Nicki Anderson: Try one of these healthy-gift ideas
By Nicki Anderson For The Sun December 17, 2012 12:20PM
Updated: January 20, 2013 6:11AM
If you’re family is anything like mine, getting them to share their Christmas list is like pulling teeth. Ultimately it’s either a phone call begging for ideas, or I have to wing it and hope I choose wisely. For those of you with fitness buffs to buy for, or a loved one interested in getting started on the road to healthier living, following are some healthy gift giving ideas that might make gift buying a bit easier.
Travel yoga mat — For the yogi in your life, a travel yoga mat is a great idea. If you’re environmentally conscious, the yoga mat by Maduka is a great choice. It’s reasonably priced at just $39 and is free of toxic plasticizers and harmful dyes. It folds down to an easy travel size and only weights 2 pounds.
Athletic socks — I have a thing about my running socks. When you find a pair you love, there are no substitutions. My favorite socks are Balega. They are comfortable and make my feet happy when I wear them.
Whether you’re buying for a runner, a walker, it doesn’t matter, these socks are far and away the best socks I’ve ever had. For around $10, the recipient will think you’re brilliant!
Video dance — I must admit, this is on my wish list this year. I’m a big believer that exercise has to be fun to be consistent. The idea of dancing for exercise is complete fun! There are two different dance games, one for the Xbox, which is “Dance Central,” and Playstation’s version, “Everybody Dance.” The videos run about $40 to $50, but that’s if you have the necessary equipment. If you don’t, it might set you back a couple hundred dollars. If it’s something you can afford, $250 is a small price to pay for supporting a healthy lifestyle, don’t you think? Family, are you reading this?
BPA free water bottles — People typically don’t drink enough water. And buying a great water bottle is a subtle way to encourage hydration. It also is earth friendly in that you’re using one bottle vs. going through cases of bottled water. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical building block that is used mainly for polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins.
Though the studies completed on BPA are not entirely conclusive, the debate continues about potential health risks. These bottles are priced from $10 to $30. It would make a great teacher gift, or a little something for the athlete in your life.
Yurbuds — There’s nothing better than getting in a good run or walk with great tunes, until your ear buds fall out. But there’s a great line of ear buds, called Yurbuds, designed not to fall out and to stay put during both low- and high-level activity. There are various styles, depending on what you need them for. You’re looking at spending about $50. Their tagline is, “Sport earphones that never fall out.”
Heart rate monitor (without a chest strap) — I have always struggled with chest straps and heart rate monitors. I never liked the idea of a sweaty strap that I had to wash all the time, so I just gave up using my monitor with any frequency. I recently tried ePulse2, which is a heart rate and calorie monitor that wraps around your forearm. It also helps with target rate zones, has a stopwatch for split times and a full-color graphic display. It’s relatively easy to use, and the fact that I don’t have to wash the strap after every workout is a plus! Price is about $90.
All purpose NuFoot — When I first saw this footwear, I wasn’t quite sure, until I put them on! NuFoot are a great alternative to socks or slippers and ideal to wear at the beach or pool. They have a skid resistant bottom, come in fun colors, and they’re super inexpensive — only $10. Best of all, they’re washable. They fit all sizes and can be stored in your pocket. You can check them out at nufoot.com or at your local athletic shoe store.
Other suggestions — Bicycle survival kit: either create your own or ask a bike expert at your local bike shop. Massage: no need to elaborate, it’s the greatest gift ever, especially after the holidays! Just as a golfer can improve his or her game with a pro, a few personal training sessions are a great way to educate someone who wants to exercise on their own! A healthy snack gift basket makes a great hostess gift or all-around great generic gift. You can make it as fancy as you want, but it’s a great gift idea!
Here’s to great gift giving ideas no one will want to re-gift!
Do you have an inspiring story about your journey to fitness? Share it with Nicki Anderson at nicki@nickianderson.com.
