By Nutritional Weight and Wellness Staff
November 22, 2024
Finding healthy gifts for your loved ones they will actually love can feel like trying to pick the healthiest option at a holiday buffet—overwhelming. But don't worry, we've got you! If you’re determined to give something thoughtful that doesn’t scream “last-minute gift card,” this guide is your cheat-sheet for the perfect gift this holiday season.
Our team of registered dietitians and nutritionists (aka your wellness elves) have rounded up their favorite healthy gift ideas to give (and maybe hint at receiving). Let’s make holiday shopping as fun as finding the last slice of pumpkin pie.
We know you're busy, so we've linked most of these gift ideas to make it super easy for you to find them. And just a heads-up: in some cases, we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you, of course). Happy gifting!
Healthy Kitchen Essentials
Because nothing says "I care about your well-being" like tools that make healthy cooking a joy, not a chore. Whether they’re a seasoned home chef or someone who thinks "al dente" is a pasta brand, these gifts will set them up for success.
1 - Caraway Pots and Pans
Non-toxic, ceramic, and so smooth even scrambled eggs won’t put up a fight.
"Love, love, love my Caraway Fry Pan. Best $100 ever spent. Fried eggs never stick to the bottom, and I feel so good knowing our family is using cookware free of toxic chemicals." - Cassie Weness, RD
2 - Cast Iron Pots and Pans
Durable and perfect for anyone who wants to up their cooking game.
"My cast iron skillet is used on a regular basis at our house. Great way to cook steak, make fajitas, baby potatoes, etc., especially in the winter when I don’t want to stand outside and freeze at the grill!" - Kristi Kalinski RD, LD
3 - Chef's knife
Give them the gift of safe and efficient chopping—because nobody has time for dull knives and band-aid runs.
"Preparing vegetables is much more enjoyable when you’re working with a sharp knife, and it’s safer too! You’re a lot less likely to cut yourself using sharp knives." - Brandy Buro MS, RD, LD
"I would [and have] gifted a nice 6 or 8-inch chef knife. A good one will last a lifetime!!" - Chef Marianne JurayjTip: Chef Marianne recommends: Wusthof, Hexclad, and Shun brands
4 -Cosori Electric Kettle
The tea lover in your life will appreciate this BPA-free, stainless steel powerhouse that makes their cup of tea or coffee as easy as pushing a button.
5 - Blender
From smoothies to soups, a good blender will have them blending like a pro in no time.
"I bought a Vitamixyears ago and have definitely gotten my money’s worth since I use it almost every morning for smoothies." - Amy Crum MS, RD, LD
"I recently purchased the Ninja Fit hand-held blender to make smoothies, homemade guacamole, and hummus. My 12-year-old probably uses it the most!" - Kristi Kalinski RD, LD
6 -Air Fryer
Because crispy sweet potato fries and health can coexist.
"Ninja Foodi: this is a slow cooker/pressure cooker/air fryer all in one. We use the air fryer and slow cooker settings the most." - Monica Hoss RD, LD
7 - Instant Pot
The only thing the Instant Pot can’t do is chop your veggies and tackle the dishes. One of the best gifts for your friend or family member.
"I use my instant pot multiple times a week. I usually use it for cooking staples, like hard boiled eggs, beans, chicken stock, egg bites, and chicken breasts." ~Amy Crum MS, RD, LD
"I have an instant pot. It's my best friend." ~ Melanie Beasley RD, LD
8 - Kitchen Shears
More than just fancy scissors—they’re your multitasking hero.
"Some good kitchen shears are essential – great for snipping herbs, opening food packaging, cutting chicken backs. They differ from regular scissors because they come apart and can be washed thoroughly." - Chef Marianne Jurayj
Tip: Chef Marianne recommends: Wusthof, Hexclad, and Shun brands
9 -Loose Leaf Tea Pot
For the tea enthusiasts who prefer using loose leaf tea over tea bags. BPA-free, lead-free, and dishwasher safe—no fuss, just sips.
10 - Storage Bags
Reusable silicone bags, likeStasher bags, come in a variety of sizes and fun colors. Save their snack stash and support the planet with these colorful, eco-friendly, and BPA-free bags. Functional and cute.
Nourishing Food & Snack Gifts
These tasty ideas are perfect for the person in your life who's all about good eats and big flavor without skimping on nutrition.
11 - Chomps Beef Sticks
Ask our nutritionists for their favorite beef sticks and you will hear Chomps. Multiple times. A great gift idea...and perfect for a charcuterie gift box! Protein-packed, nutritious, and tasty enough to make even the pickiest eaters nod in approval.
12 - Salt & Pepper Flavored Pistachios
Fancy nuts for a fancy snack break.
"They are one of the nuts with the highest concentration of antioxidants." - Britni Vincent, RD, LD
13 - Homemade Crispy Nut Recipe
Give the gift of DIY deliciousness.
"Make the roasted nut recipe (use pecans) and put it in a pretty jar!" - Teresa Wagner RD, LD
Crispy Nut Recipe: https://www.weightandwellness.com/resources/recipes/crispy-nuts
14 - High-Quality Olive Oil
When choosing olive oil, look for "extra virgin" or "cold pressed" to ensure you're getting the highest quality. The liquid gold of the kitchen.
"My favorite suggestion for olive oils is if you can find an actual olive oil store, you can get the most flavorful, freshest olive oils." - Melanie Beasley RD, LD
15 - Charcuterie Gift Box
All the best bits of a holiday spread, minus the assembly stress. We love Ferndale Markets turkey snack sticks & sausages for Charcuterie! Or try one of their already prepped gift boxes...so good!
"One year, I put together a 'charcuterie gift box' for my boyfriend’s mom and she loved it!" - Brandy Buro MS, RD, LD
16 - Smoothie Kit
Don't forget the Guide To The Perfect Smoothie printable PDF and we recommend NutriKey protein powders for high-quality, tasty protein powders you know they'll appreciate.
"With protein powder, some fun fats to mix in, key greens, and a new blender ." ~Brandy Buro MS, RD, LD
17 - Quality meat
For the gourmet in your life who likes their meat top-notch. Consider gifting high-quality meat from a local farm, butchered and ready for the freezer. For convenient, high-quality options, try memberships with Wild Pastures, White Oak Pastures, or order from Ferndale Market for easy, reliable shipping.
"Last year, my mom bought me a lamb from a local farm – this was a really nice gift!" - Brandy Buro MS, RD, LD
18 - Organic Tea Sampler Gift Set
A soothing way to say “take a break.” Pairs perfectly with cozy slippers and a good book.
Quality Supplements - the ultimate wellness gifts
You know you’re adulting when you’re excited to get a bottle of supplements as a gift. Help your friends and family stay well stocked with health-boosting essentials.
"I love giving supplements for gifts. If you know what your loved ones take, that makes it easy. When in doubt, a bottle of vitamin D or Twice Per Day would be perfect." - Nikki Doering RD, LD
Some supplements repeatedly gifted by our dietitians:
19 - Wellness Formula
Great for those in your family that love to travel or often need an extra immunity boost.
"Before I'm getting on an airplane ... instead of like the sugary, bubbly drink that is out there for your immune system, I will take Wellness Formula, maybe some extra vitamin C." ~Melanie Beasley RD, LD
20 - Collagen
"I love Key Collagen powder. It's different from other collagens simply because it has a collagen peptide called Fortibone that stimulates bone growth." ~ Melanie Beasley RD, LD
21 - Vitamin D
"Vitamin D is essential for your immune system and it's something that many of us living in these northern regions are deficient in." Brandy Buro MS, RD, LD
22 - Magnesium
"Magnesium is involved in every cell interaction in your body and brain. That's amazing that one ingredient is involved in every cell in your body. So we need we need good amounts of it. So, it's really one of the most important minerals." ~Dar Kvist MS, LN, CNS
23 - Whey Protein + Creatine.
For the athlete or the perimenopausal/menopausal woman or anyone interested in building and maintaining muscle mass.
"My high school and college age nephews are always excited to get their protein-packed gift from their favorite dietitian/aunt! This year I may add Dynamic Hydrate Packets in Orange &Lemonade for some extra holiday fun." ~Teresa Wagner RD, LD
24 - e-Gift Card for NutriKey Supplements
If you’re unsure about specifics, a gift card to NutriKey gives them the freedom to pick out exactly what they need or want.
Fitness & Movement Gifts
Encourage your loved ones to move, groove, and stay active with gifts that make their workout feel more like fun and less like a chore. They will love packing these in their gym bag!
25 - Non-latex exercise bands
Great for workout - a resistance band is especially great for those that travel alot!
26 - Personal trainer session
"Use this to educate yourself on how to weight train." - Melanie Beasley RD, LD
27 - Class Pass
The gift that says, “Try it all and find your jam.”
"Try different fitness classes with one 'class pass' – a great way to experiment with different types of movement." - Brandy Buro MS, RD, LD
28 - Blender Bottle Shaker Bottle
For smooth protein shakes on the go. Choose a stainless steel, BPA Blender Bottle to avoid any harmful materials. Throw in some NutriKey Wellness Whey to really sweeten the deal. NutriKey Wellness Whey Chocolate Protein comes from grass-fed and rBGH-Free (hormone free) cows, Gluten-Free, GMO-Free and mixes well in just water.
29 - Yoga mat
Help your yoga-loving friend perfect their downward dog with a non-toxic, eco-friendly mat. It’s a gift that says, “I see your commitment to savasana, and I support it.”
30 - Therapy Ball
For the friend who’s always on the move (and sometimes feels it), a therapy ball is the perfect tool to help them knead out knots and relieve tension. It's like giving them the gift of instant relaxation, no appointment needed.
31 - Stanley inspired Tumbler
Keep them hydrated in style. But don't go the route of the traditional Stanley. Opt for a lead-free, bpa-free version like the Owala Stainless Steel Tumbler that is still the trendiest way to stay hydrated! Bonus points if you throw in some electrolytes (like Dynamic Hydrate) for that extra wellness boost!
"Add some electrolytes (like Dynamic Hydrate)" - Nikki Doering RD, LD
Relaxation & Stress Relief
Gifts focused on self-care, such as massages, acupuncture, or yoga accessories. Everyone deserves a little extra TLC. These gifts will have them feeling zen faster than you can say “namaste.”
32 - Modern Roots Natural Skin & Body Products
"I really enjoy the natural soaps, lotions and candles from Modern Roots. And for us in MN, we are supporting local when we shop here. I always treat myself during my birthday month by going on a shopping spree at modernroots.org. (AND these items make great gifts - my all time favorite is the Cucumber Mint Foot Cream. It is especially great this time of the year to repair dry, cracked skin on your feet.)" - Cassie Weness, Registered Dietitian
33 - Massage Gift Card
Treat them to a well-deserved rest with a gift card to their favorite massage therapist. Whether they’re dealing with tense shoulders or just need an hour of pure bliss, a massage gift card is the perfect way to say, “You deserve this.”
34 - Lavender Essential Oil
Give them a moment of calm with a bottle of organic lavender essential oil. Perfect for diffusing, adding to a bath, or dabbing on their pillow for a better night’s sleep."Make sure it's organic!" - Melanie Beasley RD, LD. Because when it comes to essential oils, quality matters for the best relaxation vibes.
35 - Spa gift card
Everyone appreciates the magic of a good spa day, and a spa gift card lets them choose exactly how they want to be pampered—whether it’s a rejuvenating skin facial, a soothing massage, or a refreshing body treatment.
36 - Sauna session gift card
Sweat out some toxins! A sauna session might be just the way for your loved one to relieve stress and anxiety.
37 - Happy light
Perfect for brightening up those gloomy winter days.
"I’ve gifted this to family in the past and it’s been well-received." - Brandy Buro MS, RD, LD
38 - Spa Day Gift Box
Help them melt the stress away with a personalized spa day gift box. Teresa Wagner RD, LD recommends including a dry brush, Epsom salts, eucalyptus essential oil, and a non-toxic candle for the ultimate at-home indulgence that’ll make them feel refreshed and spoiled.
39 - Non-toxic candles
Set the mood for cozy nights and self-care sessions with non-toxic candles. Brands like Fontana Candle Company, Grow Fragrance, or Mountain Rose offer safe, clean-burning options that smell amazing without the questionable chemicals.
40 - Comfort and Cozy Accessories
Who doesn’t appreciate a soft, weighted blanket, cozy socks, or an herbal neck wrap? These gifts are perfect for relaxation and comfort, helping them unwind at the end of a long day.
Educational & Inspirational Resources
Books, cooking classes, or workshops to inspire healthier living. For the friend or loved one who’s always looking for ways to up their wellness game, these gifts will educate, inspire, and make them feel like the health guru they’re meant to be.
41 - Cooking Class Gift Card
From Instant Pot basics to global flavors, Nutritional Weight & Wellness has classes that will make them a kitchen pro. Nutritional Weight and Wellness has multiple on-demand cooking classes as well as a full schedule of live virtual cooking demonstrations to choose from.
We recommend the popular Instant Pot Basics. For your loved one that doesn't have an Instant Pot they'll love the Global Flavors cooking class!
42 - Wellness Journals and Planners
Help them stay organized and inspired with a wellness journal or habit-tracking planner. It's a simple yet powerful tool for maintaining mindfulness and setting health goals.
Teresa Wagner RD, LD recommends tryKnow Yourself Better Journal from The Happiness Project and tryDon't Break The Chain Habit Tracker from The Happiness Project.
43 - Atomic Habits
This is a book that our nutritionists repeatedly recommend. A great read!
Experience-Based Gifts
Experience-based gifts are the perfect way to show you care, while giving them memories that will last a lifetime. Think beyond the box (literally) and make their holiday extra special. Here are just a few ideas to spark your creativity.
44 - Guided Nature Hike or Outdoor Adventure
Surprise them with a guided hike or an outdoor experience like kayaking, paddle boarding, or rock climbing. Fresh air and movement do wonders for physical and mental health, making this an unforgettable wellness gift.
45 - Art Class
Help them get artsy and de-stress at the same time with an art therapy class. Whether they’re painting, doodling, or making abstract masterpieces, it’s a creative escape that’ll leave them feeling lighter and happier (and maybe with some new wall art to show off).
46 - Gardening Workshop or Community Garden Membership
Perfect for the plant parent or outdoor lover in your life, a gardening workshop or community garden membership lets them dig in, get their hands dirty, and grow something (besides their ever-growing to-do list). Bonus: you might score some home-grown tomatoes!
These gifts create lasting memories and promote well-being.
Closing Note: So there you have it our registered dietitians and nutritionists have selected the best wellness gifts that’ll earn you the “thoughtful gift-giver” badge without breaking a sweat. Here’s to a holiday season full of health, happiness, and cozy nights in. Happy gifting!