Healthy Appetite
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Nothing makes cooking fun like a great set of knives, as they reduce both time and stress. You do not need a set with a thousand knives, merely comfortable handles that provide a sure grip, a stable block, and a variety of knives, but no scissors or sharpener is required. Sets vary insanely in price, but as the average at-home cook does not need a $300 set of knives, read reviews and buy a set with strong reviews, whose block matches the decor and amount of counter space available in the kitchen.
Other gifts to consider: electric knife sharpener
, Architec Eco Smart cutting board
(made from recycled plastic-I love this cutting board, as it is light weight and dishwasher safe), Calphalon Nonstick 12-inch pan with dome lid
(I use this pan every day, but do not cook with metal utensils or you will scratch the pan).
Another option for healthy cooks is a membership or subscription to a CSA, where at regular intervals, ultra-fresh, locally grown produce will be available at a convenient location for pick-up. If you choose the farmer's box, it is a great way to experiment with new and healthy foods.
Healthy & Active
Conveniently, the gift-giving season falls in winter, as there is nothing better than getting a new wardrobe element that will make it more fun to defy the elements, so whether outfitting a "new you" resolution or the seasoned-pro, there are not many who will balk at outdoor gear.
Before buying, you need a course in staying dry and warm. First, there is no cotton, so even though a cotton turtleneck may look practical and a sweatshirt warm, your wife will give up her fitness resolution on her first walk if this is her gear. Second, it is all about layers, so even if your wife normally wears a giant coat, for getting in shape, she needs multiple smart layers not a single heavy one. You do have to be aware that sizes for some elements are very personal and need to fit properly, but a gift receipt can solve that problem. Finally, good outdoor gear is not cheap, but if you invest wisely, it will see more use, because it allows the athlete to be comfortable and lasts longer.
If you are outfitting someone who walks or runs to stay in shape, their gear starts with tights, not pants, and this year, Nike got it right with their Element Shield Running Tights ($90). These tights actually have a panel on the quad to block the elements, as that is the body part that drives out into the wind and rain. A friend who is the model for what power walking can do for your body loves these tights and has already used them even in Atlanta's mild weather, but a runner would not break these out until the entire run would not see temps above freezing. For milder weather, I love The North Face's GTD tights, as they are tight, which means that they stay in place when you move. Somewhere in between these two lies Nike's Element Thermal Tights, which offer a brushed interior for extra warmth, with breathable fabric in common sweaty areas, so if you are buying for someone who is probably going to stay inside below thirty, this may be a great winter tight.
Another great gift that is slightly easier to give, as it is a more forgiving with fit, is a performance shirt. This is the base layer that will wick sweat away from your body to keep you dry and thus warm. I like Nike's crew neck and it is currently the uniform of most runners, but it has angled cuffs that can be bothersome; Nike's half-zip tops have the same cuff but offer a great zipper, which is an easy way to cool off without shedding a layer, and would be my choice for a favorite present under the tree. REI and Patagonia also make great base-layer half-zips, but a money-saving trick for most woman and smaller men is to buy the tops in children's sizes ($49 vs $35 or lower!).
Moving out one layer, you hit your insulation. I am a fan of well-fitted, thin fleece, and actually my favorite for price and fit is LL Bean's Fitness Fleece. It is lightweight and non-restricting, so whether as a top layer or second layer, it keeps you warm with no fuss. Beyond LL Bean, look to some of your outdoor clothing retailers for your gift of fleece, but avoid anything with a hood or high pile. If you are not a fan of fleece, Nike offers a wool option that would be another warm piece and great gift in their Wool Half-zip Running Shirt.
For really cold days, I like one more layer. If it is in the mid-thirties, I grab a vest, as it keeps your core warm without over-heating. The North Face's WindWall 1 is a nice fleece option, but, again, for price, LL Bean offers both the Super 200 Cresta with tightly woven Polartec fleece to block wind or the Wind Challenger Vest for all-over wind and water resistance and both are $59 or less.
If it is in the upper-twenties to low-thirties, I like a full jacket that is still light weight and does not have a hood, but is capable of blocking wind (forget rain at this temp, as if it is raining at these temps, I am inside by the fire!), as keeping the wind at bay goes a long way toward keeping you warm on cold walks and runs. Nike has a great full-zip jacket with high collar that repels wind and rain in their Element Shield jacket, but Columbia's Windefend Half-zip offers wind resistance and a rear pocket, which is always a nice feature.
From here, you have all the little things that make a difference, like Smartwool socks, though REI does make an acceptable alternative. These are the only socks in which I run in both winter and summer, and the Smortwool website can provide great insight into which style would be best based upon the activity and climate, but I would check Amazon for a better price once you know the style you need. Another great stocking stuffer would be an ear/head band, but do not get fleece. The Pearl Izumi Barrier Headband
blocks wind and has a great soft layer against your skin. I have used their earbands for years and they beat all the others that I have tried. Gloves are great, but oddly personal both in fit and warmth desired; my running partner wears ski gloves that would drive me nuts, but her hands get too cold in the gloves that I can't live without.
If you survived this post, wipe your brow, and let me explain why it is seemingly interminable. I believe that if you have someone in your life who is healthy, or more importantly, wants to be healthier, that by giving a gift that shows your support and respect for their choice that you also share with them the message of "I want you around for a long time and to live a healthy and wonderful life." Quite the holiday wish for someone you love.
, Architec Eco Smart cutting board (made from recycled plastic-I love this cutting board, as it is light weight and dishwasher safe), Calphalon Nonstick 12-inch pan with dome lid (I use this pan every day, but do not cook with metal utensils or you will scratch the pan).Another option for healthy cooks is a membership or subscription to a CSA, where at regular intervals, ultra-fresh, locally grown produce will be available at a convenient location for pick-up. If you choose the farmer's box, it is a great way to experiment with new and healthy foods.
Healthy & Active
Conveniently, the gift-giving season falls in winter, as there is nothing better than getting a new wardrobe element that will make it more fun to defy the elements, so whether outfitting a "new you" resolution or the seasoned-pro, there are not many who will balk at outdoor gear.
Before buying, you need a course in staying dry and warm. First, there is no cotton, so even though a cotton turtleneck may look practical and a sweatshirt warm, your wife will give up her fitness resolution on her first walk if this is her gear. Second, it is all about layers, so even if your wife normally wears a giant coat, for getting in shape, she needs multiple smart layers not a single heavy one. You do have to be aware that sizes for some elements are very personal and need to fit properly, but a gift receipt can solve that problem. Finally, good outdoor gear is not cheap, but if you invest wisely, it will see more use, because it allows the athlete to be comfortable and lasts longer.
 |
| Do not attempt to give running shoes, instead select a local running store and give a gift card. |
Another great gift that is slightly easier to give, as it is a more forgiving with fit, is a performance shirt. This is the base layer that will wick sweat away from your body to keep you dry and thus warm. I like Nike's crew neck and it is currently the uniform of most runners, but it has angled cuffs that can be bothersome; Nike's half-zip tops have the same cuff but offer a great zipper, which is an easy way to cool off without shedding a layer, and would be my choice for a favorite present under the tree. REI and Patagonia also make great base-layer half-zips, but a money-saving trick for most woman and smaller men is to buy the tops in children's sizes ($49 vs $35 or lower!).
Moving out one layer, you hit your insulation. I am a fan of well-fitted, thin fleece, and actually my favorite for price and fit is LL Bean's Fitness Fleece. It is lightweight and non-restricting, so whether as a top layer or second layer, it keeps you warm with no fuss. Beyond LL Bean, look to some of your outdoor clothing retailers for your gift of fleece, but avoid anything with a hood or high pile. If you are not a fan of fleece, Nike offers a wool option that would be another warm piece and great gift in their Wool Half-zip Running Shirt.
For really cold days, I like one more layer. If it is in the mid-thirties, I grab a vest, as it keeps your core warm without over-heating. The North Face's WindWall 1 is a nice fleece option, but, again, for price, LL Bean offers both the Super 200 Cresta with tightly woven Polartec fleece to block wind or the Wind Challenger Vest for all-over wind and water resistance and both are $59 or less.
 |
| Choose their stockings with care: there is no better gift for anyone on your list than Smartwool socks. |
From here, you have all the little things that make a difference, like Smartwool socks, though REI does make an acceptable alternative. These are the only socks in which I run in both winter and summer, and the Smortwool website can provide great insight into which style would be best based upon the activity and climate, but I would check Amazon for a better price once you know the style you need. Another great stocking stuffer would be an ear/head band, but do not get fleece. The Pearl Izumi Barrier Headband
blocks wind and has a great soft layer against your skin. I have used their earbands for years and they beat all the others that I have tried. Gloves are great, but oddly personal both in fit and warmth desired; my running partner wears ski gloves that would drive me nuts, but her hands get too cold in the gloves that I can't live without. If you survived this post, wipe your brow, and let me explain why it is seemingly interminable. I believe that if you have someone in your life who is healthy, or more importantly, wants to be healthier, that by giving a gift that shows your support and respect for their choice that you also share with them the message of "I want you around for a long time and to live a healthy and wonderful life." Quite the holiday wish for someone you love.
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