Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Runners

Runners use a variety of items to enhance their workouts or to maintain comfort during runs. These items can be anything from nutrition products to electronic devices. However, stocking stuffer items have to be small, so they can fit in a stocking with other stocking stuffers. Therefore, large items like backpacks and backpack water systems will not work.

  1. Pedometers

    • Pedometers are small electronic devices that attach to the waist of pants or go around the ankle. With pedometers, runners measure the number of steps they take during workouts. They can also wear pedometers throughout the day to get an idea of how much they walk or run. Some pedometers have extra features, such as calorie counters. This is often inaccurate for runners because most pedometers cannot measure levels of cardio activity.

    Free Weights

    • Free weights that are appropriate for runners' stocking stuffers include wrist weights, ankle weights and small dumbbells. These weights add more resistance to the arms and/or legs while running, therefore increasing the strength aspect of running workouts. The weights of these stocking stuffers should reflect the strength of the runners receiving them. Some runners can handle five pound free weights; others should only have one or two pounds of added weight.

    Fruits

    • Food items in Christmas stockings typically include candy and other unhealthy foods. Runners are usually trying to stay in good shape. Replace the candy in runners' stockings with fruit, so they get something sweet, but they also get something nutritious to eat. A single apple or orange can fit in the toe of most Christmas stockings. Fruits that damage easily, such as bananas, should go in the top.

    Sports Drink Mix

    • Runners must stay hydrated during their workouts. They typically drink water or sports drinks because they contain fewer calories than soda or sugary juices and they are also more hydrating. Bottles of water and sports drinks will not fit into a stocking. However, some sports drinks companies make powder mixes of their drinks. Runners only have to add water to the powder in their water bottles before running.

    MP3 Players and Accessories

    • MP3 players are popular among runners because they are light, portable music players. They can clip the players onto their belts or shirts and run without much added weight. These portable music devices can be relatively expensive stocking stuffers and many runners already own them. A less expensive alternative for runners who own MP3 players are new ear buds or music purchase cards. These cards allow runners to buy music online to download onto their devices.