If the person you love is trying to lose some weight, you want to support his or her efforts to get healthy. And the holiday is no exception. In fact, giving a healthy gift is a wonderful way to show anyone how much you care, and there are great options in every price range.

Best: Gourmet goodies

You can spend as much as you’d like, or less than $20 on one or a basket of nutrient-rich healthful treats. My favorites include: fresh organic fruit, nuts, extra virgin olive oil, herbs and spices, organic teas, or even heirloom seeds for planting a garden.

Worst: Unhealthy treats

It should be obvious that a box of chocolates or cookies is a poor choice for someone who is watching his or her weight. You may have the best of intentions, but such a gift may be perceived as undermining their get-healthy efforts.

Best: Kitchen gadgets

There are a number of kitchen tools I rely on to craft healthy meals that make terrific gifts. Higher end options include a crock pot and wok (both about $75-100), and in the mid-range ($25-50) a water filtering pitcher or iced tea maker. Great choices under $25 include a zester, oil mister, citrus juicer, vegetable steamer, and avocado slicer.

Best: Cooking class

For $50-150 you’ll find a wide variety of healthy cooking classes at culinary schools and gourmet markets across the country. Options include classes on very specific dishes, like vegan soup, or based on cuisine, such as Mediterranean meals. And to spend more quality time with your friend or family member, you can purchase a spot for yourself, so you can attend together.

Worst: A scale

I think we can all agree that unless a friend or family member specifically asks for one, it’s never ever OK to give a bathroom scale as a holiday gift (unless you’re looking for a quick way to end the relationship!).

Best: Fitness or activity gear

If someone you love is already involved in a specific activity, such as walking or gardening, it’s a nice idea to get them some of the gear that supports that activity. For example, a well-made pair of gardening gloves, pedometer or watchband, are thoughtful and will be appreciated.

Best: Nutritious gift certificates

I know that gift certificates or gift cards may seem impersonal, but when they’re for a healthy restaurant or food market, they’re one of my favorite gifts to receive.

Cynthia Sass is a registered dietitian with master’s degrees in both nutrition science and public health. Cynthia is currently the sports nutrition consultant to the New York Rangers NHL team and the Tampa Bay Rays MLB team, and is board certified as a specialist in sports dietetics. Her latest New York Times best seller is S.A.S.S! Yourself Slim: Conquer Cravings, Drop Pounds and Lose Inches. Here's what she advises the readers of the site.