To Your Health

Rather than weighing down their stockings with candy, cookies or wine, consider giving a gift that promotes good health this holiday season. There are plenty of presents you can choose from that set the stage for a healthy New Year. Here are some quick, affordable ideas for everyone on your list.

For the Busy Office Mate

Consider gifting a water bottle that tells your co-worker how much water they need to drink to stay sufficiently hydrated. For as little as $10, you can buy a colorful water bottle that helps drinkers consume water all day — one sip at a time. The Giotto 32-ounce bottle is marked with times and inspiration quotes that remind you to “keep on chugging.” 

For the Work-from-Home Warrior

Sitting at a desk all day isn’t only a drag; it poses a health hazard. In a study that looked at doctors’ treadmill desk usage, researchers found that walking led to weight loss and reduced body fat when compared to not using a treadmill desk (Thompson et al., 2014). The latest under-the-desk treadmill models are compact enough to stow away when you’re through working and affordable enough to buy. Amazon sells one model for as little as $99. At 34 pounds, the Merax Under Desk Treadmill speeds up to 4 miles per hour and includes a remote control. It also tracks time, calories burned and distance.

For the Fitness Enthusiast

There are a number of pieces of home gym equipment that can meet the needs of experienced exercisers and those looking to get back in shape. If your loved one missed out on the Peloton craze, you can now rent Peloton bikes for as little as $89 a month. After you pay a $150 delivery fee, your gift recipient will receive a bike and a new pair of cycling shoes. You can cancel at any time, or if your loved one really enjoys the energy of Peloton classes, they can opt to purchase their bike.

If you think your significant other, family member or friend might prefer trying different kinds of equipment, a membership to a low-cost gym like Planet Fitness might be a better fit. In 1992, Planet Fitness opened its first club in Dover, New Hampshire, and can now be found in 2,400 locations — including several in the Granite State. For as little as $10/month, your gift recipient can visit one gym; for $24.99/month they can access any club and bring a guest along with them. 

Does your loved one enjoy tracking their fitness and collecting data? A new fitness watch might keep them motivated to move. While some watches might exceed your budget, other brands offer similar experiences at a much lower price tag. I found the Garmin Vivofit 4, an older model smart watch, priced at $68 on Amazon and $59.99 at BJ’s. This watch tracks steps, distance and calories burned, monitors sleep and provides a personalized daily step goal.

Getting in shape doesn’t have to be expensive. You can find (and ship) dumbbell sets, resistance bands and yoga mats online and in local retail stores.

For the Kid at Heart

Exploring snow-covered New Hampshire trails can make navigating the winter months a little more fun. While cross-country skiing can take a bit of practice, almost everyone can snowshoe right away. Walmart sells lightweight beginner snowshoes for as little as $42.99. 

There’s nothing more invigorating than pond skating in the backyard or taking a quick lap around the rink. It’s not a hobby that everyone can master quickly, but if you’re buying for a former hockey player
or figure skater, ice skates might make a perfect gift. L.L. Bean sells Bauer Expedition Recreational Skates for as low as $79.99, in both men and women’s sizes.

Don’t forget the magic of sleds and snow tubes. There are plenty of coasting hills in the Granite State and adults ready for the challenge. You can find them at sporting good stores or through online retailers.

For the Busy Family 

If you’re buying for friends or family with busy schedules, they might enjoy a gift that makes dinner time easier — and healthier. Meal kit delivery services deliver fresh or frozen meals right to your doorstep. For example, Factor includes a new menu of over 27 dietitian-designed, pre-prepared fresh meals each week that meet the needs of keto, paleo, low-carb, vegetarian, plant-based and high protein dieters. You can choose from five plans, ranging from four meals to 18 meals per week. (If you choose 10 meals per week, you’ll pay about $125 per week, including delivery.) Plans can be paused or canceled at any time. If you’re not sure it’s something they’ll want to subscribe to, you can purchase Factor gift cards instead.

For the Homebody

Let’s face it, long winters keep us inside for a good part of the year. While you can’t always get a reprieve from winter, there are presents you can give to make hunkering down more comfortable. Cool-mist humidifiers can prevent dry air and help make breathing easier for the whole family. The Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier received top marks from Betters Homes and Garden Magazine and sells for just $79 on Amazon. 

Help create a sense of calm and relaxation by giving your loved one an essential oil diffuser. Essential oils like peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus and cedarwood can lower stress and relieve anxiety — and just make the room smell great. Sierra Modern Home makes an essential oil diffuser that lets you control LED color, mist intensity, timer settings, scheduling and more directly from your phone. You can find one on Amazon for $39.95.

We spend between six and 10 hours sleeping each night, yet most of us continue to rest our heads on the same old pillow. The Sleep Foundation recommends changing your pillow every one to two years to keep them free from allergens like dust mites or pet dander. The Nestl cooling memory foam pillow is filled with gel-infused, shredded memory foam aimed to draw heat away from the body, keeping sleepers comfortable all night long. Get two queen pillows for $44 on Amazon.

For the Spa Queen (or King)

After a stressful 2023, who wouldn’t look forward to a luxurious facial, massage or manicure in January? Most New Hampshire day spas and massage therapy businesses sell gift certificates that allow the gift recipient to schedule the spa services of their choice. Some noteworthy spas include: 

Adagio Spa, Salon, & Wellness Center
Barrington

Cassandra Salon & Spa
Nashua

Chill Day Spa
Manchester

The Cut Off Salon & Day Spa
North Conway

Here’s to gifts that are sure to bring a happy and healthy 2024!