Giving the Gift of Health
Your guide to buying gifts that will support your loved ones on their way to better health!
Christmas shopping – whether you love it or you hate it, we all have those people in our lives who are just impossible to shop for. So what better gift than the gift of health? Put the bath bomb down, step away from the novelty apron and follow this guide for gifts that will actually support their health goals and help them on their way to living their full lives.
**As a note, these are just my recommendations and personal preferences, none of these are sponsored or affiliate links!**
For The Head Chef in Training
1. A nice knife or knife set.
It doesn’t have to be super expensive, but a good knife makes such a difference in the kitchen! A small paring knife, a serrated bread knife and a larger chef’s knife are the top three that every kitchen needs.
BBC Good Food did a good review of budget knives and for a more comprehensive list go here .
2. A small food processor.
Again this doesn’t need to be the top of the range or one that takes up all the kitchen space. I have a very tiny one like this that does the job! Soups, sauces, hummus, pesto, smoothies – it does it all and takes up no precious worktop space!
3. The stocking filler
A Measuring spoon set. This might sound boring but actually, they can be very slick and serious, like these or beautifully artistic like these.
Sporty Spice ( Or the Wannabe!)
1. A yoga/exercise mat.
A nice mat is a joy to work out on and will bring a smile to their face every time they use it. A yoga mat is also like a mini portable gym for travelling or holidays. This is a good review of the pricier options, while this has a wider budget range!
2. Resistance bands.
Another great piece of kit that can elevate a home workout or be brought on the road for travelling. I like small bands with increasing strengths like these.
3. The Stocking Filler
Socks! Literally the best present ever. Made extra special if you can get socks specific to the exercise that someone loves – hiking, running, cycling, home workouts…whatever it is, there is a specific sock for it! This is a good place to start.
The Reader
1. Why We Sleep, Matthew Walker.
This is such a good book, and ( I think) everyone should read it! If you need convincing that sleep is one of the most powerful health tools we have, read my blog on sleep here .
2. Anything by Dr Giles Yeo
His research around obesity, appetite and weight management is fascinating and he writes so well – engaging, funny and evidence-based. These are his books.
3. The Stocking Filler.
The Little Book of Calm. A Black Books reference, but it is also just a really sweet book!
The Stress Head
1. An Adult Colouring Book or a Virtual Art Class.
We did virtual classes with Classes - Wild Life Drawing through lockdown and they were the most relaxed hour of my week! It’s a bit different but such a great gift.
2. A Yoga Class Pass.
Online studies like Yoga with Maura do various class passes which would be such a lovely way to give the gift of relaxation, or find their local studio to book an in-person class!
3. The Stocking Filler.
A nice candle. What more can I say? Or a nice pot of honey, it’s impossible to be stressed when you’re dipping the spoon into a jar of gorgeous wild honey, Winnie the Pooh style (Crop top and no pants optional).
The Swimmer // The Tadpole in Training!
1. A towelling robe.
Wild/cold/open water swimming, call it what you will but it’s gotten hugely popular in recent years and for good reason! As an avid cold swimmer, I swear by my towelling robe for easy changing after. They are especially great when your fingers don’t have the dexterity to manage towel, swimsuit and underwear without indecent exposure! Unless its very cold I prefer the more lightweight towelling robe like these over these more heavyweight styles.
2. A Flask or Travel Mug.
Nothing hits better than a warm cup of tea after a cold plunge! Heating from the inside out is actually really important after cold water so having a hot drink to hand is key.
3. The Stocking Filler.
A cosy beanie! I always wear a beanie hat when I’m swimming in the winter. It’s a strong look, the bikini and beanie, but they really do help keep the warm in! A friend gifted me the Stay Wild Swim beanie last year and it’s my absolute favourite for swimming.
The Parkrun Champ//Newbie
1. Something Reflective.
This is a bit nerdy but being well lit is THE MOST IMPORTANT part of exercising outside in the dark. I have big reflective gloves for cycling and they are the best bit of kit I’ve ever bought. This could be a reflective headband, leggings ( Nine Pine do amazing reflective leggings I use for winter commuting) or a beanie.
2. A Running Vest.
Okay maybe this is overkill for a short shuffle around the park, but they’re very cool and actually super handy. So many pockets!
3. The Stocking Filler.
I’m going there again – Running socks! I’ve consulted my sister who runs half marathons, and safe to say, socks matter! They can stop blisters from forming and keep you pounding the pavement pain-free. This is a very in-depth review.
Your parents
1. Cookbooks.
Parents are notoriously hard to shop but for someone trying to improve their health a new cookbook can be such an inspiration and bring the fun back into meals! On my wish list this year is Comfort and Joy by Ravinder Bhogal.
2. A veggie box subscription.
Hear me out, since the cost of living crisis the average UK household is now buying less and less veg. This may not sound very exciting but there are so many great companies in the UK doing amazing veg boxes that are a joy to receive! I like ones that mix well-known favourites with other more adventurous varieties – so good for someone who likes to be pushed out of their comfort zone!
3. A physio appointment (not a stocking filler but a great last-minute option!)
For many older adults, old injuries, the fear of falling, or the fear of pain, stops them from exercising. Getting the all-clear from an exercise physio can be a great way to boost someone's confidence before starting a new exercise regime!
I hope this has given you some inspiration and saves you from last-minute panic!
Wishing a very merry Christmas and a joyful, peaceful and restorative holiday!
