Not just for those looking to lose weight or for the fitness enthusiast, most of these gifts keep on giving the whole year through. It’s never too late to give the gift of health this holiday season whether you’re shopping for him or her, so if you’re looking for last minute gift ideas for the ones you love most, here are a few of my favorite things:
1. A Beachbody Workout Program
I’m sure it’s not surprising to see this as number one on my list. Why is this number one? Because I can’t find any reason not to buy someone you love the gift of health this holiday. Not just for those who need to lose a few pounds, there is a workout program for everyone on list – young, old, fit, and not-so-fit from Tai Cheng for those who need help with old injuries or age in general to the new P90X3. Just look at the possibilities to the right.
Even I purchase those I love most different workout programs for the holidays. Last year, I purchased Les Mills Pump for my sister and Tai Cheng for my mother, and they have both gone on to lose more weight and buy their own exercise programs from Beachbody.
2. Fitbit Aria Scale
After purchasing this for myself as a bit of a splurge, I can honestly say, it is the best scale ever (or at least the best and smartest one I’ve ever owned.) Plus, it’s sleek looking and still working perfectly almost a year later. Everyone needs a scale at home, so what better than one that can measure both body fat percentage, BMI, and plain old pounds. Quite possibly one of the smartest scales around, this beauty is perfect for anyone on your list. It even comes with mobile and online capabilities to track your progress – what better way to help someone you love reach their New Year’s resolution?! Also available in white to look good with any bathroom or kitchen décor.
Find the best prices on the Fitbit scale here.
3. Rumble Roller
I know this one is a little weird, but we all get knots and tightening from working out. What better way to offer someone you love the gift of self-myofascial release after a tough workout than with one-of-my-favorite-pieces-of-exercise-equipment of all time: the rumble roller. It is so much better than any plain foam roller you can buy…it really takes any knot in your body and releases the tension. Great for anyone of any fitness level.
Find the one and only rumble roller here.
4. Manduka Yoga and Pilates Mat
For the yoga or pilates enthusiast on your list, this is the ultimate yoga mat in both comfort and quality. While there are definitely cheaper options out there, this is the best I’ve ever tried. I received it as a gift for my birthday, and I can understand why the price is more than your average Walmart mat, which I’ve used for years by the way :) So, if you know anyone who’s been carrying around a $10-$20 yoga mat, this could be the perfect, meaningful gift this season. And what other yoga mat comes with lifetime warranty and in a variety of colors to accommodate anyone’s personal style?
Get your Manduka Yoga mat.
5. Bose SIE2i Sports Headphones
Everyone likes listening to their favorite tunes while working out when outside for a run or at the gym, so what better way to enjoy it than with these stylish, high-quality Bose Sports headphones? My beau swears by these, and I have used them myself and loved them. They’re very comfortable and ergonomically designed to suit any ear with Bose’s renowned sound quality to back it up. I usually have a tough time with ear buds, but these were definitely different in quality and comfort. Plus, they come with an armband to hold your favorite music player and have inline controls for easy use with your iPod or iPhone and come complete with a microphone to easily answer calls while on the run…literally. They also are water resistant to eliminate any risk from weather or sweat and come in a non-i version for those with other types of smartphones or MP3 players.
Shop Bose SIE2i Sport headphones now.
6. Snowshoes
Ever since I tried it a while ago, I have been hooked on snowshoeing. It’s tough, but it is so much fun, and a great way to exercise outdoors during the colder months. From the beginner to the outdoor winter enthusiast, snowshoes are a great way for the usually active outdoors person to continue to be enjoy their workouts in the winter. The best part is, you don’t need to be all that coordinated to do so – or experienced. You don’t even need to know specific shoe sizes, since they’re adjustable for a variety of shoe sizes!
Great for the young, old, men, women, and kids of all ages – it’s a wonderful family activity or just for you and a friend. They come in a wide variety of pricing and quality, so really use your budget and take into account the snowshoeing experience of the person you’re buying them for to determine what snowshoes are right for that special person on your list. There is a wide range of quality when looking for the right snowshoes.
View my favorite snowshoes here.
7. Striiv Smart Pedometer
Count your steps and face motivational challenges with this smarter-than-average Striiv pedometer. It makes walking the dog or taking the stairs a fun experience. No smartphone necessary for this lightweight little guy. This pedometer turns 10,000 steps a day into donating to charity by entering into the pedometer’s Walkathon where Striiv and corporate donors donate to charity on your behalf, play the Myland fitness-based pedometer game where everything you build and plant to restore the enchanted island is based on how many steps you take, or enter a friendly race with friends. A great gift idea to get someone you love moving. I bought this for my mother last year, and she still loves it – she’s also lost over fifty pounds!
Find the Striiv Smart Pedometer here.
8. Uggs Australia Women’s Double “U” Logo Shearling Earmuffs
Perfect for the when the colder months arrive, these Uggs earmuffs are a uniquely perfect gift idea for the holidays – and did I mention they’re absolutely stylish and adorable too?!
A perfect gift idea for any special woman in your life, these earmuffs are a very decadent way to keep your ears warm and cozy this winter season while doing any outdoor activity. The shearling woold is divine. They not only look nice, buy they really stay put and keep your ears toasty warm even in the coldest weather.
Get your Uggs Earmuffs for less at Amazon.
9. Exercise Ball
There are so many neat things you can use an exercise ball for, that it’s the perfect gift to give any health-conscious person this holiday. Not just for abs, a exercise ball provides a great workout for your arms, legs, or any other part of your body pending you do the right exercises. It’s also a great alternative to an at-home desk chair to keep perfect posture. I like my exercise ball from Beachbody, but you can find some great ones at Amazon. Higher cost usually means better quality.
10. Paleo Cooking from Elana’s Pantry: Gluten Free, Grain-Free,
Dairy-Free Recipes
I have loved every recipe from this handy cookbook, so if you’re looking for something healthy and interesting to give someone this holiday season, why not a healthy cookbook? This book embraces the paleo lifestyle, which I don’t necessarily follow all the time, but I feel is a step in the right direction to healthy eating. It’s also an interesting change for someone who usually follows Weightwatchers or another diet program. You can find it on Amazon.
If you have any other healthy gift ideas, please leave a comment – we’d love to hear any suggestions :)