Health is not something you can simply wrap up as a gift, but thoughtful presents that promote better eating, sleeping, or exercising can communicate genuine care for loved ones, suggests Dr. Laurence Sperling, a leading expert in preventive cardiology. He believes that giving a gift focused on health not only reflects affection but also shows a commitment to the recipient’s well-being. With this in mind, experts were consulted for suggestions on healthy gift options.
When selecting fitness-related gifts, it’s important to consider the recipient’s interests. Dr. Cindy Lin, a sports medicine specialist, recommends choosing items that seamlessly fit into daily routines, like reusable water bottles and comfortable workout apparel. She warns that specialized gadgets may be forgotten if they relate to infrequent activities, such as skiing gear for someone who only skis once a year. Instead, Lin suggests portable items like yoga mats, exercise balls, and resistance bands. Simple accessories, such as fanny packs for carrying phones during outdoor activities or reflective vests for evening workouts, are also great ideas.
To encourage more active lifestyles, gift options like class passes, sports lessons, or temporary gym memberships can ease financial worries and help family members embark on healthier journeys. Online subscription workouts that can be streamed at home, as experienced by Lin when her husband gifted her a fitness program, are also worth considering. These provide convenience for those with busy schedules. Consulting a personal trainer is another thoughtful gift, but it’s best to avoid forcing someone into a gym membership if they might not find it appealing. Additionally, signing up someone for a race they already enjoy might be motivating, whereas joining them for a friendly, community event could also foster support and camaraderie.
Fitness trackers can greatly aid someone beginning their exercise journey, according to Lin, as they allow monitoring of critical health indicators like heart rate and calorie expenditure. Key features to seek in a fitness tracker include step count, battery life, and resistance to sweat and water. A digital scale can serve as another practical gift for those wishing to monitor their weight, while a reliable blood pressure monitor can be beneficial, especially given the high number of adults living with hypertension in the U.S. Sperling suggests choosing an arm cuff for accuracy.
During the festive season, food gifts often lean towards sweets and alcohol, but healthier alternatives can easily be found. Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge proposes gift baskets filled with nuts and dried fruits instead of sugary treats, along with fun, low-sugar mocktails. She expresses enthusiasm for kitchen appliances like air fryers, which enable healthier cooking methods, and suggests including cookbooks with nutritious recipes. Even basic kitchen tools can facilitate healthier eating by encouraging home-cooked meals, where individuals have better control over ingredients.
Sleep health is another significant aspect of overall well-being. St-Onge highlights the importance of avoiding gifts that may disrupt sleep, such as alcohol. Instead, soft and breathable sleepwear or items that enhance rest environments, like blackout curtains to block out intrusive light and noise, can be excellent choices. Sleep trackers, some of which come without a subscription requirement, can help recipients monitor their sleep quality and patterns, and a journal for reflective writing can also foster mindfulness that supports better sleep.
Gifts need not be materialistic; they can be experiences encouraging outdoor activities, such as annual passes for state parks or memberships to local zoos, which promote the benefits of nature. Ultimately, according to Sperling, healthy gifts should be practical and promote lasting change rather than fleeting trends. By giving in this mindful manner, you can present gifts that might genuinely transform the health and happiness of loved ones.