Have you started your holiday shopping yet? If you're like me and tend to procrastinate, purchasing gifts is physically impossible until December 1st. But this year I'm starting early. Why? Consumer spending is down and major retailers are offering dramatically reduced prices to get us buying again. There's never been a better time to invest in the one thing many of us put last on our priority list: good health.
I've heard all the excuses before: "No one wants to unwrap something healthy." "I don't want to offend him/her." "The holidays are a time to splurge and have fun." But giving the gift of good health lets your friends and family know that you care about them, and want them around for years to come.
These good-for-you-gifts are easy on the wallet:
Think inspiration and motivation. Very few people live to exercise. Those of us who don't greatly benefit from a nice, gentle push to put on our sneakers.
- Nothing gets me off the couch and onto the treadmill like a few new tunes on my mp3 player. I'm a big fan of gift cards, and both Best Buy and iTunes will be more than happy to sell you one in denominations as low as $15.
- Whether your recipient is a seasoned fitness buff or new to getting in shape, you'll find good quality, inexpensive equipment and clothing at Target, including the nicely-priced C9 by Champion line. I own several pieces, and they wear, and feel, just as good as the higher-priced line.
- With a few more dollars to spend, consider gifting a couple of personal training sessions or a post-workout massage at the spa.
Make eating healthy easier. Lunch on the run means grabbing what's nearby (leftover catering from a meeting) or cheap (roach coach anyone?). So make it easier for your loved one to get a better bite.
- Stuff stockings with Subway restaurant gift cards. They have some of the healthiest fast-food options around.
- Wrap up a few of these storage containers from Fit & Fresh -- packing a lunch is both more nutritious and less expensive. Their clever products keep portions in check and food cold for up to 6 hours outside of the fridge.
- Got a loved-one on a diet plan? Offer to pay for a month of food or upgrade his/her membership. Weight Watchers online is as little as $5 a week and offers a plan just for guys, to meet their unique nutritional needs.
Give your time. The clock doesn't stop ticking so that we can take care of ourselves. Fitness experts urge us to make time to workout; I say, make time for someone else to work out!
- Tie a bow on a new toy for your dog, then throw it to him for an extra 20 minutes each day. You both win.
- Reserve alone time with the kids on Saturday morning so that your significant other can go for a hike or try out a new class at the gym. Better yet, take your kids to the park and give them a workout, too.
- Your best friend will be delighted when she finds out that her new tennis partner or walking buddy is you.
Relieve stress. Think charitably.
- Layoffs and foreclosures mean many people are struggling right now. Make a donation, in honor of your friend or loved one, to your community in the form of money, toys, clothing, or canned goods. Then send a card with details of your gift.
- Consider turning your holiday party into a fundraising opportunity for your favorite medical research group. The Susan G. Komen foundation has great ideas for creating a Passionately Pink for the Cure soiree.
Best wishes for a safe and healthy holiday season.
-Allison Drury
Senior Editor, Yahoo! Health
