Give the gift of good health this holiday season

Looking for some meaningful holiday gift-giving ideas? Instead of spending more than you should on the latest this or that, consider thoughtful gifts that help friends and family live healthier, happier lives. Show them that you cherish their company and want them to stick around!

Think in terms of gifts that support a healthy lifestyle and emotional well-being or that emphasize relationships over material things. Such gifts come in all shapes and price points. With a little thought, you can find such gifts for everyone on your list, from your nearest and dearest to your children's teachers and your neighbors. Here's some ideas to get you started.

For your inner circle

• A fitness tracker or smartwatch - For the family member who wants to start or amp up a fitness program, these irresistible gadgets can be highly motivational.

• A massage gift card - Who is the most stressed-out friend you have? Gift them with a soothing massage - a gentle reminder to slow down and take care of themselves.

• A getaway for two - People who take vacations live longer! Surprise your honey or your bestie with a long weekend somewhere warm and fun.

• A health club membership or session with a personal trainer - Perfect for the loved one who has been advised to start a fitness regime, but can't seem to get started.

• An air fryer, hot pot or sparkling water maker - Kitchen appliances that encourage easy, healthy food prep make great gifts. Pair with a cookbook and starter supplies.

• A season of snowplowing - The link between heart attacks and snow shoveling is real. A winter of snow-clearing services makes a great gift for older family members.

For people in your outer orbit

• Nuts, dried fruit or a fruit basket - A healthier alternative to the folks you usually gift with cookies or candy. You'll be surprised how many people will love this!

• A quality, stainless steel water bottle - Forget the coffee mug ... a well-insulated water bottle encourages hydration and earth-friendly habits. Makes a great gift for teachers and co-workers.

• Fresh flowers - Research shows that receiving flowers is an instant mood-enhancer - more powerful than a bar of chocolate! The effect lasts for several days.

• Candles or essential oils - More than pleasing, aromatherapy alleviates anxiety and depression by stimulating the limbic system - the part of the brain that controls mood and emotion.

• A modest bookstore gift card - Reading and listening to audio books is great for building brain power and focus - not to mention, it's an ultimate pleasure for many.

And don't forget the senior orphans - those elderly people who are all alone - on the edges of your life. Not only do they have no one to exchange gifts with this holiday season, they may be silently struggling to get by. Bringing over an occasional meal and offering a little company allows you to keep an eye on them. And if at some point you see that they need help, contact your local senior organization or social service agency. Don't let them fall through the cracks.

In short, encouraging those in your circle to live healthier, happier lives is a great way to channel the spirit of the season - as is graciously expanding your circle to include those who don't have one of their own.

• Teri Dreher, RN, CCM, is a board-certified patient advocate. A critical care nurse for more than 30 years, she recently founded Seniors Alone Guardianship & Advocacy Services (SeniorsAlone.org), a not-for-profit organization that serves the area's senior orphans. She also is the founder of NShore Patient Advocates, www.northshorern.com.