A Few of my Favourite Things - Affordable Gift Ideas for the Health & Wellness Junkie on Your List
Christmas is upon us and if you're anything like me, you still have names to check off of your shopping list. That's why I've compiled a list of some of my favourite things from 2017, any of which would make great gift ideas for the health nut, foodie, or environmentalist on your list! Best of all, they're totally affordable (under $60) and might even inspire you to kick off your 2018 with health and wellness in mind.
For the Healthy Foodie
Moonshine Mama's Turmeric Elixir
Yes you've heard right - turmeric is good for you! And this elixir is yet another (extra delicious) way to get it in. Not only is it tasty but it also contains ingredients to enhance the bioavailability of the turmeric (black pepper and coconut oil), as well as other health promoting ingredients like lemon, ginger, and raw honey. Sip on it alone or create other delicious concoctions (recipes on their website). It's worth the price and at 1oz per day, the larger jar will last you a whole month. It's Canadian made on Salt Spring Island and comes in multiple flavours. Check out their website for the amazing story of how the idea came out of a Cancer diagnosis!
Lee's Ghee
Ghee is made by simmering butter until the milk solids separate from the butterfat, leaving a richer looking, slightly caramel flavoured, clarified butter. Because the milk solids are removed, ghee contains little to no lactose or casein and can often be tolerated by those with dairy sensitivities. It also has a high smoke point so is great for cooking. Ghee is a healthy fat which - unlike fear has lead us to believe over the years - is an important part of a healthy diet! In Ayurveda, ghee is considered a medicine. Not only does Lee's Ghee come in various mouth-watering flavours (the Great Maple is infused with pure Canadian maple syrup!), it also donates 10% of profits to help save Asian Elephants!! Lee's Ghee is Canadian-made in Quebec.
Four Sigmatic Mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms are all the rage in the health industry right now and for good reason! Some are known for having immune enhancing and energy increasing properties while others act as adaptogens - promoting homeostasis and helping the body deal with stress. Those are but a few of the amazing, health promoting qualities of medicinal mushrooms. These adorable little packets of mushroom elixirs, coffees, and hot chocolates by Four Sigmatic make drinking mushrooms seem even more appealing. Mix them with hot water or nut milks, put them in smoothies, or add them to recipes. They have tins for at-home use as well as these little packets - great for on the go!
Organika Bone Broth Powder
Gut health, sport recovery, immune support, weight loss, inflammation fighting, bones, teeth, skin, hair, nails, and joint health, mood and brain function, blood sugar balancing...I could go on and on about the benefits of bone broth. Incorporating it into your routine offers a multitude of health benefits however making it regularly is time consuming and buying high quality, pre-made bone broth is expensive. This powder is the perfect solution for on-the-go bone broth. Mix 2 tablespoons of the powder into hot water for a daily cup of bone broth or use it to add extra nutrients to soups and other recipes. Made by Organika, one of my favourite Canadian supplement companies.
For the Waste-Free and Sustainable Environmentalist
Stasher Bags
To be mindful of your waste and minimize plastic in your life takes effort and dedication. Stasher bags make it easier and a lot more fun! The Stasher Bag was one of my favourite purchases of 2017. They work exactly like zip-lock bags - sans plastic. They're made of silicone and are not only reusable and long-lasting but also dishwasher, freezer, oven, boiling water, sous-vide, and microwave safe. Find them in various colours and sizes (including the new half gallon size), as well as with pictures for the kids.
Abeego
I don't know about you but I cringe every time I have to wrap something in plastic wrap. Move over Saran - hello Abeego! These reusable beeswax wraps come in various sizes and smell like heaven! They protect your food while also allowing it to breathe (kind of like the peel or rind of a fruit), keeping food fresh, longer. Their slogan is "keeps food alive". It's self-adhesive and molds easily to any shape with the heat of your hands. It supposedly lasts for over a year if washed and cared for properly and so far I've found that mine's only gotten better with use. It's Canadian made in Victoria, BC and has free shipping throughout Canada!
Keep Cup
Can't get started without your daily coffee/tea/latte/americano/elixir from your favourite shop but hate the waste? Bring your Keep Cup and lose the guilt. Keep Cups are waste-free, lightweight, and use little to no plastic (mine uses silicone instead of plastic). They also look pretty and come in virtually every colour imaginable as well as in various sizes.
Elate Clean Cosmetics
Elate is one of my favourite conscious cosmetic companies. Not only is it non-toxic and cruelty free but it's also completely sustainable and is working towards becoming the world's first waste-free cosmetic company! On top of all that, it actually works! And how fun is it that you can buy an eyeshadow or pressed blush and then plant the packaging to grow flowers and herbs instead of creating more trash? Elate is Canadian-made in Victoria, BC.
For the Clean and Conscious Beauty Lover
Sola Coconut Deodorant
Of the many natural deodorants I've tried, this is the first one to really do the trick! Made with organic ingredients, aluminum free, and infused with Chinese herbs (which I think might be part of what makes it so effective), this little tin goes a surprisingly long way. My favourite part is that it barely has any smell to it. It seems to work more at stopping odour in the first place rather than covering it up with strong smelling fragrances which - even if natural - don't usually smell as lovely once mixed with your sweat.
Sahajan Ritual Body Oil
Moisturize and nourish your skin while smelling like absolute heaven! This body oil uses coconut, almond, and sesame oils, all oils that are traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. This is the ultimate gift for self-care! Sahajan is Canadian made in Toronto, ON.
K'pure Fix it Repair Balm
This balm is my newest favourite thing. After having spent about a decade living near the ocean on Vancouver Island where it's always temperate and somewhat damp, my body (and skin!) are still trying to adjust to the cold, dry, Okanagan winter. My hands are the worst and have been cracked since the end of September. Fix it repair balm is what I've been searching for. Nice and thick and also unscented, it's perfect to slather on at night before bed. I've been using it for about a week and my hands are finally starting to recover. Canadian made in Mission, BC with all natural and organic indredients.
Om Organics Pink Coconut Bath Soak
Upgrade your bath time to a tropical smelling paradise without all the toxic chemicals. Not a tropical flavoured fan? They also make 4 other scents that I'm sure are just as delightful as this one (or at least a close second). Added bonus: it makes the perfect addition to your bathroom decor in the loveliest glass packaging that's almost too beautiful to use...almost! Canadian made in Invermere, BC.