Christmas gifts for kids – Sneaky, fun fitness

Sneaky parents know that Christmas gifts can be fun and still help your kids stay in shape. The holidays are filled with sweet and fattening treats. Why not give kids a way to work it off with these Christmas gifts? They'll be having so much fun, they won't even know it's good for them.

Swimming lessons

Check your local community pool or rec center for inexpensive indoor fitness classes to get kids through the winter doldrums and keep them active. Swimming is a valuable skill and excellent exercise as well.

Nintendo Wii

This game is one of the healthiest Christmas gifts for kids around. That's because they will actually use it. There are even games healthy kids can play with parents so you can get in shape too.

Bikes

Giving bikes as Christmas gifts is a long standing tradition for good reason. Kids love having their own transportation. They won't even think about the healthy part. Buy them for the whole family and have great fun together while staying in shape.

Kites

Kites are tons of fun and good exercise too. All you need is an open field for running room. This is another good whole family gift.

Jump Ropes

Good for both girls and boys, these are awesome cardio exercise tools and inexpensive too. Boys who shy away might be reminded of their use in macho boxer movies.

Fit-Bit

This handy gadget measures walking distance and more. Consider contests between siblings or parents and children to see who can log the most miles in a day. Winner is relieved of dish duty.

Frisbee

Spend a great day in the park tossing a Frisbee around. Even the family dog can join in on this fun sport. Pack a healthy lunch to eat. Walk, don't drive to the park.

Sleds/toboggans

This is cheap, old fashioned healthy fun. No ski pass required, just find a gentle slope in your neighborhood and go to it. Don't forget to bundle up and bring water bottles.

Roller skates, roller blades

Healthy kids can have fun just skating around the block. Add a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads for safety. In this same category of healthy kids Christmas gifts are skateboards and ice skates.

Tennis equipment

A racket and balls is all kids need for this sport. Start with something inexpensive. These Christmas gifts can be used at local park tennis courts for free. Consider an extra racket for a friend.