by Anastasia Fermin, Sunshima blog writer
As the Christmas season draws nearer, you must be wondering what kind of gifts to buy this year for your friends and family. Covid- 19 restrictions continue to alter regular shopping habits such as browsing shops and markets. There is a greater reliance on online shopping from the comfort and safety of your home. Despite these changes to normal routines around this time of year, how can you make Christmas happen during a pandemic?
Before getting too worried about it, think health. The importance of health and well-being has gained a lot of traction during the global pandemic. Giving a gift that promotes a healthy lifestyle, calms anxiety, or just makes someone smile during hard times is your best bet this year. Here are some wonderful health and wellness gift ideas that are sure to make your loved ones feel appreciated this Christmas.
1. Gift workout equipment
Encourage your loved ones to maintain an exercise routine by giving them the basic tools required to make it possible. Yoga mats, dumb bells and resistance bands are great and affordable gifts that can be used and appreciated for months to come. You can also let them know in advance to make sure that your gift isn’t taken ‘the wrong way”.
2. Make something from scratch
Get your creative juices flowing and give a gift of handicraft or artwork. You can even bake holiday cookies and other treats. Try your hand at weaving, macrame, painting or pottery to create a unique and meaningful present. Baked goodie baskets are also very thoughtful and comforting around the holiday season.
3. Gift wellness products
If you have a friend or relative who suffers from chronic ailments, pain or other discomforts consider gifting an item to help them such as a massage product or an acupressure mat or pillow. This particular product reduces neck and back pain and also promotes a better quality of sleep by relieving tension in the body. It stimulates pressure points and gives a relaxing massage to ease stress and calm down anxieties. Reducing stress and relaxing the body has many benefits to alleviate certain symptoms and pain for more comfort and well-being.
4. Give your loved ones gift certificates
If you can’t think of a great gift idea, why not offer a gift card or certificate for wellness related gifts or shops that you think your loved one will like to shop at. This can allow them to choose what they like and ensure that it is put to good use!
5. Gift what you can
If your budget is tight, simply gift what you can. It can be a small token of appreciation such as a coffee mug, a piece of jewellery or a book. These can also be personalised with a funny or touching message, after all, it’s the thought that counts.
This Christmas season should be focused on appreciating the people around you in whatever way you can. Spreading love and optimism in the midst of a pandemic means much more than focusing on material things. Take the time to check in on friends and family with messages, cards and video chats. These simple acts can make someone’s day much brighter!