Healthy holiday gift ideas - A guide to presents that promote health

This year, instead of cookies or fudge, give the gift of better health to your loved ones, friends and co-workers. Here are some healthy holiday gift ideas to consider.

Gift ideas for Eating Smart

• Healthy food gifts. Typical food gifts encourage unhealthy eating during the holidays. Instead of giving a box of chocolate, try something more nutritious, like gift boxes of almonds, walnuts and other unsalted nuts. How about a collection of gourmet teas or a box of smoked salmon?
• Cooking classes. Local grocery stores like PCC and Whole Foods offer classes on how to cook healthy meals. Check out the Eat Smart Web pages for links to cooking classes and other resources.
• Kitchen gadgets. A crock pot, rice cooker, steamer or juicer will help the gift recipient prepare food in a healthier way. Throw in some of your favorite recipes such as a hearty soup, a fruit smoothie, or a meal that includes steamed vegetables. Or a hot-air popcorn popper to let your special someone enjoy fresh-popped popcorn without added oil or butter.
• Produce basket. Simply pick out some seasonal fruits or vegetables and put them in a decorated basket. Or try a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) box from a local farm. Check out Puget Sound Fresh for a list of year round farmers markets and CSAs.
• Insulated lunch box. Lunch boxes can encourage people to take healthier, homemade lunches to work or school.
• Cookbooks with healthy recipes. If you have a friend or relative who’s trying to eat a more balanced diet, a healthy cookbook makes a fantastic holiday present. Pick one with a theme (quick and easy, vegetarian, diabetic, etc.) that suits your loved one’s lifestyle and specific health needs.

Gift ideas for Moving More

• Bicycle tune-up. If someone on your list has a bike that could use some TLC, pay for a tune-up and throw in an offer to go on some rides with him or her. Or consider a stationary frame which converts your road bike into an exercise bike – perfect for rainy days.
• Gym membership. Take advantage of King County’s Gym Discount Program to get memberships for your spouse, partner, or dependents. Then hit the gym together.
• Gift certificates to do something active. Sign up someone on your list for a dance class, yoga session, indoor rock-climbing experience, golf lesson, or kayaking adventure.
• Pedometer. Pedometers help wearers keep movement on their mind. All of them count the steps you take – some also estimate calories burned, distance traveled, speed, and even take your pulse.
• Clothes and gear for winter outdoor sports. Silk long underwear, scarves, gloves, and a good hat, can encourage the gift recipient to get outside and exercise. Gifts that get people outside can also improve mental well-being and reduce "cabin fever”.
• Active toys and sports gear. Think of the games you used to enjoy as a kid and give your children or grandchildren the loot to follow in your footsteps. Try jump ropes, basketballs, soccer balls, and Frisbees. Or equipment to play four square, croquet, volleyball, or whiffleball. Don't forget the appropriate safety gear for each.

Gift ideas for Stressing Less

• Relaxing experiences. The holiday season can be stressful for anyone. Help relieve tensions with a gift certificate for a massage or spa service. Or try tickets to a concert, play, or a museum.
• Certificates for yoga, Pilates or Tai-Chi classes. Great gifts for anyone who needs a break from everyday stresses while improving flexibility and strength.
• Presents that pamper. Consider giving someone aromatherapy candles, or scented soaps, bath beads and lotions.
• Books of puzzles and crosswords. To stay mentally sharp you need to exercise your brain. Logic and reasoning games like Sudoku, crossword puzzles, chess and even challenging literary classics are great gifts that encourage a fun workout for the brain.