How Do You Give the Gift of Well-Being? Start With These 3 Ideas

For the one on the go

With a calendar full of commitments and obligations, relaxation can be hard to come by. Try the gift of a meditation app subscription. They may help reduce stress, improve sleep quality and improve focus. While coloring may seem like an activity for the kids, adult coloring books have been shown to help improve relaxation and relieve anxiety for adults, and they can easily be found on major online retailers. You could also consider a gift card to a local day spa for a calming massage or treatment to help your loved one set aside some time to unwind.

For the active exerciser

If you know your loved one enjoys a specific form of exercise, consider gifting them time in their favorite specialty studio, gym or group class. Skiing in New England is a great way to exercise and take in the beauty of nature. Passes to a favorite local mountain is a great gift for the skier or snowboarder in your life. You could consider getting yourself a pass, too, and make any of these activities something you can enjoy together.

A gift card to their favorite athletic brand can also be a welcome gift so that they can re-up on workout essentials like clothing, shoes or equipment. Or, help them stay hydrated in and outside of the gym with a quality water bottle.

For fun

Remember that setting aside time for activities simply for the sake of enjoyment is wellness, too. Websites and apps like Airbnb Experiences and TripAdvisor can help you discover unique, fun experiences that are offered in your area, such as cooking, painting or pottery classes, dance lessons or even food tours.

For yourself

It’s not against the gift-giving rules to treat yourself now and then. And wellness is a wonderful thing for you, too. Check what your health insurer offers in terms of discounts and reimbursements to support various activities and programs. Harvard Pilgrim members have access to a variety of wellness discounts and reimbursements from healthy eating programs to fitness products and subscriptions. Eligible members and dependents on their health plan can be reimbursed for qualifying fitness, nutrition and mindfulness programs, in some cases up to $150 for individual plans and up to $300 for family plans. Find a full list of savings on health and well-being products and programs here.