Health and Wellness Gift Basket Ideas
While commercials would have you believe big box department stores hold the key to happiness the truth is some of the best gifts are grown out of pure simplicity. Sometimes a collection of quite common items can become a fabulously indulgent present. Here are some delicious, fun and useful products to go in a health and wellness gift basket your loved ones are sure to enjoy.
Fruit – Who wouldn’t enjoy the fresh, juicy taste of season fruit? Be choosy and pick organic fruits bright color and rich in sweet scents. Not only can fruits curb the sweet tooth may cause over indulgence during the holidays, they also provide vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to help start the new year on the right foot.
Honey – Your loved one is sure to appreciate this sweet indulgence. Either offer honey local to their area which can help decrease certain allergies or purchase varieties from your area offering a treat they might not otherwise enjoy. Not only is honey an anti-oxidant, it also provides energy for workouts and can be used as a first aid remedy for a variety of ailments from a simple cut to pesky pimples. Write up a list of ways to use honey outside the kitchen and include it in the basket.
Herbs, Roots and Bark – It’s important to choose general herbs used by the general population and shy away from those with any tinge of controversy or possible side effects. Chamomile, Echinacea, Peppermint, Cinnamon and Ginger root are all versatile choices that most people have heard of and use. Include information about the chosen herbal healers and offer some suggestions for ways to enjoy them.
Wine – Here’s another antioxidant-rich treat that few would shun. Wine also contains resveratrol which may increase heart health by helping to raise good cholesterol and strengthen artery walls.
Chocolate – Like you need a reason to give the gift of chocolate, but chocolate actually has some important health benefits as well. It’s an antioxidant, helps in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure and it contains serotonin which aids in decreasing feelings of depression.
Candles – Not only do candles offer an eco-friendly light source, they can help with mental wellness. Simply sitting and watching a candle flame can help lower blood pressure and decrease symptoms of stress. One activity for families, with adult supervision of course, is to move the candle in front of each family member as they talk about the highs and lows of their day.
Yoga Equipment – Yoga is not only a wonderful exercise but also a great way to focus and pamper yourself. Give yoga items like mats, towels, water bottles and even pants and shirts. For the yoga aficionado, a bottle of natural disinfectant is a wonderful gift for using on the yoga mat after an intense class. Simply fill a spray bottle with 1/4 witch hazel and 3/4 water then add 10 drops of lavender and 5 drops tea tree oil.
Nuts – Loved ones will go nuts over a pack of walnuts, almonds or pecans. Filled with protein and antioxidants, nuts make a health snack and great treat.
What do you like to put in gift baskets? What are some of your favorite gift baskets items you’ve received?
{cc photo courtesy of sivanelle on Flickr}