Yahoo Life Shopping
Why you can trust us

We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals.

50 best wellness gifts to encourage a healthy lifestyle

Centered, active, well-fueled and energized — these health-focused gifts will help start the new year right.

50 best wellness gifts to encourage a healthy lifestyle

You'd think gift-giving would be easy — how could giving selflessly ever be a bad thing? — but if you're the type who likes to tailor the gifts you give to each individual recipient, it can start to feel overwhelming. How can you possibly know exactly what a person wants or needs or what they may already have? And if you're a health-focused person who wants to give items that encourage wellness (without pushing an excessively healthy agenda), it can be tricky to walk the line, offering items people will appreciate and actually put to use. Not to mention that everyone has their own idea of what "wellness" means.

Quick overview
See 45 more

For me, wellness means self-care: indulging in a satisfying meal and a quality cocktail after spending the day getting my hair styled at the spa. But I have friends who define wellness as a scenic walk with their dog on a nice day or relaxing with a good book and some music on the beach. And still other friends who see wellness as taking steps to improve their financial, emotional or physical fitness and health. Wellness is about feeling good and learning to take care of yourself in a holistic way.

For that reason, we put together the best wellness gifts for every possible need or priority. From improving sleep quality to starting a meditation practice to taking charge of emotions with aromatherapy, we have options for everyone. So if you want to buy gifts that will help a friend relieve stress, tech gifts that will make maintaining an active lifestyle easier, or even fitness-focused gifts to keep your fittest friend living their best life, you won't be disappointed by the finds we've compiled here. It's time to prioritize self-care, wellness and finding joy in the everyday, and these health and wellness gifts are a great place to start.

If you're not quite sure these gifts are what you're looking for, check out our options for the best gifts for walkers, best gifts for anyone and best self-care gifts too.

Tumblers are having a moment right now, but believe it or not, the Stanley isn't the only game in town. This Brumate Era is a gorgeous option, and with its leakproof top and built-in straw, it's as functional as it is trendy. Plus, the insulated interior can keep those icy beverages cold all day long — your recipient will have no excuse not to stay hydrated. (We should also mention that it won top prize as the "best handled tumbler" when our editors tested it against other top models.)

$45 at Brumate
vashon coffee dust

Getting a daily caffeine fix can already do wonders for overall health, boosting metabolism and even curbing the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes or heart disease. And by adding a small amount of spices to the mix, you can maximize your healthy coffee experience. This sampler set includes a range of spice blends, from cinnamon and cayenne to cocoa and turmeric, allowing your friends to find their perfect healthy fix. 

$36 at Amazon

This flower tea is delicious to sip and gorgeous to watch as its petals bloom in the water. Gifting this tea offers a relaxing and sensory experience for the mind and body. Plus, it's a pretty presentation when you have guests at tea time!

$62 at The Qi

Silk pillowcases can help prevent wrinkles and protect hair from breakage, but they also simply feel really nice. Who doesn't want to sleep on something silky and inviting? These silk pillowcases are extra fab due to their romantic style, but waking up with happy skin and hair is the real reason to add them to a gift list.

$37 at Bedsure

Getting a good night's sleep is one of the best gifts you can give someone, because it can make a huge difference to mental, physical and emotional health. This sound machine has six calming sounds, as well as an adjustable night-light, and is compact and portable, making it easy to use at home or while traveling.

Save $4 with Prime
$26 at Amazon
Explore more purchase options
$30 at Target$30 at Kohl's

Looking good is feeling good, and giving the gift of a good hair day, every day, is a great way to support your friends' mental well-being. The award-winning RPZL Polisher Brush is famous for a reason. This brush, formulated to work with natural hair and extensions, has a soft-touch handle and well-cushioned bristles that deliver a gentle but sleek style and shine each time you use it. 

$30 at Amazon

Gardening is good for mental health, and the calming scents of herbs are a powerful way to support emotional well-being. This kit includes everything your friend will need to start an herb garden right at home. Best of all? It's the gift that keeps on giving. When the herbs are ready for harvesting, your friend can cook healthier, tastier meals at home. 

$25 at Ferry-Morse

For anyone looking to start prioritizing wellness through the holidays and beyond, this Wellness Journal is the perfect gift. It features 96 pages of structured wellness planning, allowing your friends to start journaling their way to better all-around health. 

$32 at Amazon

After seeing this bodywash recommended in my favorite beauty-centric Substack newsletter, I had to give it a try, and once I had it in my shower, I never wanted to use anything else again. This bodywash is superhydrating, with a soothing, creamy lather that leaves skin supple, even if you forget to use body lotion post-shower. 

$16 at Amazon
Explore more purchase options
$16 at Ulta Beauty$16 at Target

These oversize, prescription-ready sunglasses are striking and stylish, but they aren't just about looking good — they come with anti-eye-fatigue technology and UV protection to help keep eyes healthy and happy. 

$349 at Amazon

Insomnia is a nightmare, and a better night's sleep is essential for health and wellness, not to mention productivity and stress management. A mattress upgrade is a big part of improving overall sleep, and this hybrid mattress from Sealy Posturepedic is known for its durability, comfort and support. 

$1,879 at Sealy

Staying alert and energized is an important part of productivity, and that often means keeping the coffee or tea flowing. This smart mug will keep your friend's favorite drink hot (at their preferred temperature level), even if it's left sitting for a long time. 

$180 at Ember

Dark chocolate and red wine — two indulgent treats that also happen to be good for you (when consumed in moderation). This gift set of a 2021 Cabernet and three specialty chocolates is the perfect gift to give anyone who loves walking the line between wellness and decadence. 

$100 at Clif Family

Social connections are an important part of emotional health, and loading up a digital frame with photos of family and friends is a great way to keep those connections at the forefront of your mind. This frame from Aura has a modern look and is uber-easy to load with photos straight from a phone. 

$129 at Amazon
Explore more purchase options
$140 at Target$150 at Kohl's

It's the holiday season, so almost everyone is indulging a bit more than usual. This hydrating electrolyte drink mix is a great stocking stuffer to help your friend recover and go at it again ... just in time for New Year's Eve!

with Prime
$50 at Amazon

To maintain wellness, all our organs have to be happy, healthy and well taken care of. Of course, this is easier said than done, and bodies go through a lot in the course of life. For anyone who is managing an illness or recently overcame a challenge — a heart attack, kidney disease, hysterectomy or breast cancer, for instance — these I Heart Guts plushes are the perfect gift to remind your friend that they're on the right track for health. The brand offers plushes of practically every organ, so there's something for everyone. 

$28 at Amazon

Hammocks are the ultimate way to relax and unwind, and the Hammock Throne from Yellowleaf Hammocks will take your friend's relaxation time to the next level. This sleek, high-quality wood-and-metal frame fits into any indoor or outdoor home design, works with the brand's hammock chairs and rotates a full 360 degrees for a flexible and functional seating space. Granted, it's a spendy choice, so the brand's portable Vista hammock chair may be a good alternative.   

$2,999 at Yellowleaf Hammocks

Acupressure can take a little getting used to, but it's a great way to ease back pain and zen out naturally. This affordable set includes the mat and the neck rest for ultimate relief. 

$30 at Amazon
Explore more purchase options
$30 at Walmart$33 at Macy's

Creating a green space in a home is an excellent way to bolster mental health and feelings of well-being. Unfortunately, not everyone has a green thumb. If you have a friend who would like to start gardening (but who doesn't want to kill their plants), easyplant is the way to go. These individual plants (or full sets, like the Gentle Guardians) come in special planters that you fill with water in advance, then simply let them do their thing — you only have to remember to fill them up once a month! 

$466 at Easyplant

If your friend is on their feet all day, what better way to help encourage rest and recovery than with a comfy pair of slip-on shoes? These OOcoozie recovery shoes from OOFOS are great for easing achey feet and can be worn around the house or while running errands. 

$120 at Amazon

These beautiful candles are sure to set the mood and help create seasonal tranquility, with scents of Arbolito, Coquito, Merenguitos and Noche Buena to choose between. If you don't want to buy the whole bundle, you can purchase individual candles for $32. 

$112 at Albisa

Skin goes through a lot, from sweating during workouts to enduring daily makeup and taking in environmental toxins. Hitting the spa to get a facial would be fabulous, but your friend can steam out impurities right at home with this smart facial steamer. It has six customizable beauty modes to purify, deep cleanse, detoxify, hydrate and prime your friend's skin in every way it needs.

with Prime
$119 at Amazon

Writers at Yahoo have tested lots of great sleep masks, but this one stands out from the bunch for its weighted, contoured gel lining that can be used for hot or cold therapy. In addition to working as a blackout sleep mask, it also offers soothing relief for headaches. 

$25 at Amazon

There are all sorts of reasons to embrace wearing compression socks. They can be great for travel but also for working out or even wearing around the home, as they help to stimulate blood flow, relieving swelling and improving circulation. These socks are a great choice for anyone whose days involve a lot of sitting. 

$28 at Amazon

Looking forward to a vacation is the ultimate in self-care, especially for the person who prioritizes exploration and expanding horizons. Honor that inclination with a carry-on that reflects their personality. Every aspect of this luggage from Roam is color-customizable, including the shells, zipper, lining and wheels. You can even add a monogram patch to make it extra personal.

$450 at Roam

Not everyone can afford to give friends or family members a new mattress, but if your favorite person keeps complaining about their poor sleep habits, a new pillow just might do the trick. The Cloud Pillow from Buffy is designed to be soft, supportive and to stay cool, encouraging a better night's rest. 

$50 at Amazon

It's hard to stick to eating right if it feels drab or boring. "Recipes for a Life in Balance" by Miraval Resorts & Spas offers a beautiful collection of recipes and rituals to encourage a more holistic approach to cooking and eating.  

$75 at Miraval Resorts

'Tis the season for all sorts of merriment ... and also germs. Give your friend the gift of staying healthy all season long with this cool steam sanitizer, which can kill germs and viruses on surfaces like kitchen tools and utensils.

$50 at Amazon
Explore more purchase options
$50 at Kohl's$60 at JCPenney

It's hard to get enough protein and stay on top of a healthy eating routine, especially when a person's busy and overscheduled. This gift box of lean protein is perfect to stash in the freezer and help them prioritize their health as they head into the new year.

$179 at ButcherBox

Whether winding down after a long day of work or heading outside for a walk on a brisk day, there's nothing quite like the perfect hoodie to make the experience better. This extra-soft and comfy oversize hoodie from Vineyard Vines is the perfect unisex gift for anyone on your list. 

$128 at Vineyard Vines
Tropical Fruit Box

Eating lots of fresh fruit and veggies is an important part of staying healthy, but eating apples or bananas all day long can get boring. This Tropical Fruit Box keeps being healthy fun and gives the recipient the chance to try new things, such as wildflower honey, dragon fruit, pineapple, mango and guava.

$69 at Tropical Fruit Box

For your friend who feeds their soul with outdoor activities like bird watching or hiking, you can't go wrong with gifting these waterproof binoculars. They have a wide range of sight and offer an extra incentive to be active and curious while exploring Mother Nature. 

$95 at Amazon
Explore more purchase options
$95 at Public Lands$95 at Backcountry

Sometimes winter nights can be uncomfortably dry, making it harder to get a good night's sleep. With a built-in night-light, this smart humidifier can keep your friend comfortable by misting the air without causing annoying wet surfaces or frizzy hair.

$50 at Amazon

For your friend who insists on drinking filtered water, the Epic Nalgene OG Water Bottle has a great interchangeable filter system, with each bottle arriving with two filters. This keeps water fresh and clean, no matter where their day takes them, and gives them no excuse not to stay hydrated.

$50 at Amazon

Staying on top of important health metrics is one way to make sure that you're ready to seek more support if something seems out of line. For anyone managing hypertension, this compact and travel-friendly blood pressure monitor allows for real-time blood pressure readings from anywhere.

$26 at Walmart

Sometimes a person just needs a reminder that it's OK to feel calm and content. This affirmation candle from Minot does just that, encouraging a more centered approach to the day with its clean, calm lavender scent. Plus, the candles are vegan, cruelty-free and free from parabens, phthalates, carcinogens and hormone disruptors.

$24 at Minot

For the new (or relatively new) parent in your life, check to see if their shoulders and back are aching from hauling their baby around. Baby-wearing can be a great way to keep a child close while freeing up the hands to do other things, and we love this Abiie Huggs 3-in-1 baby carrier with hip seat, because it even helps support the weight of older toddlers who just want to be held. It's a wellness solution for the whole little family. 

Save $40 with Prime
$60 at Amazon
Explore more purchase options
$60 at Macy's$100 at Maisonette

Many of us go into a new year prepped with a new calendar or planner, but those don't do much to help us work on progress and productivity, beyond keeping our agenda in one place. This planner does it differently, as it's undated and allows the user to design days and manage them in a way that works best for them. It also focuses on encouraging users to find balance and feel good about progress, even if they don't accomplish everything they hope to every day. 

$45 at Amazon

Between the wildfires popping up everywhere from California to New Jersey and the other environmental pollutants floating around, a good air purifier is the perfect gift idea. This one can protect from the most common irritants, including Fluffy's pet dander or outdoor allergens.

$519 at Amazon
Explore more purchase options
$320 at Woot$520 at Lowe's

This beautiful essential oil diffuser and Himalayan salt lamp is the perfect way for your friend to set the mood. Plus, at only $27, you can throw in a set of essential oils too. 

$33 at Amazon

A cleaner home is a healthier home with fewer pollutants, contaminants or simple dirt getting into the living space. While most people have their go-to cleaning supplies, it's hard to ignore the fact that technology is getting better, and it really is possible to get your home cleaner, faster and more effectively. This 3-in-1 cordless wet vacuum from Kenmore makes it possible to truly clean hard floor surfaces (vacuuming and mopping them) in almost no time flat. 

$199 at Amazon

This beautiful tree of life features crystals associated with the seven chakras, the perfect reminder to your recipient that it's important to keep their body and senses in alignment. 

with Prime
$39 at Amazon
Colby Davis of Boston

Cancer doesn't discriminate, affecting entirely too many people — young, old, health fanatics and those less committed to leading a healthy lifestyle. And its fallout takes a toll on everyone. What we can do to support and walk alongside those affected by cancer is to remind them that we're committed to supporting research and systems that will result in better, more effective treatments. Ten percent of the proceeds from this beautiful cancer ribbon pendant from Colby Davis of Boston goes to support Reid's Rebels, a foundation to support and raise awareness for APML and other blood cancers. 

$150 at Colby Davis of Boston

A better bedtime for kids is ultimately a better bedtime for parents too. This weighted, lavender-scented, microwavable stuffed animal is the perfect wellness gift for nieces, nephews or other young kids in your life. It has a soft scent to encourage relaxation and calm, a weighted body for cuddling and if you pop it in the microwave for about a minute, it comes out nice and warm. With any luck, a rowdy kid will be ready to sleep in no time, leaving the adults to wind down on their own terms. 

with Prime
$27 at Amazon

Walking is so healthy, and it's an important habit to get into. But a friend who is going to be walking with any sort of regularity and distance needs a good pair of walking sneakers. These modern sneakers offer comfort and support, and your friend will also look totally cute in them. The sneakers are also breathable, designed to circulate fresh air through the shoe with every step. How cool is that?

$389 at Amazon

There are lots of meat delivery providers, but Force of Nature is unique in that the company uses regenerative agriculture, known to produce meat richer in many important nutrients, which is great for physical and mental well-being. If your friend loves to grill meats and throw barbecues for a crowd, the Grill Master Box has a range of cuts to try, from grass-fed ribeye steak to regenerative bison ribeye and more.

$200 at Force of Nature

A great bike is an excellent way to enjoy the scenery and stay healthy at the same time. Priority's bikes have a belt drive (rather than a metal chain), which helps to prevent grease buildup or rust, making them an excellent option for pleasure rides or commutes. 

$599 at Priority Bicycles

Rose gold is always cute, but it's extra special when it helps create a healthy and gorgeous smile, too. This sonic toothbrush has a polishing head, four cleaning modes, a magnetic charger and even an automatic shut-off timer to maximize oral health.

$250 at Amazon
Explore more purchase options
$250 at Saks Fifth Avenue$250 at Verishop

Hands take a beating throughout the day, and given that your skin is your largest organ, it's important to take care of it. This shea butter cream from Burt's Bees is a thoughtful and affordable gift for practically anyone you know and love. 

$11 at Amazon
Explore more purchase options
$11 at Walmart$11 at Vitacost

For your achy friend who's looking for ways to rest, relax, recover and improve overall health, this Clearlight Amethyst PEMF Mat is designed to do all of the above. The mat includes 25 pounds of pure amethyst crystals to help warm the body. Meanwhile, the negative ions generated with the PEMF infrared technology encourage cellular repair for improved overall recovery. Plus, it's big enough to lie down on or use for yoga or exercise (its top layer is made of sweatproof fabric too). 

$899 at Clearlight