Healthy gift ideas: What to buy your loved ones and show you care

What's the problem?

Choosing the perfect gift for your loved one can be daunting. You want to select something surprising, delightful, and genuinely helpful. With the help of experts, Rubryka has gathered ideas that not only show your thoughtfulness and remind your loved ones how much you care but also contribute to their well-being.

This selection of health-focused gifts was created with the assistance of family physicians Nadia Barzak and Iryna Hluzdan.

What are the solutions?

12 gifts that truly show care for your loved ones' health

A medical check-up is a comprehensive examination of the entire body conducted over one or several days. Many private clinics offer tailored packages for health screenings, which you can purchase as gift certificates. These services are often tailored by age and gender, addressing specific needs for men, women, younger adults, and seniors.

Typically, an annual check-up includes:

• Complete blood and urine tests;
• Biochemical blood tests (liver and/or kidney function);
• Lipid profile;
• Ferritin level;
• Thyroid hormones;
• Ultrasound of the abdominal organs and kidneys;
• Ultrasound of the pelvis and mammary glands for women and prostate for men;
• Consultations with key specialists.

Based on the results, a doctor can provide personalized recommendations.

If your loved one has a known medical condition, you can include specialized tests and consultations, such as hormone panels, tumor markers, coagulation tests, or visits to endocrinologists, cardiologists, and mammologists. You can often purchase certificates from clinics specializing in such diagnostics for expensive tests like CT or MRI scans, says Iryna Hluzdan.

"Our loved ones often avoid going to the doctor until something hurts. These screenings focus on prevention and early diagnosis, improving health outcomes and sparing you the stress of dealing with neglected conditions. For those who are hesitant to spend on themselves, a prepaid certificate is the perfect solution — they'll have no excuse not to go," Nadia Barzak adds.

Such certificates make thoughtful gifts not just for the holidays.

Watching training videos is helpful, but practicing in real life is essential. Participants can learn and practice skills such as chest compressions, artificial respiration, using an automated defibrillator, assisting in choking incidents, responding to heart attacks, strokes, or seizures, and stopping critical bleeding. The specific skills taught depend on the chosen course.

Dr. Nadia Barzak, who has years of experience as a first aid instructor, emphasizes the importance of such knowledge for everyone, starting from teenage years.

"In stressful situations, we don't rise to the level of our knowledge but fall to the level of our skills. Plus, the training atmosphere is usually relaxed, with a bit of physical activity and fun. A good mood is guaranteed by the end. However, it's crucial to choose courses led by instructors certified by international organizations," she advises.

For those who have already completed basic training, Nadia Barzak recommends gifts like:

• Certified tourniquets (e.g., the American CAT or Ukrainian Sich);
• Pocket CPR masks (e.g., Pocket CPR Mask);
• For drivers, a car first aid kit (e.g., Eurostandard kits with tourniquets AMA-1 or AMA-2) or a self-rescue keychain for breaking glass and cutting seatbelts (e.g., ResQme). 

Massage sessions make an excellent gift for those who enjoy physical relaxation. However, experts caution that this is a suitable present only if the recipient has previously attended massage or physiotherapy sessions or if they genuinely need it (ideally based on a doctor's recommendation).

A home massager can be an excellent alternative for those uncomfortable with physical contact. Devices like percussion or vibration massagers are perfect for daily self-massage after a tough day, offering flexibility to target different body areas as needed.

On the other hand, gifting a gym membership might not be the best choice unless the recipient has explicitly expressed interest. Regular exercise requires intrinsic motivation, which rarely starts with an unsolicited membership. Such a gift might even be perceived as an inappropriate comment on their lifestyle. 

A blood pressure monitor is an excellent gift for grandparents and even younger friends or relatives. Regular monitoring helps detect hypertension early, reducing the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

Dr. Nadia Barzak recommends choosing an automatic device with an arm cuff (upper arm, from elbow to shoulder). Wrist monitors are less reliable as standardized measurements are only available for upper-arm cuffs. Look for devices with appropriately sized cuffs if your loved one has a larger arm circumference.

Battery-operated models are practical, especially during power outages, and having spare batteries ensures uninterrupted use. Trusted brands like Omron (Japan) or Gamma (UK) offer reliable products with accessible service centers and replacement parts.

Another thoughtful gift is a pulse oximeter, which measures blood oxygen levels — ideal for those with respiratory conditions like COPD or asthma, Dr. Iryna Hluzdan adds.

A glucometer is also a valuable gift for monitoring blood sugar levels. This device has become an indispensable home tool for people needing frequent testing.

Nebulizers and inhalers are some of the most practical gifts for families with young children or individuals with recurring respiratory conditions. Thankfully, the days of steaming over-boiled potatoes are behind us. Modern devices now offer more efficient and convenient solutions.

Compressor nebulizers are highly recommended due to their compatibility with most medications in nebulized form. Although they can be somewhat noisy, they outperform other types of inhalers, which might degrade certain drugs during use.

Another rising trend is breezers, compact inhalers powered by rechargeable batteries. They offer autonomy, making them highly useful during power outages.

A humidifier is an excellent choice for families with small children and anyone seeking better air quality.

"A comfortable microclimate benefits not just houseplants but also people," says Nadia Barak. "Heating systems dry out the air, which then dries out mucous membranes, causing nasal congestion, eye irritation, fatigue, and coughing. A humidifier, especially one that can operate on a battery, can address these issues even during blackouts." 

Flu is not just a bad cold — it's a sudden onset of high fever (39–40°C), body aches, a dry, exhausting cough, and high risks of complications. Annual vaccination is the best way to reduce these risks, as the flu virus mutates yearly.

Flu season extends through June, making this gift relevant for months. Vaccines like Vaxigrip or GC Flu are especially crucial for:

• Individuals with chronic illnesses
• Older people
• Pregnant women (safe worldwide for expecting mothers)

Also, consider gifting a pneumococcal vaccine like Prevenar 13 (Belgium), which guards against bacterial pneumonia. A single dose offers long-term immunity, benefiting older people or those with chronic conditions. 

Oral health isn't just about aesthetics — cavities and gum inflammation can act as chronic sources of infection. When immunity is compromised, it may lead to bacterial complications in other organs and systems.

Professional dental cleaning is recommended twice a year, and tools like electric toothbrushes and irrigators (devices using water or solution jets for cleaning) help maintain excellent oral hygiene at home.

When choosing, select electric brushes with replaceable heads that are changed every three months. Irrigators are essential for individuals with periodontal issues, implants, braces, or gum sensitivity.

Quality sleep is vital for mental and physical health, especially during stressful times. Typically, a pillow needs to be comfortable and hypoallergenic, with a washable cover. Those who stick to old pillows out of habit may experience allergies or neck pain after sleeping.

A new pillow with high-quality filling, such as bamboo fiber or orthopedic foam, can help your loved ones rest better.

As an added touch, pair it with a natural silk pillowcase. It helps prevent wrinkles, has antibacterial properties (important for people with acne), and protects hair from friction and damage. After sleeping on such a pillowcase, going back to a regular one becomes unthinkable.

Perfect for those with perpetually cold feet or older people with thermoregulation issues, an electric blanket not only warms but also promotes blood circulation, relieves muscle tension and eases rheumatic pain.

It's great for bedtime or cozy evenings with a book or movie. When gifting it, ensure that you provide instructions for safe usage.

Staying hydrated is something everyone knows in theory but often struggles to practice consistently.

"We are mostly made up of water, so it's crucial to drink enough regularly. The proper functioning of, quite literally, all systems in the body depends on it. It's much easier to stay hydrated when you have a water bottle constantly in sight," says Nadia Barzak.

If you choose a leak-proof bottle, it can hold sparkling mineral water. Opting for a dishwasher-safe bottle makes maintenance easier (for those with a dishwasher).

There are also "smart bottles" available, which remind their owners when it's time to drink water.

Pill organizers are indispensable gifts for anyone — not only older people — managing daily medications. They come in weekly or daily configurations, with options for single or multiple doses. Travel-sized versions and those with built-in pill cutters are especially practical.

However, avoid gifting vitamins or supplements unless specifically recommended by a healthcare professional.