Healthy Gift Ideas
For a birthday, holiday or special occasion, show you care with a gift that encourages good health for the body, mind, and soul.
Gifts for the Active Body
- Exercise or Resistance Bands: They're light, inexpensive, and may be used to perform a wide variety of upper & lower-body exercises. This kind of exercise equipment is great to use both at home and when traveling.
- Exercise Videos or DVDs: Speak to a fitness professional or read consumer product reviews online to help you find a credible video that personalizes interests and goals. Chances are you can find something to please everyone on your gift list.
- Gym Membership, Fitness Class Card, or Personal Training Session: Look into holiday and seasonal specials for gym memberships. Consider buying a class card for a fitness or aerobics studio. Or purchase a personal training session.
- Pedometer: A pedometer, or step-counter, is a simple tool that helps people get motivated to move more and keep track of the number of steps they take each day. It can be a fun way to help someone walk more every day.
- Physical Activities Workbook: AARP's workbook shows how to add physical activity into daily life. It teaches you how to start safely, set goals, develop a support network, find motivation, and overcome barriers. Order the first copy for free and only $1 for additional workbooks.
Gifts for a Healthy Diet
Cooking healthy can be easy and fun. Especially with the right toys! Consider some of the following ideas as gifts or stocking stuffers:
- Egg Separator: Egg white omelets are delicious and easy to make when you have an egg separator to divide the white from the yolk.
- Grill Pan: A grill pan makes it easy to prepare healthy recipes with little or no fat. You can use it to grill steaks, lamb chops, chicken or fish. And as your food grills, the excess fat collects at the bottom of the pan away from your food.
- Juicer: For orange juice lovers, a juicer can be a great choice. It can be a fun and fresh way to get a daily dose of vitamin C.
- Meat Thermometer: Cooking meat properly is important for your health and safety. A meat thermometer is a great tool that tells the chef when the meat is done.
- Vegetable Steamer: Did you know that steaming vegetables can make them even healthier? With a steamer, preparing tasty vegetables has never been easier.
Gifts for the Mind & Soul
A sharp mind and peaceful soul is one of the keys to healthy living. And who doesn't like to be pampered every now and then? Here are some gift ideas to ease stress, improve mood, and challenge the mind:
- Massage or spa treatment gift certificate
- Yoga class card, yoga book, DVD or videotape
- Aromatherapy candles, soaps, bath beads and lotions
- Massage roller and massage oils
- Books of puzzles or crosswords
- Books of inspirational quotes and positive thoughts
Ready to Give?
These are just a few healthy gift ideas that express that you care. And when someone asks you what you want this year for your birthday, the holidays, or another occasion…consider sharing this list with them too!
AARP Resources
AARP's Physical Activities Workbook
The first copy is free. Call 1-888-OUR-AARP to request a copy. Ask for "AARP's Physical Activities Workbook", stock number D561.
Choosing a Health and Fitness Club
People 50 and older are joining clubs in record numbers. Check out these tips for finding the right club to suit your needs.
Choosing a Fitness Video
Fitness video/DVD buying tips.
Pick the Best Personal Trainer for You
Finding a personal trainer requires a little research and testing. Use this checklist to find one that meets your physical and personal needs.
Step Up to Better Health
Order a step counter and guide to help motivate you, or someone you know, begin a walking program.
Books
Find these books online at Barnes & Noble.com.
Chicken Soup for the Unsinkable Soul: 101 Inspirational Stories of Overcoming Life's Challenges
Jack L. Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Heather McNamara
Health Communications, Incorporated, September 1999
The New American Heart Association Cookbook
American Heart Association, Crown Publishing Group, November 2004
Get Fit while You Sit: Easy Workouts from Your Chair
Charlene Torkelson, Hunter House, Incorporated, February 1999
