10 Gifts for Your Kids That Promote a Healthy Lifestyle

If you haven’t been in a department store or seen a TV commercial recently, you may be unaware that the holidays are approaching. Or, you’re in denial.
To create a healthier, happier life for you and your family give holiday gifts that encourage your kiddos to develop the healthy habits they’ll rely on for the rest of their lives. Whether you’re a last minute shopper or an early gift buyer, we’ve got some suggestions as you’re making your list—and checking it twice.

1. Bicycle

Bikes are the quintessential Christmas gift for young children, and for good reason. When your child gets a bike, their world expands, both figuratively and literally. Kids don’t intentionally ride their bikes for exercise. They ride bikes to feel the wind on their faces, to go to a friend’s house, and to test their limits. Riding a bike is fun. It just also happens to be a great way to exercise—which they may or may not realize.

2. Sports equipment

Long before they learn the rules of most sports, they throw balls and swing bats with glee—and often little aim.
When you buy sports equipment for your kids, you give them tools for staving off boredom with physical activity. Younger children create their own games. Older kids practice their skills or challenge friends to a game.

3. Mini trampoline

Kids are like energized bunnies—always going and going and going. There are few toys that display the endless energy of children like trampolines.
For families who don’t have the outdoor space, or for parents concerned about the safety of the larger models, small trampolines are now being sold with children in mind. They include a bar attachment for kids to hold while jumping. In addition to providing extra stability, this bar attachment gives kids the opportunity to bounce hard without the risk of flying off.

4. Interactive video games

Surprised to see video games on this list? Video games are often lumped in with other forms of screen time when we talk about kids—for good reason. Not all video games are created equal.
Interactive video games require players to stand up and mimic an in-game character’s actions. Kiddos jump, dance, swing, and play their way to healthy. These games are a great way to encourage physical activity when it’s cold outside.

5. Healthy cookbooks and cooking supplies

Is your dinner table a battleground? Are wars waged over finishing green beans? Or, adding extra butter to Brussels sprouts?
Healthy eating habits are difficult to establish in young children. Food resistance is one of the first ways children demonstrate their independence. By giving your kids the tools they need to help in planning and preparing their own food, you give them another way to assert their independence at mealtime. In addition to encouraging children’s healthy eating habits, teaching children how to cook is a valuable life skill.
If your kids are too young to join you in the kitchen, how about some fake (healthy) food and a play kitchen set? These are a positive way to introduce your toddler to fruits and veggies, and the joy of cooking.

6. Portion-friendly plates

It is no secret that oversized portions contribute to obesity.¹ Help your kids learn proper portions with portion conscious plates. Many portion plates have physical dividers to teach kids what a healthy portion looks like. There are even versions that have removable dividers, so older kids can take responsibility for their portions.

7. Every Kid in a Park pass

If you have a fourth-grader in your home, you and your family can get an Every Kid in a Park pass from the National Park Service for free. This pass is valid for a year and gives your family the opportunity to explore hundreds of our national parks, lands, and waterways.

8. Activity tracker

Wearable fitness trackers aren’t just for adults anymore. Help your kids develop the habit of daily movement with an activity tracker geared for them. For younger kids, consider a tracker that focuses more on encouraging activities than step counts. Fitness trackers help adults be more aware of their own activity levels and they can do the same for kids.

9. Puzzles

Health and wellness in the body isn’t sustainable without health and wellness in the mind. Puzzles, building blocks, and other traditional toys encourage healthy minds. When children play with these types of toys, they learn how to problem solve, plan, and create.

10. Art Supplies

Children who regularly create art are more likely to be successful in other subjects at school.² Creative, artistic activities help kids develop motor skills, practice decision making, and encourages language development. Additionally, creating art can have a positive impact on a child’s social and emotional well-being. When children create, it boosts their self-confidence and helps with non-verbal communication.This holiday season, give your children the gift of lifelong health. Presents that encourage healthy habits make it easy to feel good about giving. Children learn best by example. Model healthy habits, not just during the holiday season, but all year long.

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References
¹ Ledikwe JH, Ello-Martin JA, Rolls BJ. Portion sizes and the obesity epidemic. Journal of Nutrition. 2005; 135(4):905-9.
² Deasy, Richard J. (editor) (2002), Critical Links: Learning in the Arts and Student Achievement and Social Development, Washington, DC: AEP.