The best gifts for runners might not always come in the form of a new pair of running footwear, but the extra things that might go under the radar. There are plenty of great gifts for the runners of your life that won't blow the budget!

What Runners Look For

Outside of the footwear, runners love items that will keep them moving forward with ease. There are three categories of items to look for when shopping at Fit2Run for gifts under the $50 price point this holiday season: Apparel, add-ons, and nutrition/wellness.

Apparel

When shopping apparel, it is important to consider the material, weight, and functionality. For example, when shopping for a new shirt for men, ensuring that the material is breathable and moisture-wicking is the key component to choosing the right running shirt.

When shopping for shorts and pants, knowing the type of inseam you are looking for is important. Shorts come typically in 5", 7", or 9" inseams. This details how long or short the legs are on the shorts. Many running come with liners, which are an extension of the shorts that manage sweat and prevent chafing. These liners often come with extra storage, since many pairs of shorts don't have pockets. Shopping for pants is a little more straightforward, and finding the right fit is important, as some pants come tighter than others. 

For the season, a lot of runners are going to be looking for a new go-to jacket for their runs. When shopping for their new favorite, make sure you find something secure, lightweight, but not too heavy. Protection from not only the cold, but whatever precipitation they might face when they're out there. 

Lastly, for the women, finding the right sports bra might get tricky. But there are a few characteristics to look out for. The most popular sports bras amongst runners have some sort of extra functionality, like storage for their phone on the back. Necklines, lengths, and support levels vary from bra to bra, so it is important to nail down those details for the perfect fit.

Add-Ons 

There are plenty of add-ons to add some extra joy to their holiday season. We have something for them from head-to-toe. If you are looking to gift headwear, the main details to identify are breathability, weight, and sweat absorption. Outside of shading your eyes from the sun, the main purpose of running headwear is to keep the sweat out of your eyes as well.

Speaking of shielding your eyes from the sun, we have an extensive collection of eyewear under $50 from Goodr. These sunglasses come in all kinds of fun designs and are extremely functional. Each pair of Goodr sunglasses is polarized to minimize glare , are designed to minimize slipping, and eliminate bounce with each stride. Goodr glasses come in many different colors, designs, and frame types.

Runners always need a way to make sure their belongings are safe and secure. The most efficient way to ensure this is to have a belt or bag to keep on them while they run. The main concern about bags is how they will stay in place. The selection of belts, fanny packs, and cross body bags has them covered with lightweight, efficient, and effective storage. 

The most underrated add-on to gift this holiday season are a pair of running socks. Running socks are one of the most important pieces of gear a runner can have for comfort and injury prevention. Running socks are typically 100% moisture wicking, cotton-free, and have targeted cushion at all of the hotspots on the foot to prevent rubbing as well as blisters. Give the gift of comfort and injury prevention this holiday season!

Gifting Guide

Nutrition and Wellness:

Get them ready for their next race with the right recovery, nutrition, and wellness products. While recovery items under $50 may not be anything fancy, they provide the foundation for effective post-run care. Recovery products like foam rollers, massage balls, or muscle rollers will end up being their most used gift this year because they are essential for every day recovery. Foam rollers enhance blood circulation and improves range of motion by easing muscle tension after a workout. Massage balls stimulate deep tissue and also aid in blood circulation. Give them the gift of recovery this holiday season!

Hydration is absolutely necessary for runners to find success. Turn to Nathan for portable water bottles as well as easy ways to keep their water on their person. Collapsible, lightweight water bottles are a running essential for those long distance runners, so products like the Nathan Quick Squeeze bottle or the Nathan Peak Waistbelt are holiday must-haves for hydration.

Stay safe while running when the sun is down. We have an extensive collection of lights and reflective vests to keep you and your loved ones safe while putting the miles in every day!

Gifting Guide


Win the holiday season with these gifts for runners $50 and under. Shop these gifts with The Runner's Superstore in-store or online!

— Ethan Steffensmeier