Stocking Stuffers for Runners

Gift Guide 2023 | Fleet Feet

By The Fleet Feet Editors 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 cozy running hats that will give them a reason to run in the cold, get the runner in your life one of these 10 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 2023 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.]

Best Stocking Stuffers Gift Collage
Give the Gift of Massage
ROLL Recovery R3 Ortho Roller Thumbnail

Roll Recovery R3

$35
Most runners don’t realize how tight their feet actually are until they roll around on this handy little device. The Roll Recovery R3’s simple shape and design hit all the right muscles for the perfect foot massage. It’s small, grippy, and can easily travel wherever their run or race takes them.
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.

Gift the Gift of Wool
Feetures Merino 10 Cushion No Show Tab Thumbnail

Feetures Merino 10 No Show Socks

$18

Runners can always use more socks. During the winter months, these merino wool socks will wick away sweat and moisture quickly while keeping in warmth to keep their feet cozy and dry.

With an anatomical fit that feels custom-made, targeted compression around the arch, and a tab on the heel for blister prevention, the Feetures Merino 10 No Show socks will be your runner’s new best friend.

Give the Gift of Motivation
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Garmin Forerunner 55

$200

Whether you’re looking for a gift for a marathon runner or a beginner, the Garmin Forerunner 55 will help take their training to the next level.

With all of the features they need from a GPS fitness watch and nothing they don’t, this running watch has elevated fitness tracking and a wide range of preloaded sports apps to track runs, walks, hikes, yoga, pilates and more. It’s also smartphone compatible and provides hours of non-stop tracking in a lightweight package.

Give the Gift of Music
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Shokz Open Move Headphones

$80

These running headphones will change how they listen to music while they run and workout.

Shokz OpenMove Headphones use bone conduction technology (and possibly magic) to play premium sound while allowing them to hear your surroundings at the same time. So they can listen to their favorite songs, podcasts or audiobooks without the risk or discomfort of traditional earbuds.

Give the Gift of Hydration
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Hydro Flask 21oz Standard Mouth

$33 - $35

They can use this water bottle for everything: water (of course), electrolyte and protein mixes, coffee, tea, or even as a massage roller in a pinch. The Hydro Flask 21oz uses double-wall vacuum insulation and a leak-proof lid so cold drinks stay cold up to 24 hours and hot drinks stay piping hot for up to 12 hours.

Plus, it’s built like a tank, uses stainless steel so there is no flavor transfer, and has a proprietary powder coat for easy gripping and durability.

Give the Gift of Rest
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Nuun Rest

$7.50

Keeping on the theme of hydration, Nuun Rest is a great gift for a runner who could use some extra R&R. Perfect to drink before bed or after a hard workout, these electrolyte tablets are packed with a soothing blend of magnesium, potassium and tart-cherry, as well as vital nutrients and minerals to calm the mind and body for a peaceful rest.

To kick your stocking stuffer up a notch, check out Nuun Vitamins, Nuun Immunity and Nuun Sport flavors to give together as a sampler of magical elixirs.

Give the Gift of Safety
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Amphipod Full Viz Slapband

$15

The Amphipod Full Viz Slapband can easily be added to any running outfit and worn on the ankles or wrists to turn their run into a light show while running safely in the dark.

During the colder months when there is less daylight, buying your runner an Amphipod Full Viz Slapband is a priceless gift to keep them seen by drivers when they’re on the road.

Give the Gift of Warmth
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Brooks Notch Thermal Beanie

$28

A winter running hat that doesn’t itch or slide around when you sweat is hard to find. The Brooks Notch Thermal Beanie is the perfect hat to keep them toasty on your cold weather runs. It’s lightweight, secure, and has a notched fleece interior that holds in warmth to keep them snug and cozy during those cold winter months.

Plus, it has an odor-resistant finish, so they won’t feel like they need to wash it after every single run.

Give the Gift of Chafe-Free Running
Squirrel's Nut Butter - 1.7-oz Stick Thumbnail

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.

Give the Gift of Their Choice
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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 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.