightweight and secure, with a notched fleece interior that holds in warmth. Plus, it has an odor-resistant finish, so they won't need to wash it after every run.
Give the Gift of High-Visibility Head Coverage
Saucony Solstice Vizi Headband
If they prefer to rock a headband over a beanie, the Saucony Solstice Headband will keep their ears warm while letting the wind flow through their hair. Styled with high-visibility colors, this running headband shines bright and has a fleece interior that’s cozy, warm and wicks away moisture as they sweat during the run.
Give the Gift of Safety
Amphipod Xinglet
A high-visibility reflective running vest is one of the easiest things a runner can wear to stay safe and be seen during runs in the dark. Safety at an affordable price, the Amphipod Xinglet fits over bulky layers and instantly gives them 360 degrees of visibility.
With an easy-to-adjust fit and a front access quick-clip for a fast on-and-off, there’s no reason not to wear it.
Give the Gift of Their Choice
Fleet Feet Gift Card
Finding the right running shoes and gear can be so personal. What works for one runner doesn’t guarantee it will work for another. But any runner can use a gift card to Fleet Feet to find their perfect fit. Whether they visit one of our 250 locations to experience our Fit Process which uses 3D foot scanning technology or order their favorite pair of shoes online, a Fleet Feet Gift Card never disappoints.
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
How We Picked the Best Gifts for Runners Under $50
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 running gifts for less than $50. 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.
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 perfect 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 gift ideas under $50 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.
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