10 Gifts for Health and Wellness

Tis the season of giving and there is no better year to give the gift of Health and Wellness. I encourage you to shop local and handmade to help support small business who are struggling.  Etsy.com is a great place to start for personalized, handmade gifts for every interest on your list.
I also enjoy giving gifts that can be used all year.  From kitchen gadgets that save time to self care items that provide a level of rest and relaxation.  Here is a list of 10 gifts worthy of giving to loved ones you wish health and happiness to in the new year:.  Disclaimer, I have included affiliate links but have only linked to items I myself would gift to loved ones.

1. Instant Pot

Confession.  I received an Instant Pot last year for Christmas.  I gave the gift giver the "Oh, I always wanted one of these" while thinking "I am never going to use this."  My initial reaction was admittedly wrong and that baby now has a home in my kitchen and used on a weekly basis. The speedy pressure cooking has replaced my original method of making hard boiled eggs and spaghetti squash and I love that I can throw frozen chicken in and have dinner ready in under 30 minutes.  

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2. Chef's Knife

If there is one tool every kitchen should have, that would be a decent Chef's knife.  I have personally witnessed people changing their view on cooking after investing in quality tools.  I know it seems more codt efficient to purchase a $20 knife at Target, but I promise, it will not begin to match the ease of a quality tool.  I received my first set of J.A. Henckels  knives when I got married 14 years ago.  With care and proper sharpening, the investment has paid off as I am still using them today.  With some knife skill lessons and practice, your loved ones will find a love for home cooking.

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3. Dutch Oven

There is nothing like the smell and taste of homemade soup, stew or chili simmering on the stove.  Or the ease of browning a roast on the stovetop and transferring it directly to the oven in the same pot.  A Dutch Oven Is a versatile pot that no kitchen should be without.  The cast iron helps food cook and heat evenly and the ceramic coating is safer for health and the environment than non-stick coatings.  The pot can go from stovetop to oven to fridge and is easy to clean.  My boys are known to make a mean cobbler in ours.  

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4. Hello Fresh 

So you know someone who wants to prepare more home cooked meals but just doesn't have the skill to gather ingredients. measure, chop, dice and slice.  No problem.  Meal delivery kits are popping up everywhere with every dietary lifestyle in mind.  During sport season when I am short on time, I will often schedule a meal or two a week so I know I have everything I need.  My favorite meal kit to date is Hello Fresh. They work with y budget, have meals for my pickiest eater, fresh ingredients and, most important, easy to make.  This is a great way to introduce cooking to  a newbie.  Send a gift card and then sit back and brag about how you taught them to cook!

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5. FitBit Charge 4

For the loved one who loves to track their health and wellness, the FitBit Charge 4 is one of the simpler activity tracker I have used. I really enjoy the sleek design (I am not a fan of the chunkier style of some Smart watches) and it gives great feedback in regards to steps taken, heart rate, calories burned and sleep.  I can use the website or app to challenge friends and track my food intake. This tracker makes a great gift for the fitness techie in your life.  

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6. Earbuds with Charger Case

Confession #2...I am a headphone hoarder.  At least I was until I was gifted these iFrogz Earbuds with Charging Case. I never thought I would be one to use earbuds. I always preferred headphones that went around my ears so I knew they would not fall out.  I decided to give these a try and I never looked back!  They connect easily to my iPhone through Bluetooth, have a great sound and stay put even during a run or HIIT workout. I love that they recharge in the case and that the case holds a charge for quite some time.  Bonus: they are more affordable than other earbuds I have seen.

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7. Calm

Who wouldn't want the gift of Calm?  2020 has certainly left its share of stress and worry.  Meditation and mindfulness has been scientifically proven to help reduce stress and the harmful hormones that produced as well as make us happier.  But where do you start?  Our minds are constantly racing, thoughts keep us up at night.  The Calm app was designed to help people of all levels and experience begin a mindful practice.  From 5 minute meditations to sleep stories and masterclasses, your stressed loved ones are sure to find peace when they redeem the gift card you gifted.  This is one I recommend you treat yourself with too.  We could all use a little peace and calm this time of year!

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8. Essential Oil Diffuser and Essential Oils

Essential oils are popping up all over the place.  I even found them mixed in with shower gel at my grocery store.  Not all essential oils are created equally and it is important you are purchasing oils that are of high quality for your safety and the safety of your loved ones and pets.  I recommend doing your research before purchasing and using Eden's Garden when selecting your favorite scents.  Diffusing oils is one of my favorite ways to stimulate and energize in the morning and relax in the evening.  Gift a diffuser to a loved one, create a personalized gift set of oils to match their personality or find a variety of self care items like roller bottles and after shower oils.

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9. Humidifier with Essential Oil Diffuser

Ready to up your Essential Oil Diffuser game?  The dry air really does a number on my sinus impaired boys.  It is no secret that a humidifier can replace the much needed moisture stripped from forced heat and winter dryness.  My game changer was finding this Homasy Cool Mist Humidifier.  Not only is it top filling, it also doubles as an essential oil diffuser. I love that I can diffuse my Eden's Gardens essential oils that support immune health, help keep breathing clear and help relax the mind as we sleep.  It also keeps the room less cluttered by having two products in one. 

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10. Personalized Journal

Did you know that taking a moment each day to write down three tings you are grateful for can actually make you happier?  There is research that says keeping a gratitude journal can rewire your brain for happiness.  All it takes is a daily habit of writing three things you are grateful for.  We all have time to write three things.  Wouldn't it be extra special if you had a personalized journal just for this daily activity? I recommend heading on over to Etsy.com and supporting a small business or local crafter.  You are sure to find a journal for every person on your list.  Add a personalized pen and now there is no excuse to be grateful each day.

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The gift of time spent with family and loved ones can never be replaced.  2020 has kept  some from seeing loved ones while others have been brought closer together through quarantine.  I would like to wish each and every one of you a healthy and happy holiday season.  Please stay safe and may 2021 bring peace and joy.