From ethically-sourced clothing and accessories to a made-in-the-UAE gym kit to a compact workout bench, livehealthy’s gift guide has you covered.
Only Ethikal
Show the do-gooder in your life a thing or two with an item from Only Ethikal, a sustainable fashion e-commerce platform in the UAE founded by Deepthi Chandran Joyau, who was born and raised in Dubai and spent 15 years in the corporate world. Each design is produced and traded ethically and made from sustainable fabrics by skilled workers. We love the yin ring (Dh145) and the Matterhorn laptop sleeve (Dh200).
L’Couture Collections
The gym fan on your list can always do with some workout kit, so why not turn to homegrown brand L’Couture Collections for a few colourful separates? Founder Lynsey Doran started her company in 2016 after spotting a gap in the market, for good quality, comfortable and feminine fitness clothing that represents all women. The site sells a variety of workout wear, including hoodies, crop tops, tights and tees. Sports bras and shorts cost from Dh195 apiece.
Noix de Shea
Everyone likes a good moisturizer and there really is none better than raw Shea butter. With Noix de Shea, Dubai-based Shahd ElGhazali has a new take on the bioactive skin superfood, adding an assortment of all-natural scents including peppermint oil, rose musk and lemongrass. All the shea butter is obtained through 100 percent fair trade with a woman’s community in Benin, West Africa. From Dh85.
Kenkoh sandals
The man in your life won’t need a reflexology appointment when he’s got a pair of signature Japanese Kenkoh sandals. People wear acupressure footwear for the purported health benefits, including improved circulation, mood and energy. The Kawaii black version is practical and comfortable, featuring the signature Kenkoh reflexology footbed, along with superior cushioning and support. Dh445.
Technogym
Home gyms exploded during the Covid-19 lockdown, with many people keeping up the habit even as exercise facilities opened. Help the workout warrior in your life fit it all in with Technogym’s all-in-one Bench, the new functional training station that offers maximum exercise variety with minimum footprint. The Bench comes with five pairs of dumbbells; core training weights, an assortment of resistance bands and attachments and access to a library of 20 to 30-minute fitness videos. And because it’s equipped with integrated wheels, it’s easy to move. Dh6,790
The Gym Clothing Co
The Gym Clothing Co is a homegrown brand founded in 2017 by former semi-professional footballer and PE teacher Max Bissell. He was later joined by fellow exercise enthusiasts and entrepreneurs Kelly Hodgkin and Jamie Cormack. The company offers an extensive selection of functional fitness clothing for men and women, with products inspired by the landscape, weather and colour palette of the UAE. Expect reflective falcon logos, hidden pockets and lightweight material. It’s affordable luxury worn by the likes of MMA champion Alistair Overeem. Men’s shorts from Dh80; women’s leggings from Dh150.
Moonlight camel ride
Sure, you’ve ridden a camel. But have you ridden one under the desert moon? Pick up a gift certificate and book a date for just such an experience at the Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, located in the heart of the Al Wadi Nature Reserve. These trips are special, taking place only at the end of every month during the full moon. Camel rides can be combined with other experiences, a hotel stay or a light meal. From Dh350 per person.
Seva goodies
Is there an earthy goddess on your gift list? There is so much to choose from at the Seva shop, tucked away in the serene garden at Seva in Jumeirah 1. All items are sustainable and ethically sourced, reflecting the “conscious shopping” ethos. Choose from clothes, crystals, books, note paper, cleansing Palo Santo sticks, gorgeous skin care products, healing sage bundles and exclusive and ethically sourced items from the Columbian brand Latido, from Dh99.
Fitbit Sense
According to a Fitbit survey of 1,000 people in the UAE in August, people are paying more attention to their personal health in the wake of Covid-19, with 66 percent believing they have developed healthier habits and behaviours. The new Fitbit Sense is billed as the first smartwatch with an electrodermal activity sensor to help manage stress. The app-device combo provides insights into the body’s stress response, offering a stress management score as well as tools to help manage both physical and mental stress. From Dh1,399, with a six-month trial of Fitbit Premium.
