Finding the perfect Christmas gifts for friends and loved ones can be a challenge. Especially if you’ve put off your holiday shopping until now.
Because we celebrate Chanukah it seems like we have far less pressure during the holiday season –though that could simply be the mindset I undertake during the holidays when I try to block out everything I can. Feel free to call me Scrooge, as an HSP, I’m simply trying to make it through this over-stimulating time of year.
Here are some of my favorite things. I did a quick search of my home to look for simple items that add value to everyday life and help conserve time, money and environmental resources.
Here you go:
- Metal Bento Box
I love packing the boys lunches in this simple box. Its design is appealing and using it saves paper bags. No expensive, toxic plastic either. - Stainless Steel Snack Containers
Another winner when it come to packing school lunches. I put pieces of fresh or dried fruit in these. - Kill it All Essential Oil
Coming down with something? This oil (based on the Thieves blend from YEO) is my favorite for killing colds when it comes to the holidays –your friends will like it too. To use, I put it in a pot of boiling water and inhale. - The Paleo Solution
My new favorite book. Enough said. - apple slicer
A great way to make quick work of apples. - Wallyware
My favorite mugs. Have had ’em in my house since I discovered this artist 20 years ago in a gallery in my hometown Davis, California. - Mulling Spices –Rebecca’s Herbal Apothecary
Make your own, or purchase them from Rebecca if you need a quick gift. - Cookie Mix in a jar
Perfect gift for your newly gluten free friends. - Gluten-Free Cupcakes: 50 Irresistible Recipes Made with Almond and Coconut Flour
My latest tome of gluten free recipes –$10 from amazon. Just sayin’.
What are you giving as holiday gifts this year? Do you have ideas you’d like to share? What is at the top of your gluten-free, eco-friendly wish list for the holidays?
And by the way, did you boycott Black Friday? Or did you occupy your local mall? Has anyone else noticed that Occupy Wall Street has morphed into Occupy Walmart during this holiday season? Enough with the pepper spray already people!
Katherine says
For a few years now, I’ve bought most of my Christmas presents from local craft fairs. It just feels so much more personal and my gifts are really unique. It’s nice to hear about others who do the same.
Danielle Mateyka says
I ran across this recipe a few weeks ago. It looks like a perfect holiday cupcake. I’m going to try to adapt it so its gluten free. Just thought I’d share it with you.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/gingerbread-cupcakes-with-orange-icing-recipe/index.html
Deb Kinney says
Hi Elana,
I love your Eco-Friendly Christmas ideas. Thanks for telling us about the Kill it All Essential Oil. My daughter suffers from sinus infections at this time of year. I will be getting that for her as an early Christmas present. You are the best!
Be well,
Deb
Anastasia@healthymamainfo.com says
Wonderful ideas!
Becca says
Thanks for the great ideas! I actually just bought your cupcake book through Amazon. It will be perfect for my sister who just went Paleo and happens to be a HUGE cupcake fanatic :)
Lizzie B says
Elana,
Thanks for the nudge about HSP. I don’t think I had heard of this before, and now things make a lot more sense.
Elizabeth says
Great ideas! Kudos from another Chanukah-celebrating HSP. I think many HSPs definitely require more “refined”–(meaning unrefined! haha) diets of less or no grains. I will be giving gifts of handmade cards & supporting local independent businesses as much as possible. To me, this is a no-brainer that goes with a sustainable, health-oriented lifestyle. Where we buy and who we support is not separate from what we eat, health-wise.
anna says
i like to give pomadores – oranges studded with cloves and wrapped in ribbon. they are: 1. adorable 2. keep their smell for years 3. cheap and affordable 4. great to get the kids involved with
http://www.ehow.com/how_8723201_make-orange-studded-cloves.html
Hayden says
How do you purchase? This would be perfect for my newly gluten free stepmom!
Heather says
It was so interesting to read about blocking things out this time of year. I could also be considered a Scrooge, but it’s all too much for me. Didn’t know you were a HSP; guess I am, too. Thanks for the gift ideas!