Stocking Stuffers for Runners

Gift Guide 2024 | Fleet Feet

By Mandy Wahl, Tom Rivett, Evan Matsumoto Updated on
Shop Running Shoes, Gear & Accessories

It doesn’t take a massive gift to make a big difference. Become your runner’s favorite gift-giver and get them something small that they’ll be sure to use and appreciate.

All it takes to start running is a well-fitting pair of running shoes. Simple. But if you’re a runner yourself, you know that there is some seriously amazing gear that can instantly upgrade your run as the miles add up.

Drawing from over 45 years of experience outfitting, training and sweating alongside runners of all different abilities, our team of Fleet Feet Editors rounded up our favorite small gift ideas we couldn’t imagine running or walking without.

From open-ear headphones that will get them in the zone to running gloves that will give them a reason to run in the cold, get the runner in your life one of these best stocking stuffers:

Looking for a gift idea under a budget? Check out our full best gifts for runners guide including gifts under $25, $50 & $100.

This article is part of our 2024 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 Hydration
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Nuun

$8
Even in the winter, runners need to stay hydrated to make sure that they get enough electrolytes. Nuun makes convenient tablets that can be added to water to make it taste delicious and help your runner get everything they need. Plus, the options and flavors are endless. Nuun Sport helps them get electrolytes without the extra sugar that is common in other sports drinks, a caffeine version can put some pep in their step, and Nuun Rest will help them get a little extra recovery sleep.
Shop Nuun
Give the Gift of Style
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goodr Running Sunglasses

$25

A gift that immediately spices up any local run club, goodr Sunglasses prevent glare, protect their eyes from UVA/UVB rays and most importantly, don’t slip or bounce on the run. Plus, they’re darn good running sunglasses for the price.

With tons of colors, styles and sizes to choose from, you can gift pairs to multiple people and pick frames to match their style for a personal touch.

Shop goodr Sunglasses
Gift the Gift of Comfy Feet
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Balega Hidden Comfort Socks

$16

Runners can always use more socks. These socks are plush and comfortable, which means that they will think of you every time they slip them on for a run.

They wick sweat away from your runner’s feet to keep them dry and prevent nasty blisters from forming. Plus, there is an extended heel tab to prevent rubbing and keep the socks from sliding down their shoe.

Balega Hidden Comfort
Give the Gift of Warm Hands
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CEP Winter Gloves

$25

One of the keys to winter running is a good pair of running gloves. Your runner will thank you for these because their hands will stay toasty and dry during their run.

These gloves are also touch-screen friendly and have reflective elements to help them be visible when they run in the dark.

CEP Winter Run Gloves
Give the Gift of Music
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Shokz OpenFit Headphones

$180

Wireless headphones give runners the freedom to listen to their music, audiobooks, podcasts and more without the annoying cord getting in the way. The Shokz OpenFit headphones sit around their ear, so they can lift, run or workout without their earbuds getting sweaty and falling out.

The headphones have an open ear design and bone conduction technology that allows your runner to listen to their tunes and still hear their surroundings like cars, bikes and other pedestrians.

Shop Shokz Headphones
Give the Gift of Support
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Superfeet Run Dynamic Cushion Insoles

$55

Making running more comfortable and efficient is on the mind of any runner, and Superfeet Dynamic Cushion Insoles can help.

These insoles replace the sock liner in their shoes and add both structure and cushioning. There are three profiles—low, medium or high arch, depending on the shape of your runner’s feet to provide the best running experience possible.

Run Dynamic High Arch Run Dynamic Low Arch
Give the Gift of Storage
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Amphipod R3 Express Pack

$35

The Amphipod R3 Express Pack is perfect for running, and can be used for so much more. They can put it around their waist and bring everything they need on their runs—there is plenty of room for a phone, nutrition and more.

Then, when they go out later or travel, they can wear it as a crossbody bag. Plus, it is made with moisture-resistant and breathable materials.

Amphipod R3 Express Pack
Give the Gift of Safety
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Nathan Hyperbrite Orb Globe LED Clip-on Light

$16

Runners can always use more visibility gear for extra safety, which makes these clip-on lights perfect for stashing in a stocking. These little lights can be clipped on anywhere and have numerous light modes to keep your runner safe and noticeable when they are running in the dark after work or walking their dog before the sun rises.

Bonus tip: you can also attach them to leashes and collars to help protect your four-legged friends, so grab one for your dog’s stocking too.

Nathan Hyperbrite Orb
Give the Gift of Car Protection
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Sprints Towel

$42
Running is a sweaty activity, so help your runner protect their car seat with these fun towels that have a built-in pocket that fits over a headrest. The microfiber performance material is perfect for wiping off sweat or cleaning up after a muddy trail run. It works great as a blanket for core work or stretching after a run too.
Sprints Towel
Give the Gift of Chafe-Free Running
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Squirrel's Nut Butter

$15

This anti-chafe salve is the perfect example of how a small gift can make a big difference.

Dry skin, sweat and friction can have uncomfortable consequences when running in the cold. To prevent chafing and save them from a painful post-run shower, they can apply Squirrel’s Nut Butter to their underarms, inner thighs, crouch, nipples or feet, or under their bra or pack straps before or during activity. Plus, it’s made with just four all-natural ingredients: coconut oil, cocoa butter, beeswax & vitamin E oil.

Shop Squirrel's Nut Butter
Give the Gift of a Great Hat
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Ciele Hats

$35
Every runner needs a hat that can go the distance, and Ciele makes some of the best running hats out there. They are lightweight, wick away moisture and have plenty of styles for you to find the perfect match for your favorite runner’s stocking.
Ciele GOCap Athletics
Give the Gift of Recovery
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Therabody RecoveryTherm Cube

$149
Aches and pains are part of any athlete’s life. Put the gift of recovery in their stocking with the RecoveryTherm Cube. This device is compact and reusable, offering instant cold, heat and contrast therapies that can help them recover quicker. Much better than a bag of peas, this offers relief and recovery anywhere.
Therabody RecoveryTherm Cube
Give the Gift of Their Choice
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Fleet Feet Gift Card

$0
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.
Digital Gift Card

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 shopping easy.

How We Picked the Best Stocking Stuffer 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.

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 5 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 stocking stuffer gift ideas 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.

Standing Behind Our Picks

We picked the best stocking stuffers for runners based on what we think will work for the most people in most situations. If you buy a gift from us and you don’t love the way it looks, fits or performs, bring them back within 60 days for a full refund.

Plus, we offer free shipping on all orders over $99 on fleetfeet.com, and we’ll match a lower price from a qualifying retailer. That’s our Happy Fit Guarantee.