Give a lasting holiday gift of health: Volunteer for a medical research study -

That toy the kids whined about for weeks may be broken hours after emerging from the box. The gift card you gave will be frittered away, probably on junk. That adorable new pet adorned with a bow? It may be a pain in the parents’ anatomy by the new year.

If you’re like millions of Americans, you want this festive holiday season to also have higher meaning, especially when it comes to sharing things of value. So here's some “out-of-the-box” thinking. Consider giving a unique gift of health by participating in medical research...