Howdy, Warrior! We are heavy into the holiday shopping bonanza. Hanukkah begins on Friday and Christmas and Kwanzaa won’t be too far off. So, I’ve got something new for you, a Gift Guide!
Now, a few notes. If you have been around MMW for any amount of time, you’ll know that I prefer to focus on practices that move the needle. In fact, in the world of health and wellness, there are a few things that all of us should be doing. I also prefer to focus on items that actually deliver on their promises.
So, in this Gift Guide, you WON’T find anything gimmicky, crazy expensive, or one trick ponies. That’s right, no activity trackers, no massive strength setups you need a new credit card and/or an entire room for, no supplements and no Thigh Masters. #iykyk Oh, and you also won’t find things I make money from. Just the things I believe in, are accessible, and affordable.
Resistance Bands
Let’s start with the things I yap about All. The. Time. There are few wellness products that can deliver such a bang for your buck like resistance bands. You can use them for home based workouts or take them to the gym with you to add in to your routine. They are super beginner friendly and can duplicate 90% of traditional weight based exercises. Oh, and they can adapt to you if you have different movement patterns.
The type you purchase should reflect what the receiver is planning to do with them. If they are looking to add challenge to mostly lower body exercises, you can’t go wrong with booty bands. Upper body exercises are tougher to adapt with these, but it can be done.
The longer loop bands are awesome if they are working towards their first pull up or if they’d like to add additional challenge to more traditional gym based exercises like deadlifts. The longer loop allows these to be hooked around equipment with ease.
If they are looking for a home based set up, then a set that comes with varying tensions, multiple handles, and the super useful door anchor is the way to go.
Cardio
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need a crazy treadmill set up to get a good cardio workout. Although, I live in an area where winter and all it brings is a thing and I can’t always get outside for a walk or bike ride so I get that struggle. But there are compact options.
A ropeless jump rope is the easiest way to get the heart pumping. Plus, they won’t have to worry about ceiling clearance or whipping their shins when they miss.
Another of my favorites is an agility ladder. Much like a jump rope, they’ll get their heart rate up and it is easy to fold up and store. Bonus if there is a budding athlete is the house.
If neither of those seems right, a gift certificate to a sporting goods store (local if you can) so the receiver can purchase some new sneaks might be appropriate.
Yoga
If you have a budding yogi on your list, or just someone who doesn’t want to stretch on a hard surface floor, they’ll need a yoga mat. Luckily, these are affordable and come in every print or pattern imaginable.
Water Bottles
Hydration is so important. Being properly hydrated makes every single body process easier. Plus it offers amazing benefits to the skin, the largest organ in our body.
If they have trouble keeping track, a bottle with a reminder built in comes in handy. Bonus points if it has a carrying strap so they can get in the habit of bringing it with them easily.
If they’re looking for a basic bottle, you can’t go wrong with the original Nalgene. Just like yoga mats, these come in tons of color combinations. And they are basically indestructible.
If you are gifting these to someone who completes long or intense workouts, or is training hard for a big goal, don’t forget to stuff them full of electrolyte replacement packets or tablets.
Meal Planning and Prep
Most of us start off the new year with some major diet over hauls. Help the person on your list understand that meal planning and prep are two of the easiest ways to manage this by getting them some new kitchen gadgets.
A good set of knives makes all prep easier. This colorful set will make prep seem like less of a chore all while brightening up their kitchen. Plus, each knife comes with a matching cover.
Storing and transporting prepped meals is half the battle. Glass containers with lids stack easily in the fridge and won’t leach chemicals into food if it needs to be microwaved. Dishwasher safe bento boxes and snack boxes are perfect for lunch in the office, at school, or travelling.
And lastly, make meal planning easier with a tear off list. This one has enough room to note any after school activities or late meetings that might affect dinner, too.
Journaling
Writing stuff down just hits different. Whether it is a to do list, a nightly brain dump, or workouts, having a paper and pen around can be useful.
These notebooks will look great sitting out on a desk or nightstand and can be used for anything.
If keeping track of workouts is something they struggle with, then what they need is a simple format that has room for everything. This notebook can help track anything and everything they can think of in one organized spot.
If drawing, sketching, or painting are more their stride, then by all means a good sketchpad is a necessity.
Gratitude
I’m a huge proponent of gratitude practices and there are so many ways to include this into daily routines. Use one of the first set of notebooks from the journaling list if writing is their style.
If they are new to the practice and need some prompting, this simple journal gives the writer a few things to think about every day.
And if they have kids, get the whole family in on it with this journal that parents are sure to enjoy as much as the littles.
I hope this guide helps making your gifting season a little easier, Warrior. Until next time, be well friends!
