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Our idea of a great wellness gift may surprise you: For us, it’s something that’s made our lives better this year — by helping us cook more, exercise more or simply get out and have more fun. That means we love not only local produce and a great pair of running shorts (pockets mandatory), but also a sturdy beach umbrella and a cute puzzle for our dogs.

Above all, our hope is that these ideas will help your loved ones — and you — feel more joy. Happy gifting!

I love to cook, and I use weeknight dinner prep as a way to unwind after work. I usually load recipes on my iPad and follow along. But my favorite recipes exist in different corners of the internet, including videos on TikTok and Instagram. Eventually, the playback loops on those videos drive you crazy. Now that my fiancé got me this <a href="https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/recipe-box/" target=_blank>recipe box</a> ($54.95), we write our favorites on index cards. My weary eyes appreciate reading instructions on paper. And it’s a fun way to ask each other: Is this recipe really a “keeper”? — Teddy Amenabar, staff writer

I keep a set of kettlebells in my garage and use them to do 10- to 20-minute high-intensity workouts when my time is limited. It gets my heart rate up while also helping me build strength. Kettlebell swings, for example, use the largest muscles in my body — my glutes, quads and hamstrings. I can also do kettlebell cleans, snatches, squats, and other exercises that work everything from my shoulders to my biceps, triceps and calves. — Anahad O’Connor, Eating Lab columnist

I’m always on the lookout for shoes that have sufficient arch support for my flat feet, but that’s unfortunately not always an option outside of running or hiking shoes. Custom orthotics are often extremely expensive, and pharmacy inserts usually don’t cut it. When I discovered Tread Labs insoles this past year, it was a game changer for me — they were supportive enough, and I could easily slip them into any shoe. I have the <a href="https://treadlabs.com/products/ramble-short-insoles?variant=29497397379095" target=_blank>Ramble short insoles</a> ($50), but you can adjust the size of the insole depending on your preferences. I also opted for the low-arch version, but a different arch height might be best for you. — Caitlin Gilbert, data reporter

Home office chairs are often expensive, but because many of us spend just as much time working from home as in the office — if not more — one can be a worthwhile investment. The <a href="https://www.hermanmiller.com/products/seating/office-chairs/aeron-chair/" target=_blank>Herman Miller Aeron chair</a> ($1,300-$2,100) is definitely a splurge but has an ergonomic design that is customizable, allowing you to choose the best size and support features for your body. And while it does not come with a headrest, those who want one can buy a perfect match from <a href="https://atlasheadrest.com/products/headrest-for-remastered-aeron-chair" target=_blank>Atlas Headrest</a> ($190-$200). — Lindsey Bever, reporter

Have a female runner on your list? <a href="https://www.rei.com/product/202388/rei-co-op-swiftland-9-running-shorts-womens" target="_blank">The Swiftland 9-Inch Running Shorts</a> ($54.95) from REI have the one feature we all really want from our shorts: sufficient pockets. Close-fitting but not too clingy, these shorts have pockets on each side deep enough to hold a phone and snacks. Plus, they come in a wide range of sizes, and the 9-inch length doesn’t creep up, avoids immodesty, and lets your uncovered knees and calves stay cool on warm-weather runs. They also work well at the gym. — Gretchen Reynolds, Your Move columnist

My 1-year-old loves being held whenever we’re out and about, and I would love that, too, except it’s so physically exhausting. For new parents with sore arms, I recommend the <a href="https://tushbaby.com/products/tushbaby?variant=15109665390658" target=_blank>Tushbaby</a> ($85-$130). It’s unobtrusive (it could pass as a fanny pack) but big enough to hold a phone, keys and a wallet. And unlike other baby carriers with multiple straps and buckles, this one lets the kiddo hop on and off as easily and often as they’d like. — Trisha Pasricha, Ask a Doctor columnist

I’ve spent much of this year dealing with wrist pain that’s made basic activities difficult. Since I often can’t hold a knife steady to chop ingredients, I’ve relied on frozen and canned products. This <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-76606ZA-Automatic-Standard-Size/dp/B00T4RH8E6?th=1" target=_blank>Hamilton Beach electric can opener</a> ($32.96) has made meal prep easier. After I plug in the device and place the edge of the can in a slot, I gently press a lever. In one rotation, the opener cuts the can along the side to create a lid I can easily take off. There are no serrated edges. The opener works with both pop-top and regular cans. — Anjuman Ali, deputy editor

Until we got <a href="https://outwardhound.com/challenge-slider.html" target=_blank>this dog toy</a> ($32.99), I had no idea dogs could do puzzles. We hide treats in the compartments and watch our pup use her muzzle and paws to slide the squares and find the food. It’s endless entertainment for my family to watch her figure it out. When she’s found all the treats, she’s happy and pretty tuckered out. It’s a level 3 “advanced puzzle,” though if your pooch is not a genius, trust me, she can probably do it anyway. — Allison Klein, editor, Inspired Life

Every week, a farm delivers two boxes of organic produce — 20-25 fruits and vegetables — to my front door. Not only does this help my family eat healthier, but it also saves me a trip to the farmers market and encourages us to try new foods — who knew roasted chayote could be so good? Look under CSA (community supported agriculture) in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s <a href="https://www.usdalocalfoodportal.com/fe/fdirectory_csa/" target=_blank>local food directories</a> to find similar options near you. — Emily Codik, assignment editor

I’ve become pretty infamous among my friends and family for frequently losing my rings or forgetting to put them back on after I wash my hands. This became a big problem after I got engaged and nearly lost my engagement ring (twice!). My thoughtful partner bought me <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1225984879/ring-holder-necklace-gold-wishbone?ga_order=most_relevant&amp;ga_search_type=all&amp;ga_view_type=gallery&amp;ga_search_query=wishbone+necklace+ring+holder&amp;ref=sc_gallery-1-1&amp;pro=1&amp;frs=1&amp;plkey=503fa144a533471cd4049bc922929e1ccee33775%3A1225984879" target="_blank">two ring-holder</a> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1243109395/ring-holder-necklace-mountain-silver?gpla=1&amp;gao=1&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=shopping_us_-jewelry&amp;utm_custom1=_k_CjwKCAjwp8OpBhAFEiwAG7NaEtzvXm4l9_m3Eu0g7GLTJiVswu_bJ8WZN6HEDXtKGlOLZZTz-BQ77hoCBOEQAvD_BwE_k_&amp;utm_content=go_17434234701_144283650464_602523314316_pla-295491029933_c__1243109395_560665282&amp;utm_custom2=17434234701&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwp8OpBhAFEiwAG7NaEtzvXm4l9_m3Eu0g7GLTJiVswu_bJ8WZN6HEDXtKGlOLZZTz-BQ77hoCBOEQAvD_BwE&amp;variation0=2644507408&amp;variation1=3171693573" target="_blank">necklaces</a> ($37.48-$43.75) that allow me to easily slip my ring onto my necklace while I wash my hands. That way, if I forget to put it back on, I still have it with me — safe and secure. — Amanda Morris, staff writer

11. A beach umbrella that isn’t going anywhere

My Floridian aunt and uncle swear by the <a href="https://beachbub.com/products/all-in-one-beach-umbrella-system" target=_blank>beachBUB umbrella</a> ($166.65). And since I consider them experts on all matters sun and beach, I of course bought one of my own. You fill the base of the umbrella with sand to weigh it down, and you’re all set for a day on the beach — with no teetering or wobbling in a rogue gust of wind. It’s the perfect gift for the beachgoer in your life. — Teddy Amenabar

12. Membership to a well-designed workout app

I looked long and hard for a workout app that I liked until I finally found <a href="https://www.joinladder.com/pricing" target=_blank>Ladder</a>. As a designer, finding something user-friendly and well-designed was crucial. Ladder offers a variety of workouts — Pilates, bodybuilding, cardio and more — that can be done at home or at the gym. New workouts are available every day, and you can track the weight you are using so you can continue to improve. It takes the planning out of working out and has made me enjoy the gym so much more. A year-long membership is $179.99. — Chelsea Conrad, news designer

Like approximately 5 percent of Americans, I have winter seasonal affective disorder (SAD). As the daylight hours diminish, so too do my mood and energy. But starting my mornings in front of a light box as I drink coffee and check emails has both literally and figuratively <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/01/19/light-box-seasonal-depression-brain/" target="_blank">made my day brighter</a>. If you find yourself down or sluggish in the winter months, trying out a light box, when combined with <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/10/05/winter-seasonal-affective-disorder-coping-strategies/" target="_blank">other coping strategies</a>, may be helpful for you. I use the <a href="https://verilux.com/products/happylight-luxe?srsltid=AfmBOooGbCwqxFSL2zuHLrOsVW5JZan0iBRYKYbubzpJwCooEA2ZehbP" target="_blank">Verilux HappyLight Luxe</a> ($69.99). — Richard Sima, Brain Matters columnist

Washington Post staff

Wellness gift ideas: 13 things that made our lives better

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For The Washington Post

Georgia Perry For The Washington Post

The 2024 Well+Being gift guide: Ideas to help you live well

Georgia Perry for The Washington Post

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