Wednesday, November 29, 2000

Five holiday gift ideas for the healthy minded

Give your friends a head start on staying fit and healthy

Don't panic. There are still plenty of shopping days left this holiday season. But before venturing out to tackle your gift list, resolve to shop smarter and healthier this year.

Instead of resorting to such expected gifts as neckties, perfumes and fruitcakes, consider buying something that will make a lasting - and healthy - impression on your friends and family.

More and more people are evaluating their lifestyle. Give them an enjoyable way to improve their health and well-being. What better way to show people you care than by giving them a gift that pays off into the future?

Here are a few gift ideas within different price ranges that will help your loved ones have a healthier New Year, and help ensure the gift you buy won't wind up in the closet.

Water Filter. Whether it's a water filter pitcher or a faucet mount that attaches right to the tap, a good water filter will do more than simply improve the taste and smell of tap water. It will also improve water quality by reducing potentially harmful tap water contaminants.

PUR Water Purification products offer a clean, tasty way to improve your health. Filter installation requires no tools, takes only a few minutes and works on all standard faucets. Plus, the Automatic Safety Monitor Gauge monitors usage and automatically shuts off when the filter needs replacement.

To find a store near you, visit www.purwater.com. About $15-$50.

Health Club Membership. A good workout may be the world's best stress buster. Many health clubs include complimentary sessions with a personal trainer for new members. Others offer one-on-one appointments with nutritional experts and massage therapists on an a la carte basis. Be sure to tour clubs near the recipient's home or work to find the best and most convenient facility.

If you can't afford to give an annual membership, consider picking up the initiation fee or inquire about a trial membership. About $35-$45/month, plus initiation fee.

State or County Park Pass. Tell someone to "take a hike" - in a nice way - this holiday season. What better way to enjoy nature and get into shape than to go hiking or canoeing in one of our country's beautiful state or county parks?

Give the nature-lovers on your gift list a yearlong pass that will allow them to escape from the business of everyday life to the wonders of the great outdoors. Contact your state Department of Natural Resources or County offices, or visit a nearby park office to purchase a pass for the upcoming year. About $20-50.

Health and Fitness Magazine Subscription. Give a gift of monthly inspiration and motivation for the continued well-being of a loved one. There are a number of health and fitness magazines for both men and women.

Scan a newsstand to get a sense of the most popular and appropriate titles, such as Shape, SELF and Men's Health, or visit their Web sites for detailed subscription information.

Magazines can provide helpful insight and useful information on diet and nutrition, equipment and training techniques. About $15-25.

Cookbook. For most people, the hardest part of any wellness program is learning to eat healthier. A cookbook is a great gift idea to help guide people toward better cooking and eating habits.

And it makes your shopping easy too just stop by your local bookstore or log onto the Internet to place an order at www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com. If you order online, remember to allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. About $15-50.

If you're still unsure what to get the people on your list this holiday season, consider a gift certificate to an athletic or health store in their area. A gift certificate is guaranteed to please even the person on your list who is hardest to shop for. He or she can pick out the running shoes, equipment or vitamins needed to jumpstart their fitness plans.