If you’re still stuck for present ideas, here are some suggestions that come with the added bonus of being good for you.
Yoghurt maker
Once relegated to the back of kitchen cupboards with other popular 70s products like fondue sets, the yoghurt maker has recently made a comeback. Yoghurt is made with live cultures containing healthy bacteria that is good for your gut. These cultures only last a few days, so the fresher, the better. Itis also an excellent source of calcium and other nutrients, including vitamins B2 and B12, potassium and magnesium. Plus, homemade yoghurts don’t contain the preservatives and additives that can be found in some shop-bought products, and you can make sure your DIY kind has a lot less sugar than commercial ones.
Blood pressure monitor
Keeping a check on your blood pressure is an important way of monitoring what is going on in your body – and it means you can take action as soon as you see your levels starting to creep up. It can also help you to check on whether any medication you’re on is doing its job, or if lifestyle changes you’re making are having an impact.
Gardening kit
Having shiny new gardening gear can be the inspiration we need to get out in the fresh air and sunshine, which is good for our wellbeing – just take care not to get sunburnt. Pulling weeds, cutting back bushes and putting in new plants is also a useful way of getting some exercise and burn off calories. As well as giving gardening implements, you could also make up a kit that includes herb, vegetable and fruit tree seeds that will one day supply healthy produce.
Dark chocolate
If you are going to give chocolate this Christmas, make sure it is the dark variety. The higher the level of cocoa solids, the better it is for you. Cocoa solids contain compounds that can improve blood flow, which is good for your heart, as it can reduce blood clots and the chance of a heart attack. It also helps blood flow more easily to your brain, which enables you to think more clearly. And it also contains chemicals that boost your mood. Some people find dark chocolate too bitter. If that’s the case, there are many different sorts available now, flavoured with everything from feijoa to chilli.
Hula hoop
These are not just for kids. Celebrities including Beyoncé, Kelly Osbourne and Michelle Obama swear by Hula-Hooping as a way of staying in shape and also losing weight. Vigorous Hula-Hooping can provide you with a good workout – but do warn the person it’s wise to start slowly and gradually build up speed to reduce the possibility of hurting their back. It can also tone thighs and the abdominal and gluteal muscles.
Tea hamper
If there is a keen tea drinker on your Christmas present list, consider putting together a hamper of different teas for them, perhaps with a couple of mugs or even a tea set. Tea contains unique antioxidants called flavonoids which help prevent a variety of diseases. The flavonoids in green tea are the most potent, and research suggests they may interfere with the growth of cancers of the bladder, breast, lung, stomach, pancreas and colon, and decrease the risk of stroke.
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