Top Ten Healthy Gifts

With disposable income scarce this year, giving practical gifts is in vogue. And what could be more useful than a tooth cleaning, or, say, GYN exam? Some of Planned Parenthood's affiliates offer gift certificates that recipients can use for birth control, among other things. It may be a controversial present, but it also might be just the right thing for the uninsured woman in your life. Even a traditional fruit-of-the-month subscription could be especially welcome this year as prices for groceries climb along with the unemployment numbers. Health truly is "the gift that keeps on giving," says James Rohack, president-elect of the American Medical Association.

Here are 10 of the best ways to make 2009 a little healthier for your loved ones:

1. Be a Tooth Fairy. We're not suggesting you add free root canals to your Christmas stockings, but since dental coverage is either limited or non-existent for so many Americans, a tooth cleaning makes a fine gift for anyone who's been putting off getting dental care because of cost. So contact your beloved's dentist and ask for a gift certificate. A basic cleaning appointment typically starts at $50, depending on the location. And, as every one knows, a little preventive care now can save lots of money later. 

Bleaching is more of a luxury, but it's not strictly cosmetic since white teeth can motivate people to take care of their new beautiful smile. It runs from about $30 (for home strips) to as high as $800 for some professional whitening treatments, says Farmington, Minn., dentist Kimberly Harms, the American Dental Association's consumer adviser. (You should be sensitive to your recipient here. Make sure it's something they'd purchase themselves. You don't want to imply that you think someone has discolored teeth.)

If you're buying for kids, consider a cool toothbrush for kids—such as Tooth Tunes Musical Toothbrush or a mermaid-handled one. Just check to be sure the bristles are soft so they can bend and get underneath teeth and gums, says Harms. For grown-up gadget fans, a high-end electric toothbrush can be a great present.

2. Office Visits. With 47 million Americans lacking insurance and skyrocketing co-payments and deductibles, a pre-paid visit to the doctor's office makes a useful present. Medical credit-card companies are now issuing health-care gift cards. But beware of fees and expiration dates on this; a gift certificate may be better. In January, Consumer Reports noted that the Healthcare Visa Gift Card from Pennsylvania-based insurer Highmark costs $4.95, plus a minimum $1.25 shipping fee, plus $4.95 for a replacement if it's lost.  Instead of navigating those tricky terms, you could write a check to a loved one's doctor for the next visit, or consider a drug-store gift card for someone who has high pharmaceutical bills.