Top Ten Healthy Gifts

A gift of a doctor's care or credits at a pharmacy may be especially appropriate for single women. A National Center for Health Statistics data brief released this week found that unmarried women ages 25 to 64 were more likely to be uninsured (21 percent) than married with in the same age group (13 percent). While the decision by Indiana's Planned Parenthood to offer gift certificates for clinic services incited a wave of criticism from right-to-life groups, the certificates sell online for $25 and up at www.ppin.org. Since this program is not offered by all Planned Parenthood clinics, you'll have to check that they're available near you.

3. Fancy Foods. Organic fruits and vegetables are often pricey and end up being one of the first things to be cut from the family budget when times are tight. Even non-organic fruit can seem expensive these days, so consider a monthly shipment of produce or other healthy treats. Visit www.theorganicpages.com and click on "gift baskets" in the online store.  Check out companies like CF Fresh, Frieda's Inc., Mountain Organic Foods—all members of the Organic Trade Association. Or go upscale and order from Harry & David's, www.harryanddavid.com. The three-month fruit-of-the-month-club gift (pears in December, apples in January, navel oranges in February) costs $124.95. Or check with a local organic farm.

4. Fit Club.  Splurge for a friend or family member who enjoys working out at the gym. Last year the average U.S. health club charged $35 a month or $402 a year, according to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association. To find out information about local clubs, search by city and state on healthclubs.com, a consumer Web site run by IHRSA. Some clubs, such as Club One, offer actual gift cards. Most offer gift certificates for memberships and personal-training sessions, according to IHRSA spokesman Kara Thompson. Check to make sure your friend or relative doesn't already own a gym membership: 41.5 million Americans currently belong to health clubs, according to IRHSA.

5. Yoga Stuff. Is there a better gift than inner peace?  Yoga helps with stress, flexibility and blood flow. "It's one of those forms of exercise that not only works your body but works your mind, works your soul, your spirit," says yoga instructor Peter Sterios, founder for Manduka, a leading yoga-gear company. Buy a subscription to the old standby, Yoga Journal, or to the classic book, "Light on Yoga."  Gear is good, too. Manduka, www.manduka.com, offers a lifetime guarantee on mats that cost $42 to $85.  A lightweight, highly absorbent towel is another good bet. Consider a gift certificate for classes at studios such as Yoga Works. Expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $20 for a 90-minute class, depending on location, says Sterios. Consider throwing in a post-workout massage to pamper the recipient, too.

6. A Rub Down.  After a workout, or just a stressful day, a massage can reduce stress, improve blood flow and increase flexibility.  Plan to pay $45 to $75 an hour in most places—though it may run more than $100 in major cities and at high-level resorts, according to the American Massage Therapy Association. To find massage therapists who meet all state or local licensing requirements and meet the AMTA's minimum professional standards, search by zip code and massage specialty on the AMTA's locator, www.findamassagetherapist.org. The service is also available by phone, toll-free at 888-843-2682. Most massage therapists sell gift certificates, according to the AMTA.

7. Exercise Gear. Shoes are a runner's and walker's best friend, but they're expensive—as is most fitness wear. And it's not just about fashion. "If you don't have good foot support, then you wind up getting foot injuries, and then your motivation to get healthy is limited," says the AMA's Rohack, president-elect of the American Medical Association. So don't let your favorite amateur athlete work out in worn-out gear. Buy them a gift certificate to a good sports supply store. Or choose some snappy exercise gear and include the gift receipt for exchanges. The August issue of Consumer Reports gives top marks to the Nike Air Zoom Vomero+2 running shoes for men and women ($120).