Health Viewpoints
Gift-giving is a beautiful tradition, but most people already have homes overflowing with stuff and a storage unit to boot.
The trick is to give the person something they enjoy that they haven’t already bought for themselves. Luxurious, healthy items are a great option. These can range from the ultra-practical to the ultra-indulgent.
Don’t underestimate the value of utility, giving an ultra-practical gift can be a beautiful way to show you care—and make everyday living less toxic for your loved ones.
A Gift Basket of Health
You can fill a basket or wooden bowl (thrift stores have oodles) with healthy items that show you want your giftee to have a long and healthy life. Here are some ideas:
A Clean Home
Common cleaners are a toxic bunch. In almost all circumstances you can find healthier options, though you may pay slightly more. Everything from floor cleaners to laundry detergent is available in less-toxic varieties. You can even make them.
A Clean Body
Cosmetics are like processed foods: they contain mildly toxic ingredients to change their texture, odor, and extend their shelf lives.
Fortunately, better options exist, but some people find it difficult to justify the expense of a $12 bottle of shampoo or $5 bar of soap—even if it is made by a local lady who uses milk from her own goats. That’s what makes them great gifts.
Your farmer’s market likely has several options and you can find more by looking at your local health food store. If you are feeling energetic, you can even make your own.
Snacks
While you are at the health food store, check out the snacks. Most people snack on ultra-processed food-like substances linked to a variety of diseases. Fortunately, there are plenty of other great options.
You can get high-quality nut mixes, exotic dried fruits, organic olives, fine cheeses, and balsamic vinegar. You can also find healthy cracker options and delightful high-grade chocolates. There are excellent pastas, exceptional oils, and vinegars to bulk out your basket.
Exceptional Food
High-quality local meats are another fantastic option. You can almost always find a local producer. Grass-fed and grass-finished are often considered healthier options, though may be more difficult to find locally. Many smaller producers also offer a mail-order option, so you can have your meats delivered.
You can also sign up for a community-supported agriculture program, which delivers food or offers a local pickup area. These are typically set up by local farmers to market their produce and you can provide your loved one with a short-term subscription to help them eat fresher produce.
Healing Experiences
If you know someone who isn’t feeling well, you can support them with access to experts to help them on their healing journey.
Healing Hands
Nearly everyone loves a good massage, but few people will actually get one. They cost $30– $50 for a 30–45 minute massage, making them an excellent gift option. A properly trained and licensed massage therapist can offer a relaxing and invigorating therapeutic massage. Other options for safe healing include acupuncture and acupressure.
Activities
You can gift a loved one a session with a personal trainer who can offer a customized program.
Other good options are a membership to a local recreation center or a session with a health coach, nutritionist, or functional doctor. All of these options are typically available by teleconference as well.
Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Epoch Health welcomes professional discussion and friendly debate. To submit an opinion piece, please follow these guidelines and submit through our form here.