5 Alternative Gifts for the Healthy Friend: $20 or less

I cannot believe it’s that time of year already! Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or etc, gift giving season has started and many of us are just starting our lists of who to shop for and which presents are most fitting for them. The 5 alternative gift ideas on my list are great for that person in your life who is into fitness, nutrition, and overall wellness, but with a twist. You’ll find hemp-grade oil in this list as well as a little heart-shaped something that can make a loved one’s cooking experience that much more fun.

Hello aloe vera juice! Most of us know the benefits of the aloe vera plant, particularly in the use of its fleshy part on our skin. I remember my parents having a large aloe plant in our backyard and whenever my sister and I would get scrapes or small burns from playing outdoors, aloe and neosporin were the first things applied. As a health coach, I’ve only recently learned the benefits of drinking it too. Yes it has a bit of a funny taste, but when mixed with water, it’s barely noticeable. Think of it also as an internal healer: hydration, clearer skin, better digestion, and great for heartburn relief (we’ve all been victims of that). Wrap this bottle of Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Juice, 32 oz with a bow at the neck and give to your foodie friend who’s always open to trying something different. Skip the pressed juice giftcard, because this packs more of a punch in health and on your budget. 

This one I was initially a bit of a square about. Even living in California, I never got into the cannabis scene- it’s just not my thing. CannaGold is a Cali cannabis-inspired brand I now use for their bath bomb- it helps relieve the swelling my muscles and the scent of their lavender one really helps to relax me and put me at ease. Check out www.cannagoldlife.com for more.

I also was recently given a bottle of hemp/CBD oil and I have to admit it has changed my stress levels. I drop a little into my chamomile tea at night to help me relax and I also massage into the areas of my skin where my muscles are most achy. Hemp seed oil- extracted from the seeds, not the plant itself- comes from the tall growing varieties of cannabis. However, it does not contain THC – the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana, so no worries about hallucinogenic or other chemical effects! It supports our moods, hormones, reduces inflammatory responses in our joints and muscles, and so many other things like glowing skin and hair. Hemp oil is like a superfood believe it or not, containing all essential amino acids and fatty acids… pretty impressive! Hemp Oil-Cannabis Sativa Oil, 100% Pure_No Fillers or Additives, Therapeutic Grade (16 Ounce) is a great little stocking stuffer for everyone, but especially for your friend with an open mind for alternative ways of chilling out and pain relief, especially post-workout.

Make cooking fun and cheerful. Why not gift a cute utensil that is something to look forward to using? The heart-print rose gold spatula (featured a few photos above) was gifted to me from Williams Sonoma and I admit at first I thought I would just like to keep for kitchen decor because it seemed too pretty to use! Now that I am past the fear of dirtying it, I cook my eggs with it and what a pick-me-up for the eyes first thing in the morning. You can also check out this heart-shaped one from Amazon (see below) ..DCI “Made With Love” Heart Shaped Bamboo Spoon. It is literally in the shape of a heart! It flips burgers, veggies, and most other things. What a great way to show how much you care.

Dreamy, creamy, good stuff. That’s what I like to call cashew butter. If you’ve had the pleasure of eating it, you know it is a winner on taste (it’s great on toast and in smoothies) and is a great replacement for those of us with a peanut intolerance or allergy. This is a sure hit with the foodie crowd for all the right reasons: it is a healthy fat, good on protein, tastes great, and is a nice stepup from peanut butter which most of us have noshed on since childhood. Stick this Jiva Organics RAW Organic Cashew Butter 16-Ounce Jar in a stocking and be sure to say “you’re welcome” once your friend has opened this gift. They will love it.

You might be wondering about this next one… like “does anyone take baths anymore?”. Believe it or not, yes! A good soak is useful for mental relaxation during times of duress (visualize dim lighting, candles around a bathtub, and classical music), and just as great when the body needs a reset and some additional TLC. Heat therapy does wonders with inflammation will dilating the blood vessels, promoting blood flow, and helping sore and tightened muscles relax. Heat therapy is usually more effective than icing at treating chronic muscle pain or sore joints also. So for that fitness junkie friend who also loves their glass of wine and downtime post workout, check out the San Francisco Salt Co.’s muscle bath salts for a gift possibility Muscle Soak Bath Salts – 2 lb. Luxury Gift Soothe Muscle Aches & Pains and Reduce Inflammation with Epsom Salt and Premium Eucalyptus & Peppermint Essential Oils by San Francisco Salt Company . It’s a game changer in muscle recovery.

One of the best feelings in the world comes from the act of giving and the gift of health just tops it all- it is priceless. Gifts that benefit health have lasting impacts and are especially helpful for someone you know probably wouldn’t have bought on their own. Good luck in your holiday shopping and Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones. I hope this guide has been helpful.

Peace and love,

Natasha