Still looking for a unique present to give your health-minded friends and family this holiday season? One that’s not sugar-coated or dripping with chocolate? (These are especially important considerations for Baby Boomers and older adults.)
Here’s my annual gift-giving guide–10 ideas, all under $150, that say both “I love you” and “to your good health!”
1. Pedometer. Although there’s nothing new about a pedometer, it’s an excellent way to track your movement by simply counting steps. The beauty of this device is that it’s easy to use, helps you monitor activity and achieve reasonable exercise goals.
2. Activity tracker. For those who prefer a more techie device, try an activity tracker. Examples include FitBit, Jawbone and the Apple Watch (warning: the latter will blow your $150 budget). These wrist-worn mini-computers let you monitor steps, exercise and calories burned, along with the quantity and quality of sleep.
3. Exercise bands or tubing. The perfect exercise modality for those who can’t lift much weight or have difficulty holding dumbbells, you can’t beat these for ease of use and travel-ability (they scrunch down into a virtually weightless coil that fits into any tight suitcase corner). These exercise companions come in differing resistance levels, so be sure not to purchase ones that are too easy or too difficult.
4. A gift basket of fresh produce, whole-grain crackers and herbal teas. Nothing says ‘love’ like wholesome food!
5. Gift card for a facial or massage. Give the gift of indulgence and relaxation at a local day spa.
6. A gift basket of fruit and vegetable seeds specific to the region and the season of planting, along with an attractive set of garden gloves, a mini-garden shovel and sunscreen. The heirloom version of many vegetables provides a welcome variation in color, appearance and flavor.
7. Plastic blender water bottle. These clever items can be used as a plain water bottle without the round wire whisk. Insert the blender ball, and you have a portable way to prepare protein drinks or smoothies, as well as salad dressings, pancake batter and scrambled eggs.
8. Spiralizer/ribbonizer. Use this awesome kitchen gadget to transform those vegetables your kids don’t want to eat into colorful, tasty and healthy “noodles!” Do a little research before buying, as machines vary in ease of use and clean up.
9. Gift card for a great set of new shoes. (Splurge on this, because your friends won’t!) Most people don’t replace their shoes often enough or take the time to look at important features (for example: insole cushion, width and length of shoe, gel pad, grooves and traction).
10. Subscription to a favorite health, exercise, food or travel magazine. Remind friends you’re thinking about them year-round as they receive a monthly dose of healthy reading!
Added bonus: keep this list handy when loved ones ask YOU what you’d like this year!
For more ideas to stay healthy this holiday season, contact me for a free call. Special discount on selected programs!
We can discuss some practical tips and discover if any of my programs or classes are a good fit for you.
If you’d like to schedule that call with me, just CLICK THIS LINK, and let me know in the message that you would like a 1-on-1 call with me right away and I will be in touch to schedule that – oh, and leave me your phone number in there too since email is not as reliable as it used to be! Thanks.