Easy gift ideas
Here's a dozen gift ideas for the people on your holiday list. By taking a heart healthy approach to gifting, you'll find that all of these presents feel as good to give as they do to receive!
Parents/chefs
- Heart-smart cookbooks. Those who love to cook love trying out new recipes; help them to be adventurous and try something new!
- Silicone bakeware. Give fun and colourful kitchen gear made from silicone — non-stick baking pans that don't require greasing, basting brushes that won't melt on the BBQ and oven mitts that do the job.
Cross-country niece
- Tunes. Working out to the beat is motivating and gets results. Giving the gift of music is easy. You can order a gift card online for direct delivery to the recipient – a big treat for long-distance family members.
Adventurous nephew
- Shoeless shoes. How about a pair of "shoes" made for the latest running trend: barefoot running. They might seem geeky now, but just wait until cutting-edge moves mainstream. Find them in adventure sport stores.
Teachers/colleagues
- Heart healthy treats. Double up your holiday baking for a homemade gift that's from the heart. Arrange in a pretty tin or package in cello wrap and tie with simple ribbon and a homemade gift tag.
- Loose-leaf tea. For a teacher or work colleague, how about a selection of exotic varieties, like delicate white tea, blooming tea (hand-sewn leaves that "bloom" in water), or teas blended with rose petals or lavender. For a larger gift, choose a beautiful teapot with a built-in strainer.
- Fruit bouquets. This beautifully sculpted take on the fruit basket makes a thoughtful gift for a group.
Kids
- Sporting goods. Instead of toys, give the youngsters on your list active games or sports equipment — a hockey stick, a sled, ice skates, a scooter, even a mini trampoline.
- Gaming. Interactive games that require standing, moving and simulating sports are a great way to encourage technology-addicted kids to be more active through their gaming console.
The new mom
- Down time. If someone in your family or circle of friends is a new mom, she's probably feeling frazzled. She'll appreciate a gift that saves time and reduces stress. Consider a week's worth of meals delivered from a heart healthy caterer or a coupon for a cleaning service. Or give her a night off by offering your services as a baby sitter.
BFF
- Gadgets. A pedometer or heart-rate meter is a fun way to provide motivation and feedback for an exercise buddy, whether they're a novice or experienced exerciser.
- Spa certificate. Gift cards can really help to simplify holiday shopping. A gift card for a massage or treatment at a spa is a double de-stressor — for the recipient and for you!