The turkey and stuffing are gone and now we are faced with the same question:

Honey (or Mom), what do you want for Christmas?

Now, just stop. I know you want peace and harmony. Your ultimate desire is to sit around the tree and watch happy faces pull off paper and bows and give you a big hug at the end of the day. You want joy. Peace. Thankfulness. And maybe a good night’s sleep.

But somewhere deep inside, you’d love to get a gift you really want. One that you might not buy for yourself, even if it doesn’t cost much.

In my case, it can be hard to justify a $30 item on myself, yet I don’t blink twice at taking my children out to lunch and ice cream on a day off from school. This easily adds up to $30 and I have nothing to show for it the next day, except feeling a little bloated.

If you have wish-listers-block, I’m here to help. All of these cost less than $30 and I promise you will be thrilled if any of them end up under your tree.

Pass this on to your loved ones. Links are included. Just use the magical “Buy with 1-click” button and Christmas has never been so easy!

New Dumbells (about $1/pound)

If you’ve been working out at home for more than a few months with the same weight, it may be time to kick it up a notch. Dumbbells cost a little more than $1/pound. Increase your current weight by 10-15%. The exception is if you’re consistently working with less than 10 pounds, go up two pounds. If you think that’s too much then weigh your handbag or that load of groceries you bring in from the car. I guarantee you they weigh more than five pounds.

Resistance Bands ($18)

This lightweight, portable tool gives you a strength workout without the dumbells. Throw one in your travel bag for an effective out-of-the-gym workout. You can get this set for $18. Note it has one interchangeable set of handles for five bands, so it’s only intended for one person to use it at a time. I recently purchased this similar set for my classes. We like that the resistance is labeled and the outer layer that protects us from potential snaps. (I learned this the hard way, when three of my bands snapped in one day. Thank goodness for forgiving students.)

Socks ($10-13/pair)

I’m not talking about the multipack of no-shows from Target. High-quality socks are worth every penny, especially if you are a runner or walk long distances. They offer cushioning and support in all the right places. Just trust me. My favorite is Balega, though my Skirt Sports Ambassador Sisters also rave about Feetures. (And most of them run waaaaaaaaay more than I do.)

Cookbooks ($16-18)

When I’m looking for inspiration in the kitchen, I reach for cookbooks. I mean a real book, with a cover and paper pages. Even though I’m active on Pinterest, I get really irritated with all the ads on many recipe links from the big red P.

Run Fast. East Slow. and Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow. both by Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky are worth every penny. You do not need to be a runner to appreciate the real food approach to cooking. The recipes are nourishing and most are not difficult. They also provide tips on sleeping, meal prep, grocery shopping, stretching, budgets, and strength. So, basically everything. Get this, even if you wrap it up and put a card on it to yourself.

Jump Rope ($10)

If you haven’t jumped rope since 3rd grade, it’s time to pick this back up. This is the one I use in my classes. Using it for even one minute will get your heart pumping. Yes, you can simulate the motion without the rope, but I promise it’s not the same. Channel your inner 10-year-old and have fun with it. The only difference is you may pee a little now. That’s ok, we all do. Just wear dark pants, or do what I do: wear a Skirt Sports skirt. (use my code 166Conn for 15% off full price items)

Foam Roller ($20)

Self-myofascial release is an effective way to warm up, cool down, and work out tight muscles. In fact, the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) recommends its use in it’s Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) materials. I’m a HUGE believer in foam rolling and will preach its benefits to anyone who will listen. It’s helped me rehab from injuries and prehab’s (yes I made that word up) me from becoming injured. The first time you use it, you may see white spots, but I promise it gets less painful.

If you’re new to rolling, get a basic roller like this one, otherwise, you’ll send me hate mail if you get one of the nubby ones.

New hat/visor ($12)

Please tell me you wear protective headwear if you exercise outside. I’ve always been a huge fan of visors, but after my hair thinning issues (which I discuss here) I’ve switched to hats. A red and burned scalp part is not part of the health plan. My favorite is Headsweats. It absorbs my sweat and I can easily throw it in the washing machine without it losing its form. Their visors have an elastic band, ensuring a good fit that won’t fly off when the wind kicks up.

Next time you’re asked what you want for Christmas, forward this list on and asterisk the ones you want. And if you’re one of my fitness students, I’m asterisking the top one for you. Just sayin’.