Gift Guide For The Health-Minded Mom

This post contains affiliate links, but all opinions are my own.

Just like that, it is Monday again! While I had a low key weekend planned, we ended up filling up our two days with volunteering, seeing my sister during a longer layover in Denver, grocery shopping, and running week four of our Healthy Kids Running Series. I love when weekends are packed with fun events that make me feel like I am not just waiting for another work week to begin. What exciting things did you get to do this weekend?

During my sister’s layover, she had about four hours, we went to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge. We wanted to spring Kate from the airport for a few hours, but with it being so far away from most things, we had to stay close. While the focus of the visit was to catch up and visit, I packed a picnic lunch that we ate near one of the ponds. We then took a walk, for Zoey a run, along the dirt path around the pond and over the floating boardwalks. Lots of people were fishing, or just out for a stroll. We also drove the 11 mile wildlife loop and saw buffalo and deer. While I would not label the arsenal as a must see if you only have a few days in Denver, it is a nice way to get some fresh air and stretch your legs if you are up that way and have a few hours.

Kate and I both have daughters the same age, just 4 days apart, and we spent a good chunk of our time together talking about how our little ones are developing, behaving, and some of their adorable (if not frustrating) mannerisms. With Mother’s Day right around the corner, it is the time of year where adult kids everywhere are searching for that perfect gift for the matriarch in their lives that is above the normal flowers, card, and homemade coupon book.

Whether your mom is really healthy already, or working towards improving her health and fitness, there are a few gifts that I know she would love. These are items I use constantly and get so much benefit out of when trying to plan healthy meals, workout consistently, or help my family eat better and move more.

Race entry. Does your mom love to walk or run? There are so many races coming up that getting her a race entry fee would be perfect for her motivation and give her a solid end goal. Get her two race entries so you can join her for the event, or so she can enlist a friend. Races like the color run and bubble run are fun, low-key, and takes any pressure off her running a personal best.

Workout plan. If your mom does really well with a structured workout plan, and she is training for an upcoming 5k, the Finish Line Strong 5k Training Plan is what she needs. In this 12 week training plan, your mom will get a beginner, intermediate, and advanced plan that features interval workouts, strength workouts, long runs, and core focus. Grab a copy for an instant download that you can email to her or have printed and at the ready.

Meal planner. Is meal planning something your mom does regularly in her household? Does it seem to stress her out even slightly? $5 Meal Plans takes all the stress out of it for her. Not only does it have pretty healthy meals on the list each week, but it ensures that the meal planner of the group will stay within budget.

Fitbit. While your mom may already have an activity tracker, a working Fitbit can make all the difference. I adore my Fitbit One as it is not bulky on my wrist and I can put it in a pocket, clip it to my pants, or hid it on a bra strap. Plus, having it is so motivating to move more to get in those extra steps! Watch out though, if your mom is at all competitive, you might find yourself in step competition.

Costco membership. By now you know that my love of Costco runs deep and if there is a Costco within a 30 minute radius of where your mom lives, then you need to get her a membership. With so many healthy food choices and on the go snack options, your mom will have a ball browsing the aisles and picking out low cost items in bulk amounts that she can use and try.

Sunglasses and active sun hat. With the weather turning warming and the sun burning just a bit brighter, your active mom is going to be spending more time outdoors. Keep her protected from the sun with a good pair of active sunglasses, I love Oakelys as they do not slip on your face, and a moisture wicking sun hat like this one. You could add to this gift by also including some good quality body and face sunblock like Neutrogena and sun protection chapstick. Your mom will be thrilled when she gets back from a run, gardening adventure, or hike with fewer sunburns!

Groupon. When Rob and I got married, we did not have time to take a honeymoon right away. Instead, I planned a staymoon that included a different event or activity we could do each night after work. We had simple items on there like an at home movie night and game night, but I also utilized Groupon for some out the box experiences. We went whiskey tasting, took a cooking class, and did a wine and chocolate pairing class. You can find some really interesting activities on Groupon that your mom would love! Make sure you get two tickets to whatever that activity is so she can bring you or a friend.

Thrive Market subscription. If your mom does not live near a Costco, or she has some more specific dietary and product needs, then a Thrive Market subscription is ideal. Your mom can save good money on health food items that some regular stores do not carry, or if they do, she can get them at a discounted price. A few of my favorite items to get from Thrive Market are nutritional yeast, grass fed protein powder, and Enjoy Life chocolate.

Good food storage containers. While my mom’s Tupperware shelf is really well organized, some of them are a bit old, or do not keep food fresh as long as they should. Give your mom an upgrade with some good quality food storage containers. We got these ones at Costco (see my love runs deep) and I absolutely adore them. They do not leak, keep food fresher a few days longer, and are clear.

Entry to an expo. Send your mom to a fun event by researching any food or fitness expos in your area. If you have a Gluten Free & Allergen Friendly Expo coming to your neighborhood, then that would be my first choice for all the swag and snack ideas. Like a race entry, this is a good one to get her two tickets for so you can go with her, or so she can bring a friend. You will definitely benefit when she comes home with new meal ideas!

Yurbuds. If your mom does a decent amount of solo walks or fitness time, then she needs a good pair of headphones. I have been using Yurbuds for years after much trial and error with other earbuds and have found these to be the best. They stay in place whether I am running intervals or jumping around during a plyometric workout, are not bulky, and have really good sound quality.

There you have it. The 11 items I would recommend gifting to the health-minded mom in your life. Anything that gets her moving and makes her active and nutritious eating habits easier will be a win in her book. Happy gifting!