15 healthy holiday gifts to give during the COVID-19 pandemic

Starting your holiday shopping? When it comes to gifts, you might be wondering if there are special items that could make life easier – or bring joy –  for your friends and family during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Our Wellness team offers these suggestions.

1. Virtual cooking class. Cooking classes are perfect for the virtual world because you can cook in your own kitchen, with all your own equipment. Some companies will even send you the ingredients or get them ready for you to pick up.
2. Seeds, herbs, pots and soil to start an herb garden. Gardening is therapeutic and great exercise. Give your loved one a head start with a small gardening starter kit. Add in gloves and few tools for a larger gift. Some plant sets allow for balcony or indoor gardening, too.
3. Mask. Use our guide to make sure you choose a mask that works best to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Pick one that you think best shows their personality. You can even support MD Anderson and show your commitment to ending cancer and by choosing a mask from MD Anderson Children’s Art Project. Proceeds support patient programs for kids with cancer.
4. Soap or hand sanitizer. Keeping hands clean is one of the most important ways to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, so consider a gift that helps to get the job done. Soap and water is most effective, but hand sanitizer is a good backup option for keeping hands clean. If you give hand sanitizer, be sure to avoid products that contain methanol or 1-propanol, which are toxic.
5. A fruit or veggie basket from a local farm delivery service. A plant-based diet full of veggies, fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds will boost your immune system. Help your friends and loved ones stick to a healthy diet, and give them a selection of tasty and seasonal foods.
6. Plant-based cookbooks. If you can’t get a veggie basket to your giftee, send a plant-based cookbook.
7. Resistance bands, foam roller or yoga mat for at-home workouts and stretching. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many people’s physical activity routines. These simple items might be just the boost your relative or friends needs to get moving again – without having to leave home. Send them this video to guide them through a few easy exercises.
8. Home weights. A set of home weights is a great choice to encourage strength training and build strong muscles and bones. It also boosts metabolism, which can help with maintaining a healthy weight.
9. Sunscreen. The sun’s UV rays are present all year round, so sunscreen might be the perfect gift to protect your friend’s skin, especially if they’re spending more time outside during the pandemic.
10. Water bottle. A refillable water bottle makes it easy to stay hydrated. Help your friends out by choosing one that has a few simple parts that can easily be washed in soap and water.
11. Ear buds. A set of earbuds can make life a lot easier – and more fun – during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cut out background noise while working at home, fill your outdoor walks with music, or just block everything out and watch a movie or listen to a favorite podcast in peace.
12. Party hats for virtual get-togethers. Holiday cheer can be as simple as a silly hat. Send your friend one so they can mix things up at their virtual holiday parties.
13. Fitness tracker. These popular devices are proven to support successful weight loss. Fitness trackers help with goal setting and motivation to exercise. If your family member needs some help getting started, here’s how to make the most of a new fitness tracker.
14. Adult coloring book. Art work is a simple way to relax and unwind – something we all need to help cope with pandemic fatigue.
15. Meditation app subscription. Help your friend or family member take relaxation to the next level with a membership for a meditation app or online meditation program. Meditation practices like mindfulness can reduce stress, support a healthy lifestyle and boost the immune system. Guided practice from an app can help move a practice from something aspirational and make it a reality.

Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or by calling 1-877-632-6789.