Appreciation Matters Gift Baskets

Here is a great article reprinted from the Mayo Clinic Health Letter (11/07) that recommends clever fun gifts that are also healthy.

“Food Related gifts: Create a basket of healthy goodies. Gather together dried fruits, as well as almonds, walnuts, and pecans in their shells-don’t forget the nutcracker. Add some dark chocolate and a selection of green or black teas. Or, you could write up some recipe cards with some of your favorite healthy recipes and give them in a basket along with the ingredients. Consider gift certificates to your local produce store or your favorite natural food store. Give a fruit of the month subscription.

Gifts that promote relaxation: Finely made, natural bath soaps or bath salts can make for a relaxing tub escape. Rub someone the right way with a massage certificate. Make a day of it by giving a gift certificate to a day spa. Expand the well being by setting up a plant of the month subscription. Other relaxing gifts might include relaxation DVDS.

Gifts that nurture: Give a gift certificate that promises to meet for a daily walk, or take an exercise class together. Consider giving a month long membership to a local athletic club or fitness center. Enrich a healthy area of interest with a related magazine or newsletter.”

Here’s one of my favorites that wasn’t mentioned in the article. Place a selection of fresh herb plants (parsley, sage, basil, thyme, dill) in pretty decorative containers. This is a great gift that is a healthy cooking treat all year.