55 Gifts for Runners, Cyclists and Triathletes Mostly Under $50

Welcome to this year’s guide to inexpensive gift ideas for the endurance athlete (runner, trail runner, cyclist, mountain biker, triathlete) in your life. The plan is to provide you with a plethora of solid gift ideas many of which you might not have come up with on your own. As always, I want to mention that a gift certificate to your local bike shop or local running store is a great option.

Many gifts are recommendations from coaches, athletes, and friends; a group I sometimes refer to as the greater stumble net. These folks are my go-to resource for writing ideas, training ideas, and beta testers for my unconventional, whimsical, and often inappropriate humor posts. They are worth their weight in carbon fiber.

A special shout out to Vicki Dixon for putting together an incredible triathlon-themed gift basket. Major thanks to Triathlon Coaches: Lana Burl, Katie Malone, and Janine Pleasant for providing more ideas than you can shake a SUP paddle at. Thanks to everyone who contributed ideas and yes, I did get the memo. Nine out of 10 of you want Smartwool socks. I need to get them as a sponsor.

Have recommendations for incredible gear that you love in the $25-$100 range? Leave a comment or send me an e-mail at swimbikestumble@gmail.com. I’m always looking to recommend great gear.

I included clickable links for most items for ease of shopping and some of the photos are links as well. Internet magic. There may have been some Googling to round out one or two product categories. No, I won’t wrap them for you and frankly, you wouldn’t want me to. Let’s get those jingle bells jingling for the happy little exercise maniac in your life.

(Please note that this post contains affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward me a small commission – at no extra cost for you.)

A gift basket is a great way to celebrate your athlete.

Gift Basket

Let’s start out with the gift basket. Vicki was able to fill the basket with just two stops: Academy Sports and Walmart. It’s a great idea in so many ways. It’s customizable and scalable or you can always go the stocking stuffer route. Finally, if you are a last-minute shopper you can fill the basket on your way home from work if you get down to the wire. Her creation contains the following:

Dr. Teal’s Eucalyptus and Spearmint Epsom Salt

Woodwick Candle for Epsom Salt Bath

Burt’s Bees’ Moisturizing Lip Balm

Grabber Hand Warmers

Two pro tips for hand/foot warmers. They’re cheaper if you buy in bulk. For cold weather bike rides, put the warmer in your toe covers not your cycling shoes. That way you get the warmth without crowding your toes.

Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Ointment/Sports Rub

Nuun Hydration Tablets

KT Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape

Sof Sole Reflective Performance Stretch Shoe Laces

Clif Bloks Energy Chews

Feetures Max Cushion Elite No Show Socks

Goody’s Ouchless Hair Bands 

CR2032 Lithium 3V Batteries

The batteries are a suggestion from Lana to power those heart rate straps, power meters and foot pods. Keep a couple in your car, gym bag and transition bag.

And, of course, pick up a basket. Gift bags work too.

For the Sherpa

The unsung hero of triathlon is the Sherpa. That oh so important person in your life that reminds you that you might want to take your helmet to the race, makes sure you brought your nutrition, patiently waits for your triumphant return, and drives you and what’s left of your quads home. Here are some gear suggestions for them.

REI Co-op Camp X Chair

HelloFresh Gift Card

Basically a 3-meal trial for HelloFresh. Go the extra mile and make the meal or at least help out.

Women's Jester Backpack
Women’s Jester Backpack

Massage Gift Card: Considering the amount of gear they help you drag around, a massage is definitely in order.

The North Face Women’s Jester Backpack

Anker 10,000 Power Core Portable Charger

Lightspeed Outdoors Self-Inflating Stadium Cushion

Cold-Weather Gear

Little things mean a lot when training in cold weather. A wool beanie and lightweight running gloves take a cold, windy run from torture to tolerable. Having the right clothing and accessories is even more important for winter bike rides. I personally recommend the Halo Antifreeze Skullcap and Performance Hinged Balaclava for cyclists that want to be able to feel their ears when the ride is done. Smartwool socks got more recommendations than any other item this year.

Women's cold weather running cap
Trailheads Fleece Ponytail Cap

New Balance Lightweight Touchscreen Running Gloves

Trailheads Women’s Running Gloves

Multi Mitt Fingerless Gloves With Adjustable Top & Cell Phone Pocket

Meriwool Unisex Merino Wool Beanie

Trailheads Fleece Ponytail Cap

Halo Antifreeze Skullcap

Performance Hinged Balaclava

Smartwool Men’s PhD Mini Socks

Smartwool Women’s Cable II Socks

Swiftwick PURSUIT FOUR Trail Running & Cycling Socks

ROCKBROS Cycling Shoe Covers 

Swim Gear

The New Wave Swim Buoy was the second most recommended item this year. The off-season is a good time to replace your swim goggles and a great time to try out new goggles. The Aqua Sphere Kayenne is my favorite. It’s a bit larger than average but give a wide view. Aqua Sphere Kaiman is my backup.

I’m interested in trying the Roka R1. Remember that you need a clear pair for the pool and tinted for open water. A gear bag and dry bag round out this section. Finally, if you have been wanting kayak support for your swims but can’t fit one into your Kia Soul maybe try an inflatable.

Roka Swim Goggles
Roka R1 Swim Goggles

New Wave Swim Buoy

Aqua Sphere Kayenne

Aqua Sphere Kaiman

ROKA R1

Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack

TYR Big Mesh Mummy Backpack III

Intex Challenger K1 Kayak

Bike Gear

For the cyclists, we have a cool race number holder, a “starter” hydration pack for someone trying out mountain biking in the off season, TrainingPeaks to keep you on course for race season, my favorite training platform, TrainerRoad, and a big honking fan with remote to keep you cool.

Bike Race Number Holder
Thinvik Bike Number Race Number Holder

Thinvik Bike Race Number Holder

CamelBak HydroBak Hydration Pack 50 oz

TrainingPeaks Subscription

TrainerRoad Subscription

The Honeywell fan with remote has been one of my all-time favorite bike-cave gadgets. You can turn it on/off, increase/decrease speed, turn oscillation on/off. All without getting off the bike trainer. Perfection!

Honeywell Double Blade 16 Pedestal Fan

Mountain Bike Gear

For the mountain biker on your list: a lightweight effective water filtration system, versatile multi-tool, warm wool layering garment, his and her full finger gloves, trail clearing saw, popular GoPro tripod, and a cool helmet hanger.

katadyn befree water filtration system
Katadyn BeFree lightweight, compact water filtration system.

Katadyn BeFree Water Filtration System

Crankbrothers F15 Multi-Tool

Merino Wool BUFF

Giro DND Gloves

Giro Women’s LA DND Gloves

SOS Gear Pocket Chainsaw 

Run Gear

Suggestions for runners: some trail gaiters to keep pebbles and pine cones out of your shoes, a trial subscription to Stridebox, and finally some reflective clothing and lighting options for early morning and late-night runs.

Altra Trail Gaiters

StrideBox

Apace Vision Reflective Vest

Foxelli USB Rechargeable Headlamp

Custom Race Medal Hanger
Custom Race Medal Hanger by Cycling Turtle Woodworks

Black Diamond Storm Headlamp

Avanto Clip-on Running Light

Custom Race Medal Holder

Body Care

My friends gave multiple recommendations for Zealios, a maker of sunscreens, anti-chafe, and shower products for endurance athletes. DYWM is a resource for those interested in all things yoga. As for the seat covers and air fresheners, your car isn’t supposed to smell like a locker room.

Zealios

Do Yoga with Me subscription

Orange Mud Transition and Seat Cover Well worth its weight in carbon fiber. Keeps your car seat clean and you can use it to change clothes after the race.

OxGord Yoga Seat Cover

Febreze Car Air Freshener

Just for Fun

A few fun, funny or useful times that just didn’t fit in elsewhere. I dare you to wear the t-shirt to your office Christmas party. Bonus points if you wear the Sock Guy Chompas socks too.

Two Santas running
Santa Shuffle 5K, Yokota Air Base, Japan

6 Stages of Triathlon T-Shirt

Sock Guy

Triathlete Mug

Classic Bike Doormat

Decorative Bike Chain Bowl

 

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