5 Healthy Holiday Gift Ideas

Ah, the joy of gift-giving season—the time of the year when how well you know what to buy your loved ones gets put to the test. Perhaps you’ve bought your spouse so many presents over the years that it’s hard to think of something truly unique. Or you have one of those friends or family members who’s “impossible” to buy for.

If you’re finding yourself stumped for new gift ideas this year, we can help! And since we sent you a longevity-themed email series earlier in the year, it’s only fitting to consider health-related gifts this holiday season.

Some ideas include a:

• Book subscription. In our longevity series, we talked about how important it is to flex your cognitive muscles. Reading frequently is a great way to achieve this, as it can prevent dementia by as much as five years and decrease memory loss by 30%. What’s even more interesting is that studies show reading for at least six minutes can reduce stress levels by up to 68%. And if you’re considering a book-themed gift, it isn’t that expensive. Digital book subscriptions start at about $10, while hardback book-of-the-month clubs begin at $15 per month.
• Smart jump rope. Is there someone in your life looking to boost their cardiovascular health? Studies show that jumping rope for at least 10 minutes can provide the same heart health benefits as a 30-minute jog. They also can help improve coordination and movement. While you could buy a regular jump rope, spending $30 for a smart jump rope can help its user by measuring the number of jumps, calories burned, workout duration and other metrics that can be sent directly to their smartphone.
• Smart ring. These subtle devices have been praised for their ability to measure sleep quality, heart rate variability, blood oxygen levels and heart rate. Rings may even provide more precise readings compared to those worn on your wrist. These devices, which start at $199, are especially good for people who “obsess” over the metrics displayed on their smartwatches. Instead, this data is sent directly to an app.
• TENS Machine. These devices use low-voltage electrical currents to block pain signals and boost endorphins. Some people even describe it as a drug-free way to lower pain, similar to the benefits of massage therapy. Often it's used to combat back, arthritis, fibromyalgia and sports injury pain. These machines can cost as little as $25, and studies show they are effective. While 99% of people reported that TENS machines helped alleviate their pain, another 83% experienced improvements in their daily functionality.
• White noise machine. You may not have heard of these unless you’ve had children or grandchildren, but they are great devices for adults, too. Sound machines can help people fall asleep faster, even in noisy surroundings (such as big cities), stay asleep longer and feel more rested upon waking. Incorporating a sound machine into your bedtime routine can help remind your body that it's time to wind down and relax. And isn't a good night's sleep worth $20 to $80?

Happy shopping!

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