Gift Giving Made Healthy

Finding the perfect gift is a challenge, especially when your wish is to promote a healthy and environmentally-conscious lifestyle. This year, give the gift of health with these great ideas:

Gift Baskets 

Large or small, DIY gift baskets can be customized for each person and inspired by holiday events. Here are some suggestions:

• Fruit and vegetable baskets. Many supermarkets prepare (and even deliver) gift baskets all year round, or just seasonally. Ask your local grocer about basket options, or buy a gorgeous basket and put one together yourself.
• A basket of all-natural and healthy snacks. Your gift can include trail mix, baked organic potato or vegetable chips (kale chips are delicious), gluten-free cookies and crackers, organic dark chocolate, all-natural chewing gum, or dried fruit.  
• Gluten-free cookie and cake kits. Include store-bought gluten-free mixes, frosting (all-natural, of course), a rubber spatula, and even eco-friendly cupcake moulds. 
• All-natural body care products.  Paraben and chemical-free hand and body lotions, shampoos, and cosmetics are always a welcome gift.
• An arrangement of must-have supplements. Include multivitamins, omega-3 fish oil, vitamin C packets, sea vegetables, and vitamin D. This will put off the “I ran out of my supply of supplements” excuse.
• A basket filled with all-natural products for baby.  This can lighten a new mom’s stress and will make her day. Include organic and bio-degradable diapers and wipes, organic onesies or other clothes made with organic cotton, BPA-free bottles and toys, and toys made from organic materials.
• A decorative and handy basket.  Made for a washroom, this can consist of hand wash and lotion (there is a plethora of natural brands to choose from), air freshener made without artificial fragrances or preservatives or a fragrant aromatherapy oil, a bar of soap (olive oil soap is lovely and moisturizing), and a 100% organic cotton hand towel.  
• A yoga kit. You can include a yoga mat, a month’s pass at a local yoga studio, and a video for yoga at-home.
• A fitness kit.  This is perfect for the friend who complains about not having time to exercise. It can include a set of hand weights, an exercise ball, Wii Fit accessories, or a new exercise mat. Throw in a great fitness video for instruction and inspiration.

Gift Certificates 

Gift certificates or gift cards are always welcome, allowing the receiver to select their own gift at their leisure. Some ideas for gift cards include:

• A health food store or Whole Foods Market

• A local juice bar

• A fun fitness program, such as belly dancing, Zumba or boot camp

• A vegetarian or raw foods restaurant or food service

• A temporary gym membership

• An offer to babysit while your friend goes to an exercise class (design a funky ‘coupon’)

• A natural spa

• A housecleaning service that uses all-natural products

• A gift certificate for an organic food co-op. They deliver a box of food right to your doorstep.

• Spiritual or inspirational books. Look for books from these great authors: Wayne Dyer, Louise L. Hay, and Rhonda Byrne.

Stocking Stuffers

If you’re shopping on a budget or have stockings to fill, look for these items:

• Lip palm or gloss, paraben-free and with no artificial colors

• Purse-size hand cream made with all-natural ingredients

• Aromatherapy oils

• A pocket-size daily meditation book

• A loofah or body brush

• Pomegranate

• Travel-size packets of trail mix or dried fruit

• Chocolate-covered gogi berries

• Fair Trade or Rainforest Certified dark chocolate bar, herbal teas, or coffee (half a pound fits nicely into a stocking)

• If you can find them at this time of year, organic seeds for planting in the spring.