Doctor-approved gift ideas for nearly anyone on your list

What kinds of gifts would Ohio State clinical experts recommend for their patients and clients? Hear from some of them below.

Safety tools

Smartwatches

“Some smartwatches will call 911 for you if you become unresponsive after a fall, then send GPS coordinates.” — Eric Adkins, MD, a physician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center specializing in emergency, internal, pulmonary and critical care medicine, and a professor of Emergency Medicine at the Ohio State College of Medicine.

“Fitness trackers can range from simple pedometers to fancier watches, like an Apple Watch.” — Tanya Gure, MD, a physician specializing in geriatric medicine at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and a professor of Internal Medicine at the Ohio State College of Medicine.

Small tourniquet for purse, glove box or kitchen drawer

“You can get a high-quality tourniquet for about $30. But be sure to receive the proper training on how to use the device if you get one. They are simple to use, so it doesn’t take a lot of time to learn, but they could save someone's life from a life-threatening hemorrhage.” — Daniel Bachmann, MD, an emergency medicine physician at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and a professor of Emergency Medicine at the Ohio State College of Medicine.

Apparel and accessories

The following were recommended by Susan Massick, MD, a dermatologist at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and an associate professor of Dermatology at the Ohio State College of Medicine:

Wide-brimmed hat

“Wide-brimmed hats go a long way in protecting your face, ears and neck while keeping you cool and your head and neck shaded. Look for a brim that’s at least 3 inches, an adjustable chinstrap, UPF 50+ material and one that packs flat for convenience.”

UPF clothing

“UPF clothing now comes in a variety of colors, fabrics and styles to keep you looking sharp while protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Choose from shirts, pants, skirts, mini/maxi dresses, as well as swimsuits, swim coverups and gloves. UPF clothing is not just for beach vacations and can be incorporated into your everyday look, particularly if you’re going to be spending time outdoors.”

Makeup products that prevent infection

“For your teen or other loved one who wears makeup, remember that makeup expires, so it’s always good to replace or splurge on new cosmetics and new applicators/makeup sponges. But also remember that makeup needs to be cleaned and dried as well, with makeup brush cleaners and a silicone makeup brush cleaning mat.”

Home wellness

Sun lamp

Light therapy lamps are effective for mild to moderate seasonal depression, and even for severe episodes of seasonal depression when used alongside therapy and medication, says Samar McCutcheon, MD, a psychiatrist at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and an assistant professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at the Ohio State College of Medicine.

“The most important feature is the strength of the bulb — it should be 10,000 lux and UV-free, filtering out ultraviolet light so that you’re not exposing yourself to harmful rays.”

Time-saving services

“A study from Whillans et al., 2017, found that while you cannot buy happiness, you can buy things that save you time, which promotes happiness! Consider buying your loved ones items that will save them time throughout the week, such as gift cards to their favorite takeout, a membership to have store items or groceries delivered, a house cleaning or a meal subscription service.” — Nicole Hollingshead, PhD, a psychologist at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and an assistant professor of Family and Community Medicine at the Ohio State College of Medicine.

Bug bite suction tool

“This gadget can reduce itch and swelling from bug bites and is chemical-free, painless and effective.” — Susan Massick, MD.

Subscriptions and memberships

“You can help promote wellness by buying them a membership to a service that promotes wellness in various forms. For instance, you can promote body health by purchasing someone a membership to a health app or a gym membership (especially one that offers child care for parents of little kids). You can promote mental health by purchasing a subscription to a meditation app or spa/massage gift certificate to promote relaxation.” — Nicole Hollingshead, PhD.

Fitness sessions for your loved one — and others

“A gift card for several sessions with a fitness coach can be gifted to a senior and a loved one/caregiver.” — Tanya Gure, MD.

In the kitchen

Salad bowl gift basket

“Fill a new salad bowl with flavored vinegars and/or low-fat salad dressing or ingredients to make homemade dressings and toppings. Include your favorite salad recipes or salad cookbook, salad spoons and a decorative hand towel and/or apron.” — Angela Blackstone, RDN, LD, a dietitian at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.

Cooking class

Also recommended by Blackstone, a gift certificate for a local cooking class or cooking series can rejuvenate someone’s love for making their own food or enhance their skills in the kitchen.

Rather than large appliances that take up counter space, dietitian Anna Beery, MS, RDN, LD, a dietitian at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, recommends cookbooks, a magazine subscription or smaller gadgets, such as new knives, a cutting board or vegetable spiralizer.

In the garden

Gardening gift basket

“Fill a garden basket/straw hat/planter with packets of herb seeds, a pair of gardening gloves, garden shears and a book on cooking with herbs.” — Angela Blackstone, RDN, LD.

For sleep

Weighted blanket

Recommended by Lawrence Chan, DO, weighted blankets might help people get to sleep and stay asleep longer. Dr. Chan is a physician specializing in sleep medicine at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and an assistant professor of Internal Medicine at the Ohio State College of Medicine.

White noise machine, blackout curtains or blackout sleep mask

Recommended by Meena Khan, MD, these can be helpful, caring purchases for a loved one who struggles to block out light or sounds when sleeping. Dr. Khan is a physician specializing in sleep medicine at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and an associate professor of Internal Medicine at the Ohio State College of Medicine.

Silk pillowcase

“Silk pillowcases are soft and luxurious to the touch and protect your hair from frizz and tangles — the perfect way to pamper yourself in the comfort of your own bed. Find one that is machine-washable, but opt to wash only on the delicate cycle and hang dry to maintain softness and durability.” — Susan Massick, MD.

For pets

M. Leanne Lilly, DVM, DACVB, a veterinary behaviorist and an assistant professor of Behavioral Medicine at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, recommends the following for cats and dogs.

Self-cooling beds

“For large-breed, densely furred or ‘mountain breed’ dogs, self-cooling dog beds can be great gifts even in the winter.”

Self-heating beds

“For cats, or for small dogs, self-heating beds that are specific to their species may be a great option. As desert animals, cats tend to prefer ambient temperatures that are warmer than many of us keep our homes.”

Pet toys that meet safe criteria

“If considering toys as presents for your family members with fur babies, stick with toys that meet the Veterinary Oral Health Council guidelines, and if edible, ones that are made in America. Watch out for dietary issues, such as food allergies or intolerances, before considering edible treats for pets, or consider gift cards to pet stores so your recipient (and possibly their pet) can pick out their own toy or treat.”