Forget the three French hens, two turtle doves, even the partridge in a pear tree. This year, the gift to give is the gift of fitness. While we can’t wave a magic wand and wish good health on friends and family, with a little thought we can provide the tools, tips and technology that can help.

Whether you’re buying for a fitness fanatic or someone who finds the couch more comfortable, there are a host of options designed to please. The fitness business is booming and the options are endless, whether your budget tops out at $10, or 10 times that! But, before you buy, make sure you’re not sending the wrong message. If the recipient has no intention of exercising in the new year, and your gift is a way of nudging them to get moving, get another idea. The last thing you want to do this season is offend. But if they’ve indicated this is the year of good health, then go for it!

Let’s start small … baby steps. Or, how about 10,000 of them? That’s the number of steps all of us should strive for each day. A pedometer, or “guiltometer,” as I like to call it, is a great reminder of how far we’ve come and how far we have to go. This is a great idea for everyone, from the kids on your list to those just starting a fitness plan. You can find them everywhere, from Target to local sporting good stores.

Also on the low-spending end of the spectrum is a magazine subscription. There are dozens of great health and fitness-related magazines to choose from and geared to specific interests. For the man on your list, there’s Men’s Health and Men’s Journal, both dedicated to those interested in sports, travel fitness and adventure. Fitness, a magazine for women who want to feel and look good, is chock full of inspiration and ideas. And then there’s Prevention, the world’s most popular health magazine, which features ways to lose weight, improve nutrition and prevent illness. While you’re at it, why not get a subscription for yourself? There are always great deals around the holidays, including two-for-ones.

Books are good, too, and the best sellers are consistently diet and health-related. A new study says the Ornish Diet is the best bet for not only trimming your waistline, but strengthening your heart. The book Eat More, Weigh Less, by Dr. Dean Ornish, outlines the details. There are hundreds of diets and workout ideas, and every book store has rows of how-to books for healthy meal plans and fitness.

The game lover on your list might find motivation in “The Fitness Challenge,” a board game that challenges two people to adopt an exercise plan and rewards them for consistency. It’s a fun idea that may motivate some to stick to that New Year’s resolution. But if misery loves company, you might not need a board game at all. Why not get a family membership to a local health club?

For the techie on your list who likes to run, Nike offers shoes that team up with your iPod to not only offer custom playlists but to also monitor your workout and provide customized performance feedback! And speaking of shoes, nothing is more important for the seasoned athlete and those taking their first steps on the road to fitness. A gift certificate to an athletic shoe store that has experienced athletes selling is a wonderful gift. My choice is Frontrunner, on Lane Avenue, where you can try before you buy.

There are tons of great Web sites with workout wear, athletic equipment, gear and gadgets … instead of searching the malls, just let your fingers do the walking on the World Wide Web. But remember, you’ll never get those 10,000 steps that way! Here’s to a happy holiday and healthy New Year!

Watch Andrea Cambern on WBNS-10TV Eyewitness News weekdays at 5, 6 and 11 p.m. and at 10 p.m. on WWHO-TV.

Holiday Gift Guide Bonus: A family that plays together is a healthy family. Check out the various membership packages available at Premier at Sawmill, a fitness club that also features aquatics, racquetball, children’s activities, a spa, personal trainers, and much more. Members receive privileges to the Athletic Club at Scioto Reserve Golf & Athletic Club for no additional charge and at Kinsale Golf & Fitness Club for a $5 daily guest fee. Visit www.premieratsawmill.com.