It’s a little ironic that New Year’s Day, a holiday that is meant to kickstart fresh, good habits and healthy living, directly follows Christmas… a holiday known for its rich food and gluttonous ways. Even New Year’s Eve itself isn’t exactly the best lead-in for clean living. This is why, in recent years, some people have chosen to ask for Christmas gifts that will kickstart their New Year’s resolutions. This often means that, forgoing the typical candy-coated stocking stuffers and heavy presents, they ask for gift cards and memberships.
There’s a beauty to this kind of strategic gifting. If you’re the giver, you’ll be able to know that you’re giving someone something that they can actually use and appreciate. It won’t languish in their closet — especially if you really do your research and find a gift that caters to a person’s specific interests and needs. As the recipient, you’ll be able to really dive into your New Year’s resolutions and start your self-improvement kick early. The sooner you start your new routines, the more likely you’ll be to keep them up over time. Which, as anyone who has taken up a New Year’s resolution can attest, is sometimes easier said than done!
Still, finding the type of gift that will jump-start a New Year’s resolution can be somewhat daunting. Which is why we’re helping you begin your search with a few suggestions. Let’s dive in!
1. Skincare
It’s unlikely that anyone can go throughout life without feeling somewhat insecure about their skin at one point or another. Most of us expect hormonal teenage acne, but many adults continue to have breakouts throughout their lifetimes. In fact, almost 50 million people in the U.S. suffer from acne. Never mind the other skin problems that crop up over time. These can include fine lines, age spots, and even specific skin conditions connected to dry skin and redness. You could always give someone home skincare kits to help them take care of these problems on their own. On the other hand, many would appreciate more professional aid. This is why you may want to gift a loved one with a gift certificate for a professional spa or aesthetician’s clinic. While some such gift certificates are for a specific monetary value, others allow the recipient a continuous membership for a certain period of time. These are even more benefits to a continuous membership — in part because professional aestheticians typically recommend that their clients receive one facial per month. A facial allows the skin to be thoroughly cleansed and encourages skin renewal. For that matter, professional skincare allows recipients to receive targeted treatments, as well as a variety of different treatments over time. There isn’t a better way to help someone care for their skin in the new year!
2. A Massage
Maybe the person you’re buying for is worn out, their muscles strained and their stress reflected in their body. One of the most effective ways to relieve stress in the body is to get a massage. Everyone should receive a massage at least once in their lives. In fact, between July 2013 and July 2014 alone, 23% of massage clients received massages specifically for stress reduction purposes. However, a lot of people don’t feel like they should spend the money on massages, considering them an unnecessary luxury — which is all the more reason why you should consider giving someone a gift certificate for a massage. This is the perfect way for someone to begin relaxing more in the New Year, and they can either save their gift or use it to take the edge off following the stressful holiday season. With that being said, make sure that whoever you’re buying the gift for is comfortable with the idea of a massage. It’s a great gift, but it’s not going to be for everyone. An alternative could be the aforementioned facial if you’re buying for someone a bit more modest.
3. A Health Club Membership
Many of us make the New Year’s resolution to lose weight — but how many of us are able to stick to our resolution? It’s a lot easier to stick to your plan, of course, if you have a regimented one to begin with. This is why people often benefit from joining health clubs, which can offer everything from strict workout classes to meal plans, often with the help of personal trainers. Right now, about 54% of Americans are trying to lose weight. The fact is that you can’t lose weight without both the proper diet and proper exercise. Joining a health club can help someone kill two birds with one stone while hitting their goals in the new year.
4. Workout Equipment
For some people, working out in public is a deterrent. Nobody should feel embarrassed about working out in front of others. But that doesn’t mean that they won’t. Therefore, you may want to buy your loved one workout equipment, should they wish to lose weight and get healthy in the new year. Of course, weight loss isn’t the only reason why people should exercise regularly. The Cleveland Clinic, for example, recommends that people exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Ideally, this will improve a person’s cardiovascular health. If you’re giving a gift to someone who wants to be healthier in general, after Christmas, exercise equipment is perfect.
Remember — you’re giving a Christmas gift. Make sure that you’re taking the individual’s specific interests to heart. If your friend likes to garden, get them a hose that will last well beyond five to ten years. Invest in your loved ones’ hobbies! That’s the mark of a great gift-giver. Everyone is happy when they receive something that’s not only useful, but meant for self-improvement!
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