The commercialism attached to Christmas weighs me down like the anchor of a boat. In early October, I walked into a large home improvement chain, and a 14-foot tall inflatable Santa greeted me at the door. Just beyond the goliath St. Nick, shelves of summer clearance begged for buyers. On my way to the lighting department, I passed by an avalanche of outdoor Christmas lighting spewing from crates the size of my chicken coop. Right there in front of the flamingo Christmas lawn decorations, I realized that I could help you not drown in the torrent of holiday consumerism. Craft thoughtful, no-fuss gifts that boost healthy living.
Healthy living includes more than how you fill your plate and lift your fork. It encompasses your spiritual and emotional wellness too. Are you struggling to balance gift-giving without getting caught in the snare of materialism? Make this the year that you create enticing, frugal, and sustainably-minded presents to give your family and friends this Christmas.
The idea of warm and cozy, comfort and contentment can be a reality, not just a Christmas lyric you hum during the holiday. By planning, you can avoid the crowded stores that not only deplete your wallet but your Christmas joy as well.
No-FUSS Healthy Living’s DIY Christmas Gifts
Healthy Living Lavender Laundry Detergent
- Organic Dried Lavender Flowers Grade A- 4oz.
- Lavender Oil
- Gift Tag (free download) print on cardstock
- All-Natural Washing Soda
- Stainless Steel Measuring Scoop
- Baking Soda
Save RecipeIngredients
- 2 cups of baking soda
- 1/ 1/2 cups of washing soda
- 1 cup of finely grated unscented castile soap
- 10 drops of essential lavender oil
- 1/2 cup dried, ground sifted lavender buds (optional but a great touch)
Instructions
- In a food processor, process the dried lavender, then with a hand sifter sift in a bowl, set aside
- With a hand grater or food processor, grate the castile soap, set aside
- Combine the essential oil with the baking soda, stir to combine
- In a large bowl, mix the washing soda, the scented baking soda, the grated castile soap, and the sifted dried lavender. Mix thoroughly.
Homemade Vanilla Kit
- Printable Recipe
- Gift Tag
- Premium Glass Bottle with Cap, 2 oz Capacity, Clear (Pack of 12)
- Madagascar Vanilla Beans
No-FUSS Healthy Living Cleaning Kit
Supplies Needed:
- Grove Collaborative glass bottles
- Essential oils (rosemary, lavender, eucalyptus)
- water
- Gift Tag (print)
- Grove Microfiber Cloth
Recipe for Healthy Living All-Purpose Countertop Spray
- 1⁄2 cups of hot water
- 2⁄3 cups of distilled white vinegar
- 1/2 tsp of lavender essential oil
- 1/4 tsp of eucalyptus essential oil
- 3 drops of tea tree or rosemary essential oil
With a funnel or measuring cup with a pour spout, combine the vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Shake vigorously. Add the essential oils directly to the spray bottle. Store out of direct sunlight. Spray as needed and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
Healthy Living’s Granola Girl Breakfast Kit
Supplies Needed:
- Glass Jar with Lid
- Twine in Christmas Colors
- Gift Tag (free download)
- Granola recipe below (here is the gluten-free recipe)
Granola Recipe
- 5 Cups of Organic Oats (not quick cook oats)
- 1⁄2 cup of coconut oil, melted
- 1⁄2 cup of pure maple syrup or honey
- 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- 2 cups sliced almonds or a combination of nuts and seeds (sunflower, cashews, pecan, pignoli, etc.)
- 1 cup of raisins
- 1 cup of small, diced apricots
- 1 cup of dried cranberries
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°. Cover a 13×18 inch baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts/seeds, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup or honey. Toss until the oat mixture is coated. Pour the mixture on the baking sheet. Spread evenly. Bake mixture until golden brown. Stir the mixture every 15-20 minutes.
Remove the mixture when done. Cool mixture. Add the dried fruit. Stir to combine.
Paperwhites Kit
Supplies Needed:
- 40 Ziva Paperwhites ready to grow! 13-15cm
- Potting soil, small bag
- 18″ Green-Wood Plant Stakes
- Twine in Christmas Colors
- Super Moss Preserved Sheet Moss, Fresh Green
- Free Printable Gift Tag with growing instructions, download here
S’Mores Kit
Supplies Needed:
- Honey Graham Crackers
- Vanilla Marshmallows or housemade
- Stevia Sweetened Dark Chocolate Bar
- Festive Container
- Gift Tag (free download)
GMO-Free Popcorn Kit
- Festive Bowl
- Arrowhead Mills Organic Popcorn 28 oz bag
- Organic Coconut Oil
- Gift Tag (free download)
No-FUSS Healthy Living’s Pet Care Kit
- Festive Container
- Glass Bottles
- Essential Oils (rose geranium, citronella, lavender, clove, bay-laurel-hydrosol)
- Gift Tag (free download)
- Twine in Christmas Colors
Instructions for Insect/Tick Repellent
- 20 drops of rose geranium essential oil
- 3 drops citronella essential oil
- 2 drops of rosemary essential oil
- 1 drop of lavender essential oil
- 3 drops of clove oil
- 1 Tbsp of bay laurel hydrosol
Mix oils together, then add a cup of warm water. Using a funnel, pour into a glass bottle.
Recipe For All-natural Dog Treats
- 6 cups of water
- 6 cups organic barley or spelt flour
- 2 tablespoons organic cinnamon
- 8 ounces organic or high fructose corn syrup-free applesauce
- Bone Shaped Cookie Cutters
- Recipe Card (print on cardstock, the image is 5.5×4.3)
Instructions for All-natural Dog Treats
Preheat oven to 325. Combine ingredients in bowl and mix. Knead for several minutes and then roll out on a flat surface. Using a bone-shaped cookie cutter, cut out treats and place on a greased cookie tray. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool.
Healthy DIY Gifts This Christmas
When I spend less time shopping during Christmas, it mitigates any tendency toward excessive consumption. It may seem trivial, but healthful DIY gift-giving marks a step toward establishing a lifestyle of healthy living.
Merry Christmas!
Comments