A healthy gift guide

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A healthy gift guide

By Sondra E Z Hines – December 15, 2010

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It’s no secret that many holiday budgets dipped this year due to a weak economy. However your gifts don’t have to scream cheap. I’ve found 10 affordable gifts, each with a slant on health.

The list includes gifts for men, women and children. And to save time and trips to the mall, many of the deals (ALL under $100) are found online.

1. iPhone Apps – Are not limited to music. Check out the site and download an application for a pedometer. Cost: FREE! For more details, visit http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pedometer-free/id362306160?mt=8 and get moving.

2. Complimentary Gym Memberships – Because competition is fierce among gyms, trial memberships are plentiful, ranging from one day to 10 days. Trial memberships are great opportunities to check out facilities before committing. Attach a nice card and combine several memberships to increase the gift’s value. Cost: FREE!

3. Healthy Soul Food Recipes 2010 – Published by the American Heart Association, this magazine style cookbook has 46 healthy recipes. Cost: $3.99, https://shop.heart.org/AHAECOMM/en/ecommTemplate.jsp?pid=ahacomm.cat.product&categoryId=cat300001&parentId=shcat1050003&id=prod300171. The Best of Healthy Soul Food Recipes - This hardback cookbook is published by The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association. Cost: $4.79 at www.Amazon.com (a terrific site for inexpensive music, books and more).

4. White socks – Anyone who exercises regularly appreciates a supply of socks. Cost: $5.00. Yoga Toe Socks - For the Yoga and Pilates lovers on your list, or anyone who constantly has cold feet, this gift is perfect. Cost: $9.99 and up. Both items available at retailers and sporting goods stores.

5. Sur la table Oil Misters – Are colorful, cute, decorative gadgets for the kitchen. They also help keep calories to a minimum by controlling the amount of oil used when preparing salads, cooking, etc. Cost $12.95, http://www.surlatable.com/product/oil+mister,+black.do?keyword=oil+mister&sortby=ourPicks

6. Mission Skincare – A line of moisturizes created specifically for athletes, including younger participants. Serena Williams (a company co-founder) recommends the company’s hand, body and foot treatment. Of course slathering on the cream won’t transform our bodies to look like hers. But for a small price, the products promote soft, supple, touchable skin! Cost: 14.95, http://www.missionskincare.com/product/hand-body--foot-treatment-bundle.html

7. Spibelt – Is a sleek belt that holds personal items. Created by a runner, the Spibelt is practical when walking or running and cleverly holds cell phones, keys, etc. The belt comes in an array of colors and has a kid version too. I could certainly use this item when I run. Cost $19.95, http://store.spibelt.com/Spibelt-p/spibeltparent1.htm

8. HoMedics 5 Motor Massaging Back Cushion w/Heat – HoMedics offers many inexpensive products mirroring those found in spas (foot massagers, etc.) Cost: $22, in retail stores.

9. Run Girl Eclipse Capri Skort – Designed for women uncomfortable with tight spandex athletic wear, this item is a nice alternative. It is comfortable, modest and combines fashion with function. Capri pants are strategically attached to a cute skirt that is soft and stylish, available in assorted colors. Cost: $64.94, http://www.rungirlrun.ca/products/view/10

10. Harry & David Fruit-of-the-month Club - Besides the health benefits, this gift is delicious, arrives fresh to your door and helps loved ones meet the daily fruit requirement. And who does fruit better than Harry & David? For example, December’s fruit is Royal Riviera Pears. Cost $99 for a three month supply, http://www.harryanddavid.com/gifts/store/item____shop-gifts-by-type_fruit-of-the-month-club-gifts_23663