Christmas gifts for health and wellness
Give someone a healthy life this year with one of these gift ideas from the writers and editors of Well.
What gift made your life better
That's the question I asked Well's editors, writers, and contributors, and the result is our very first Well's guide to Christmas gifts. This list is full of surprising ideas, many of which were influenced by the changes we all had to make in living a pandemic. You will find gifts to improve your exercise habits outside of the gym, new cleaning methods, ideas for stress relief, and gifts to help you feel more secure during the coronavirus crisis. To a healthier vacation for all of us.
Binoculars for exploring
Here's a gift for those who spend more time outdoors. “We bought binoculars in April after our preschool closed and long walks in nearby parks became our only outdoor activity. The binoculars gave us another way to explore the world at a time when everything was turning upside down. We wanted ones that our daughter (who was 3 years old at the time) could use without freaking out if she accidentally scratched or broken it! " Cost: about $ 20 – Christina Caron, reporter
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Better bike shorts
Elevenpine bike shorts are everywhere wearable bike shorts for people who like to ride a bike, but not spandex. “I think it's great how stretchy, flattering and versatile they are, because thanks to the wonders of the Velcro you can make your legs tight or loose. They are expensive which is why I only own one pair. But it's the pair I grab for most of the rides and also for gym workouts as the pad is separate. I gave pairs to my son and husband for Christmas last year and indicated to my husband that I wouldn't mind having another pair this year. " Cost: $ 90 to $ 120 – Gretchen Reynolds, columnist for Phys Ed
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Rain shower head
Create a spa experience at home. "I recently received a rain shower head as a gift and now I feel like I'm in a spa every time I shower (especially when I turn off the lights, add aromatic oils, and light candles). The water comes out almost like a waterfall, and…" the water flow is straight down, not at an angle like a normal shower head. I would never have bought something like this and now I can't live without it. Divine! " Cost: $ 30 and more – Julia Calderone, Senior Editor
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Teaching yoga mat
You will never forget a yoga pose with the New Me Fitness yoga mat, which is printed directly on the mat with images of 70 poses. It makes a great gift for an adult new to yoga or a child. “My kids love these yoga mats. My 4-year-old especially likes to look at the poses and then try them out for herself. It may not be a perfect yogini move, but she is having a wonderful time. " Cost: about $ 30 – Jessica Grose, parenting columnist
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Fingertip pulse oximeter
A pulse oximeter is a small battery-operated device that attaches to your fingertip and measures the amount of oxygen in your blood. It is an important tool for monitoring your health if you become infected with Covid-19. "It's an absolutely good thing to have in your medicine cabinet and toss in your gift bag," said Dr. Richard Levitan, who has called for extensive home oxygen monitoring during the pandemic. Don't wait for someone to get sick. I've already shipped half a dozen of these affordable devices to friends and family so I know they'll have one on hand when they need it. You can find one at your local pharmacy or online. Cost: about $ 20 to $ 40 – – Tara Parker-Pope, columnist
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Portable air filter
A portable air filter can remove viruses and other pollutants from the air in your home. Buy one with a high "clean air flow rate" that is big enough for the room. Read more from Wirecutter, a New York Times company. “We bought a couple of these for our home and we thought it might be a good gift for my mother-in-law or a good gift for anyone who lives in an apartment building that is worried about aerosols. ” Cost: $ 100 and more – Apoorva Mandavilli, science reporter
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GPS running watch
If your favorite gym rat has been exercising outdoors, a fitness watch might be the perfect gift. "Now that gyms are too high a risk, I've started running outside a lot more. I bought a Garmin smartwatch to track and log my runs, and I love it. My favorite feature is that the watch is mine shows my distance and pace in real time when running. I usually start running too fast and get tired. With the Garmin, I can look down at my wrist and see if I'm running too fast or too slow in real time and adjust my pace so that I can achieve my goals. " Cost: $ 150 and more – Anahad O'Connor, reporter
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Chemo clothing
If you love someone undergoing cancer treatment, this particular t-shirt from Comfy Chemo will make life a little easier. “Everyone has a zipper on either side from the collar to their forearm, so it works regardless of whether a port is implanted on the right or left side of the chest. I mentioned these port access t-shirts in a column I wrote about clothing and cancer, but very few people seem to know about them. They mean that the patient does not have to undress for an infusion: she just opens. So many nurses kvell about my port t-shirt. " Cost: about $ 35 – Susan Gubar, Living With Cancer columnist
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Personalized masks
You can never have too many masks these days. So why not give one with a personal touch? "I received this gift idea from a devoted mask-wearer who lives in an area with like-minded people and often doesn't know who she's talking to. She suggests buying a supply of black or white masks and each mask with the name of the recipient Personalize: I'm Jane. I'm Joe. "You can use iron-on letters or fabric markers. When you are ready to embroider, add an extra layer to the mask for extra protection as the embroidery pokes holes in the top layer. Cost: about $ 5 to $ 10 – Jane Brody, personal health columnist
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Touchless soap dispenser
“When I started washing my hands more at the beginning of the pandemic, I found that I touched and contaminated the soap pump every time I lathered up. I solved the problem with this rechargeable touchless soap dispenser from Simple Human. I know it's just soap, but I enjoy it every time a drop of citrus-scented foam splashes on my hand. " Cost: $ 60 – Tara Parker-Pope, columnist
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Comfort blanket
Weighted blankets are a popular gift on this holiday. Read our test report in Wirecutter. “Weighted blankets for the masses! I have one for myself right now and my sleep has improved. It may be a placebo effect, but I'll enjoy it while it lasts! They're surprisingly cheaper than I expected. " Cost: $ 60 and more – Roni Rabin, science reporter
If a weighted blanket isn't your thing, try a cozy faux fur blanket. “I picked one up at the Pottery Barn Outlet in Lancaster two years ago because it somehow suited my dog. After a long day or a cold run, I curl up under it and feel a little better in the world. It's the most important tool in my hygge box. " Cost: $ 40 and more – Jen A. Miller, columnist
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The park project
A mug, hoodie or gift box from the Parks Project supports one of our national parks. "I hope the gifts can be something my sons of outdoor adventurers will enjoy for the time being, but also serve as placeholders to remind them that one day, when we can travel safely again, these parks will be waiting, that we explore them. " Cost: $ 12 to $ 180 – Roberta Zeff, Editor, Well Family
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Robot floor cleaner
As people stay home more, our homes need more cleaning. A robotic floor cleaner can help. “One of my favorite gifts was a robo vacuum. I also have a robotic mop. I wake up with freshly vacuumed carpet lines and a crumb-free kitchen. I called them Gillian and Dustin. It's like a pet that cleans. " Cost: $ 200 and more – Karen Barrow, editorial assistant for the newsroom product
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Soundtrack "A Charlie Brown Christmas"
Songs from the original soundtrack of the CBS special, played by the Vince Guaraldi Trio, created President Barack Obama's vacation playlist. “I have the LP and it still tears me up sometimes because it reminds me to be young. Good for the soul. " Cost: about $ 15 – Sarah Williamson, art director
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Women bean project
The Women's Bean Project offers bean and lentil soup mixes, snacks, and even dog treats, all made by women who have been chronically unemployed. By working for the Bean Project, you are breaking the cycle of poverty. “Your food gifts nourish your body and soul. This nonprofit is in my hometown of Denver and my family has volunteered for it for years. Both your mission and your location are very important to me. " Cost: $ 5 to $ 25 – Lisa Damour, adolescence columnist
