This year, we have an interesting range of healthy gifts for you and your family

Water Bottles

A big news story this year was Bisphenol-A in plastic water bottles. Many retailers pulled them from their shelves, and people threw them out.

The Sigg bottle is made with a single piece of aluminum and is very light and the inside coating won't make your drinks taste off. They range in price from $24 to about $38, depending on size. That may seem expensive for a water bottle, but these will last you a long time. They also come in kids' sizes. You can find them at Capers and Whole Foods in the Lower Mainland.

Urban polling

Urban poles are meant to be used when you walk to increase your core strength. Walking properly with the polls will give you more of a cardiovascular workout and burn more calories. The key is using the right technique, which is why they come with an instructional DVD. They cost about $100. Click here for more information.

On the exercise track

How about your own personal trainer in the palm of your hand? The website Pumpzone is a place where you can download workouts, pilates classes, stretching routines and yoga -- all to your handheld device like an I-pod or MP3 player. Each training session consists of video, audio and image instructions. The downloads range from $9 to $25. Click on the link for more information.

The Nintendo Wii 'Fit' is a great gift idea to keep you active, not only for kids but also older folks. There are about 40 exercises and activities, including aerobics, yoga and strength training, to help you get active. We found them at Best Buy for about $100.

For the foodie

This year my favourite healthy cookbook is 'Gourmet Nutrition' by Dr. John Berardi. This has got some great recipes in here that are both good for you and taste great. It's about $40 US. You can purchase it online at www.gourmetnutrition.com.

Warm buddies

Last year we had warm buddies for kids -- stuffed animals that heat up to keep you warm. This year, they have a version for grown-ups. It's called 'Spud the Couch Potato' and you take out the heating pad in the middle, warm it up and this little guy makes a nice back or neck rest or keeps you warm. He costs $35.95. Visit www.wildflowersaromatherapy.com

The techie

For the person who spends a long time at the computer, there is the 'Office Buddy.' This comes with a mouse wrist rest and keyboard wrist rest. We've been using these around the office here and they've been a hit. The office buddy pack costs $29.95. Visit www.wildflowersaromatherapy.com.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Dr. Rhonda Low