Stocking Stuffers and Small Gifts for Runners (Under $75)

Some of the best gifts for runners are small. Not the big-ticket watch or the shoes they'd rather pick themselves, but the little things they use on every single run and never get around to buying. A hat that actually stays on. Sunglasses that don't bounce. Somewhere to put their phone.

This list rounds up stocking stuffers and small gifts for runners under $75, all in stock as we publish. Prices are listed so you can shop by budget, and there's a short list of other small ideas at the end for filling out the stocking.

What makes a great stocking stuffer for a runner

A good small gift for a runner checks three boxes. First, it gets used often. Runners head out several times a week, so something they wear or carry on every run delivers far more value than a one-time treat. Second, it doesn't need a size. Hats, sunglasses, bags, leashes and gift cards fit almost everyone, which takes the guesswork out of a surprise. Third, it solves a small, daily annoyance: sweat in the eyes, glare off the road, a phone bouncing in a waistband or a dog pulling on the leash.

Everything below meets at least two of those three tests, and most meet all three.

Stocking stuffers for runners under $50

Ultra Lite running hat ($35)

The Runners Ultra Lite Hat is featherlight and moisture-wicking, with extra airflow and an adjustable back strap for a secure fit. It's the easiest under-$40 gift on this list. Stock is limited, so grab it early.

Runners Original hat ($49)

Our original cap, the Runners Original, is made with hydrophobic, water-repellent fabric that wicks sweat, and it hides a small pocket for a card or cash. It's a hat for sunny miles, drizzly miles and everything in between, and the white color is easy to spot on early-morning runs.

UPF 50+ bucket hat ($49)

For the trail runner or hiker, the black bucket hat gives 360-degree sun coverage for face, ears and neck, wicks moisture and crushes flat, then springs back into shape. Compare all three in our running hats collection.

Hands-free dog leash ($49)

For runners who bring their dog along, a hands-free dog leash is a game changer. It has an adjustable waist belt for 28 to 48-inch waists, an adjustable 3 to 6-foot length, a traffic handle near the collar and 360-degree reflective stitching. Colors include olive green, pastel pink, neon pink and army green.

Small gifts for runners from $50 to $75

A $50 e-gift card

Not sure of their size or style? A Runner's Athletics e-gift card starts at $50 and arrives digitally, so it's also the perfect last-minute stocking stuffer. Print it out and tuck it in a card. Gift cards can be used more than once while a balance remains, and they come in $50, $100 and $200, so you can match your budget.

Polarized running sunglasses ($65)

A great pair of sunglasses is a small gift runners use for years. Our Olympians and Sprinters are both $65, with 5K polarized UV400 lenses, an anti-fog coating, spring flex hinges and a no-slip, no-bounce fit. Try the green round polarized sunglasses for a pop of color, or browse every frame in running sunglasses.

LuxeGo crossbody sling bag ($68)

The LuxeGo Small Crossbody Sling Bag holds a phone, keys and cards, wears across the chest or converts to a waist pack, and has a water-resistant exterior. It's just as handy on travel days as it is on runs and dog walks. See more crossbody sling bags.

Running shorts or a sports bra (from $55)

If you know her size, apparel makes a lovely small gift. The LuxeForm Heart Bra ($55) offers strong support in sweat-wicking fabric. The 3-inch Mini Sculpting Shorts ($65) have a criss-cross waistband and a full-size secret back pocket. And the Cheeky Flyaway split running shorts ($68) are ultra-light with a hidden waistband pocket.

Stocking stuffers by type of runner

• The sunny-day runner: polarized sunglasses or the Runners Original hat.
• The trail runner: the UPF 50+ bucket hat.
• The runner with a dog: a hands-free leash.
• The commuter or traveler: the LuxeGo sling bag.
• The minimalist: the Ultra Lite hat.
• The runner who is hard to shop for: an e-gift card.

More small stocking stuffer ideas for runners

We don't make these, but they're runner favorites and easy to find at a local running store:

• Running socks: a good pair of moisture-wicking socks is never wasted.
• Anti-chafe balm: every runner needs it eventually, especially on long runs.
• Energy gels or chews: pick a few flavors so they can test what they like.
• A headlamp or clip-on light: essential for winter's dark mornings.
• Hair ties and headbands: runners lose these constantly.
• Lip balm with SPF: for windy, sunny miles.
• A race entry: sign them up for a spring 5K or half and tuck a printed confirmation in the stocking.

How to wrap a running gift

Half the fun of a stocking stuffer is the presentation. Roll a running hat around a pair of sunglasses and tie it with a hair tie. Tuck an e-gift card printout into the hat's brim. Fill the sling bag with small extras like hair ties, lip balm and a few energy chews, then zip it up so it's a gift inside a gift. For dog owners, clip the hands-free leash around a box of dog treats.

Gifting tips

Bundle small gifts and save

Right now, you can mix any 2 items to save 15%, or 3 or more to save 25%, applied automatically in your cart (gift cards excluded). A hat plus sunglasses, or a leash plus a sling bag, makes a thoughtful pair. Orders over $75 ship free in the US.

Choose gifts that don't need a size

Hats, sunglasses, the sling bag, the leash and gift cards don't need a size, so they're the safest stocking stuffers when you're shopping as a surprise.

Going bigger?

For leggings, cozy layers and the full list, read our gifts for women runners guide or shop all gifts for runners.

Stocking stuffers for runners: FAQ

What is a good stocking stuffer for a runner?

A lightweight running hat, polarized running sunglasses, a hands-free dog leash or a gift card. They're small, useful on every run and don't require knowing a size.

What can I get a runner for under $50?

The Ultra Lite running hat ($35), the Runners Original hat ($49), the UPF 50+ bucket hat ($49) and the hands-free dog leash ($49) are all under $50.

What is a good small gift for a female runner?

A ponytail-friendly running hat, polarized sunglasses or a sports bra in her size are all great choices. If you're unsure, a $50 e-gift card lets her choose.

Are sunglasses a good stocking stuffer for runners?

Yes. They're small, they don't need a size, and a good polarized pair makes a real difference on sunny runs and around water and snow.

Fill the stocking

The best small gifts for runners are the ones they'll grab on their way out the door every morning. Start with our running hats, add a pair of sunglasses, and you've got a stocking any runner will love.