For the Fitness Enthusiast
Biological Aging Test Kit: The concept of how our biological age measures up to our chronological age is fascinating, and one that I’ll be covering more in a future column. For now, though, the quick snapshot is that there are a lot of companies offering this, yet the data is questionable. I’ve been impressed with the TruAge epigenetic test by TruDiagnostics (I have no financial affiliation), a company that partners with Harvard, Duke and Yale to offer biological age testing that’s backed by science. They’re offering readers a 20 percent discount with promo code FUELED. Not your typical holiday gift, I know, but it’s one that I know I would love to receive.
Personalized Fitness Tech and Accessories: The latest in smart technology, like the Oura Ring, Apple Watch, Whoop or Fitbit, make it easy to track the quality of our workouts, recovery, sleep and more. For a budget-friendly option, gifting an upgraded band for their smart watch can be both a stylish and practical gift.
Customized Fitness Kits: Tailor a fitness gift pack with items like a high-quality yoga mat, resistance bands and a hydration tracking water bottle with an assortment of electrolyte water bottle add-ins. Include a subscription to a virtual fitness class to round out this functional gift.
Sessions with an Expert: Gift a series of lessons (think tennis, golf, pickleball) or a package of personal training sessions at a local fitness center.
For the Nutrition Enthusiast
The Gift of Gourmet: For the home chef, gift a wellness-focused cookbook paired with ingredients needed to create one of the recipes. Our Eat Fit Cookbook offers nutritious and delicious chef-inspired recipes for the home (all proceeds benefit Ochsner’s Eat Fit nonprofit initiative). Add a gift card for a local option like McCord Butchery, Porgy’s Seafood Market or the Crescent City Farmers Market to round out this culinary bundle.
Supplement Starter Pack: Customize with products they’ve been interested in trying out, from collagen to creatine, nutrition bars or protein powders.
Sessions with an Expert: Treat them to a session with a registered dietitian for personalized guidance tailored to specific health needs and goals. It’s a thoughtful and empowering gift for anyone looking to refine their nutritional strategy or take on new wellness goals in the coming year. Make sure to verify their qualifications first, like confirming that they are a Registered Dietitian or a board-certified sports dietitian (CSSD) if you’re looking for a nutritionist with sports certification. Find a dietitian across the U.S. at eatright.org, and of course, my local recommendation always includes our expert Lifestyle Nutrition team of RDs with Ochsner Health (nutrition@ochsner.org).
For Environmental Enthusiasts
Gardening Sets: For those with or without a green thumb, compact gardening kits for vertical gardening make it easy to grow herbs – or even vegetables – indoors.
Sustainable Living Products: Encourage eco-friendly habits with gifts like a reusable water bottle from EcoVessel (and of course everyone loves their Stanley double-wall insulated cups), or a waste-minimizing starter kit that includes reusable bags, beeswax wraps and a compost bin.
For Mental Wellness and Creative Minds
Mindfulness Apps Subscription: A year-long subscription to a mindfulness app like Headspace or Calm can help to start or deepen their meditation practice, promoting relaxation and stress relief.
MasterClass Subscription: For the lifelong learners on your list, a subscription to MasterClass allows them to learn from experts in various fields, from cooking to photography.
Journaling for Self-Discovery: A high-quality journal from a local store like Scriptura can offer a personal space for thoughts and reflections. For added inspiration, pair it with a set of good pens or a book on positivity (currently on my nightstand is “Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness” by Jamil Zaki).
DIY Creative Outlets: Making something with our hands is not only rewarding, it also benefits our mental wellbeing. Encourage creativity with DIY kits for making jewelry or candles or gift a series of painting or pottery classes. It’s not just about the end result; it’s about the joy of creating.
For Relaxation & Rejuvenation
Spa Experience at Home: Consider gifting products from local retailers like Home Malone, Earthsavers or Vibrant Market to create a basket filled with natural relaxation products, from magnesium bath flakes and scrubs to essential oils, aromatherapy sprays and candles, to eye masks and neck wraps. Add a soft robe and comfy slippers to elevate the luxury factor.
Sessions with an Expert: You can go fancy with an experience like The Windsor Court Spa or The Spa at Four Seasons, though my regular go-to is our team of talented massage therapists (I’m looking at you, Ruth Marie Sperier) that work with me at Ochsner Fitness Center.
Sleep Optimization Set: Include items like a weighted blanket, a white noise machine and a lavender pillow spray to help enhance the quality of their rest.
This season, take the opportunity to give something truly impactful. Gifts that support a deeper sense of wellbeing and joy are gifts that will positively influence our lives long after the holiday season, spreading health, happiness, and a spirit of wellness throughout the coming year.
