Tech-related gifts tend to top holiday wish lists for many kids. But an hour of activity every day is what Emily Edwards, M.D., a pediatrician with Saddleback Memorial Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California, recommends for her patients — as a gift year-round.
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“It can help decrease the risk of obesity, elevated blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes; exercise can also help to prevent anxiety, depression, and sleep issues in children. There are mental health benefits as well, like building self-esteem, social skills, and improved school performance,” Edwards told LifeZette.
“An active mindset is an absolute necessity for the long-term physical and mental well-being of our children,” said Michael Moody, a Chicago-based personal trainer and author. “Sustained inactivity is a leading cause of many common physical ailments, including shoulder, knee, and lower back discomfort. We must instill the active habit so that the younger generation makes movement a priority for years to come.”
Most injuries stem from one of three areas: trauma, disease/disorder, or daily reinforcement, said Moody. “Unfortunately, the daily reinforcement of poor posture, inefficient movements, or physical compensation is what I see the most among my personal training clients.”
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A healthy diet and simply walking 15,000 steps a day can transform a person’s life, he added. First, people need to get up off the couch. If you’re stuck for gift ideas that might encourage (you and) your kids to be more active, check out the 10 affordable and fun options below.
1.) Museum passes. Taking your kids to a museum, on a day trip, or even a vacation encourages them to get up and be active without a second thought. Substituting a day of TV for a fun day out on the town creates healthy habits and good memories along the way — and you don’t have to break the bank to do it. Look for coupons online, or check out GiltCity.com, which lists events, activities, and trip specials in your area.
2.) A camera. The gift of a small camera, especially one not attached to a phone, can encourage kids to explore places they might not otherwise, as they hunt for stunning images and cool moments to capture. A basic camera starts at $50 — it can help kids appreciate the beauty around them, offer them some freedom, and give parents a glimpse into how their children think.
3.) A sled. Running up a hill every time you want to come back down burns a lot of calories — and chances are, if you get on board as well, it’ll have the whole family feeling happily exhausted on a good winter’s day. Just remember: Feet first is the safest way down the hill!
Skiing isn’t for everyone, but for those willing to try or who already love the sport, lift tickets or a season pass are great gifts to give.
4.) Ice skates. They can be tough to fit into and lace up — but once you’re wearing a pair of skates, there’s nothing quite like gliding across the ice. The activity is low-impact and helps improve balance and coordination. Roller skates or passes to a roller rink also make for some terrific family outings.
5.) A drone. Drones can vary greatly in size, price, and function, but even the smallest of these gadgets gets kids up and moving — and often chasing after their technology. Kids right now seem to value just about anything that involves electronics, and drones are here to stay. They are also part of an evolving field of technology, so it may interest them in a future career.
6.) Metal detector. There are treasures out there to be found — and detectors made specifically for kids that are easy to handle and light. Who knows, they just might find that diamond earring you lost last summer or better yet, their own money!
7.) Lift tickets or a ski pass. Skiing isn’t for everyone, but for those willing to try or who already love the sport, lift tickets or a season pass are great gifts to give — and not just for the kids. It’s a fun, challenging sport that family members can enjoy together.
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8.) Snow brick maker. You loved this one as a kid, admit it. You know, that little plastic block that you stuff with snow and build yourself a fort? Stick one under the tree and have the snow pants, hat, and gloves ready because chances are, the kids will be outside and using it as soon as the rest of the presents are unwrapped (assuming you live where there’s snow!).
9.) Chicken coop or new pet. If your child keeps asking for some sort of pet and you have the space and the ability, consider a chicken coop. Having a coop, or any pet for that matter, teaches children responsibility, how to do chores — and with chickens, kids learn where some of their food originates.
10.) Geocaching equipment. Geocaching can be done anywhere, any time, and the price is right — it’s relatively free. Walkie-talkies, a map, and a GPS device are always great gifts that can be used for the activity. But searching for treasure can be a great day outdoors.
Here’s a final bit of advice about getting out and about this season: “Limiting passive screen time in our era of overload of electronic devices is key,” said Linh Nguyen, M.D., a pediatrician at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Long Beach, California.
“So even if we gift those during the holiday season, kids still need to know when and for how long they are supposed to use them.”
This piece was originally published last December in LifeZette and has been updated.
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