No more perfume or novelty socks please!
Gift shopping! Coming up with the perfect gift idea for a birthday, Christmas or Mothers’/Fathers’ day! Does it stress you out? I know it’s something I used to agonise over but I’ve learned a few lessons as I’ve gotten older.
When my mother passed away I had the task of cleaning out and packing up my family home…55 years of accumulated “stuff” and “things” in amongst the precious mementos. I tell you, having a massive garage sale and sending off a truckload (literally) of things to the local charity shop makes you very aware of how we acquire so many things in our lives that we don’t really need or use. And it would be fair to say I was part of the problem (I recognised a lot of birthday, Christmas, mothers’ day and fathers’ day presents I had given over the years). Since that time I have really tried to give presents that will contribute to the receiver’s physical or emotional wellbeing and not just clog up their cupboards and shelves).
Why not give something that might make a difference to someone’s life or be the start of a much-needed health and wellbeing makeover?
How about these healthy gift ideas?
- Cooking lessons (for healthy cooking) – a great way to develop skills which will benefit their health forever
- A healthy recipe book (some that I like include Crazy Sexy Kitchen by Kris Carr, Feel Good Food by Tony Chiodo or any of Janella Purcell’s books but there are dozens to choose from) to inspire a love of healthy eating
- A slow cooker, grinder, blender or food processor for whipping up healthy meals (yes there is a risk it will get lost in a cupboard so choose your recipient carefully)
- A gym membership or some personal training sessions or yoga or pilates classes – to kick start a healthier body and mind
- An exercise or yoga DVD or online subscription for someone who would prefer to exercise at home
- Exercise equipment – for example, runners, a bike, skipping rope, yoga mat, weights
- The gift of relaxation such as movie or theatre tickets or a massage gift voucher
- Instead of chocolates or biscuits, how about a fruit/nut basket, a beautiful pot of fresh herbs or a lovely teapot with herbal teas
- The precious gift of time – offer to babysit or take over some tasks so that they have the time to do something special for themselves
- Encouragement – promise to be an exercise buddy or take a class with them if they need that extra motivation
- A naturopathy gift certificate – for someone who needs some expert help to get their health and vitality back and be the healthiest they can be
- Beautiful natural skincare (I recommend Olive and Ash)
So if you would like to give something that hopefully won’t end up in the back of a cupboard somewhere but might actually help to improve the wellbeing of someone you care about I hope these ideas will give you some inspiration (and if you know someone who needs a few hints for what to get you….share this blog with them). Got any great ideas? Add them in the comments below.
