The holiday season is filled with sweets, stress and shopping for the perfect presents — all things that can leave our hearts working overtime. But what if this year's gifts could help your friends and family feel healthier?
Harini Bollempalli, MD, cardiologist and member of the HonorHealth Medical Staff, shares our top picks for heart-smart presents your loved ones will appreciate.
1. Wearable fitness tech
Fitness trackers don't just encourage daily exercise — they can also track sleep issues that may increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. “It’s not only about how long you sleep,” says Dr. Bollempalli. “Smart devices can uncover hidden signs of heart strain by flagging a lack of recovery, poor sleep quality or elevated heart rate.”
Look for wearables that monitor sleep habits and send alerts when the wearer is outside of their high and low heart rate thresholds. Some fitness trackers allow you to share this data directly with your cardiologist by exporting a report, or you can simply show them on your next visit.
2. Fitness class pass
From high-energy cardio to calming yoga, fitness classes boost heart health with every beat. The key is to choose a studio or facility that’s convenient for the recipient and tailored to their health needs. Even better, get an all-in-one pass with a variety of options for all fitness levels.
3. Healthy meal kit subscription
The American Heart Association recommends a diet low in saturated fats and refined sugars. Weekly delivery kits that focus on balanced, portion-controlled recipes can help your loved ones cut back on sugary, high-fat, heavily processed foods while adding heart-friendly veggies, lean proteins and whole grains. They also eliminate the guesswork of meal planning, which makes heart-healthy eating more sustainable for busy households.
4. Stress-relief gift set
Chronic stress puts your heart into overdrive mode. “It releases stress hormones that increase your heart rate and blood pressure, which can cause inflamed arteries over time,” Dr. Bollempalli explains. Gifts that encourage relaxation, such as a yoga mat, essential oils, calming decaf teas or a weighted blanket, can help your loved one manage their daily stress in healthy ways.
5. Massage or spa gift card
Massage therapy has been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve circulation. Even a simple spa day can lower stress hormone levels and encourage better sleep. Gifting relaxation reminds the recipient that self-care isn’t selfish — it’s an important part of keeping your heart strong.
6. Smart water bottle
Dehydration can cause electrolyte imbalances and blood pressure fluctuations that put extra strain on your heart. “Your bloodstream is like a river, and your heart is what keeps it flowing,” says Dr. Bollempalli. “When you're dehydrated, that river shrinks. Less water means thicker blood, and the heart must pump harder to keep things moving.”
Like fitness trackers, smart water bottles use tech to track your water intake, sync with wellness apps and even glow when it’s time to sip. By sending reminders throughout the day, a smart bottle can be the gentle nudge needed to keep your river full and the current strong.
The gift of good health
This holiday season, skip boring ties or unwanted knickknacks and give gifts that encourage heart-healthy habits. From fitness boosters to everyday wellness helpers, these thoughtful picks prove that caring for someone’s heart is one of the most meaningful ways to say, “I love you.”
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