“Easy peasy, and it’s a gift that keeps on giving all year long!”

Christmas time is most definitely here! This past weekend I was going past an outlet mall that had lines of cars waiting just to enter the parking lot.

Pure madness.

It’s getting down to the wire. That’s why – whenever I can – I prefer to online shop. Way less physical hassle and way less waiting time.

Now, I’m a perfectionist shopper. I want to find THE PERFECT gift for my friends and family. If you’re anything like me, you spend lots of time scrolling through websites in pursuit of a present that you know the receiver will love. So I’ve decided to make an ultimate holiday gift guide (health and wellness edition) for others to use, in the hopes they’ll be able to find those “perfect” gifts for their loved ones (and save a little shopping time).

In keeping with my blog topics, these gifts are divided into exercise, nutrition, and mental wellness categories. There’s literally something on here for everyone.

Whether they’re health nuts or not, anyone can use a health-related gift, especially during the winter season when sniffles abound and the weather’s gray and cold.

So take a peek, and enjoy shopping for gifts your loved one’s will enjoy!

Please note: This post contains affiliate links. For details, please visit my Disclosure page. Thank you!

Fitness

If you haven’t seen my Home Exercise Equipment for Effective and Efficient Workouts post, go check it out! There are a ton of exercise gifts ideas on that list too.

The Runner

Water bottle

This is the exact running water bottle I have and the same one my brother, an ultramarathoner, uses on training runs. It’s the perfect size for carrying in your hand, with a strap to keep it in place, and has a pocket for your phone and keys.

Wireless earbuds

I don’t have these, but I see at least half the people at my gym using them. As someone who is prone to catching headphone wires on everything, I absolutely see the appeal and would love to try them. These particular wireless earbuds are very decently priced.

Magazine subscription

I got the Runner’s World magazine subscription for my brother last year for Christmas – such a fun and convenient gift! Since I don’t live close by, I didn’t have to worry about a bulky gift to bring home in my suitcase. I simply bought a running magazine and got a card saying what his gift would be. Easy peasy, and a gift that keeps on giving all year long!

 

The Hiker

Hiking poles

Whether you want to get one hiking pole or a pair of two, they’re a great gift for someone who wants to go out on more hiking excursions. Regardless of the gift receiver’s age, hiking poles will provide the extra stability needed to tackle both level and rocky terrain alike.

Hiking Backpack

Any hiker needs a backpack. This one has great reviews and many compartments, without being too bulky. The Mubasel backpack is ideal for day trips and will keep your things dry as well, making it also ideal for rafting and boating trips.

Hiking first aid kit

Now what kind of nurse would I be if I didn’t suggest getting a first aid kit? Any hiker will tell you it’s crucial to have basic first aid supplies when outdoors on your own. Not only that, it’s important to keep those supplies updated. Although you may not think that alcohol wipes expire, they can dry out if very old. Odds are, the hiker in your life could use a new first aid kit.

Backpacker Magazine

Fun fact: also got this magazine for my brother last year, as he loves to hike. Backpacker has tons of helpful info for aspiring and even experienced hikers, gives good information about gear, and shares the best trails for hiking. You can’t go wrong with a magazine subscription. (Amazon actually has TONS, for all different subjects/interests).

The Weight Lifter

Dumbbells

As I put in my home exercise equipment post, dumbbells are one of the best home pieces of equipment to get. While some gadgets/machines are exercise specific, dumbbells can be used for a wide variety of exercises. This set has 3 different weight amounts, making it an ideal gift for someone getting started with home weight training who could benefit from the options.

Thick mat

A thick mat is a great gift for bodyweight training. It’s a piece of equipment I use practically every day at the gym, but only wish I had at home. Instead, I usually use a towel on the carpet for my ab circuits…trust me, these mats are WAY better.

Basic bench

I’ve recommended a bench with incline features before, which I think is a great home option to have. But if you’re looking for a simple gift to get someone and don’t know their in-depth workout regimen, you can’t go wrong with a basic bench.

Benches are great for bodyweight work such as step-ups and dumbbell weight training such as chest presses. As long as you know the receiver will have room for it or at least a good closet for storage between uses, this is a good way to go.

The Yogi

Yoga mat

A yoga mat is a great gift for many people. Even if someone doesn’t consider themselves a “yogi”, if they’re at all interested in stretching/meditation they’ll love this gift. I like the Gaiam mats as a cheap, nice-quality mat. Just be aware that if your friend is on-board the hot yoga trend, you may want to gift them a towel as well to help prevent sliding. #sweat

Yoga Towel

Speaking of using towels for that sweaty yoga sesh, check out this one!

Yoga blocks

Yoga blocks are a good staple for a yoga-loving friend. They can help to increase comfort during certain poses and are offered during a lot of yoga classes. If you know someone who practices yoga at home – or maybe is a little squeamish about germs and sharing equipment – then blocks would be a great gift for them.

Other

ClassPass

ClassPass is a company that allows you to participate in classes at various studios in your area for a flat, monthly subscription rate. It’s perfect for someone who wants to try out different types of workouts/studios before settling on their favorite, but also great for those who love to switch up their workout routine. Usually it’s very expensive to be a member at multiple studios at once, so ClassPass greatly reduces the cost and commitment to one place. And they have giftcards so you can get someone started on their membership as a holiday gift!

To give a ClassPass giftcard, click here.

Nutrition

Cookbooks

Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow.

If you’re looking for a cookbook that’s athlete-specific, it doesn’t get much better than taking tips from Olympian runner Shalane Flanagan and chef Elyse Kopeck. This cookbook is an Amazon best-seller and for good reason. If you don’t know any runners, don’t worry. This cookbook is great for all athletes and healthy-eating enthusiasts alike.

Oh She Glows Every Day

Oh She Glows is a wonderful blog full of tasty vegan recipes by Angela Liddon. She’s written several cookbooks that have been huge hits. I’ve tried recipes from this cookbook and they are fantastic. I’d highly, highly recommend it.

Minimalist Baker’s Everyday Cooking

The Minimalist Baker’s blog and YouTube channel are both amazing. While I haven’t tried out this cookbook, the recipes I’ve tried from the Minimalist Baker website have been so good that I feel confident this book is nothing short of brilliant. The recipes Dana Shultz (the creator behind the eats) shares are plant-based and simple – either due to a limited number of ingredients used or a short cooking duration. All I know is I’m all about making things easier, and if the quality can still be incredible then I’m absolutely on board with this cookbook.

Mental Wellness

As you may know, I’ve already put up a couple of posts with great gifts for mental wellness. My post on perfect relaxation gifts is ideal for those who could use some stress-relief in their lives.

I also have a post on my favorite mental wellness books (not novels), all of which I own and use – AND got as Christmas gifts in 2017! They are perfect for this time of year as well since they help you focus and ready your mindset to take on the new year.

Here are a few of my favorites from those lists:

Essential Oil Roller Ball

Give the gift of stress relief anywhere you go! I love the idea of having this essential oil roller ball stashed in a purse ready for use whenever, wherever.

Microwave Heating Pad

The design on this microwave heating pad is so cute. I love the size of it too!

Unique Tea Sampler

I found this wonderfully unique tea sampler on Etsy. Not only does the tea itself have great reviews, but look at that presentation!

52 Lists for Happiness by Moorea Seal

Sometimes just spending a moment to think about what makes you happy will actually help increase your happiness. That’s the premise of this book of lists. Each week of the year there’s a new prompt, each of which invites you to be more mindful of the positives in your life. For each list, there’s also a suggestion of actions you can take to further boost your present happiness. Perfect for anyone devoted to wellness!

I hope you’ve found this health and wellness gift guide helpful! Holiday shopping can be stressful, and I always find gift guides like this helpful. And thank you so much for any purchase you make through my links. Your support helps keep this blog going!

Happy holidays!