Gift wellness this holiday season

If you are one of my family members or friends, do NOT read this post. Leave now. Because you will probably receive one of these gifts in some form or combination. So if you like your presents to be surprises, please kindly leave.

If, however, you are not someone to whom I will not give a holiday gift, then read ahead! These are affordable and thoughtful present ideas to bring wellbeing and holiday cheer to anyone on your list.

For a healthy home

1. Salt lamp

I recently told you about the air purifying properties of salt lamps. Made from chiseled chunks of himalayan salt, these lamps generate negative ions. These negative ions clean the air, removing pollen and pollutant, and boost your mood.

For those who couldn’t care less about the benefits of salt lamps, you’re still in luck. These lamps provide an ambient warm glow to any room. They are soothing just to look at and add a touch of rustic zen (ooh, that is a good term, I’ll have to remember that!) to any room.

7″ Air Purifying Salt Lamp – $24.99

2. Essential oil diffuser and an oil

I’m not an essential oil expert (for now, at least) I do enjoy the gentle fragrance of an essential oil diffuser. No toxic room fresheners for in my house, thankyouverymuch. Oil diffusers come in varied forms and accompanying price tags. I have this small white diffuser that plugs into an outlet in my bedroom. Put a few drops of oil on the included cotton insert, plug in, and enjoy the gentle fragrance.

Plug-in oil diffuser, $11 with cinnamon essential oil, $7 (this makes the room smell warm and festive) or Tranquility essential oil blend, $7 (this has a relaxing and herbal fragrance)

3. Beeswax candles

Just like salt lamps, beeswax candles emit negative ions when burning to clean the air and lift your mood. On the other hand, regular paraffin-based candles pollute the air with toxins. I have a very close place in my heart for these pure beeswax candles because, as a teenager, I spent many, many peaceful afternoons volunteering at the convent where I poured the candles.

You can read more about beeswax candles and my experiences in my post here.

Baker’s dozen of 100% beeswax tea lights, $14.40 from the convent

For Natural Beauty

4. The hair care products for which I waited a year…

I went more than a year without purchasing shampoo. True story. Although I was pleased with my DIY hair care, I was ready for a change. To my dismay, I couldn’t find a single natural shampoo that met my ingredient standards and hair care philosophy! So I waited. And waited. And finally I discovered The Morrocco Method.

Oh my goodness, it was love at first wash after using the Pine Shale Shampoo and the Instant Crystal Conditioner (find them here). These products combine meticulously sourced ingredients to honor the natural cycles of the scalp and hair. The raw/vegan ingredients cleanse and nourish, leaving hair silky and the scalp balanced. When the time comes for me color my hair, I will reach for The Morocco Method’s extensive color range of natural henna dies. They also offer step-by-step video tutorials for your DIY henna treatments and hair care. Oh, and did I mention the affordable prices? I’m planning to do a comprehensive review post in the future, but I wanted to give you a heads up before the holidays!

Morrocco Method Shampoos – $19 – $27, Instant Crystal Conditioner – $19

5. 100% Pure Cosmetics

I remember the moment I first swiped (albeit chemical-laden) mascara on my eyelashes when I was 14. “How does this glorious thing work!?” I gasped, mind blown. I lived in a lovely little makeup bubble for a few years until I realized what I was really putting on my skin: hormone-disrupting, cancer-causing chemicals that were seeping into my bloodstream.

Unfortunately, when I made the switch to natural makeup, I was greatly discouraged. Clumpy, flaky mascara left me with raccoon eyes and I was nearly hopeless in my search for an natural concealer with adequate coverage. Enter 100% Pure Cosmetics.  These fruit-pigmented products boast beautiful colors and effective formulas. I use the mascara, Long Last Concealer and Lip Butter (which doubles as a cheek color!) with great results. Get free shipping with orders over $50.

6. Priti Nail Polish and Remover

A few years ago, I thoroughly purged all the chemical-laden makeup and body care products from my bathroom. I’ve now replaced my hair stuff and makeup with the brands mentioned above, but I was extremely hesitant to try “natural” nail polishes.

Well, that is partly due to the fact that I’m too busy (or too lazy?) to keep my nails perfectly polished. But it is also because “natural” polishes and polish removers are notoriously un-natural, in terms of ingredients, and also ineffective. Finally, I bit the bullet and purchased Priti polish remover and a Priti polish. The verdict? Well, that one time I bothered to do my nails, I was pleasantly surprised! Especially with the remover, which worked for me better than my past experiences with regular removers. It doesn’t smell and it doesn’t leave your fingertips or nails feeling dry. 

Priti Nail Polish Remover, $10 Priti Nail Polish, $10-$14 on Amazon

 For the Chef

8. A Naturally Sweet Duo

I’m your crazy health blogger…. who thinks flax seeds are an anti-health food but who eats sugar! Of course, as I painstakingly explained -because *some people* assumed I was talking about white sugar – it’s all about the quality of sugar.

In particular, I’m a fan of raw honey which contains beneficial enzymes, easily metabolized sugars, prebiotics and even probiotics (yep!). You won’t find these benefits in most supermarket honeys, which are pasteurized, stripped of beneficial pollen, and even cut with corn syrup, even when it is not listed on the label. Pure maple syrup, unlike commercial syrups that don’t even contain maple (!!), the real stuff contains vitamins, minerals, and a gloriously complex flavor.

For a sweet gift, package a jar of organic raw honey, $11 with a bottle of Grade B Pure Maple Syrup, $13. 

9. Unrefined Salt Sampler

Do you know an avid home cook who uses plain ol’ table salt? It’s time to introduce them to unrefined salts. Unlike the pure white refined stuff, unrefined salt boasts a more more flavor-boosting properties and generally makes food taste awesome. It is also really good for you.

Make a duo or trio gift set with himalayan salt, celtic salt and Real Salt (about $9 each). 

10. Salt Slab for Serving and Grilling

This Himalayan Salt Slab imparts the flavor and health qualities of himalayan salt, along with a striking presentation. Serving opportunities for a salt block are endless: top with fruit, place it in the freezer and serve ice cream on it, use it to grill meats or fish (here’s instructions), use as a platter for appetizers or cheeses… the list goes on!

Although the slab lasts a long time, it eventually wears down with use because each time it is used, a bit of the salt transfers to the food for perfect seasoning.

8×8 Salt Slab, $20 (plus $7 for shipping),

 11. Nourishing Traditions

A.K.A. The Book That Started It All. Every home cook and chef deserves this book in their kitchen. It changed my life and the life of many others. It gives the gift of truth (well, that sounds really trite… but it’s true!). It straightens out catastrophic misunderstandings of the roles of cholesterol, animal products, saturated fats, and traditional foods. It also explains how to cook like your ancestors so you can feed your family nutrient-dense and time-honored dishes like fermented foods.

The Nourishing Traditions Cookbook, $18. 

 Will you use any of these gift ideas this holiday season? If you could pick anything from this list, what would you put on your wish list?