11 Healthy Holiday Gifts

You can't go wrong with a gift for health.

Still on your holiday shopping list: A family member with a medical condition, a partner in need of a good night's sleep, a close friend trying to stay in shape. Here's a wide assortment of gift ideas for the people in your life, whether they're staying on top of chronic health issues or simply seeking wellness.

Sleep aids for the restless

For friends having trouble getting shut-eye, a Dohm white noise machine drowns out any noises that would otherwise wake them, says Dr. Nathaniel Watson, president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. A new alarm clock with red instead of blue digital numbers is another gift idea. "Blue wavelengths are stimulating for the human circadian pacemaker," Watson explains. On the low-tech end, he suggests a "worry journal" to keep at the bedside and jot down concerns before going to sleep.

Fresh fruit for the busy

Fruit-of-the-month clubs make great healthy reminders for people who can't always stock their fridge with fresh produce, says registered dietitian Keri Gans, an author and U.S. News Eat + Run blogger. Organic fruit, exotic fruit, California fruit, citrus choices, seasonal selections -- take your pick. Costs vary, but many options run at about $30 a month, with half-year and 12-month memberships.

Kitchenware for inspiration

A new set of pots and pans or kitchen knives can motivate people to do more home cooking, Gans says. Cookware can be expensive, but affordable kitchen items -- like a durable chef's knife -- also make great gifts. Or ... you can send someone to cooking class. "This is only good for a person who has expressed an interest -- otherwise it could be misconstrued that their cooking is awful," she warns. "But it can be very helpful for someone who wants to maintain their weight and doesn't know their way around the kitchen."

Large-print keyboard for low-vision users

For people with fading eyesight, the Zoom Text Large Print Keyboard is a "life-changing tool," says Kim Graham, the access technology program director for the Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired and affiliates. "I have worked with so many low-vision folks whom, when I enter their environment carrying one of these large-print keyboards, just about cry because they can actually see the keys again." Made by Ai Squared, the screen magnification and reading devices range from $99 to $129.

Talking devices for daily routines

Setting the alarm at night and weighing in each morning are no problem for blind people with the right devices. The ivee Digit Interactive Talking Alarm Clock (starting at about $39) responds to voice commands, with no need to program or press buttons. The Reizen Talking Bathroom Scale (about $60) announces users' weight in pounds or kilograms.

Exercise gear for active seniors

"Regular exercise is your best solution for finding the fountain of youth," says Dr. Diane Schneider, a geriatrician and author of "The Complete Book of Bone Health." Walking is best for overall fitness, she says, so walking shoes make a healthy gift. Exercise bands are good for muscle resistance and stretching, while balance trainers and exercise balls promote balance and stability -- and reduce the risk of falls.

Helping hand for frail family members

For frail seniors who live alone, nurse practitioner Kathy Berra suggests giving the gift of self. That can mean helping with wrapping presents and sending cards or providing transportation to social activities at the senior center. For stocking stuffers, Berra says musical CDs, like a Frank Sinatra collection or singalong Christmas carols, are fun choices that can inspire people to get up and move. Also, "Sit and Be Fit" workout DVDs are available at different fitness levels.

Household items to cope with COPD

Jean Rommes, who does advocacy work for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, has several gift categories in mind. A pair of bath/shower chairs -- one for inside the tub, the other outside for sitting when done -- can make showering or bathing easier. Kitchen gadgets such as reaching tools, jar openers and grabbers also help people with limited energy. A pulse oximeter, a lightweight device to painlessly measure oxygen levels in the body, is a thoughtful gift. Rommes, who has COPD, likes oximeters made by Nonin Medical, but other brands are available at stores like Wal-Mart and Walgreens.

Essentials to deal with diabetes

A big box of Level Life Glucose Gel would make a great gift for someone with Type 1 diabetes, says Arielle Fiffer, design project manager for the nonprofit JDRF. Gels quickly treat too-low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. (Other brands are available.) Another idea: Exercise plays an important part in the lives of people with Type 1 diabetes, says Vincent Crabtree, JDRF's director for research business development. An exercise kit containing a fitness band or tracker, a heart-rate monitor and more would be an ideal gift, he says.

Asthma- and allergy-friendly products

A clean environment can mean the difference between wheezing and breathing well for people with asthma and allergies -- so household cleaning products are thoughtful gifts. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America certifies a variety of products -- including vacuums, humidifiers, air purifiers and bedding -- as more suitable for people with these respiratory conditions. For small kids, recommended friendly toys include stuffed animals, dolls and cuddly rattles.

Treats for kids with food allergies

For children who are allergic to certain foods, such as milk, peanuts, eggs and shellfish, you can bake allergen-free treats from recipes on the Kids With Food Allergies website. The AAFA also lists food companies that cater to people with food allergies. Safe recommended brands include Enjoy Life Foods, Pascha (for chocolate) and So Delicious Dairy Free.

Lisa Esposito is a Patient Advice reporter at U.S. News. You can follow her on Twitter, connect with her on LinkedIn or email her at lesposito@usnews.com.