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Physio-Approved Gifts: Health and Wellness on a Budget

Physio-Approved Gifts: Health and Wellness on a Budget

Looking for a thoughtful, health-focused gift this holiday season that won’t break the bank? We’ve got you covered! In this blog, we’re sharing a list of our favourite health and wellness items that are practical, budget-friendly, and high-quality—plus, they’re guaranteed to get plenty of use. Best of all, these products are physio-approved, so you know they are coming from a reliable source. We’ve included links to our top picks for easy shopping, but if you’re eyeing something else that didn’t make the list, feel free to ask us at your next appointment. We’re always excited to talk about anything that keeps people healthy and moving!


Foam Roller: 

Foam rollers are excellent tools for muscle recovery and relieving tension, perfect for home use and in between physiotherapy or RMT sessions. When selecting a foam roller as a gift, look for one with a smooth surface, unless a specific texture is asked for. Choose a roller made of high-density, quality foam for durability. Also, consider the size—rollers come in various lengths. Think about where and how it’ll be used: will it travel to sports events or mainly stay at home? A compact 12-18 inch roller is ideal for travel, while a 26-36 inch roller offers the most versatility for home use. 

Most Versatile on a budget: Amazon Basic Foam Roller

Best for Travel: GRID 13 Inches 

Best All Around:​​ GRID 26 Inches 


Resistance Bands: 

Resistance bands make a fantastic gift for the home workout lover or the family member who's always on the go. They’re lightweight and versatile, easy to pack for travel, and take up minimal space at home. With options in different materials, lengths, and shapes (long vs. circular), it can be tricky to choose the right one. For a simple, practical gift, we recommend a high-quality fabric looped band, which can easily add intensity to bodyweight exercises. Look for a durable fabric band with silicone strips to prevent slipping. For a great stocking stuffer, a bundle of varying resistance levels in elastic loop bands is a thoughtful, versatile choice.

Best for Lower Body: Polygon Fabric Resistance Bands (thick) or Peach Bands (thin)

Best Stocking Stuffer: Gritin Resistance Bands 

Most Versatile: Arena Strength Bands


Yoga Mat: 

If you’re buying a yoga mat as a gift, keep a few key features in mind. First, consider thickness—a mat that’s around 5mm or thicker provides extra cushioning, ideal for joint support during floor exercises. Next, look at the material. High-quality, eco-friendly options like natural rubber or TPE are durable and often offer better grip than standard PVC. Speaking of grip, a textured, non-slip surface is essential to prevent sliding, ensuring safety for poses and exercises. Lastly, think about size and portability. For those on the go, a lightweight, standard-sized mat with a carrying strap is ideal. For someone who primarily exercises at home, a thicker mat with extra cushioning is the crème de la crème.

Best Quality on a Budget: Gaiam Yoga Mat

Best All Around: Jade Yoga Mat

Most Versatile (Double Sided): Lululemon “The Mat” 5mm

Best Travel Mat: Jade Travel Mat 


Fitness App Subscription:

A fitness app subscription makes a fantastic gift! Popular platforms like the Peloton App , Nike Training Club, and Alo Moves offer a wide range of online classes guided by expert instructors. On days when motivation is low, having pre-made workouts ready to go can be a game-changer. These apps let users filter workouts by length (20, 30, or 45 minutes, etc.), equipment (like body weight or dumbbells), and even music style—making it easy and enjoyable to jump right in. Peloton and Nike Training Club are among our favourites for their user-friendly design, well-instructed workouts, and fantastic features. A one-year subscription could be the perfect way to keep your loved one moving all year round.


Athletic Socks: 

We get it… socks as a holiday gift may seem a little lame. But for a fitness fanatic, high-quality athletic socks are actually a fantastic gift! They’re one of those items people rarely buy for themselves, which makes them a thoughtful, practical choice. If your family member enjoys Barre or Pilates, look for specialty grip socks to help them move easily in class—it’s a small touch that shows you notice their hobbies and want to support them. For the runner or gym goer in your life, breathable socks with extra cushioning are a winner, providing comfort and support. 

Socks for the Millenials: Lululemon Power Stride Socks 

Best Crew Socks: Gym Shark Crew Socks

Best Pilates / Barre Sock: Happy Full Foot Sock


If you're searching for local holiday gifts, feel free to give us a call (250-723-5112) or check out our social media platforms (Instagram and Facebook) for more ideas. We have a variety of items in stock, including Biofreeze, TENS machines, water bottles, Pilates and yoga equipment, and sports tape—perfect for stocking stuffers or last-minute gift ideas.