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.
- 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
Photo courtesy of Amazon.com
- 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.
Photo courtesy of rollrecovery.com
- 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.
Photo courtesy of trxtraining.com
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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