Let’s get down to it. We all want to be that guy who boasts about being done with the holiday shopping at Thanksgiving dinner, but the reality? Well, we’ve all got a few last minute shopping to do. Whether it’s deciding on that tough-to-buy-for person or plain ol’ procrastination, there are a million excuses.
What better way to ring in the holidays and the new year than with some healthy gifts? Many of us strive to get our family and friends on board with making healthier choices, but sometimes, it’s better to show it rather than say it.
These present ideas are perfect for foodies, fitness freaks, and wellness warriors alike. No matter who you’re buying for, there’s a gift on this list for anyone who wants to eat, move, and live better. Get those last-minute purchases out of the way with confidence that the recipient will love what they got.
For the Foodies
The Instant Pot
Not only did I receive one Instant Pot for Christmas. Oh no, I received TWO. That’s right. Let me tell you, they’ve revolutionized what it means to cook. Tasty pot roasts, bone broth that always gels, quick and easily peeled boiled eggs, and veggies that would take an hour to roast? Done in no time. I even got one to give as a gift. This is the quintessential kitchen appliance, and I’m not exaggerating when I say that everyone needs one. There is no better way to express your love than with this bad boy.
Purchase the Instant Pot here
Spiralizer
We love our zoodles around here. I’ve got a handheld spiralizer that works great for zucchini, but if you’re looking for healthy gifts to hand out, you might want to turn it up a notch with this tool. You can set it to noodle-fy in thin, thick, or ribbon slices. The real bonus? You can use this with anything from winter squash to sweet potatoes and those odd hard veggies like celeriac to create delicious and nutritious meals. If you know someone who struggles to eat their veggies, this could change the game.
Purchase the Paderno spiralizer here
Immersion Blender
You may wonder why someone might use an immersion blender when their kitchen is already stocked. You could be working with your blender and your food processor without a hitch, but this tiny but mighty tool makes working with certain recipes a whole lot easier. Homemade mayo? You’ll never have a failed batch again. This idea for healthy gifts will come in handy for the novice chef who wants to get a little more experimental.
Purchase the immersion blender here
A Cookbook
We all have friends who strive to get healthier every year, but their cooking skills are… well, limited to say the least. The great thing about paleo? The focus is pretty simple. On paper, eating real food and “going on a diet” is intimidating. When you have it spelled out for you with gorgeous photos to boot, there’s no reason not to get cooking.
Purchase The Paleo Approach here
Purchase Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans here
Purchase Juli Bauer’s Paleo Cookbook here
Purchase The Whole 30 cookbook here
A SCOBY
Know someone who’s dishing out big money for the good stuff at Whole Foods? I used to be one of those people, and if you’re brewing your own, chances are you were too. You could trust a homebrewing friend to gift you a SCOBY, or you could take the easy way out with this starter kit. If you really want to do it up with these healthy gifts, you could throw in a few jars to brew, bottles to store and tea of course.
Purchase the Living Kombucha Culture here
For the Fitness Freak
The FitBit Charge HR
I’m giving one of these healthy gifts away this year, but I have to admit, it was a tough one not to keep for myself! This is a gift for the resolution’er who wants to get more active, but doesn’t know where to start. This model tracks steps, flights of stairs climbed, workouts, heart rate, calories burned, AND sleep. It’s an all-inclusive way to keep up on the quality of movement you rest and get on a daily basis.
Purchase the FitBit Charge HR here
Foam Roller
If someone got me one of these healthy gifts, not only would I be thanking them profusely, so would my sore muscles! If your workout buddy doesn’t already have a foam roller, consider this on par with scheduling them a full-body massage. Static stretching can further athletic injuries or simply be ineffective; foam rolling works out all the kinks in a gentle way. Give the gift that keeps on giving – speedy recovery!
Purchase the fitness foam roller here
A Month of ClassPass
If this service is available in your city, pick up a membership for you and a friend. ClassPass is one of the most versatile healthy gifts since it offers you access to fitness classes of all types. If you know someone with commitment problems who ends up skipping the gym, give them the gift of choice. From yoga and pilates to circuit-training and kickboxing, you can schedule classes whenever is convenient for you.
Purchase a ClassPass membership here
A Protein Boost
Protein powders are fine and all, but real food is the way to anyone’s heart. These healthy gifts make the perfect post-workout recovery fuel, and they’re pretty tasty to boot. Pick up a variety box of these to stuff the stockings with. Unlike most protein bars, the ingredients are simple and meaty. These are the perfect nutrient-dense, quick snack to have handy, so look no further if you’re wrapping up munchies for the holidays.
Purchase the EPIC Bar variety pack here
Pull Up Bar
No more excuses! Gift this to a friend who wants to get stronger, but tends to skip out on the gym during the busy work week. Hanging this up in the kitchen doorway is an easy way to work on your pull-up skills and overall strength. Bonus points because the houseguests will assume you can bust a few out, even if you’re still working on getting there in the first place.
Purchase the doorway pull-up bar here
For the Mindfulness Guru
Yoga Mat, Block, and Strap
Everyone must start somewhere, and healthy gifts under the tree are a good place to begin, especially when it’s this handy-dandy yoga kit. It comes with a mat, strap, block, and towels. Getting into a new fitness routine is hard, but yoga has something for everyone. Slow-paced restorative yoga can help with gentle mobility while Bikram will help you sweat it out. It’s better to go in prepared, so gift this to your aspiring yogi friend.
Purchase the yoga starter kit here
Teeccino Coffee Alternative
Yet another one of those healthy gifts in line with a common new year’s resolution: kicking caffeine to the curb. While some people do just fine with a jolt in the AM, lessening caffeine intake can be really beneficial for healing or just tapping into those natural energy stores. Teeccino blends take on the flavor and aroma of coffee without any caffeine at all. This is the perfect present for someone who wants to give up their morning cuppa for AIP or a healthier lifestyle overall.
Purchase Teeccino blends sampler pack here
A Light Lamp
Nothing like a little sunshine in the dead of winter, even if it’s artificial. Vitamin D deficiency is incredibly common all-year round, but it’s worst effects usually take place in the winter. This gift is a good idea if you want to spread light this holiday season – and don’t we all? The light box mimics the effects of UV rays, and it can really help start the day right.
Purchase the energy light lamp here
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal may look a little weird and sound a little weird, but it’s multiple purposes make this one of the best healthy gifts to give. Don’t worry, it’s not the same as the charcoal you use on the grill. It’s a natural detoxifier, and it can be used for everything from purifying water to toothpaste to face masks. If you know someone who loves DIY beauty products, you can choose to gift a bag of the stuff or get to making some creations of your own to package up.
Purchase activated charcoal here
Essential Oils
A nice complimentary gift to give in addition to the charcoal would be essential oils. This variety pack has everything you need to get started. You can diffuse them in place of burning candles, scent your own homemade beauty products, and even use them to flavor recipes. Their benefits are endless, and each oil has its own specific properties.
Purchase the essential oils beginner’s pack here
Happy shopping and happy holidays! What’s on your wishlist?
