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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.