Christmas is upon us, which is extremely exciting, but it also means chaotic shopping centres, packed car parks and trying to find the perfect gift for all the loved ones in your life.
To help ease the overwhelming emotions that can arise this time of year and assist you in discovering the best gift to encourage health and wellness, I’ve compiled the following list:
1. A SESSION OR TWO WITH A NUTRITIONIST, LIFE COACH, MASSEUSE OR PERSONAL TRAINER.
A gift voucher or session with an expert in their field is an awesome gift. Too often we don’t take the plunge to buy these things for ourselves because we’re too busy worrying and spending money on everyone else around us. Ah hum…especially the mumma’s in our lives!
Yet a session with a nutritionist, life coach, masseuse or personal trainer can do so many wonders for their health and wellness, as well as the health and wellness of the people around them. Positive energy truly is contagious.
2. A GOURMET BASKET OR BAG.
This is one of my favourite gifts to give. You can select whatever you want to put in it and tailor it to the individual. Some ideas for making your own gourmet baskets include decadent olive oils, vinegars, raw chocolate, fruit, amaretti biscuits (Italian macaroons)…or even homemade condiments. Think jams and sauces.
3. A HUMIDIFIER.
Cool mist humidifiers add moisture to the air and can help stave off a dry throat, chapped lips, congestion, dry skin and cough. They also provide a beautiful ambiance.
Cool mist humidifiers are considered to be safer around children as they do not rely on hot water or steam, like a warm mist humidifier or steam vaporizer.
4. A HEALTHY RECIPE BOOK.
You can never have too many amazing recipe books! The latest by Jamie Oliver “Everyday Super Foods” makes for a wonderful gift to encourage health and wellness. The book offers plenty of healthy recipe ideas from the very simple to the more elaborate spanning all meals of the day.
5. A HEALTH MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION.
This is the gift that keeps on giving! Health magazine subscriptions have so many options to choose from making it simple to find one that fits your budget from 6 month to 12 month subscriptions and so forth. Sign your man up to Men’s Health, or grab your sister a subscription to Women’s Fitness. They will continue to enjoy this present for months!
6. A DECADENT CANDLE.
There’s nothing like the scent and ambiance of a beautiful candle to evoke feelings of peace and wellness. However, not all candles are created equal. Avoid the dollar store or super-cheap candles and opt for something with natural fragrances. Beeswax candles are a great idea and are believed to burn cleaner, with no harmful fumes, compared to conventional paraffin wax candles. Soy candles also burn cleaner and have a relatively long burn time. These soy candles by Ecoya are exquisite and can also be picked up from David Jones.
7. ESSENTIAL OILS STARTER KIT.
This is such a thoughtful gift idea to encourage wellness. Essential oils can be used for a wide variety of purposes such as perfume, all natural air fresheners, to relieve stress or anxiety, as an all-purpose cleaner …and more.
Rainbow Wellness, an Australian based company, offers a range of essential oil blends and packages, and currently has 15% off until midnight 14th December 2015. Just enter the promo code 15off at the checkout.
8. A GREAT SUMMER READ.
A really good book will never lose its true value. It’s also much easier to read a book than an iPad whilst lying on the beach! If you’re stuck for ideas, the books by Dr. Libby Weaver are extremely inspirational and really well written. Her latest “Exhausted to energized” is a great book to get your head into for the New Year. If you prefer something a bit more quirky Giulia Enders new book “Gut: the inside story of our body’s most underrated organ” offers plenty of witty explanations, whilst also being educational. For the wellness entrepreneur, I recommend “The Naked CEO” by Alex Malley or “Choose Yourself” by James Altucher.
9. AN AWESOME BAMBOO CUTTING OR SERVING BOARD.
Bamboo cutting and serving boards are a gorgeous gift that are eco-friendly and toxic-free. Contrary to popular belief, bamboo boards are actually less likely to harbour bacterial growth than their plastic counterparts. Consider getting some mineral oil to go along with it in order for the new owner to properly maintain and extend the life of the board.
10. A SPORTY GIFT VOUCHER.
Admittedly gift vouchers can seem like you couldn’t find a gift and opted for the easy way out. But then again, let’s be honest, don’t you love it when you have a bunch of gift vouchers, you go shopping and it feels like you got something for free!?
A gift voucher removes the conundrum of buying something they don’t like or won’t fit. And they get to buy whatever they truly want and will use! Think Nike, Lorna Jane, Lululemon, etc.
I hope the above list has inspired some ideas for healthy gifts this Christmas. I wish you all the best with your shopping and remember, it’s what you choose to find important that really counts. Is it about the gifts after all…or is it about something much more profound?
