All of us have received gifts that have probably cost the gift giver a lot of money and time, however remained unused, tucked away in a drawer or closet. Several years ago, I decided to take a different approach to holiday gifting that is now the basis of all of my gift giving. In one word, it must be “consumable”. With that, it becomes a green gift that does not add to my carbon footprint and usually becomes the creative launch pad for my family and friends. Additionally, these gifts tend to involve healthy activities that bring your family and friends together for a lifetime of memories.

Five of my favorites are:

1. A private Yoga Class or Workout Session for a group of your friends or family. Nine years ago I booked a one hour Yoga class in January to which I invited about 15 of my friends. Afterwards we returned to my house for a healthy lunch. I held it in January because the timing of my “Gift of Wellness” to my friends was to be enjoyed after the hectic holiday season. It was truly a hit. Last year on the day AFTER Thanksgiving, our entire family went to a private boot camp to work off our Thanksgiving dinner and give us a “permission” to eat up the leftovers without any guilt. It has now become a family tradition. We are thinking about challenging another family to join us next year.

2. Wine Tasting – Wine tasting is a relaxing way to  spend time and share the goodness of the fruit of the vine and appreciate all of the anti-oxidants wine has to offer. Plus, if there were any petty family issues prior to wine tasting, after a few glasses of wine, they are all forgotten after a day of wine tasting.

3. Cooking Classes – This is another way to share time with friends and family while learning something new that just adds another dimension to your relationship. There is a special energy that is present when all participants share the same food or experience.

4. Massage – This is not only luxurious, but a very healthful gift. Massage is a way to relax and detoxify your body, ridding your body of the toxins that build up due to holiday stress and not so healthy eating during the holiday season.

5. Healthy Food Baskets – Filled with flavored Olive and Avocado Oils, Sea Salts, Balsamic Vinegars, Essential Oils and Lotions from local Farmers Markets. Not only are these perfect gifts to stock the pantry, but they support our local Farmers. Of course all of this is packaged up in a recyclable tote, yoga bag, or reed basket that can also be reused or re-purposed.

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season! Cheers to your Wholefullife!

By: Karen Cohn, Certified Holistic Health Coach, AADP