Unfortunately, we live in a world that bathes us in chemical exposures and tempts us with high sugar treats, laden with chemical dyes and preservatives. This time of year, we are busy making shopping lists and trying to find that “perfect” gift for our friends and family members. While giving that box of chocolates or new perfume can seem like the most thoughtful of gifts, there are many alternative, more health-friendly gift options. Here are some tips for healthier, holiday gift giving.
- Choose Natural Face/Body and Cosmetic products! We all have that one person on our list who loves the self-care products! Help to reduce exposure to endocrine disrupting xenochemicals by choosing natural and organic brands. A great alternative to perfume is an essential oil blend and there are MANY luxurious bath and body care lines that use only clean/natural/organic ingredients.
- DIY! Do-it-yourself gifts are not only cost-effective they are extremely thoughtful. As an added bonus: you are in control of the ingredients! Some of my favourite DIY ideas: Epsom salts scented with herbs and essential oils, gratitude jars (google this one, I love it!), hand-blended loose-leaf tea blends, brown-sugar body scrubs, home-made baked goods (with wholesome, clean ingredients! Pinterest has lots of recipes).
- Give gifts that promote a healthy lifestyle! Ditch that box of chocolates in place of a nice glass or stainless-steel tea or water bottle. Many of us get caught up in the day-to-day and forget to take time out to relax. Giving the gift of self-care can be just what your loved ones need! Choose something you know they’d enjoy: massage, a spa day, yoga classes, meditation classes or cooking classes.
Whether you’re out of ideas for that “hard to buy for” person on your list, or you just want to clean up your shopping list a bit, these healthier gift-giving options may be just the inspiration you were looking for.
By: Dr. Alison Cockerill, ND