When money is tight, many shoppers may dread the holiday season for the amount of money they might be expected to spend, especially if they are shopping for a runner. Though running gifts like shoes and warm apparel can be expensive, presents such as running books, accessories and small-scale gear are all conducive to fixed budgets. At twenty-five dollars or less, these gifts can be enjoyed by runners of all levels of experience.
Running Accessories As Cheap Gifts
When buying for runners, many holiday shoppers automatically jump to warm running jackets, leggings or shoes as likely gifts. However, gifts like these can often be quite expensive, and runners will be just as happy with smaller accessories that may be more thoughtful and surprising. Accessories like headbands, hats and gloves will all be cherished by runners jogging in cold climates, and can be purchased for under twenty-five dollars. According to Runner’s World’s “Gifts Under $25” guide (2008), an Asics thermal headband will cost holiday shoppers no more than fifteen dollars. Wicking socks, thermal layers and sports belts that carry small items like keys are also cheap alternatives, and are just as necessary to a running routine as a costly pair of shoes.
Running Gear To Stuff Stockings
In addition to wearable accessories, runners will also appreciate small-scale equipment that enhances their running routine. Portable water bottles or water belts are a useful possibility, as are wrist and ankle weights that can add a strength component to daily jogs. According to Emily Price’s “Top Gifts for Runners” (Associated Content, October 17, 2006), weights are particularly useful for advanced runners who wish to incorporate a challenge into their routine. Price also recommends night gear as a gift possibility, as running in the dark can be dangerous without reflective arm bands, leg strips or vests.
Inexpensive gifts can be tailored not simply to what runners might use on their jogs, but what they might need after they’re finished running. Simple gifts such as ice packs can be helpful for runners who might be nursing an injury. Runner’s World recommends the New Balance Ice/Heat pack, which holiday shoppers can purchase for only ten dollars. In addition, many runners find foam rollers helpful. Uncomplicated and cheap, rollers are simply large tubes that runners roll over injured spots to massage muscles, and are small gifts that can pay huge dividends.
Running Books As The Perfect Gift
Running books are also an excellent, budget-friendly option for runners of all experience levels. A variety of books suit a variety of runners, from beginners to competitive runners to those making resolutions to begin a marathon training program. Such books can be purchased online or at a local bookstore, and can certainly fall beneath the twenty-five-dollar limit. For example, Bob Glover’s The Runner’s Handbook (Penguin, 1996) is available on Amazon for just twelve dollars. In addition to running manuals, some joggers may appreciate biographies or memoirs about famous runners. Haruki Murakami’s What I Talk About When I Talk About Running (Knopf, 2008), for instance, details the famous novelist’s lifelong infatuation with his own running habit.
Runners of all skill levels can appreciate such gifts, and all in a manner that will not break the shopper’s budget. Inexpensive options are available to those shopping for runners, and may be more thoughtful and unexpected than expensive alternatives.
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