Valentine’s Day Gifts for the Health and Fitness Enthusiast

Or not-so-health-fitness-enthused, maybe just ideas for the less “girly” Valentine gifts. Also, somewhat affordable gifts!  I’m still down and out with the virus of the year. I cannot stop coughing. I’ve been to the walk-in clinic and it’s just a virus, with a side of bronchitis. No working out for me for awhile. 🙁 This is giving me lots of time to think about health in the future.

I’m pretty sad to be missing my workouts, especially since I’m finally back at it after so long. I feel like sickness is always the universe telling me to slow down, so I’m trying to listen. Working out right now would only set me back at this point.

1. Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

I go through a couple jars of this every month. I use it primarily in baked goods like muffins and granola bars. I also use it occasionally when doing the oil cleansing method on my face. TJ’s makes a great version. Whole Foods and most natural foods stores carry it. It’s usually around $6-$10 per jar and makes a great gift, especially if paired with:

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2. Good quality dark chocolate chips

Any fair trade dark chocolate over 60% is my favorite. I like chocolate between 50-70% best. Lately we’ve been buying the big bags from Costco and they last us several months. $5-$20

3. A nice bath or foot soak with epsom salts.  This feels so good after a hard workout or a hard day.  Add in a few drops of essential oils like lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus (sounds especially good right now as I still have this awful virus). $5 for the salts, $10 for essential oils

4. Junk Headbands

I don’t actually own one of these yet but they are high on my WANT list. I have a huge head and regular headbands just do_not_work. I’ve tried them all. They all slip off. Even the ones with grippers. I’m totally in love with these Junk Headbands because they tie in the back and they come in super cute patterns like outer space prints, unicorns and cats! I’m sooo ordering one soon! About $16 each.

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5. Polar HR Monitors, especially the FT4

I love this heart rate monitor. It’s simple and straightforward, looks cute but it’s sturdy. It connects well with machines at the gym. It syncs up quickly. I’ve used it for a variety of workouts from CrossFit to running to spinning. $100

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6. Some FREE ideas:

-offer to download a playlist of upbeat songs to their phone/music player

-give them a free 15 minute back or foot rub

-fill up their water bottle pre-workout with fresh filtered water, ice cubes and lemon slices

7. Contigo Water Bottles

Love these. They hold up in the dishwasher. They’re FAST! This matters if your workout instructor gives you .0001 seconds for a water break. They’re sturdy, my toddler throws them pretty hard and they’ve yet to break. $15 each (sometimes 2 for $15 at Costco)

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