Healthy Gift Giving Guide 2022
Well, it’s that time again–making a list and checking it twice! I can’t believe how quickly 2022 has flown by!
In this day and age of cheaply made, disposable products and the push to consume, consume, consume, sourcing unique, thoughtful, and quality-made items can be increasingly harder to do.
I’ve compiled my list of top gift ideas for the health-conscious people in your life, without putting too much strain on your wallet.
1. Gua Sha Jade Facial Stone
This heart-shaped stone tool is used on the face or body for a gentle massage that increases circulation, releases tension, and improves lymphatic drainage. A gentle facial massage in the evenings helps to release the stress held in the face and jaw, and feels amazing! You can purchase this on Amazon HERE.
2. Posture Wedge
A posture wedge is an ergonomic tool that with daily use, can help correct the forward head posture that is all too common these days. Anterior head carriage can lead to head, shoulder, and neck pain. In just 10 minutes a day, the posture wedge can help to train the neck and spine into proper alignment, even after years of poor posture. If local, you can pick it up at the clinic or it is also available on Amazon HERE.
3. Pro-Lordotic Neck Exerciser
This portable and lightweight neck exerciser helps support and actively perform extension exercises for the cervical spine. These exercises are shown to improve posture and reduce neck pain by breaking up scar tissue and increasing blood flow to the spinal discs and surrounding tissues. If you have someone on your list who suffers from neck pain, this device can be of great benefit to them! You can find it HERE.
4. Posture Medic
I know, I know…ANOTHER corrective posture device recommendation Dr. Nathalie? I am a chiropractor after all—spinal health is my passion! This device helps strengthen weak muscles, stabilize the upper body, and stretch tight muscles. Posture medic was designed to combine the range of exercises that are normally prescribed for shoulder and upper back injuries and stiffness. We do carry this item in the clinic if you are local and can pick up or you can find it HERE online.
5. BeeKeeper’s Natural
From raw honey and royal jelly to propolis throat sprays, this sustainable Canadian company has an impressive lineup of immune-supportive remedies for the natural medicine cabinet. Affordably priced, these would make great stocking stuffers for the whole family. Find out more HERE.
6. VoxxLife Neuro Patches, Insoles and Socks
For the biohacker in your life, Voxx offers insoles, socks, and patches embedded with their proprietary HPT technology. Contact with this special weaved pattern triggers a neural response in the brainstem that has been shown to manage pain, improve mobility and balance, enhance performance and promote faster recovery and energy. Check out all that is available HERE.
7. MagSol Magnesium Sulfate Solution
A topical gel containing Epsom salt and borage oil that helps soothe and relax tired muscles. Easily absorbed, and non-irritating, this mineral and herbal solution can offer relief for restless leg syndrome and promote deep sleep. Who couldn’t use a little help relaxing through the holiday hustle and bustle? You can find it HERE.
8. Himalayan Salt Lamp
Salt lamps have been on the market for several years, but they are still one of my favourite gifts to give! The soft pinkish light emitted is calming, improves mood, and promotes relaxation. These lamps have been touted to purify the air, reducing symptoms of asthma and allergies, as well as absorbing positive ions from nearby electrical devices. Be sure to check the country of origin whenever purchasing Himalayan salt products, as only true pink salt comes from Pakistan. I found a great one HERE.
9. Revive Essential Oils
Paired with a sleek diffuser or on their own, essential oils make a great gift! I adore Revive brand essential oils as they are 100% therapeutic grade, and free from any additives or fillers. They are extensively 3rd party tested for the highest quality and purity. Essential oils boast a whole array of benefits from boosting energy and mood, promoting sleep and relaxation, reducing stress, and much more!! I recommend them HERE.
10. TrueEarth Products
Everyone has to do laundry whether they like it or not, so why not make it more enjoyable with TruEarth’s line of eco-friendly laundry detergent strips and dryer balls? Hypoallergenic and free of parabens, phosphates, and synthetic fragrances, these biodegradable strips are a low-waste, healthier option to tackle laundry chores. Tru Earth also offers reusable makeup remover pads, beeswax food storage wraps, cloth produce bags and more. We carry a number of these products at the clinic so stop by and stock up or you can purchase some HERE.
11. Ten-Year Journal
I have had a similar journal to this for a few years, and it is such a wonderful tool—not only to have a space to process thoughts, emotions, and memories but to see the progression and personal growth over the years. This is a unique gift to give, essentially a self-directed time capsule! It’s pretty cool to have memories all in one book. You can find a great one HERE.
12. Beverage Gift Box
There are some truly amazing elixirs and coffee alternatives available now, something to please everyone’s palate. A gift box or basket with a funky mug and a sampling of a few of these beverage alternatives would make a wonderful holiday offering.
Here are a few of my top picks:
- Four Sigmatic Crafted from a variety of medicinal mushrooms–reishi, lion’s mane, cordyceps, chaga, and turkey tail, these elixirs can help with energy, focus, stress, immune function, and sleep.
- Mud/WTR A coffee alternative boasting adaptogenic ingredients, Mud/WTR contains a fraction of the caffeine in a cup of coffee while providing natural energy without caffeine jitters.
- LMNT Electrolytes are crucial for the proper hydration of our cells and bodies. In a wide variety of flavours, these paleo and keto-friendly drink mixes are an easy way to ensure electrolyte needs are met. Easy to slip into a gym bag or purse to enjoy on the go.
- DandyBlend An herbal coffee alternative, DandyBlend is a tasty instant beverage that can be enjoyed warm or cold. Made from roasted dandelion root, barley, rye, and chicory.
- Pique Tea Packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients, Pique tea is unlike anything on the market. Commercial teas and tea bags can be major sources of pesticides and chemicals. Pique sources the highest quality ingredients, and has stringent standards to ensure products are free from toxins.
Hopefully, this gives you some inspiration to start thinking outside the (gift) box!
Giving tangible gifts is wonderful, but experiential gifts can be an excellent way to increase quality time spent together, getting out and being active with the ones we love.
I am fortunate to live in a city surrounded by natural beauty, and abundant snow and ice to play in in the winter months! Skating, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and even winter camping in provincial parks is available right outside my door. There is even a local chapter of ‘ice dippers’ as they call themselves–followers of the Wim Hof method of breathing practices and cold plunge therapy who meet regularly to plunge together!
If cold and snow aren’t your idea of a good time, perhaps look into a sensory deprivation float chamber session. This uses hundreds of pounds of Epsom salts dissolved in a personal chamber. You literally float, relax, and are lulled into quite a meditative state. There are also spas that offer sauna or steam circuits–warming up with vapour and steam, then cooling off by plunging into cold water. This hot/cold therapy can be quite uplifting and refreshing!
How about a day or monthly passes to a rock climbing gym, indoor obstacle course, or trampoline park for the whole family? All can be amazing full-body workouts, not to mention fun!
Whatever gifts you give or receive this year, time with family and friends is the most important gift of all. Wishing you and yours a joyful, magical, and above all, HEALTHY holiday season.