It’s the Ho-Ho-Holidays! With all the hustle, bustle, and party hopping, our health and the health of others is often placed on the back burner. As a result, we’re run down, overly tired, and quite frankly, over it once all is said and done.
As you traipse over the river and through the woods this holiday season, take a moment to prioritize wellness. And whether you’re shopping for a friend, family member or yourself – NO ONE can resist a good Black Friday Deal, am I right?! Here are our top 11 wellness picks to fill Santa’s bag and stuff their stockings with the gift that keeps on giving – health!
Related Reading: THE ULTIMATE WORKOUT SUPPLEMENT TIMELINE
1. Self-Care Stocking Stuffers
- Self-care can mean different things to different people. For some it’s a trip to the spa, a binge-watching their favorite show, hitting the gym, grocery shopping solo, or simply using the bathroom without interruption from their four-year-old. Here are some categories and thought starters to make self-care more manageable for you and your loved ones.
-
Relaxation & Meditation
- Yoga mats · Aromatherapy and essential oils and aromatherapy
- Candles
- Bath salts
- A subscription to a meditation or mindfulness app
-
Beauty
- A gift certificate to their favorite hair or nail salon
- Beauty supplements
- Skincare products, such as lotion and soaps
-
2. Encourage Exercise
Get the ball rolling or encourage the process. Supporting the exercise efforts of your loved ones can speak volumes. It shows you’re on their team, you care, and you want them to succeed. We recommend:
- Gift certificates to their favorite gym
- Exercise class packages
- An online membership to a fitness platform or app
3. Fitness Equipment
- Movement matters. Strength and flexibility provide benefits at any age. As at home workouts continue to gain popularity, we don’t always have the budget (or room) for a fancy new bike or treadmill. So, keep it simple!
- Yoga mats aren’t just for yoga – they provide a great spot for stretching, floor exercise or meditation. And they’re portable! In warmer months, enjoy a workout outside in the park or at the beach. And the next time you’ve got a video call scheduled and your partner needs to get a workout in – ship them off to another room in the house. No excuses!
- Resistance bands are a great gift for those just getting into a fitness. Plus, they make the perfect travel companion for the frequent flyer in your life. Packable in suitcase or backpack and easily stuffed in a stocking.
4. Workout Apparel and Accessories
- Whether you work out at home or the trendiest fitness studio in town – who doesn’t want to look good at the gym? Comfy yoga pants, cozy sweatshirts, hats, headbands, or socks! Whatever their style, your loved one is sure to appreciate this gift.
- Encourage movement! Fitness trackers are both practical and a fashion statement.
- Wish your husband wouldn’t wear his wedding band to the gym? We’ve got a solve for you! Silicon rings are a great alternative to traditional jewelry that can get scratched or lost easily. 5. Muscle Recovery
- There’s nothing better than a good massage. Relaxing? Yes. Soothing? You bet. Supports your effort in the gym? Yup! If you or your partner have a full body massage on their wish list, consider the gift of muscle recovery.
- Foam rollers, massage balls, deep tissue roller sticks and the power of massage gun therapy. Put on some calming music, light a candle, and enjoy the spa treatment at home! And if you’re typically the one providing massage, these alternatives can work in your favor as well! 6. Energy and Stress Support
- Stress is synonymous with the holidays. And as of late, life in general. We all deserve a break from the day-to-day. Be that through self-care or supplements that provide calming benefits, sleep, or relaxation.
- Know someone who could use a little pep in their step? A new mom? Your coworker who seems to hit the afternoon slump during your 3pm meeting? While a gift card to a coffee shop may seem like the obvious choice, think outside the box (or in it in this case) with supplements to support their energy goals. 7. Hydration and Electrolytes
- Whether it’s rough night or a rough workout (hanging holiday lights or toting Santa’s bag around town TOTALLY counts!). Speed recovery with the help of hydration products and electrolytes and get back to action sooner. 8. Water Bottles
- Speaking of hydration… Did you know carrying a water bottle encourages fluid intake throughout the day? There are so many benefits to being properly hydrated – from health to sports to beauty! Keep your loved ones on top of their hydration goals with a cute water bottle that suits their personality! o And while we’re at it, we’d be remiss not to mention the elusive shaker cup – used and loved by the most active of individuals. Scoop it, shake it, sip it. 9. Healthy Snacks
- Supporting someone trying to lose or maintain their weight? Is the athlete in your life always on the go? Ensure your loved ones are meeting their needs with these high protein bars and snacks. Bonus points when they taste like their favorite candy bar.
10. Meal Kits
- Meal kits have gained popularity over the past few years. We’re busy, we’re bored, we’re lazy! Whatever the reason, a gift certificate or subscription to a meal delivery service provides healthy meals ready to eat or ready to cook in just the right quantity.
- Take advantage of Real Eats, GNC’s prepared meal partner. Fresh, local foods cooked sous vide to lock in freshness and flavor. Perfectly portioned complete meals or sides delivered to your door, ready in just six minutes!
11. Supplements
So many to choose from, so little time! There’s something for everyone in this department! Support their health goals with a few staple products.
-
Multivitamins
- Available for specific age groups, genders, life stages or wellness goals. A great way to ensure nutritional needs are being met when their diet is less than perfect – and whose is this time of year? PSA – eggnog is NOT a food group!
-
Immune Support
- Cold temps, close quarters, kids… it’s a recipe for disaster! Feeling under the weather during the Holiday’s is no fun at all. Grab an immune-supporting product for every member of the family for benefits to last through the dreary days of Winter.
-
Fish Oil
- Kudos if your family tradition is to feast on the seven fishes! But if you’re like most folks this time of year (or most days of the year), you’re not likely consuming the recommended amount of omega 3’s through foods like fatty fish. A fish oil supplement can help! With benefits for heart, skin, eyes, brain health and joints!
-
Probiotics
- Digestive health is no joke during the holidays. Schedules are out of whack and without the consistency of what and when we eat, things can get a little, err… uncomfortable? We need all the help we can get! Probiotics can support gut health by providing good bacteria to aid digestive health. They also provide immune-supporting benefits!
So, there you have it! Our top 11 wellness gifts – wrapped. It’s time to put a bow on it, stash it in Santa’s bag and stuff their stockings. These presents are sure to bring a smile to those most important in our lives.