DIY Advent Calendar Ideas for Runners

Advent calendars are used to count down the days between December 1st and Christmas Eve. Often shaped like a thick book or plank, advent calendars are typically filled with chocolates or other small gifts that can be revealed as the days are counted. 

Traditional advent calendars were first used in Germany in the 19th century; today novelty advent calendars are most often filled with small chocolates. Increasingly, special niche advent calendars can be purchased. There are wine and beer advent calendars, calendars filled with dinosaur toys, makeup and jewelry, tea, LEGO sets, and much more. 

But there doesn't seem to be a commercially available advent calendar for runners

That's ok -- there are plenty of empty DIY advent calendars that can be filled with anything you can imagine. If you're looking to give an advent calendar to a runner friend, here are some ideas to fill those 24 boxes.

Empty Advent Calendar or other means of gathering and wrapping the gifts

First, you'll need a vessel for your collection of advent calendar gifts. There are ready made calendars in the shape of a box, or more unique ways of wrapping the daily gifts -- you can go totally DIY with paper bags, reusable containers, or other options. Below are some empty calendars you can purchase to get started.

Juegoal Advent Calendar with 25 Drawers Countdown to Christmas, Refillable Wooden Advent Xmas Gift for Kids, 12 Inches Tall – Countdown 25 days to 2024 Christmas with this festival wood tree advent calendar. Both kids and adults are love this traditional Christmas calendar.; Includes 25 operable... View on Amazon
Christmas Advent Calendar Box 2024, 24 Days Countdown to Christmas Printed Cardboard Gift Treasure Box - Make & Fill Your Own Advent Calendar for Party Present Decoration – COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS: This advent calendar completes with 24 numbered cardboard boxes.; PERSONALIZED SURPRISES: Each gift box measures 2.7x2.7x2.7 inches. You can put small coins, treats,... View on Amazon
D-FantiX Christmas Advent Calendar 2023, 24 Days Burlap Hanging Advent Calendars Garland Candy Gift Bags Sacks DIY Xmas Countdown Christmas Decorations for Wall Home Office – Count Down to Christmas - Christmas Advent Calendar is designed like a garland with Christmas tree, star, and heart shape and numbers from 1-24 counting down... View on Amazon
Zcaukya Christmas Advent Calendar, Pre-lit LED Wooden Reindeer Christmas Advent Calendar with 24 Drawers, 24 Days Christmas Countdown Calendar – Zcaukya pre-lit LED wooden reindeer Christmas advent calendar is sized in 10.6" x 13.7" x 2", and requires 2 AA batteries (not included) for power supply.;... View on Amazon

Gift Ideas for a Runner Themed Advent Calendar

Since advent calendar boxes or containers are limited in size, look for small gifts. Keep in mind that you don't have to keep up the runner theme for 100% of the daily gifts. Think about your recipient and include things they might like that are not necessarily running related. Here are some ideas for filling those 24 little spaces.

1 Running Fuel: Gels, Gummies, Stroopwaffels

Found on Amazon

Do you know what type of running fuel your runner likes to use on long runs? Consider offering different flavors, fuel types, or other snacks designed for athletes. If your runner likes trying new things to eat, you could fill several days in the advent calendar with race nutrition. You could buy a big assorted pack of GU like the one shown here to get started. Better yet would be to visit a local running store to make your purchase. You can get a bigger variety of race fuels without making a bulk buy. And you can probably find a lot more goodies for your runner's advent calendar.

2 Dollar Store Finds

Have a look around your local dollar store for ideas to fill some of the advent calendar days. Keep the price low on some days to have money left over for some splurges. Have a look at salty and gummy snacks, water bottles, hair bands and ties, exercise aids or physical games, sample sizes of health and beauty products that a runner would love, sanitizing wipes, and even runner accessories (I've seen running armbands at our local shop).

3 Runner Christmas Ornament

Found on Amazon

Keep it festive with a runner-themed Christmas tree ornament like this glass running shoe. Have your runner open this one up earlier in the month for maximum enjoyment throughout the month.

4 Gift a Race Entry

If your runner likes racing, gifting a bib is a great way to fill a box or two on your runner advent calendar. Have a look at race websites like RunSignUp.com to find a local race. Or pick a virtual race that supports a cause important to your runner, or one that includes fun or unique swag. Each race entry you include in your box is like including a t-shirt, bib, and race medal in that tiny box. Not to mention the fun and memories made on race day!

5 Motivational Runner Jewelry

Found on Amazon

A trinket like this "Just Keep Running" bangle bracelet will fit in a small space and makes a fun gift if your runner wears jewelry. You could also look for other running themed jewelry like a marathon distance necklace, runner icon earrings, or runner charm bracelet.

6 ROAD iD

ROAD iD makes safety identification wearables for runners and other athletes. The tags can be worn on bracelets, on your runner GPS watch band, on your shoe, and elsewhere. In case of emergency, wearing a ROAD iD can save your life by providing identification and medical information to emergency workers, as well as emergency contact information. Giving the gift of ROAD iD is a great way to show your runner you care about them. ROAD iD offers gift cards in case you're not sure which style of ID your runner would prefer.

More! More! More Runner Advent Calendar Ideas

Here are some more ideas for filling your runner advent calendar. It's okay to include items like socks or race nutrition on multiple days.

Motivational Runner Keychain

One Weak Keychain – Another awesome gift idea from WeRunForFun! This is a simple phrase that means so much when you pay attention to the spelling. Everyone knows 7 days... View on Zazzle
My Mouth Runs Better Than I Do Keychain – Another awesome gift idea from WeRunForFun! This funny slogan is for runners who also enjoy a good conversation. View on Zazzle
Runner At Work Keychain – Another awesome gift idea from WeRunForFun! This fun design looks like an informational warning sign indicating an impending hazard. The hazard here is just to watch... View on Zazzle
Keep Calm and Run Slow Keychain – Another great gift idea from We Run For Fun! This is a Keep Calm and Carry On propaganda slogan spoof for runners who believe the... View on Zazzle

Recovery Bath Bombs for Runners

Muscle Rehab Magnesium Epsom Salt Arnica Bath Bombs - Muscle Soak Bath Bombs for Sore Muscles, Stiffness and Pain- Hand and Foot Soak -Marathon Essentials, Bath Bombs for Men or Women- 4 pk 4oz ea – Dynamic Recovery: Say goodbye to joint aches, soreness, and post-workout fatigue with our specialized magnesium Bath Bombs create a bath soak for muscle pain. Crafted with... View on Amazon
AcuPlus - Bath Bombs for Sore Muscles & Joints - Relaxing Bath Bombs for Women & Men with Arnica, Magnesium, Glucosamine, & Epsom Salt for Body Pain - 4.5 oz. Each, Pack of 6 – Muscle Relaxing Bath Bombs: Our AcuPlus inflammation formula in the form of bath bombs to revive tired mucles and alleviate pain; Arthritis, Bursitis, and Joint Pain:... View on Amazon
DAILY REMEDY Muscle Relief Body Soak with Epsom Salt - Made in USA - for Deep Soaking Body Aches, Muscle Pain, Joint Soreness and Tired Muscles. – ✔ SORE MUSCLES & JOINT RELIEF … Muscle Relief Body Soak’s nutrient-rich salts and essential oils formula helps jumpstart sore joints, aid muscle recovery and reduce... View on Amazon
Epsoak Sport Lavender Epsom Salt for Athletes - 5 lbs. Soothing Therapeutic Soak with Lavender Essential Oil – Made with Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate); Epsoak Epsom Salts help to soothe muscle pain, relieve aching feet, reduce inflammation and detoxify the skin and body.; With... View on Amazon

Lock Laces & Other Shoe Laces

Lock Laces (Elastic No Tie Shoe Laces (Pack of 3) (Black-Green-Blue) – No-tie Lacing System: Turn any pair of lace-up tennis shoes into slip on sneakers.; Stretch Fit Comfort: Our elastic laces conform to your foot for a... View on Amazon
Fundraising For A Cause | Breast Cancer Pink Ribbon Shoelaces (56 Inches) - Breast Cancer Awareness Shoelaces for Runners, Hikers, and Other Athletes (1 Shoelace) – PINK RIBBON SHOELACES: These pink ribbon shoelaces are perfect to wear during charity runs/walks and other Breast Cancer awareness active events. Gift these pink ribbon shoelaces... View on Amazon
Caterpy Run - The Ultimate Elastic No Tie Shoelaces for Adults (3-Pack) (30in / 75cm, Silky White, Midnight Blue, Ruby Red) – EASY TO INSTALL & REUSE : Put in Caterpy laces as you would with traditional shoelaces, there's no extra hardware to install. You just lace up... View on Amazon
HOMAR No Tie Shoelaces for Kids and Adults Stretch Silicone Elastic No Tie Shoe Laces – Turn Your Shoes into A Slip-on – No tie shoe laces made from premium and stretchable silicone, quite time-saving, conform to your foot to a flexible... View on Amazon

Night Runner Safety Lights

Hoxida Rechargeable LED Headlamp - 500 Lumen Super Bright, 1.48 Ounce Lightweight, IPX7 Waterproof, Long Lasting, USB Rechargeable, 60 Degree Adjustable Beam, Sensor Modes, Hand-Free, Green – [Super bright and 5 Mode] --- C-REE LED (100,000 hours lifespan) with a super bright 500 lumen light your way up to 500ft on the brightest... View on Amazon
Knuckle Lights Colors - Running Flashlights for Runners - Night Safety Lights for Walking, Joggers, Camping & Hiking - LED Flashlight Alternative to Headlamps - Essential Running Gear in The Dark – GRAB & GO LIGHTS: Simply grab and head out the door for your nightly run or walk in the dark. Our versatile running lights for runners... View on Amazon
AVANTO PRO Chest Light, Original, USB-C Rechargeable, Running Lights for Runners, 500lm Adjustable Beam, 3-5h Use Time, Running Headlamp Flashlights, Walking Lights for Night Walking, Black – KEEPS YOU SAFER - Every hour, one pedestrian dies in traffic, with 75% of these incidents occurring in darkness. Help us enhance your safety in areas... View on Amazon
Nathan NS5110-0472-00 Terra Fire Hand Torch 300 R - Tangerine Tango/Vapor Blue – LED LIGHT: Cree White LED running specific flashlight features an integrated 24-degree downward projection angle to focus light on the path ahead of you during a... View on Amazon

Anti-Chafing & Blister Prevention Products

Body Glide Original Anti Chafe Balm | No Chafing Stick | Prevent Arm, Chest, Butt, Thigh, Ball Chafing & Irritation | Trusted Skin Protection Since 1996 |1.5oz – Anti Chafing Stick - Apply Before You Get Dressed, On Thighs, Neck, Arms, And Anywhere Skin Is Rubbed; Made With Allergen Free, Plant-Derived Ingredients; Vegan Approved,... View on Amazon
RunGoo Blister Prevention Cream Specifically Formulated for Feet (3 oz) – Longest lasting blister prevention; For all running sports; Non-staining & no residue; Limits callus formation; Good for your feet. View on Amazon
Chafezone Anti Chaffing Stick for Thigh Chaffing Protection - Glide Stick for Chafing 1.5 oz – Anti Chafing Stick: Swipe on your inner thighs to prevent chafing; Our formula helps hydrate and protect the skin while providing an anti chaffing barrier.; Head... View on Amazon

Arm Warmers & Running Sleeves

Running Arm Warmer for Women - Compression Sleeves for Runners with Thumbholes - in it for The Long Run Pink – Runners sleeves for arm with thumb holes. Spandex extra strech. Soft and solid. Running arm warmer for running races. Will keep your arm worm while keeping... View on Amazon
Bememo 9 Pairs Quick Drying UV Sun Protection Arm Sleeves for Men and Women Ice Silk Cooling Breathable Mesh Arm Sleeves for Sports Garden Working Cycling Tattoo Cover up(Solid Colors) – Elastic arm sleeves: wrist circumference is approx. 16 to 28 cm/ 6 to 11 inches, upper circumference is approx. 22 to 34 cm/ 8.7 to 13.4... View on Amazon
Arm Sleeve Compression Arm Sleeve For Men & Women - UV Sun Protection Cooling Arm Sleeves for Women For Tattoo Cover Up, Cycling, Golfing, Gaming, Fishing, Gardening 1 Pair White Arm Sleeve – [BREATHABLE & MOISTURE-WICKING] Tired of arm sleeves that use cheap materials, causing discomfort and making you feel hot and itchy during wear? Look no further! Our... View on Amazon

KT Sports Tape in Fun Patterns

KT Tape Pro Kinesiology Therapeutic Sports Tape, 20 Precut 10 inch Strips, Latex Free, Water Resistance, Pro & Olympic Choice, Pink Polka Dots, 20 Strips – WHAT IS KT TAPE? – Elastic sports tape used by pro and serious athletes to support muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments. It’s drug-free, latex-free, hypoallergenic, lightweight,... View on Amazon
KT Tape Pro Kinesiology Therapeutic Sports Tape, 20 Precut 10 inch Strips, Latex Free, Water Resistance, Pro & Olympic Choice, Aquaduct – WHAT IS KT TAPE? – Elastic sports tape used by pro and serious athletes to support muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments. It’s drug-free, latex-free, hypoallergenic, lightweight,... View on Amazon
KT Tape Pro Kinesiology Therapeutic Sports Tape, 20 Precut 10 inch Strips, Latex Free, Water Resistance, Pro & Olympic Choice, Pink Argyle – WHAT IS KT TAPE? – Elastic sports tape used by pro and serious athletes to support muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments. It’s drug-free, latex-free, hypoallergenic, lightweight,... View on Amazon
KT Tape Pro Kinesiology Therapeutic Sports Tape, 20 Precut 10 inch Strips, Latex Free, Water Resistance, Pro & Olympic Choice, Blue Ice Crystals – WHAT IS KT TAPE? – Elastic sports tape used by pro and serious athletes to support muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments. It’s drug-free, latex-free, hypoallergenic, lightweight,... View on Amazon

Last But Not Least: Runner Socks!

Saucony Women's RunDry Performance Heel Tab Athletic Socks, Available in S-L (8, 16, 24, Black Assorted (8 Pairs), Large – Enhanced Comfort: Saucony Women’s Heel Tab Socks feature a padded heel tab to prevent chafing and provide ultimate comfort during workouts or everyday wear.; Arch Support:... View on Amazon
Balega Blister Resist Performance No Show Athletic Running Socks for Men and Women (1 Pair), Ethereal Blue/Light Aqua, Large – BLISTER RESISTANT socks; combining natural mohair with Drynamix for any active family member in the house who needs a solution for their sensitive, blister-prone skin; ANTI-BLISTER... View on Amazon
eallco Womens Ankle Socks 6 Pairs Running Athletic Cushioned Sole Socks With Tab – Womens ankle socks with cushioned sole are designed for moisture-wicking and extra comfort in high-wear area.; Womens athletic socks with cushioned tabs on the heel prevent... View on Amazon
Injinji Men's Liner + Runner Mini-Crew (Small/Medium, Black) – Injinji's five-toe patented designed specifically for runners and hikers; Prevents blisters & hotspots while running; Ideal use for running, walking and athletic activities; Superior mositure management... View on Amazon

Conclusion

Of course, there are plenty of pre-made advent calendars that would suit many runners, like the aforementioned beer and wine calendars!

I mean, Runner's World came out with a list of advent calendars for runners a while back, and none of them are actually for runners specifically. So you can definitely have fun with your DIY runner advent calendar. Heck, throw a beer or chocolate in there, too!

The supermarket chain Aldi has decreed today, November 3rd, to be Advent Calendar Day. That's because today is the release date for many of their extremely popular calendars, some of which typically sell out on day one (today!). That also makes today the perfect date for posting a list of runner advent calendar gift ideas. :)

 

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