It’s easy to slap a bow on a box of candy or a bottle of wine and call it your holiday gift. But why not break from the ordinary? This year, put your effort into thoughtful gifts that actually support the well-being of your loved ones (even if your difficult co-worker still deserves a dry fruitcake). Forget the usual treats—be creative and choose presents—in the biotics panoply— that will benefit your friends and family.
Healthful Gift Ideas
Many of these thoughtful, health-focused gift ideas can be found in supermarkets or online. You may even find that your holiday spending comes in under budget.
- Probiotics for Stockings: Slip a bottle of high-quality probiotics into stockings for an easy wellness boost.
- Yogurt or Kefir Starter Kit: Package a yogurt or kefir starter with a kitchen thermometer and an easy-to-follow recipe, perfect for homemade fermenting enthusiasts.
- Kombucha Brewing Class: Enroll someone in a kombucha-making class where they can learn the craft of fermenting their own fizzy drinks.
- Kombucha Brewing Kit: Gift a complete kombucha-making kit, including all the necessary tools and a starter SCOBY(symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast), to get them started on this trendy and healthy drink.
- Yogurt Maker: A yogurt maker can be a fantastic gift for someone who loves fresh, homemade dairy products without added sugars or preservatives.
- Cookbook on Fermented Foods: There are many cookbooks available that demystify the process of fermenting foods at home, from kimchi to sourdough. Choose one to inspire someone on their journey to gut health.
- Probiotic Shopping Gift Card: Offer the flexibility of a gift card for online shopping at stores specializing in probiotics, so they can choose the exact products they need.
- Homemade Sauerkraut or Pickles: For a personal touch, wrap up a jar of your homemade sauerkraut or pickles, showcasing the power of probiotics in fermented vegetables.
- Sourdough Bread & Cookbook: Present a freshly baked loaf of sourdough bread paired with a cookbook on baking with natural starters for an inviting, healthful gift.
- Kimchi from an Asian Market: Purchase a large jar of authentic kimchi from a local Asian market—a flavorful gift that adds an exotic kick to meals.
- Prebiotic Fruit and Vegetable Basket: Prepare a festive basket filled with prebiotic-rich fruits and vegetables, like bananas, garlic, onions, and leeks, to promote gut health.
- Kefir Grains and Instructions: Provide kefir grains along with clear instructions for fermenting their delicious beverage at home.
- Specialty or Homemade Yogurt: A six-pack of artisanal or specialty yogurts can introduce them to new, delicious varieties while supporting their gut health. Spoil alert: This is a gift best given in person, not mailed.
- Broad-Spectrum Supplements: A bottle of broad-spectrum supplements, such as those containing multiple strains of probiotics, makes a great gift for overall wellness.
- Chocolate: If you still want to give candy, know that in chocolate processing, fermentation of the raw cocoa beans is a crucial step in flavor development with the bonus of enhancing its bioactive compounds (flavonols, and others) which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other health-promoting properties. Chocolate could be the ultimate postbiotic.
Presentation is Everything
Some of your recipients may find your gifts a bit unexpected. But don’t let their initial surprise deter you. Use your most festive wrapping paper and ribbons to let these thoughtful gifts sparkle. They will eventually be much appreciated long after the scarf is frayed or the socks get shabby.
In addition, there’s no need to stress over receipts—giving the gift of health is always the right choice.
And here’s one final idea for holiday cards—admittedly silly—to get the party started:
- For your greeting card list, think outside the usual box of snow scenes or red-nosed reindeer.
- Find a picture of microbes online and alter the color (green or red perhaps) with your favorite photo app.
- Print and then mount on card stock.
- Caption the photo with your recipient’s name as part of the microbe name. For example: “L. George- acidophilus”.
Takeaway
This holiday season, skip the standard sweets and give a gift that truly supports health and wellness. From probiotic supplements to homemade fermented foods, your thoughtful choices can help loved ones nurture their gut health long after the festivities end.