Great gift ideas and the Spirit of Giving 🎁

Wouldn’t it be nice to feel fantastic about the gifts you give, that they are sentimental, thoughtful and even promote a great lifestyle?

I’m all about gifting my family and friends presents that are meaningful and promote health.

Today, I’d like to share a short list of some (20+) great gift ideas and sources that I have collected over the years. Most of these are not expensive, in fact, some are even FREE.  I’ve added lots of new ones this year that my family is really pumped about!

That being said, I’d also like to share my deep feelings about gift giving and - The Five Parameter Rule. I hope you find this helpful and you can resonate with it also 💗

Before we dive in, lots of you have shared that my tips in last week’s blog on ”How to save room in your refrigerator” were super helpful. If you missed it, you can access it, here.

Okay, let’s take a look at some great gift ideas, and the spirit of giving….

Some years your family wants everything for Christmas. Other years they don’t seem to really want anything at all. Both are hard situations to navigate. And regardless of which it is, many of us seem to go overboard anyway.

Every Christmas, our family faced a disorganized mountain of presents from us and from extended family.

All of which resulted in overwhelmed kids, frustrated parents, a mess, ridiculous waste and a huge credit card debt.

Our family has taken the following approach….. Limit gift-giving to less presents, and using the four types of gift parameters as guidance.

1. Something they want

2. Something they need

3. Something to wear

4. Something to read

WANT: This is a “big item” - the thing your family really wants.

NEED: This allows us to give something they need that might relate to their learning or new life stage (starting school, job, phase of life, for example) without it being unexpected or a big deal. For example, a new lunchbox, sunglasses or something for their hobby.

WEAR: This is when we can take into account each person’s unique sense of style and any sensory issues too. It may take a little more effort to find a soft, quality garment these days but it’s worth it! And if you take the time to pick something that is uniquely them (not the same as everyone), you can guarantee they’ll wear it until it falls off.

READ: One of my favorites. This gives us a chance to choose titles and books that speak to their interests and reading level. We can think outside the box and not worry about making sure they’re getting traditional reading materials. What about some classic literature, something inspirational, a cookbook or something really fun?

The Benefits of the Four Gift parameters:

Want, Need, Wear, Read has meant less chaos, clearer expectations and less disappointment for our family. And even with fewer gifts, everyone is now happier because they are not over-stimulated with so many gifts literally everywhere – they can focus, engage, learn and really enjoy.

The Four Gift parameters has also allowed us to experience thankfulness. So many times, we all get wrapped up in the gifts, even though we know the true meaning of Christmas. It teaches us to be thankful for the few meaningful presents that we receive, rather than simply expecting quantity – and this hopefully will make us better human beings.

Over the past few years, we have now included a 5th gift parameter.

What Is It?

The 5th is the real winner. It’s something they need or want but don’t really know it. It’s that X-Factor gift that just blows them away - that surprises them entirely and fills a void so perfectly that you get tears of joy.

This is the gift that gives us the chance to really listen to our family, watch them live and understand their passions. Instead of buying the hot gift of the season, we try to find out what makes them truly happy. We give them something they’ll really enjoy, experience or use.

And this is the type of gift that is so special.

Why?

Because you need to listen - and listening to your family means really connecting with them and that is a gift you simply cannot put a price on.

Plus, coming up with this gift, wrapping it, feeling the anticipation, and then seeing their faces as they open it is where you will feel the true joy of Christmas again.

Okay, here are (20+) of my latest great gift ideas 💗 The ones with an (*) are locally sourced. By the way, did you know that when you shop in a small business - an actual person does a little happy dance? Yup, they really do!

Oh, and here’s another great idea, put some of these things on “your” wish list too!

Himalayan Salt Block - Chilled salt blocks can be used to serve sushi, cheeses, meat, fruit, custard, ice cream, or sorbet. As they conduct heat efficiently and at high temperatures, they’re also ideal for baking or grilling meats, poultry, eggs, fish, seafood, fresh fruit, and vegetables. I have an 8x8 and only use it for cold things, but do some research and see what turns you on. Link HERE.

Dash Mini 4” Waffle Maker - Cute & compact, the Dash Mini Maker makes snack-sized waffles an everyday treat. This appliance is ideal for making individual waffles that go beyond breakfast. Use the recipe in my cookbook, and make waffle bread for sandwiches! Online, HERE.

*Eat Like your LIFE Depends on It - Pair your Salt Block or mini waffle- maker with my new cookbook filled with over (60) fabulous drink, snack, breakfast, dinner and dessert recipes that are actually healthy and easy to make. We’ve got some available at the front desk for a reduced price, or you can order it online, HERE.

*Grounds for Sculpture - Looking for the perfect day trip? You’ll find the perfect destination for an outing with friends, family, out-of-town guests, or a day just for you right here. Wander the grounds and discover hundreds of contemporary sculptures. Explore the new Night Forms exhibit, and make reservations at Rat’s restaurant for an upscale dining experience. Looking to gift tickets to friends or family? Grounds For Sculpture now offers guest passes that can be used all year long for general admission. Beautiful in every season! Visit the website, HERE.

SingleNest Hammock - Here’s a great option for your outdoors person that likes to take hikes or just hang-out in the yard. Online, HERE.

Chris Widener Books - One of my favorite authors that writes easy to follow, short books, that anyone (teen to retiree) will enjoy. My favorites to start with: 12 Pillars, Angel Inside, Above All Else…. (some are available in Spanish). Order online, HERE.

*Tedx - Plan a date with a friend, loved one, and/or yourself to attend a local Tedx event. They engage a wide range of local residents, and showcases a diverse array of talks (about 15 mins each), not limited to one subject. You can filter to find “Standard” events close to where you live. These events are usually quite affordable, and extremely uplifting! Link HERE.

Essential Oil Diffuser - This diffuser comes with adjustable humidifier adjustment. It’s easier to use than others, with auto shut-off timer, and different colored lights. Link, HERE.

Waist Belt - How cool is this? Keep your belongings close when exercising. Comes in different colors, one size adjusts for all. Great for runners, yoga, walkers, anyone! Link, HERE.

Yoga Mat - There are a lot of yoga mats out there, but Gaiam's are consistently ranked among the very best with more than 900 4-star reviews on Amazon. It's light enough to carry to and from yoga class with ease and has extra-thick cushioning - perfect for all those sun salutations. Link HERE.

Mindfulness Cards - Simple Practices for Everyday Life (Daily Mindfulness, Daily Gratitude, Mindful Meditation) An easy way to cultivate mindful moments—anytime and anywhere: This engaging deck makes it easy to bring awareness, calm, and joy to everyday life. Each card includes an inspiring phrase on the front and a bite-size mindfulness exercise on the back. Link, HERE.

Balance Stool - This half-dome inflatable cushioned chair works as an active seat, causing micro-movements which strengthen the core and improve posture. The stool can adjust from an 18-inch to 23-inch desk, making it great for most. Link HERE.

NutriBullet - One of my all-time favorite gifts for healthy eating. This high-speed blender quickly pulverizes fruits and veggies for perfect smoothies and sauces, while built-in cups make it easy to store extras in the fridge for later. The sleek, compact design means it's a good option for apartment dwellers with tiny kitchens. Link HERE.

Bento Lunch Box - The BPA-free, food-grade plastic is built to last. With separate containers, you can easily split your food between the divided trays, reheating only what you need to. The entire box is easy to clean (it’s dishwasher-safe) and a great way to make healthy eating during the week simple and organized. Link, HERE.

*Infrared Sauna - Enjoy relaxing, health promoting, sauna sessions for yourself or a loved one. I do this once a day while I journal in my Panda Planner. Available at our Whippany and Flemington offices (you can get gift certificates for sauna sessions, ask the front desk).

Panda Planner Journal - get yourself inspired, organized and improve your mindset. Link HERE.

*Natural Beauty by Jamie - an eco-friendly, full service salon and spa carrying ammonia and odor free hair color. Every facial is done using all organic, handmade skincare products. Link HERE.

Theo Chocolate Bars - these are organic and non-GMO chocolate bars that can be eaten slowly and savored in your mouth. I put them in the refrigerator and just eat one square when I am craving something sweet. Link HERE.

Meditation Apps - Use these apps to help identify how you’re feeling, then tame your anxiety, reduce stress, breathe deeply, or sleep better with the short, guided meditations, yoga videos, and acupressure videos. Links HERE.

Master Class - Learn anytime, anywhere, at your own pace. Watch thousands of lessons from the best as they share their stories, skills, shortcuts, failures, and successes. Link HERE. 

Show Her Off - Enjoy a Fun & Flirty Date Night Dancing in Your Living Room! No dance experience needed, learn in your own private space, need I say more? Link HERE.

*The Kombucha Bar - Made in Flemington NJ, these teas are fermented and therefore naturally carbonated and flavored with natural fruits and vegetables, non-GMO, vegan, dairy free and gluten free, so everyone can enjoy them. Order online, or visit in person, and give Marie a smile for me! Link HERE.

*Gooserock Farm - Located in Montville, NJ. Visitors are welcome to visit the Honey House, where honey and other farm products are offered for sale, or order online. Link HERE.

*Dutch Country Farmers Market - Located in Flemington, NJ. Open year-round, lots of different vendors from meats, veggies, hand-made crafts, etc. Link HERE.

*Mountain Rose Herbs - Distilled or cold pressed from organic botanicals, these essential organic oils, teas and herbs are pure and undiluted. Link HERE.

THE BOTTOM LINE

I hope you enjoy these gift ideas as much as I do, and please let me know if you’ve got a local “Health-related” business you’d like to share!

Remember, when you shop in a small business - an actual person does a little happy dance ;-))))

In a world where you can shop anywhere, please consider shopping local. An average of two-thirds of every dollar ($0.67) spent at small businesses in the U.S. stays in our local economy. Every dollar spent at a small business creates and additional 50 cents in local business activity. As a result of employee spending and businesses purchasing local goods and services, we support our communities and each other.

Wouldn’t it be nice to feel good about the gift you give, that it is healthy, promoting a great lifestyle, and offered by a small business?

Please know that I appreciate you being part of our wellness family, and accepting your true natural in-born health and wellness. I consider you very much a part of my extended family!

Well, I hope that today’s newsletter has given you some helpful tips for gift-giving for the holidays and other times. Watch our social posts this week for tips that you can share with your family and friends 💗🎁

Remember, that the Functional Medicine approach we use here in our offices can offer you clear insight as to your health, nutrition, and healing options.

Feel free to come talk to us if you are having doubts or questions about your family’s health. We will give you the honest truth, and the clinical research that supports it.

Remember, the (5) Essentials we talk about at Ferguson Life Health Centers are…

• Mindset

• Nerve Supply

• Nutrition

• Exercise

• Minimizing Toxins

There are NO LIMITS of what you can create, you are POWERFUL and there is nothing that you can not have or achieve! Believe in your power, believe in yourself and let go of what no longer serves you! ♡ Design your life, Create your reality…

This is life changing!

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