33 best gifts for runners 2024 — last-minute ideas for every budget
Here's what to buy the runner in your life this year
It's the most magical time of the year, but it can be stressful knowing what to buy, especially if you're looking for a gift for a runner. Runners are a peculiar species — we'll hoard running shoes for sentimental reasons, speak endlessly about PRs and split times if given half the chance, and choose to lap the block rather than finish a run on 4.9 miles.
Fortunately, our obsession with the sport means that you have a lot of options when it comes to gifts for runners. There's always something we need or want, whether it's new shoes, accessories or even a running watch, if you're feeling generous.
We've hand-picked some of the best gifts for the runner in your life below, using suggestions from the Tom's Guide fitness team — we've run over 20 marathons between us, so we know what runners will be delighted to find under the tree this year.
We have separated the best gifts into different price categories, so you can shop whatever your budget. When you're done here, we've also found the best fitness gifts on the market here for yogis, cyclists, CrossFit fanatics and more.
Best gifts for runners under $20
Better You Magnesium Flakes
There's nothing better than a hot bath after a chilly training run in the winter, and chucking some magnesium flakes in will help your runners' muscles recover faster. This bag of magnesium flakes is the perfect stocking filler, whatever distance they might be training for.
Saucony Men's Bolt Rundry Performance No-show Multi-Pack Socks
Nothing says Happy Christmas like a new pair of socks, so imagine the joy on your loved one's face when they unwrap a whole multi-pack! These are great hidden socks, for an excellent price.
Lacrosse Massage Ball Set
As handy as one of the best foam rollers, these little massage balls are perfect for getting into tight muscles. The set comes with a hard and a soft lacrosse-sized massage ball, as well as a mini massage ball for targeting small, hard-to-reach areas. All three balls come in a handy carry bag for chucking in a gym bag.
HydraPak Softflask 250ml
While I never carry my own water on race day, I've used this HydraPak flask for most of my long training runs, as it doesn't leak, fits neatly in my hydration pack and is soft enough to roll or fold away once it's empty.
Lock Laces
The runner or triathlete in your life is bound to appreciate it this gift. The clever Lock Laces mean your runner never has to worry about their shoelaces coming untied on race day, and will help your triathlete with faster transitions.
LED Safety Lights
These little lights are affordable and can help keep your runner safe and seen when the weather changes. They clip onto anything — from a backpack to a running jacket — and have different modes of flashing to help cars spot your runner on the move.
Motivational shoe tags
If your runner is taking on her first race this year, these motivational shoe tags are a cute little stocking filler for less than $10. They slot into most laces, and will help give your runner a boost when she needs it on race day.
Gone for a Run 2025 Runner's Daily Desk Calendar
This cute desk calendar is packed with motivational quotes and inspiration for the runner in your life, whatever they are training for. There's also a handy training tracker, so your runner can keep an eye on his/her progress.
Body Glide Foot Glide
This handy anti-chafe balm can be rolled all over the feet to prevent any uncomfortable rubbing or blisters. In fact, it can also be used on the back of your runner's knees, or anywhere that might get chafed on the long run.
Foot massage roller
Another handy little stocking filler for the runner in your life, this little massage tool can help ease aches and pains from miles on his or her feet. The deep tissue massager can be used to relieve tension in the arch of the foot, and we guarantee it'll be one of their favorite gifts this holiday!
Best gifts for runners under $50
Sprigs Armband
The top pick in our best running phone holders round-up is a great gift for anyone who likes to bring their phone with them on the run. It's lightweight, fits securely and your phone won't bounce thanks to the top strap.
Epic Runs of the World, Lonely Planet
If the runner in your life is always looking for his or her next adventure, this is the perfect coffee table book to gift them this holiday season. They'll find 50 of the world's greatest running routes, plus another 150 courses around the world to aim for.
Ciele GoCap
The Ciele GoCap is a comfortable, five-panel cap that comes in a wide range of styles, so you're sure to find one that suits your runner. We've been using Ciele caps regularly for years and they are durable, easy to wash, and a cut above most other running caps.
Spibelt Running Belt
The SPIbelt made it onto our list of the best running belts due to its great price and versatility. The belt looks like a thin pocket with an adjustable strap and is far more compact than a lot of the other belts on the market. Plus, it expands to fit all your runner's essentials on the move.
Tracksmith Inverno Gloves
These gloves are truly excellent. They are breathable enough that your runner won't have to remove them after their warm-up, soft enough that they can wipe their runny nose with ease, and they even have tech fingers to allow them to answer their phone or take a selfie without having to remove the gloves.
Goodr Sunglasses
Goodr's range of affordable sunglasses are rightly very popular with runners thanks to their stylish designs which stay put even as you get sweaty. The Goodr range is huge, so finding some sunnies to suit your runner will be easy.
Supergoop! Everyday Play SPF 50 Lotion
SPF is an absolute essential whether you're playing tennis, heading for a hike, or running a marathon. This Supergoop! Play lotion is my go-to all year round. It doesn't irritate my eyes when I sweat or leave me with gross white marks on my face.
Fast and Free Fleece Running Ear Warmer
Keep cold ears toasty all winter long with this sweat-wicking ear warmer. It's nice and fleecy on the inside, making it soft against the skin, and even has a gap for your runner's ponytail. Available in several different colors.
Gone For a Run BibFOLIO Plus Race Bib and Medal Display
Another gift only a runner could love! This handle display is a lovely way to showcase your runner's achievements, and has room for up to 100 race numbers and 24 medals.
Merino Wool BUFF
Whether you're shopping for a marathon runner, or a runner looking to take on his or her first 5K this year, this is a safe choice. It'll keep the wind and cold out all winter, and comes in lots of different colors.
The North Face Salty Bae Lined Beanie
This super-soft fluffy beanie is the perfect gift for any lover of the Great Outdoors. The beanie has a soft knit-in lining and textured appearance, and is available in four different colors.
Best gifts for runners over $50
Garmin Forerunner 265
The Garmin Forerunner 265 is the best Garmin Watch for most people. It's packed with advanced features and has a bright, AMOLED touchscreen. Read my full Garmin Forerunner 265 review to find out more.
Nike Pegasus 41
Buying shoes for someone is tough, but this is a good bet that will suit most runners. The Nike Pegasus 41 is a workhorse of a running shoe, suited to easy miles and faster sessions. It's a solid, stable, reliable shoe, and the 41th iteration is more comfortable than ever. Read our Nike Pegasus 41 review for more info.
Rabbit EZ Tee LS
This long-sleeved running top is cozy and warm for runs in cold conditions, but also breathable so you won't overheat. There's even a festive version of the top, if you think your runner will enjoy it being Christmas every time they wear it.
Theragun Mini
TheraGun's travel-sized massage gun comes with three different foam attachments as well as three different speeds. So not only can you carry this with you wherever you go but you can tailor the device to massage more than one area of your body. It's one of the best massage guns on the market, and you can read our Theragun Mini review before adding it to your cart.
Beats Powerbeats Pro
I've run multiple marathons with these headphones, and have always been impressed with the battery life, how easy they are to use on the go, how comfortable they are to wear and how well they stay put. Read our Beats Powerbeats Pro review to find out why they're a great gift.
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
If you always worry about your runner heading out alone, these are the best bone conduction headphones we've tested this year. They'll allow your runner to still listen to music or a podcast, while also being able to hear traffic and people around them. Read our Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review for more info.
Fitbit Charge 6
If you're shopping for a tracker and don't want to spend a fortune, the Fitbit Charge 6 is the best Fitbit and best fitness tracker you can get. It has a bright screen, a haptic side button, and all of the best Google apps to make the watch stand out from the crowd.
Janji Trail Half Tight
These supportive half tights stand out because of the many pockets they offer, so you can stash a phone, nutrition and other essentials in them to take on the run without needing to carry a backpack.
Osprey Daylite Cinch Backpack
If your runner is looking to run-commute some of their miles next year, this is an excellent backpack to buy them for Christmas. It has a mesh covered back panel for breathability, and a cinch close, allowing you to stuff things in the top mid-run.
Coros Pace 3
The Coros Pace 3 is an excellent running watch and our top pick if you're looking to get a watch for a new runner in particular. It's lightweight and packed with features, and great value as well. Read our full Coros Pace 3 review for more info on the watch.
lululemon Swiftly Long Sleeve
This long-sleeved running top is a staple in my wardrobe. I layer it in the winter under a gilet or fleece and wear it in the fall or spring on its own. It's never gotten smelly, and I've washed it countless times and never had an issue. It's a bit pricey, but a must-have!
Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a great running smartwatch that has built-in workout tracking, but is also compatible with third-party apps like Strava. This is the wearable to get for the runner who could use a full-featured smartwatch.
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Jane McGuire is Tom's Guide's Fitness editor, which means she looks after everything fitness related - from running gear to yoga mats. An avid runner, Jane has tested and reviewed fitness products for the past five years, so knows what to look for when finding a good running watch or a pair of shorts with pockets big enough for your smartphone. When she's not pounding the pavements, you'll find Jane striding round the Surrey Hills, taking far too many photos of her puppy.