Are you having trouble figuring out what to gift your loved ones this holiday? It’s important to remember that the holidays are not about presents, but spending time and making memories with each other. So, this year we have put together the ultimate guide to gifting both experiences and traditional gifts for everyone on your list, naughty or nice.

 FOR THE GIFT OF EXPERIENCE

  • A museum or science center membership
  • Orchestra or theater tickets
  • Nature center or national park passes
  • A fun family adventure for a picnic, camping or hiking in a new spot
  • A family road trip or vacation
  • A yoga class or series at a local studio

FOR YOUR PARENTS

  • A healthy recipe with all the ingredients
  • A local farm share for next year’s produce (Think of it as Christmas in July!)
  • A soothing Himalayan salt lamp
  • Favorite natural beauty or grooming product(s)
  • Fitness-related gear: yoga mat, workout clothes, headphones, fitness tracker, etc.
  • A “day off” or pampering experience, such as a massage
  • Outdoorsy gear: fire starter kit, a tent or hammock for camping, a multi-use knife, heat-proof BBQ gloves, etc.
  • Blue blocking glasses
  • Comfy wool socks or slippers
  • An insulated water bottle that keeps drinks hot or cold
  • Recommended humorous books, audio books or movies

FOR KIDS

Consider the “Rule of Four”

  • One “Want”— Examples include craft supplies or an educational gift in an area of their interest.
  • One “Experience”— A pottery class, a special lunch date, movie tickets, or a game night.
  • One “Wear”— Choose one clothing item, such as a winter coat or hiking boots.
  • One “Read”— Select a book they might want to escape with.

For Younger Kids

  • An art kit with natural, non-toxic paints
  • Wooden people or doll house
  • A new game (non-electronic)
  • A beginner musical instrument, such as a piano keyboard
  • A reusable writing tablet that encourages creativity

GIFTS FOR BABIES (OR EXPECTING PARENTS)

  • Organic mattress cover
  • Organic muslin/linen swaddling blankets
  • Wooden toys
  • An organic baby carrier
  • Amber teething necklace
  • Milestone learning toys, such as baby’s first shapes box

FOR GRANDPARENTS

  • A spot in a community garden
  • A digital photo frame
  • A plant in a decorative planter
  • A subscription to their favorite magazine or a new book
  • A moisturizing face oil
  • A day out with the kids
  • A homemade craft from your kids

FOR THE FOODIE

  • A new high-power blender or food processor
  • Stainless steel or glass straws
  • A spiralizer for making veggie noodles
  • Kombucha brewing supplies
  • Stainless steel or ceramic pan or baking dish
  • A meal at a new restaurant
  • A cooking course in town
  • A home-delivery meal kit

 

 


HOW TO DIY YOUR HOLIDAY GIFTS THIS YEAR

The holiday season can be a wonderful time of year, but sometimes gift giving can become overwhelming. In the spirit of keeping this year’s gifts economical, we have put together a list of healthy holiday gift ideas you can DIY. Homemade gifts are a practical and personal way to show loved ones how special they are to you.


Body ScrubSugar scrub: Make your own with coconut oil, peppermint (or another essential oil) and granular sugar. Place the finished product in a glass jar, tie with a bow and voilà – you have a sweet holiday gift that’s ready to go.

Relaxation kit: Since the holidays can be stressful, put together a relaxation kit for someone special. You can include candles, some incense, essential oils and/or a CD with soothing music.

Plant in a mug: Choose a mug you want to repurpose and plant an herb inside, like rosemary or basil, or even a succulent. It’s a gift that keeps on giving – desk décor now, tea mug later.

Muffin mix: Upcycle a mason jar and put together a basic premade healthy muffin mix with all the dry ingredients included. Then, all your loved one will have to do is add the wet ingredients and their flavors of choice.

Homemade pet treats: For your friends who love their furbaby, bake some all-natural treats for dogs or cats.

 

 

 

Sources

 “60 Holiday Gift Ideas for Every Budget,” Wellness Today Editors, wellnesstoday.com, Nov. 24, 2013.

“2017 Ultimate Holiday Gift Giving Guide (For Everyone on Your List!),” Katie, Wellness Mama, wellnessmama.com, Oct. 23, 2017.

“46 Ways to Give Experiences Instead of Stuff This Year,”