By Catherine Miller
‘Tis the season of gifting — to loved ones, co-workers, and those service people that make life a bit easier.
If you struggle, like many, for that perfect gift idea why not give the gift of wellness this holiday season and make the new year a bit brighter and healthier for those you care about.
There are many local businesses that offer items that help to relax, destress, and improve the health and well-being of your gift recipients, and many vendors are right around your corner.
The Gift of Relaxation
The Vintage House Soap Factory in West Seneca features an array of homemade soaps, body butters, shower bombs and more that are all natural and free from fillers and harmful chemicals. And did I mention they smell and feel fabulous? Another great local option for is Zandra Beauty. These teen beauty products can be purchased at Target or online and are created by a Buffalo teen with a vision. Zandra offers scented exfoliating sugar scrubs, vegan body washes and more designed with young ladies in mind.
If you’re looking for books for your loved ones check out Dog Ears Bookstore in South Buffalo or Talking Leaves in the Elmwood Village. The local stores offer gift certificates to allow your receiver to spend an afternoon browsing the shelves and picking out just the right cover to curl up with on a wintery afternoon.
The Gift of Flavor
For that culinary lover of yours there is nothing healthier than extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars to add to their pantry arsenal. Prima Oliva in Hamburg has gift baskets galore already set to give and chock full of healthy options.
“We offer the highest quality, freshest selection of specialty olive oils and balsamic vinegars from around the world,” said Liz Sgroi, owner of Prima Oliva, “One of our most popular gift sets is our popcorn kit which includes locally sourced popcorn kernels and flavored olive oils for popping on the stove. It’s a healthy, delicious and fun gift.”
If you have a tea lover, head over to Spices and Teas by Milly in the Southgate Plaza and find a plethora of rooibos, green, herbal and chia teas. To round out your gift basket add spices, marinades, salsas and dehydrated vegetables that can be used for wonderful winter soups.
The Gift of Well-Being
Help your loved ones relieve tension and reduce stress with a gift certificate for massage services. You don’t need to be an athlete or experience chronic pain to enjoy the benefits of massage. The holistic approach to rejuvenation of the muscles and soft tissue areas of the body, massage therapy allows your recipient to walk out of their massage feeling renewed and transformed. A variety of local massage therapists can be found online and by searching the Groupon site. Specialized practices like Notaro Chiropractic offer chiropractic care, nutritional services and massage therapy for a holistic approach to health. Notaro offers several locations throughout the Western New York area.
If you have a yoga enthusiast on your list — or someone that would want to try yoga, the options are endless in our area. Whether you buy a gift certificate for the ever-popular East Meets West Yoga on Elmwood Avenue or one of the others you can find online, it’s sure to be a gift favorite. Each studio is as unique as its clientele. Buff And Flo Yoga and Fitness in Orchard Park offers a variety of fitness classes and just a bit more. Your giftee can try vinyasa, a dynamic yoga that incorporates balance, breathing and posture to align and energize the students in the class. Other options include heated fire flow yoga and barre classes. Contact the studios directly to discuss certificate options.
The Gift of Fun
We can’t forget about the little ones on your list, and there are plenty of ways to keep youngsters active despite the cold weather. Consider a family gift pass to one of the many family-friendly venues in and around Buffalo. The Buffalo Zoo or The Niagara Falls Aquarium are perfect for your little animal lovers. Explore and More Children’s Museum at Canalside and the Buffalo Science Museum offer year-round fun interactive activities for all ages. Rolly Pollies, an indoor gym geared toward your youngest loved ones, offers gift certificates at a variety of locations in the area that will surely help the little ones to get moving over the holiday season.
We all could use a bit of self-care this year and the above gift ideas are sure to make your loved ones feel more relaxed and invigorated. Many of the local vendors offer pre-made gift baskets. Or opt for a cute stocking to slip one or two gift certificates in and you have the perfect gift that will keep your loved ones happy and healthy in the new year.
Happy Shopping!
Featured Image: Oil and balsamic vinegar are some of the items available at Prima Oliva in Hamburg. The store also has gift baskets and other healthy options.