The holiday season is a time for giving. This year Lakes Regional Healthcare encourages you to give the gift of good health. If you’re looking for Christmas gifts that inspire healthier habits or make daily living safer and easier for loved ones, here are some ideas to consider.
- Membership to a Local Gym or Exercise Facility
Membership to an area fitness center such as the Bedell Family YMCA and many others is a gift that can improve health all year long. It’s a particularly great gift for teens, young adults, and retirees. The recipient can benefit from improved cardiovascular health, improved mental well-being, and increased community connections. In fact, having a gym membership is a great place to meet others and form friendships.
If you don’t want to splurge on a long-term membership, consider purchasing a fitness class that often runs for a month or longer. It’s a great way to achieve the benefits above and get them interested in other forms of physical activity.
- Subscription to a Fitness or Health App
Digital wellness tools have become popular because they meet people where they are – at home, on the go, or at the gym. Many of them create customized workouts based on fitness goals, have reminders, tracking features, and coaching support to help users stay consistent. Several apps now also include meal planning, mental health tools, and habit tracking.
Great options to consider include:
- Future
- Shred App
- BetterMe: Health Coaching App
- Home Gym Club Training
- Ladder
- MyFitnessPal (excellent for nutrition and activity tracking)
- A Quality Pair of Tennis Shoes
A pair of tennis shoes is the only thing you really need to exercise in most instances, because most clothes can still be worn to exercise in. This gift works well for all ages, too. Well-cushioned, properly fitted tennis shoes are important because they reduce stress on knees, hips, and ankles. Supportive footwear also lowers the risk of falls and exercise-related injuries. Plus, comfortable shoes make walking and daily physical activity easier.
Of course, a workout top and bottom can also be a nice add-on to the gift and inspire the receiver to exercise even more!
- Home Medical Equipment for Safety and Injury Prevention
For older adults or loved ones recovering from injury or surgery, home safety items can be life changing. These gifts show genuine care and help prevent falls, which is one of the most common health concerns for seniors. These gifts also encourage independent living, improve confidence and mobility, and reduce caregiver strain. Some ideas to consider include:
- Handybar (Car Assist Handle): This provides a stable handle to help individuals get in and out of a vehicle safely, which is important all through the year, and especially during winter months.
- Cane Ice Attachment: This cane attachment adds traction and stability while walking outdoors during icy Iowa winters.
- Walker: A walker promotes independence, stability, and safe mobility at home and in the community.
- Security Pole for Showering: This helps prevent slips and offers support while bathing, one of the highest-risk routines for falls.
- Lift Chair: Lift chairs offer safe assistance when transitioning from sitting to standing and help reduce fall risk.
All these items, and more, are available at Avera Home Medical Equipment of Lakes Regional Healthcare, which is located on Lakes Regional Healthcare’s campus just off Highway 71 and 23rd Street. They are open from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and can be reached by calling 712-339-6140.
- Gratitude Journal
A gratitude journal may seem simple, but it comes with mental health benefits. Writing in a gratitude journal can reduce stress and anxiety and improve sleep by calming the mind before bed.
Pair a gratitude journal with a nice pen or a simple mindfulness book for a thoughtful gift bundle.
- Subscription to a Healthy Meal Kit
Meal kits like Blue Apron or HelloFresh make healthy eating easier. This is particularly helpful for busy families or older adults who don’t enjoy grocery shopping (especially during the winter). Healthy meal kits are balanced meals made with real ingredients. Plus, they reduce the time spent planning and grocery shopping while helping people learn new cooking skills and gain confidence in the kitchen.
- Bicycle
A bicycle unlocks a world of fitness opportunities, and the Dickinson County Trails system is a perfect place to experience them. Riding a bicycle provides many benefits, such as being gentle on joints while providing cardiovascular strength. Riding bikes together as a family encourages outdoor bonding time. Plus, it improves balance and coordination.
A properly fitted bike helmet is necessary for safety, so always include it with the gift.
- Air Purifier
During Iowa winters, people spend more time indoors. An air purifier helps create a healthier home environment. It does this by:
- Reducing allergens and dust
- Filtering airborne viruses and bacteria
- Improving breathing for those with asthma or respiratory issues
- Supporting better sleep and overall wellness
- Indoor Herb Garden Kit
An indoor herb garden kit is perfect for cooks, plant lovers, or anyone wanting fresh flavors year-round. If you’ve ever cooked with fresh herbs, you know how much more delicious foods are versus using dried herbs. Growing an herb garden also provides stress relief through gardening and encourages home cooking.
- Electric Toothbrush
Oral health is connected to whole-body health, including heart health. Electric toothbrushes improve gum health because they remove plaque more effectively. In addition, they have built-in timers to help ensure proper brushing time.
- Weighted Wearables
Wearables that are weighted are increasingly popular, such as weighted vests or Bala bangles to wear around wrists and ankles. They provide gentle resistance to walks or daily chores, boosting calorie burn during normal activities. Plus, they’re small, portable, and a nice gift for fitness enthusiasts.
- Compression Socks
Compression socks are a highly useful gift for nurses, travelers, pregnant women, older adults, and athletes. They improve circulation, reduce swelling in legs and feet, and help prevent blood clots during prolonged sitting.
It’s easy to find socks marketed as “compression” socks, but it’s important they compress enough to achieve the results mentioned above. To get specific advice, contact Avera Home Medical Equipment of Lakes Regional Healthcare at 712-339-6140.
- Gift Certificate for a Massage
Massage therapy supports physical and emotional wellness for nearly everyone. It reduces stress, anxiety, and muscle tension. Plus, it improves circulation and helps with chronic pain conditions.
- Eco-Friendly, Health-Conscious Kitchen Supplies
For this gift, think of items made from metal, glass, wood, or ceramic instead of plastics. Such items reduce exposure to microplastics and chemicals. Some items to consider include:
- Cutting boards
- Utensils
- Food storage containers
- Stainless steel or cast-iron pans
- Air fryer
Pair with a cookbook that contains healthy recipes for a wholesome gift set.
- Healthy Snacks Basket
Create a personalized gift basket with healthy snacks, such as:
- Dark chocolate (70%+ cocoa)
- Raw or lightly roasted nuts
- Air-popped popcorn
- Fresh or dried fruit with no added sugar
- Herbal teas
Choosing wellness-oriented gifts is a way to show loved ones you care about their health and safety. Whether it’s encouraging movement, supporting independence, or simply reducing stress, these thoughtful items show them you want them around for years to come.
