The women on your list will appreciate these gifts that promote physical wellbeing, intellectual stimulation, mental sanity, and healthy creativity.

With so many gift options available, it can be hard to pinpoint presents that promote health and wellbeing. Technological advances made in recent years bring about some healthy options, but they also lead to some unhealthy choices (video games, computer equipment, and high-tech phones that keep people away from physically-active, low-stress lifestyles.)

To please the women in your life, here are some healthy, low-tech, mind-expanding gift ideas. Simple ideas are listed first, with more expensive items mentioned as the list goes on:

Babysitting Services

Give the gift of time to your loved ones who are mothers. Free time is so precious to women who have to mother, housekeep, cook, and maybe also work outside the home. If you can lend someone a hand and babysit (free of charge) for a couple of hours a week, every once in a while, or even once for a special occasion, you will be a hero to a deserving mom.

Recipe Books for Low-Fat or Low-Sugar Meals

Plenty of women are trying to maintain healthy eating habits, or they may have medical conditions (diabetes) that keep them on a strict diet. Try selecting a recipe book that is healthy but fun. Eating nutritionally no longer means eating blandly: there are plenty of recipes for seafood, ethnic foods, appetizers, and desserts that are low in fat, calories, and/or sugar. Check your local book store.

Books on Tape or CD

This is an excellent idea for those women on your list who may have vision problems, travel often, or simply don't have the time to sit and read. So many best-sellers, mysteries, classics, and other book genres now come in this format. These books are still portable, are comparable in price to print books, and they free up the hands and eyes.

Gift Cards to Bookstores

Expanding on the above topic, another great idea is a gift card to a bookstore. This allows a person many options, including magazines, music, and sometimes even movies. Bookstores still deliver low-tech, mind-expanding gift alternatives.

Gift Cards to Health or Natural Food Stores

This type of store is becoming very popular among women trying to stay healthy. There are locally-run types and also chains such as Trader Joe's. This present is an excellent choice for cooking enthusiasts who need special, natural ingredients for recipes. It is also a wise choice for women who are using soy and other natural products to relieve menopause symptoms.

Massage/Reiki

Treat a woman you know to a massage or reiki treatment. These gifts can usually be purchased in half-hour to hour increments. Spas, chiropractic offices, and hospitals offer massage treatments that are swanky to no-frills. This is such a peaceful, relaxing gift idea.

A Mini Shopping Spree at the Mall

If you want to have an active, energy-boosting day, treat a woman to a trip to the mall. Create a voucher with the spending limit and invite this person to shop, shop, shop. The walking is just an added bonus. This gift idea is great for teens and young women who might not even detect the added health benefit.

Spa Weekend

A luxurious gift for women is a weekend spa getaway, including massages, facials, manicures, and/or pedicures. It can be for one, two, or more ladies and it can be moderately priced to expensive, depending on the location and included amenities. Shop around for rates and inclusions. Services can always be added on upon arrival.

Exercise Equipment or Sporting Goods

If you need to get a gift for an active woman, consider sporting equipment. Does the woman play golf or tennis? Does she enjoy biking or canoeing? This type of equipment can thrill such an enthusiast. How about a home gym piece (treadmill or step machine?) Since these are often larger, pricier items, it would be wise to find out first if this person would want such a gift.

Gym Membership

A membership to a gym can make a great woman's gift, especially if someone already belongs and wants to renew her membership. Gym amenities range from no-frills (the local YMCA) to extravagant (with spa treatments, pools, saunas, an indoor track, etc.) Again, it's a good idea to ask the person whether they want such a gift, since the membership fee is usually non-refundable.

• For more information on healthy holiday living, read Stay Well During the Holidays
• For related health articles, check out the General Health ARTICLE INDEX