Gift guide: 10 healthy holiday gift ideas

Canadian Tire Jumpstart

Give the gift of fun this holiday season! Since its launch in 2005, Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart program has helped more than 225,000 Canadian children aged 4-18 enjoy the benefits of sports and recreation-an experience that they might have otherwise missed out on due to financial hardships. While all donations are welcome, you can choose to donate to a specific activity; for $75, you’ll provide a child with swimming lessons and for $100, you can help register a child for a season of soccer.

(Prices vary, canadiantire.ca)

YakTrax Pro

There’s no excuse to hang up your running shoes all winter with this practical holiday gift. YakTrax Pro easily slips onto your favourite pair of kicks and will help you dash through the snow-and ice-with extra traction on your feet, so you don’t have to worry about ending up in a snowbank on your afternoon jog. It’s the perfect surprise for the runner on your list.

($35, Yaxtrax.ca)

Passport to Prana

Everyone could use some time to de-stress after the holidays and what better way than with a little yoga? Passport to Prana will help the budding yogi on your list find a yoga style and studio that suits them best. Available in eight major cities across Canada, Passport to Prana allows the recipient to experience one class each in multiple yoga studios-70 in the GTA, for example-for $20 to to $30. At that price, you may just want to pick one up for your own stocking, too!

($20-$30, passporttoprana.com)

Nokia Bluetooth Stereo Headset BH-505

Say hello to hassle-free running with the Nokia Bluetooth Stereo Headset. Not only will you be able to control your tunes and answer calls with the touch of a button, but you also won’t have to worry about getting tangled up in any pesky wires, thanks to this set’s Bluetooth technology. Lightweight, sweat- and splash-resistant, it’s the perfect gadget for the health nut on-the-go.

($90, nokia.ca)

CBE Hoody

Whether you’re skating on a frozen pond or showshoeing through trails with friends, you’ll stay warm-and stylish-with a hoody from CBE (Clothing Brand Experiment). Launched by Elly Green in 2007, CBE specializes in funky hooded sweatshirts made entirely in Toronto. Each piece features thumb holes and a high collar to keep out the cold, while a hidden pocket is just right for stashing your keys. There’s even a dog hoody line for that pampered pooch on your list.

(Prices vary, cbehoody.com)

Thermos Vacuum Insulated Hydration Bottle

This eco-friendly gift is a perfect replacement for all those plastic water bottles you’ve been toting to the gym. Made of stainless steel with double-wall insulation, this sleek reusable bottle will keep drinks refreshingly cold for up to 18 hours.

($29, Available at major Canadian retailers)

Kinect for XBox 360

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: video games can be good for kids. The latest in gaming technology, Kinect for XBox 360 takes wireless play to a new level by making your whole body the controller-which means it’s not just your thumbs getting a workout. Fun for kids and adults alike, Kinect’s interactive games will have you running, jumping and dancing-not to mention breaking a sweat!-right in your own living room. In addition to responding to your body movements, the system is also voice activated, so you can control games and movies with simple commands. It’s the perfect high-tech addition to family games night.

($150, Available at Walmart, Best Buy, Future Shop and EB Games)

Lululemon Yogi Tote

Ditch the ratty old gym bag and tote your workout gear in style with this cute Yogi Tote from Lululemon. This tote is like two great bags in one-the larger size is spacious enough to hold all your yoga must-haves, but with one zip and a flip, you’ve got a mat-sized bag that’s perfect for the yogi on-the-go. The best part? The lightweight material will keep your mat protected from the elements, so you won’t have to worry about practicing your Downward Dog on a snowy surface.

($54, lululemon.com)

Amphibx waterproof iPhone case

If you’re trying to stay fit this winter by hitting the pool, this gift’s for you. The Amphibx waterproof case will protect your iPhone, iPod touch or other MP3 player up to 12 feet under water, thanks to its secure, watertight seal. The adjustable armstrap and waist extension belt (sold separately) make it a great gift for men and women alike. Outside the pool, you can take your Amphibx out on a rainy day run or even use it to keep your iPhone dry while you glide down the slopes.

($80, bestbuy.com)

Scotties photo sleeve

Say goodbye to those boring boxes of tissue thanks to this unique stocking stuffer idea from Scotties. With a few clicks of your mouse, you can order a customized reusable sleeve that easily slips over your current box of tissues for a more personal touch. You can pick your own theme and add your favourite photos-it even lets you include text (may we suggest, “Happy Holidays“?). They’re a fun and inexpensive way to brighten up your home or cubicle at work, and are sure to be a welcome pick-me-up when cold and flu season rolls around.

($6, scottiesphotos.ca)

Related:
• Gift Guide: 6 gifts for healthy eating
• Gift Guide: 5 healthy gifts for beauty junkies
• Turn winter fun into winter fitness