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Give Gifts Fit For A Health Nut

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 23, 2007

Sure, you can wait until the New Year to dedicate yourself to healthier living. Or, with a little creativity, you can start right now by loading your holiday gift list with books and toys that are good for your friends and loved ones.

Maybe they'll catch your spirit and support you whenever you're ready to get yourself in gear.

Healthy is as healthy shops!

Kim Folstad

For the Mom-To-Be

She thinks she'll remember everything about her pregnancy. She won't. (And maybe that's a good thing.) But "The What to Expect Pregnancy Journal & Organizer" will help your favorite mother-to-be a keep track of what she needs to know now (appointments, questions for the doctor, childbirth class notes) and what she'll want to remember later, with lots of room to jot down her thoughts each day. There's even a space to paste a photo each month as she starts to glow – and grow. The journal is small enough to fit in a purse, so she can take it with her wherever she goes.

Cost: $12.95

Available at: bookstores and online

For The Smoothie Operator

He loves bananas and celery, mangos and carrots, egg whites and nuts blended with frozen orange juice, a little yogurt and several ice cubes. Whatever. If he can think it up, he can mix it up with the Cuisinart PowerBlend 500. The 500-watt motor blends 56 ounces of fruit smoothies fit for a fitness fanatic. And all removable parts are dishwasher safe.

Cost: $79.95

Available at: department and housewares stores and online

For The Dancer Upstairs

So she's sitting in her room every Monday and Tuesday night, watching celebrities shake it on "Dancing With The Stars." And she wants her turn. With the popular video game "Dance Dance Revolution," she can have her own private dance floor. Directional buttons on a large dance mat and onscreen cues will take her through steps that get tougher as she improves. Regular players say it's a fun way to lose weight and stay in shape.

Cost: Different versions of the game (with mat) range from $45 to more than $200

Available at: toy stores, department stores and online

For The Kid Who Was Born To Ride

Grownups watch TV while they ride a stationary bike, so why shouldn't little kids feel the burn as they learn from a video game? The Fisher-Price Smart Cycle Physical Learning Arcade System plugs into the TV, and as kids pedal, their favorite characters guide them through educational activities at Math Mountain, Shape Lake, Letter Creek and more. Talk about multi-tasking! There are multiple levels of play for ages 3 to 6.

Cost: $100

Available at: toy stores, department stores and online

For The Outdoorsman (Or Woman)

Kayak fishing is one of the fastest growing sports in America, but not every kayak is built for pulling in a bass or grouper. The Prowler 13 Angler by Ocean Kayak is a sit-on-top that's stable, easy to maneuver and has a large tank well to accommodate a tackle box, cooler or other necessities. It can be rigged with flush-mounted rod holders, a fish finder and more. This baby tracks so well, you'll get your workout from paddling, not steering.

Cost: Suggested retail is $929

Available at: kayak shops, sporting good stores and online

For The Stressed-Out Executive

Does your gal pal feel as if her job has her on the ropes? Get her the Everlast Desktop Speed Bag, and maybe she won't take out her frustration on you so often. The bag is 15 inches tall and easily attaches to a desk or credenza with a suction cup base. It comes in black or pink – a great addition to any corner office or cubicle.

Cost: $19.99

Available at: www.everlastboxing.com

For The Sports Fan

Don't judge "The Sports Book" by its Astroturf cover; this guide is about way more than football, basketball and soccer. It describes more than 200 sports, from kickboxing to lawn bowling, with great details about how and where the games are played, and even what the players wear. Perfect for the fan who wants to bone up on every Olympic sport before summer 2008. Even better for the athlete who wants to try dragon boat racing one day … and maybe darts the next.

Cost: $35 (hardback)

Available at: book stores, department stores, online

For The Friend Who's All Heart

Used to be, you wore your heart on your sleeve. Now, you wear your cause on your wrist. Pink for breast cancer awareness, red and blue for epilepsy, blue with a multicolored puzzle piece for autism. Silicone bracelets are an inexpensive way to show you care – and the money you spend goes to the charity the bracelet represents.

Cost: $1 or $2 for most silicone wristbands

Available: online at various charity Web sites

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