With the season of giving fast approaching, I wanted to share with you some ideas for those on your list who are currently trying to lose weight. Or maybe you know someone who has chosen to diet as a New Year’s Resolution. By the way, its perfectly acceptable to buy yourself the gifts you really want.

Books - If you know which diet your friend or loved one has chosen, there’s bound to be a book detailing the diet’s guidelines. For low-carb diets, you might select Dr. Atkins or The Zone. For calorie counting diets, there are numerous books which give you the calories to many foods, including fast food.   Of course it would be more loving to explain to them why calorie restricting diets don’t work.

Work-out DVDs - None for me thanks. But there are some who choose to sweat off those extra pounds. There are numerous exercise videos and programs out there. You can spend from $10 to hundreds of dollars, depending on your budget and how much you care to spend on the recipient.

Food scales - These are a good option for those paying mind to their portion size. These kitchen gadgets can range in cost from a mere $20 or you can go big and spend well over $1000.

New Clothes - With any luck, you’re dieter friend can no longer wear his or her pre-diet clothing. If you’re close enough to know their size, likes and dislikes, a new outfit would be a great gift. If you don’t know the specifics, a gift card would be a good alternative. Maybe even by them a pair of pants as goal pants, one size smaller than you know they wear now. Show your confidence in them by giving them something you’re sure they will fit into soon.

Gym or spa membership - This can work for those choosing to work-out and for those, like me, who choose to concentrate on our intake of food. Give the latter a membership to a day spa where they can receive massages, facials or maybe a seaweed wrap. Gym memberships are great for any physically active person in your life.

These are just a few ideas for dieters this season. You want to be careful not to offend anyone with your gift choice, but showing support will be as appreciated as the gift. I would recommend only purchasing gifts such as these for people you KNOW are actively dieting. Those who aren’t; might not like the hint!

-James D. Brausch