If you are still scrambling around trying to find the perfect present, why not give a gift with health benefits? You’ll find ideas for kids, stocking stuffers and more on this year’s healthy gift guide.

One thing that means more than any gift under the tree is the gift of your undivided time and attention. We all need more social interactions with loved ones; it improves our mental health. Get a gift card to the movies, a local restaurant, an ice cream shop or a coffee shop and set a date where you can go together. Get an interesting book that you both can read and then discuss.  Even better, make it a regular date. Or perhaps someone you know could use some help on a regular basis like transportation to the doctor or grocery store; give “coupons” that can be redeemed. Your generosity will be greatly appreciated, and you will reap benefits, too.

An idea that goes along with the gift of time is an offer to do a refrigerator or kitchen cabinet makeover or a closet re-organization. If you are good at organization and know someone who admires your well-ordered life, this could be a gift that makes a real difference for the recipient. You could purchase dividers, bins, hangers and whatever else is needed to corral the contents of your project and keep it tidy going forward. A clean, organized house reduces stress and allergens, keeps pests under control and generally improves people’s mood.

A weighted, heated neck and shoulder wrap would be a lovely gift for anyone who suffers from arthritis, tension or any type of pain in the neck and shoulder area. These come in various sizes, styles and price points. Some are microwavable, others plug in for steady heat, and a few can be used for hot or cold therapy.

An air purifier not only removes allergens but can also remove smells from the air, improving air quality for those with allergies and helping the house smell better. Check out the super quiet TruSens Air Purifier with UV-C Light and HEPA Filtration, $79 at Amazon; the Clorox Air Purifier, $115 at Amazon; or for a larger area, the Rabbit Air A3, $750 on Amazon.

More people are foregoing alcohol these days in favor of better health and to avoid the negative consequences of drinking. This trend has given rise to a range of beverages from non-alcoholic wines and beers to herbaceous spirits, aperitifs and mocktail mixes. Give a bottle of Curious Elixir No. 2, De Soi Tres Rose, Aplos Calme, or a six-pack of beer from Go Brewing or Athletic Brewing for a gift that’s definitely different.

The gardener with bad knees, hips or back will appreciate a garden stool which will allow them to keep doing what they love with less pain. There are many price points and functions, some even have wheels to allow for more mobility. Prices range from $45 and up and can be found locally or on various websites.
Bath salts, bombs or shower steamers make great stocking stuffers. While there is little scientific evidence that they have actual health benefits, soaking in a warm bath is relaxing, thus reducing stress and promoting better sleep, and warm water can relieve muscular soreness. Shower steamers provide the benefits of aromatherapy, diffusing essential oil blends to help you relax, clear congestion or just to stimulate your senses. Visit Magnolia Soap and Bath Co. or Buff City Soaps locally or check Amazon for options.

For the person who cares about the environment, If You Care Sponge Cloths are Swedish dishcloths, a thin fabric reusable dishcloth that can take the place of paper towels. Made from cotton and wood pulp, they are more durable and absorbent that paper towels, plus they can be washed in the dishwasher or washing machine. $5.99 for a pack of five on Amazon.

A colorful Junk headband from Gearhead will be much appreciated by the serious runner or workout enthusiast and slips right into a stocking. Gearhead also has a wide selection of workout clothing and shoes and will be happy to help you find just the right gift.

For the teen who can’t put a ball down, give a Nightball LED Light Up Ball so the game can go on after dark. Basketball, soccer, football or volleyball are available, $32 on Amazon.

Kids love to build a place to hide; give them a Crazy Fort building set and let them have at it. Crazy Forts are for ages 4 and up and consist of balls and sticks that can be connected to create a variety of structures. Various brands from $40 and up are available at Walmart or on Amazon.

Get the kids outside and moving with the Hapinest Find and Seek Scavenger Hunt Card Game, $10 on Amazon. Suitable for ages 3 and up, the cards feature pictures and words like “fuzzy” or “hard,” which like any scavenger hunt, the kids then try to find objects that illustrate the word.

Scooters remain a popular toy for kids, but while they are having fun they are learning balance, steering, coordination and getting an aerobic workout. When buying a scooter, pay attention to safety, taking into consideration frame material, wheel diameter and overall size in relation to your child’s size and age. Scooters come in two- or three-wheel versions and can be found at Target, Walmart, Amazon or Academy Sports. Priced from $30 and up.