News Taffy

Do you have a health nut on your Christmas gift list? Are you searching for the perfect gift for someone who plans to make a few healthy changes in the New Year? Here is my top ten list of healthy gifts.

Exercise clothes. If you look and feel good, it makes working out that much more enjoyable. For the ladies, I recommend Title Nine, Athleta or good old Target for unique and sturdy workout wear. For guys, try our local favorite, Gearhead, or Sports Authority. If you aren’t sure of the size, give a gift certificate.

Pedometer. Counting steps and how far you’ve gone can be quite motivating for some people. These make great stocking stuffers but do spring for a quality one.

Magazine subscriptions. There are plenty of great magazines covering everything from cooking to health and exercise. Some of my favorites are Men’s Health, Shape, Cooking Light, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Living. A magazine can provide plenty of inspiration long after New Year’s.

Gift certificates with a trainer. These can cover a wide range of activities from golf and tennis lessons to yoga to personal trainers. If your person already participates in some sport or could use a new workout routine, this may be your answer.

Membership to a fitness club. Beware. If your significant other has not mentioned wanting to exercise, you might skip this lest you be accused of being critical. If they already have a membership, they will like having their dues paid. If the membership includes you, it could be a great way to spend time together.

Kitchen gadgets. It’s hard to cook without good tools. Last year I received some quality knives and a food processor, both of which have been greatly appreciated. If that person on your list only has the most basic kitchen tools, they may like some upgrades. Go to a kitchen store for knives, but other sources are Bed, Bath and Beyond and Target. Think slow cookers, good pots and pans and also small items like micro plane graters, whisks, a good vegetable peeler, different types of cooking spoons and spatulas.

Cookbooks. It pays to be knowledgable. Does the person already have a large collection of cookbooks? If so, skip this. If not, start with something basic that tells how to do just about anything in the kitchen such as Joy of Cooking, my personal reference book. Is the person on your list wanting to try gourmet foods or just to prepare quick and simple meals? There are so many cookbooks out, it pays to think before making an impulse purchase.

Fresh fruit or fruit of the month club. Once again, it pays to know the person you are buying for well. Will they actually eat the fruit or is it likely to go to waste? Harry and Davids have excellent fruit selections and customer service.

Prepared meals. If you know someone who doesn’t like to cook or may not be able to, make several meals and freeze them in individual portions. Or if this is too labor intensive, many cities now have places where you can purchase meals to be reheated at home. Locally we have Meals for Moms. A gift certificate might be just the right thing.

Exercise equipment. I’m not talking about the Bow Flex Home gym here but more about hand weights or an exercise mat. I love my yoga mat and use it nearly every day for yoga and other exercises. It provides a slip free surface to stand on. I also use free weights in my exercise routine but be sure to look for a smaller grip if you are buying for a woman. A good water bottle makes a nice stocking stuffer but look for one that is BPA free.

Got some ideas? Happy shopping!

-Lisa