The 12 gifts of
wellness
– Part 3
A three-part series for the festive season
It’s the final instalment of our three-part gift guide, meaning more handy (and healthy) ideas.
Part 2 was all about the sweet and soothing. This week is a mixed bag. Get set to spoil your loved ones, or pamper yourself!
Body products
The key when gifting soaps, moisturisers and other body products is to “look for ones with natural ingredients – close to what you could eat,” says Jean Hailes naturopath Sandra Villella. Think olive, almond or macadamia nut oils, water, goat’s milk and vitamins.
“Our skin absorbs what we put on it so read labels and avoid ones with lots of numbers and chemicals,” she says. For stockists, try markets, homeware stores or online.
Berries and cherries
These fresh fruits are delicious over summer, so make the perfect gift or share plate. According to Sandra, berries and cherries are fibre-rich, low GI and a great source of antioxidants, which help protect against cell damage.
“Cherries also have a very short season, so they’re not only healthy, but a luxury for many people because of the cost. Splurging on a loved one is a lovely gift.”
Bitter aperitif
If you like gifting alcohol, Sandra recommends bitter aperitif, such as Campari, Aperol, or her favourite, Select. “Consumed before a meal, it stimulates digestive juices and promotes better digestion,” she says. It also has a lower alcohol content than other spirits.
“Just remember that one serving of aperitif is all that is needed, otherwise the benefits are outweighed.”
A helping hand
Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a helping hand be it an offer to babysit, walk the dog, cook a meal – the list is endless! According to Jean Hailes psychologist Gillian Needleman, “we are all time poor” but when a busy person gives their time, it’s “a thoughtful and meaningful gift”. “It’s also a little mental health boost for both giver and receiver.”
From all of us at Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, we wish you a happy and healthy festive season.
© 2023 Jean Hailes Foundation. All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without written permission of the copyright owner. Contact: licensing@jeanhailes.org.au
Words by Kate Cross.
Published December 2022
This article is designed to be informative and educational. It is not intended to provide specific medical advice or replace advice from your medical practitioner.
Jean Hailes for Women’s Health gratefully acknowledges the support of the Australian Government.
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