With all the hoopla about Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and (thankfully) Giving Tuesday, there is little doubt that it’s ON. Holiday preparations are here. Indeed, Zooey Deschanel’s rendition of Santa Baby is playing as I write this and I’ve been baking heaps of cranberry bread, an annual tradition. As for gifts, I haven’t quite gotten rolling with that yet, but I do have a few ideas, all of which run along the lines of fun and fabulous, wholesome and health-promoting. Have a peek at 16 healthy holiday gifts for kids and families below. I’d LOVE to know your ideas for healthy giving as well, so please do share in the comments.
Old-Time Popcorn Maker
Skip the store-bought snacks and give the gift of a whole grain treat made the old-fashioned way. Kids love to crank the handle as the kernels pop.
Yoga Mat
For the yoginis among you (or yogi wannabes), there’s no shortage of mat options, including these sturdy ones by Mankuka that come in great colors. Pair it with a gift certificate to a local yoga studio.
Swell Water Bottles
Get your loved ones well hydrated with a high-style water bottle like these stainless steel beauties from Swell.
Just Dance
Talk about healthy addictions: It’s hard to stop once you get going with the XBox Just Dance game, sure to get kids and adults into the groove.
Adopt a Redwood.
What could be healthier than improving our planet? Planting a redwood in a loved one’s name is a terrific way to improve our carbon footprint.
Farmers Market Activity Book
A colorful DIY book that gives kids ages 4 and up a hands-on look at our food system, from seed to storefront. It includes 100 stickers and educational games, crafts, and a toolkit for setting up your own play farmers’ market. High adorability factor.
Fit Bit
A good way to get anyone motivated to bust a move, the Fit Bit gets a little more stylish every year and comes in an array of colors. It’s on my wish list for this year (Mr. Mom’s Kitchen, are you listening?)
You can’t overlook the importance and joy a delicious and healthy breakfast can bring to family and friends. Right? (if lunch is more their thing, there’s always Best Lunch Box Ever 🙂
A “Get Active” Gift Certificate
Choose a favorite outing with an emphasis on play, whether it’s a trip to the local ice skating rink or a visit to a trampoline park.
For donut fans, better to go baked (and mini) than full-size and fried. Terrific for making other treats too .
Soul Cycle
For those who like to spin, Soul Cycle is a healthy splurge and surefire way to sweat off stress (not to mention the holiday buffet).
My Light Shines Bright Meditation App
We’re learning more all the time about the upside of meditation for every age. This app by the esteemed Deepak Chopra features meditations set to music and tailor-made for kids.
Everything you need to blend up a healthy smoothie, with a cup that can be taken to go. Perfect for busy school day mornings. My kids are fans.
Zoku Ice Pop Maker
An ice pop maker that seems to work like magic, making pops in an instant. For a more economical option from Zoku, you might like this more traditional pop maker.
Holiday Herbal Tea
A cozy tea with a mug to match is a good way to get kids (and grown ups) hooked on something other than soda. Making tea for kids busy with homework has become a sweet tradition in our house.
CSA Box
Give your family the gift of fresh local produce. Sign up for a single box or a whole year’s worth and support a local farm at the same time.
For more gift giving ideas, you might like this post on 15 Favorite Cooking Gifts for Kids
This post includes some affiliate links. Mom’s Kitchen Handbook earns a tiny percentage of purchases made from those links, which is part of what helps to support the running of this blog.