As the holidays approach this year and your thoughts turn to gift giving, how about making your generosity count with gifts that not only create joy, but also promote well-being? Those really are the gifts that keep on giving.

Our busy lives and hectic schedules too often cause wellness and self-care to fall by the wayside, and stress take center stage. The right wellness gifts – which can be large or small, depending on your budget – allow us to shift our focus back to what really matters: our health and longevity. The following range of options is sure to inspire you.

Wellness gadgets make great gifts for people who want to get fit. Digital pedometers are inexpensive, fun to use and effective. Find attractive deals at www.pedometersusa.com. For other fitness gifts in assorted price ranges, go to www.buyfitnessstuff.com. If someone you know is new to the world of fitness, an introductory session with a personal trainer might be appreciated. Most PTs offer gift certificates.

How about a personalized eco-friendly reusable water bottle? Available at www.personalizedpresents.com in five colors, these 26-ounce bottles can be engraved with name or wording of your choice. For friends and family in need of a little serenity, think “water therapy.” Give the gift of calming relaxation with a rock garden relaxation fountain, under $20 at www.walmart.com. For beautiful indoor and outdoor fountains, go to www.simplyfountains.com. Don’t miss its clearance section for fabulous deals.

Yoga fans on your list will love a fresh, eco-friendly twist on the typical yoga mat. These beautiful, tightly woven 100-percent cotton, non-slip yoga mat rugs have been used for centuries in India. They are also completely biodegradable and PVC free. A decorative yoga posture chart adds fun- and fitness-enhancing variations to yoga’s basic routines. Both items, and a host of other yoga gifts, are available at www.yogalifestyle.com. Click on the Yoga Gifts link for gift ideas in the $20, $10 and $5 range.

Feeling creative? Make your own gift basket. It’s easier than you think. For a relaxation wellness basket, include an aromatherapy candle in lavender, sage or chamomile. Toxin-free soy candles are reasonably-priced at www.candlebay.com. Add bubble bath, mineral bath salts, a loofa sponge, organic body lotion, a CD of relaxing music or ocean sounds, a neck or bath pillow or spa terrycloth slippers.

Build a wellness gift basket to nip winter colds in the bud. Think echinacea tea, chewable vitamin C, zinc throat lozenges, Emergen-C packets, fresh oranges, lemons or tangerines, a small flowering plant or de-tox bath salts. Find these items and a host of other natural health, beauty and wellness products – all around 3 percent below retail – at www.vitaminlife.com.

Health or fitness magazine subscriptions will keep on giving all year. Consider Natural Health, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Health, Shape or Fitness, among others – all affordable and chock full of great tips and wellness information.

For some terrific, cost-effective home spa and pampering options, check out the Spa section at www.ulta.com. You’ll find a host of lovely treats from Earth Therapeutics, many under $20, such as aloe socks, microwavable anti-stress sinus pillows, microwavable anti-stress comfort wraps, anti-stress pillow mist, anti-stress sinus pillows and anti-stress massage lotions.

As you can see, wellness gift options are plentiful. And you can get virtually all of these items on line, sparing you the crowded mall scene. You can also plan ahead, nixing last-minute stress to better enjoy your own festivities. Best of all, you’ll know the gifts you choose will not only delight your loved ones, but boost health and well-being as well. Happy giving!