The holidays have arrived and it’s time once again to begin searching for the perfect gifts for family and friends. This year, why not let a health-conscious attitude be your shopping guide and select gifts that will truly be "heart-felt"?

The following list of healthful gifts may seem like odd presents until you consider their purpose: to provide something of true value to the recipient. Some of these suggestions even "keep on giving." And -- a perk for the giver as well -- most of them can be obtained without a mad trip to the mall!

• Body massage. Day spas and independent licensed practitioners offer a variety of massages, from total body to scalp-only massage. All are guaranteed to be stress-relievers.
  
• Spa services. You may not be able to offer your spouse a week's stay at a fabulous spa, but day spas offer many services to reinvigorate body and mind -- facials, manicures, foot reflexology, and much more.
  
• Exercise classes. For the person who wants to exercise but hasn’t quite gotten motivated, how about a membership to the neighborhood fitness center, or a series of aerobics classes? For the person who already works out, a few sessions with a "personal trainer" to custom-designs an exercise routine will surely be appreciated.
  
• Aromatherapy. A fragrant environment is a stress-reliever. Scented candles, beads, oils, and other products are a luxury.
  
• Exercise equipment. New Year’s resolutions to "exercise more" will be easier to keep when you can do it without leaving home! From an elaborate home gym to a set of hand weights, at-home exercise equipment can be a wonderful gift.
  
• Sports equipment. If weights and treadmills seem like a drag, something more "fun" might be a new bike, in-line skates, or even a basketball.
  
• Visit to a nutritionist. If a family member wants to shed a few pounds or just needs motivation to eat right, a visit to a nutritionist would be helpful. For serious weight loss, a membership to a weight loss program (such as The Jewish Hospital Weight Management Center or Cholesterol Center) could be an excellent idea.
  
• Basket of healthful foods. Tempt your loved ones to eat healthy by offering them some tasty, low-fat treats. Include green tea for its cancer-fighting properties.
  
• Annual checkup. This probably shouldn’t be the only gift you give to a loved one, but for the person who avoids seeing a doctor or dentist because of the cost, this gift might actually be appreciated.
  
• Check out the Alliance Institute for Integrative Medicine. It’s an antidote for modern-day life -- offering many healing therapies to reduce stress, including massage, acupuncture, reflexology, energy healing, and much more. You’ll find a total therapeutic and tranquil environment, compassionate practitioners and a place for healing and well-being. What a gift!