Twelve Healthy And Fun Holiday Gifts

 

Fitness Gifts - Holiday Gifts - Cyber Monday - Jennifer Ledford - Certified Personal Trainer - Healthy Lifestyle Coach

Need great gifts for the people on your list that are interested in health and fitness but not sure what to buy? No worries! I’m here to help.

There are so many products available these days it can be a little difficult to choose just the right gift. To  keep things simple for you, I’ve made a list of twelve fitness and health-conscious gifts that are sure to please.  Based on my own personal experience, not everyone that’s interested in health and fitness wants something “gym” related so I stepped outside the box and added a little more variety than just your standard fitness gear.  🙂

Twelve Fitness and Health-Conscious Gifts

  1. Foam Roller. It’s hard to go wrong with a tool that can be used for self-massage, strength training, and stability work all in one neat little foam cylinder. These are available on Amazon’s website or you can find them at online fitness stores like Power Systems. I recommend purchasing the 36″ long by 6″ round because it is the most versatile. $18-$20

    AmazonBasics high-density foam roller - Fitness Gifts - Holiday Gifts - Cyber Monday - Jennifer Ledford - Certified Personal Trainer - Healthy Lifestyle Coach Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

  2. TRX Suspension Training System. This training tool has become a staple in the fitness world due to its effectiveness and the simple fact that you can use it anywhere. You can use it to stretch, build strength, increase endurance, improve stability, and develop a great looking physique. The TRX is suitable for beginner to advanced levels of fitness. The list price is $199.95 but since I’m a certified TRX trainer the company allows me to share a direct link with you that offers a $45 discount.  Whoo-hoo!  Click here for the discounted link.

    TRX HOME Suspension Trainer - Fitness Gifts - Holiday Gifts - Cyber Monday - Jennifer Ledford - Certified Personal Trainer - Healthy Lifestyle Coach

  3. Gift Cards. Gift cards for stores that sell active wear, cooking supplies, specialty groceries, and outdoor gear are all great presents for the active and/or nutrition-conscious person on your list.
  4. Sports-related gift certificates. A gift certificate for lessons to try a new activity or sport that someone has expressed interest in is super thoughtful and it could be the encouragement that helps them get started. If they already have a favorite sport, a gift certificate for usage fees, passes, supplies, or gear is a big hit as well.
  5. Fitness, Cooking, or Healthy Living Magazines. A subscription to a magazine is a simple and budget-friendly gift that keeps on giving all year long.  Before giving this type of gift make sure you have confirmed that your recipient has expressed an interest in “light” cooking magazines or magazines that feature health and weight loss.  I’ve seen this well-meaning gift taken the wrong way before.  The last thing you want is to offend the person you sent a gift to. I recommend staying away from the image-based magazines and sticking to the publications that are more health-focused than weight loss driven.
  6. Music. Gift cards or memberships to music sites like iTunes or Pandora are a nice way to help the exerciser on your list stay motivated by freshening up their playlist.
  7. Ready-made meals. Who wouldn’t want fresh meals delivered to their doorstep? It’s the next best thing to a personal chef and giving it as a gift could shoot you up into rockstar status. Munchery gets good reviews and they offer a wide variety of well-balanced and healthy meals. You can place your order the same day you’d like it delivered. Bonus!If the person on your list loves to cook but could do without the shopping, check out companies like Blue Apron and Hello Fresh.  They’ll send out pre-planned meals along with all of the ingredients and their easy-to-follow recipes.
  8. Wine or beer.  Yep, you read that right.  I recommend wine and/or beer.  Most people that are into good food like wine or craft beers.  My husband and I like to pick a few wineries or wine shops each year and make a tasting date out of our shopping trip.  Tasting it beforehand adds that special touch.  It allows you to share how much you enjoy the wine and why you’re excited to present it as a gift.
  9. Aprons.  This is a great gift for the person that spends a lot of time in the kitchen and likes to keep the food off of their clothing..  I wear an apron almost every night but for some reason I don’t always splurge for a new one so when I receive one as a gift, I’m thrilled.  Aprons are not just for the ladies.  Guys like to wear them too!  http://amzn.to/2fqbsk0
  10. Nice linens.  For the health-conscious person that likes to eat most of their meals at home, cloth napkins, fun dish towels, place mats. or tablecloths are all great gifts to help add a little ambience to the kitchen.
  11. Cheese plates.  Cheese plates aren’t just for entertaining.  We use ours for snack time.  A set of cheese plates is something your recipient will use for years to come. http://amzn.to/2fpu0Rw
  12. Exercise mat.  This a great gift for the home exerciser or the person that prefers to bring their own mat to the gym.  I even let our dogs use mine from time to time. 🙂  http://amzn.to/2gnd40c

Enjoy your shopping and holiday season!

With love,
Jennifer Ledford

 

My Twelve Favorite Fitness and Healthy Lifestyle Gifts

Fitness Gifts - shutterstock_220126093

Need clever gifts for the people on your list that are interested in health and fitness but not sure what to buy?  No worries! I’m here to help.

There are so many products available these days it can be almost overwhelming.  So to to keep things simple for you, I’ve made a list of my twelve favorite fitness and health-conscious gifts available this holiday season.

  1. Foam Roller.  It’s hard to go wrong with a tool that can be used for self-massage, strength training, and stability work all in one neat little foam cylinder.  These are available on Amazon’s website or you can find them at online fitness stores like Power Systems.  I recommend purchasing the 36″ long by 6″ round because it is the most versatile. $18-$20

    AmazonBasics high-density foam roller

    Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

  2. The Roller8.  This massage tool was developed by athletes and can tackle those hard to reach areas of the lower body more effectively than the foam roller.  It’s like having your own in-home sports massage tool.  The cost is $119 and the company has generously offered a discount of 10% off and free shipping to any of my clients.  Use the promo code r8boulder.

    ROLL Recovery R8 Massage Roller

    Photo courtesy of rollrecovery.com

  3. TRX Suspension Training System.  This training tool has become a staple in the fitness world due to its effectiveness and the simple fact that you can use it anywhere.  You can use it to stretch, build strength, increase endurance, improve stability, and develop a great looking physique.  The TRX is suitable for beginner to advanced levels of fitness.  The list price is $199.95 but since I’m a certified TRX trainer the company allows me to share a direct link with you that offers a $45 discount.  Whoo-hoo!  Click here for the discounted link.

    TRX HOME Suspension Trainer

    Photo courtesy of trxtraining.com

  4. Gliding Discs.   The gliding discs are simple equipment that offer a powerful workout.  I use them in my private training sessions with clients and I always have a pair of gliders with me whenever I travel.   You can purchase the gliders with a workout video on Amazon for $22.95.  gliding disc
  5. Gift Cards.  Gift cards for stores that sell active wear, cooking supplies, specialty groceries, and outdoor gear are all great presents for the active and/or nutrition-conscious person on your list.
  6. Sports-related gift certificates.   A gift certificate for lessons to try a new activity or sport that someone has expressed interest in is super thoughtful and it could be the encouragement that helps them get started.  If they already have a favorite sport, a gift certificate for usage fees, passes, supplies, or gear is a big hit as well.
  7. Fitness Tracker.  For the techie people on your list  consider an activity monitor or fitness tracker.  If you’re not sure which one to purchase, a recent study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise shared that the Fitbit Flex $90 and the Nike +Fuelband SE $65-$400 proved to be the most accurate.
  8. Fitness, Cooking, or Healthy Living Magazines.  A subscription to a magazine is a simple and budget-friendly gift that keeps on giving all year long.  Before giving this type of gift make sure you have confirmed that your recipient has expressed an interest in “light” cooking magazines or magazines that feature health and weight loss.  I’ve seen this well-meaning gift taken the wrong way before.  The last thing you want is to offend the person you sent a gift to.
  9. The Hydro Flask.  This is a Stainless Steel BPA-free Water Bottle and Beer Growler. Yes, you read that right. It was designed for beer and beer drinkers are serious about keeping their product cold. 🙂 Liquids stay cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 6 hours. Hydro Flask donates 5% back to a charity of your choice. Love it!  It’s $33.95 for a 32-oz. bottle and available on Amazon.
  10. Music.  Gift cards or memberships to music sites like iTunes or Pandora are a nice way to help the exerciser on your list stay motivated by freshening up their playlist.
  11. Ready-made meals.  Who wouldn’t want fresh meals delivered to their doorstep? It’s the next best thing to a personal chef and giving it as a gift could  shoot you up into rockstar status. Munchery gets good reviews and they offer a wide variety of well-balanced and healthy meals.  You can place your order the same day you’d like it delivered.  Bonus!

If the person on your list loves to cook but could do without the shopping, check out companies like Blue Apron and Hello Fresh.  They’ll send out pre-planned meals along with all of the ingredients and their easy-to-follow recipes.

12.  Healthy Snacks.  I remember finding nuts and fruit (along with some toys) in my stocking on Christmas morning when I was a little girl.  Personally, I still look at fruits and nuts as treats and I’m guessing many others do as well or they wouldn’t be such a huge seller during the holiday season.  I recommend sending nuts if you are not sure the fruit will be consumed right away.  If you do decide to send fruit, the Harry & David pears from Oregon are famous  and delicious.

Enjoy your shopping and holiday season!

With love,
Jennifer Ledford

 

Six of the Best Healthy Christmas Food Gifts

Are you considering a food gift for someone on your list? Food is a great Christmas gift for the people that are hard to buy for and almost everyone likes to receive a goody in the mail! However, many people are working hard to maintain their weight this time of year. So if you know your recipient is trying to watch calories, you may want to skip the giant box of truffles and go for something a bit easier on the waistline.

1)  Fruit Basket or box of fruit. Harry & David is a great option. One of their most popular gifts this time of year are fresh pears. They’re delicious and can be served in multiple ways. You can even suggest poaching them and topping them off with a bit of cinnamon for a dessert! 

 2)  Indoor Herb Garden. Great idea for families and people who love to cook! Kids will enjoy the gardening project, and it’s convenient to have your herbs fresh in the kitchen. 

3)  Flavored Oils. Heart healthy flavored olive oil is a treat that cooks might not buy for themselves, but would enjoy having in their kitchen.

4)  Coffee and Tea. Specialty coffees and teas with a nice mug are a great Christmas gift that won’t sabotage a person’s healthy eating plan. If you’re not sure about the caffeine, go for an herbal tea that is naturally caffeine free.

5)  Subscription to a healthy cooking magazine or a cookbook. If you know the person on your list likes to use “lighter” recipes, this is a great gift. If they’ve never mentioned a desire to use low-cal recipes, I would skip this idea. A random arrival of a magazine like “Cooking Light” could be taken the wrong way. Best to know for sure on this one.

6)  Gift Cards. Restaurant or coffee shop gift cards are excellent Christmas gifts to send someone. You can be sure it will get used and won’t linger around the house like a box of chocolates! Your recipient will be able to work the gift into their healthy eating plan and will love you for the treat!

So relax and enjoy that last bit of shopping! It’s easy with the gifts I mentioned above!

Have a gift idea you’d like to share? Please leave a comment below.  I’d love to hear your ideas!

Merry Christmas!

Jennifer