Christmas can be an expensive time of year, especially for those of us who love fitness and running. While items like high-end running shoes, watches, and massage guns can put a dent in any budget, there are plenty of affordable alternatives that can delight your running partner or even serve as a subtle hint for what you’d like this holiday season. In this post, we’ll explore some fabulous Christmas gifts for runners that are kind to your wallet—most of which come in at under £30!
Perfect for Every Activity These Hygge multi-use tubular headbands are incredibly versatile. They can be worn as a headband, hairband, face mask, bandana, or sweat rag. Whether your gift recipient enjoys running, walking, cycling, hiking, skiing, or simply lounging at home, these headbands make the ideal stocking stuffer. They’re practical and stylish, ensuring that your loved one looks great while staying comfortable.

Running sunglasses

Stay Protected from the Sun A good pair of running sunglasses is essential for those bright winter days and sunny summer runs. Brands like Goodr, Hygge, and Sungod offer a variety of options to suit different tastes and styles. Personally, I love my Rolling Stones Goodr sunglasses—they save me from squinting and stay securely in place, even when I’m sweating. A quality pair of sunglasses is a gift that every runner will appreciate, ensuring they can keep their eyes protected while enjoying the great outdoors.

 

Wild deodorant

A Sustainable Choice Everyone loves a good “smelly” for Christmas! Wild is a natural deodorant brand that delivers sustainable products right to your doorstep. Their stylish tins come in various colors and can be refilled with delightful scents. I’m a big fan of Coconut and Vanilla and Fresh Cotton and Sea Salt—both look great and smell amazing! Plus, they’re eco-friendly, making them a thoughtful gift for anyone conscious of their environmental impact. Wild offers both one-off purchases and subscription options, so you can choose what works best for your gift recipient.

Energy gels

Personalise Their Fuelling Running gels can be a bit of a personal preference. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to know what to get. Fortunately, Maurten has released a starter kit that allows runners to try out a selection of their popular energy gels without committing to a large box. With just six natural ingredients and no preservatives, this is clean fueling at its best! It makes for a great stocking filler, letting your loved one discover the right gel for their unique tastes and needs.

Inspirational Running Books

Motivational Reads for Every Runner If you know someone who loves to read, consider giving them a book that will inspire their running journey. Here are a few titles I’ve enjoyed:

Women’s Running Magazine subscription

A Gift That Keeps on Giving A monthly magazine subscription is a gift that will keep on giving throughout the year! The Women’s Running Print & Digital membership allows subscribers to receive a physical magazine delivered to their home every month, along with instant access to the latest issue on their device. This means your loved one can enjoy Women’s Running anytime, anywhere, along with a host of additional benefits at no extra cost!

Parkrun wristband

Upgrade Their Running Game For the dedicated parkrun enthusiasts, a wristband is a thoughtful upgrade from the traditional paper barcode. Many parkruns now allow participants to show their barcode on their phones, but a stylish wristband makes for a great gift that combines functionality with flair. Available in various colors, these wristbands are a great way for your friend to show off their love for parkrun!

Flipbelt

Functional and Practical While the Flipbelt may exceed our £30 budget, it’s a practical gift every runner will appreciate. This ingenious belt provides a secure place to stash essentials like keys, phones, and energy gels while out and about. I’ve bought several for myself, and I can’t recommend them enough! It allows for a worry-free running experience, letting your loved one focus on their performance instead of their belongings. You can read my product review here

Thoughtful Gifts Without the Splurge

With these budget-friendly Christmas gift ideas for runners, you can spread holiday cheer without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking to treat your running buddy or drop hints for yourself, these gifts are sure to delight. From practical accessories to motivational reads, there’s something for everyone on this list.