If you’ve already finished your holiday shopping and have every gift wrapped neatly under the tree, congratulations – you’re a much better shopper than I am. If you’ve been procrastinating, you might still have a few people on your list in need of gifts.
Whether your recipient is actively trying to live a healthier lifestyle in 2014 or you just want to show that you care about their well-being, a healthy gift is always a good way to go. Below are a few gifts to spark some ideas and help you wrap up that shopping.
Plants
A nice houseplant makes for a great healthy gift for a number of reasons. As we all know, plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, and keeping your home well-stocked with plants is an excellent way to ensure that you have high quality, oxygen-rich air where you live. In their Clean Air Study, NASA found that indoor plants may help remove toxic agents like benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde from the air. NASA recommends one plant per square foot of home or office space. Not only do plants support health and well-being through improved air quality, they provide the home with beauty, scents, energy and personality.
Cooking Classes
We are what we eat, and sometimes it’s tough to eat food that’s both nourishing and delicious – especially when we’re not cooking for ourselves. If you have a family member of loved one who might enjoy learning how to improve their skills in the kitchen, consider finding cooking classes in their area and giving them a gift certificate for enrollment. Whether they’re seasoned cooks who might want to learn some new tricks or novices who have never boiled an egg, you should be able to find a class that matches their skill level.
Salt Bath Kit
For the person on your list in need of some serious de-stressing, why not help them work some relaxation into their routine? Countless people have found that a healing salt bath works wonders for reducing stress and anxiety. To give this gift, you’ll only need a few things:
- Sea Salt: Sea salt has been utilized for hundreds of years as a cleansing agent and a remedy for negative physical and emotional energy. Sea salt is easily found in your local grocery stores and online.
- Organic Argan Oil: For best results, use 100% pure organic Moroccan argan oil. This oil is considered to have strong healing elements, and it nourishes the skin with lots of good anti-oxidants to protect from free radicals.
- Lavender Essential Oil: Aromatherapy experts will tell you that lavender can help to relieve tension – and medical studies indicate that this may be true.
A Trip to a Garden or National Park
A healthy gift doesn’t have to be something that comes in wrapping paper. Give the gift of a trip to a garden or national park and send your recipient on their way to a great new experience. Taking in natural wonders doesn’t just provide some good exercise and fresh air, it’s the promise of a soul-energizing journey that comes with appreciation, fun and perspective – important things for anyone’s well-being.
Charlie Nadler
Marketing & Communications
Chicago Skilled Nursing
Chicago Senior Living
