7 Healthy Gift-Giving Ideas

When I learned that two of my children live with a disorder that affects how their nervous systems function (SPD), one of the first things I made changes to were their diets. We already ate quite healthy but it was a matter of making small changes to our overall health lifestyle: what we ate (eg: 'brainifying' our meals), how often we exercised and the sorts of activities that really helped 'nourish' each of their nervous systems.

Making changes to the lifestyle you've always been used to can seem difficult at first but the long-term benefits are worth it. And it starts with educating yourself then spreading the word. The best place to start is during the festive Holiday Season where we can give fabulous gifts but still give a subtle message about living healthy.

Here is my list of ten healthy Christmas Gift ideas that will be a big hit (even if they are on the healthy side of things):

Fancy Water Bottles: Our bodies are made mostly of water so it's critical to stay hydrated. Why not give a fashionable way to remind your loved one to grab water instead of a sugary alternative? There are many companies out there offering beautiful reusable water bottles, some even offer personalizing them!

'Brain-Friendly' Gift Baskets: When we talk 'brain friendly' in our house, we're talking about the foods that contain the omega fats and other nutrients that the brain needs for optimum functioning. Things like nuts, seeds, dried fruits, enriched bars or baking goodies with flax seed flour can all be candidates. Use your imagination.

Recipe Package: I saw this one year on Paula Deen's cooking show. Find a great, low-work, healthy recipe, gather all the ingredients together and put everything into a beautiful basket or gift bag. Don't forget to top it off with a fancy printout of the recipe!

Lunch kit: You've heard of Jamie Oliver's 'Food Revolution'? What better way to promote Jamie's message of eating healthier than to give the gift of a fancy lunch kit with some healthy lunch recipes, some Tupperware pieces and, maybe, that fancy water bottle above?

Herbs: This was one of my favorite gifts one year. Herbs have a variety of health benefits from being 'heart healthy' to calming to just adding great flavor to our foods, naturally. Either find an herb kit (such as the Chia varieties) or put something together yourself with small bags of dirt, seeds, pots in various sizes, mini-garden tools and little handmade markers.

Garden Starter Kit: This is a gift to be used in the spring just before planting outside. Go to your local garden center and find a mini-greenhouse. Fill it with different veggie, flower and herb seeds; bag of peat pellets; a pair of fancy gardening gloves, hand garden tools; garden shoes and a kneeling foamy.

Family Funtime Book: The idea here is to give the gift of family activities both to get moving and playing as a family. A great book suggestion is 'Growing An In Sync Child' by Carol Stock Kranowitz.

'Calm Down' Kit: Who couldn't use a gift filled to the brim with stuff to calm down? Some ideas include a great yoga DVD; a CD of nature sounds; herbal teas like chamomile or Sleepy Time; lavender scented massage oil; the receiver's favorite aromatherapy scents; a neck pillow and wrap it all inside a yoga mat.

The Gift of Chocolate: Who knew that chocolate was good for us? Put together a little chocolate care package for the chocolate lover on your list. Just be sure to look for the chocolate stuff with 70% or more pure cocoa. Yum!

Sporty-themed kits: What a fun way to promote getting active! Whatever the chosen sport is-golf, tennis, pilates, football-put together a bunch of little items to get them started with it or the extras you know he needs. A good example would be the following for your golf buff: new golf gloves, a bag of tees, a box of new balls, a fun club cover, ball markers, etc.

No matter what gift you choose, you're sure to win because you're giving something fun as well as helping to spread the word about the importance of healthy living. Enjoy the rest of your Holiday shopping