By Amanda Jowsey
Give experiences, not things
This holiday season, it can be tempting to run out last minute and buy the first thing that comes to mind for our loved ones.
But pause for a minute. Remember instead that inspiring someone you care about to care about themselves might be the best gift you can give them this year.
Self-care and natural health for the mind, body and spirit create a sense of wholeness and ground us, especially during busy times like these. Try to gift experiences, not things, that facilitate this peace and relaxation. Let’s show our love for others by helping them to love themselves.
Here are some of the healthiest and most unique local experiences to gift this year with featured products to purchase from each location.
1. Reiki Healing Session at Spiritually Rooted: Book an energy healing session at Spiritually Rooted in North Tonawanda with certified healer Patricia Hall. Reiki is a Japanese energy healing technique which acts as a massage for the energy field and relieves physical, emotional and mental strain.
30-minute session: $40. Call or book online.
Featured Product Earth’s Element water bottle: These non-toxic bottles can be filled with someone’s favorite gemstones and help them feel a bit more connected to the ongoing challenge of drinking enough water. Benefits of crystals range from boosting the immune system to enhancing feelings of inner clarity and confidence. The cap features a non-toxic airtight bamboo cup. $50 with first set of crystals included.
Spiritually Rooted
90 Webster St., North Tonawanda
716-262-2897 • Spirituallyrooted.com
2. Get Stretched Out at The StretchLab: Get that hardworking man or woman in your life a stretching session with a trained flexologist at the StretchLab in Blasdell. Stretching, especially aided stretching, improves flexibility and mobility, decreases pain and boosts energy.
Sessions are 25 or 50 minutes. First time 50-minute mobility assessment stretch: $29 for 25 minutes or $49 for 50 minutes.
Regular cost is $49 for 25 minutes and $95 for 50 minutes. Discounts are available based on frequency of treatments.
Featured product Hyperice Massage gun: This portable percussive massager loosens muscles and provides instant relief for massages on the go or at home. Normally $199. Now on sale for $179.
The StretchLab
3860 McKinley Parkway, suite 230
Blasdell • 716-303-0518 • stretchlab.com
3. Give the gift of creative expression: Gift a class at WNY Book Arts Center in downtown Buffalo. They offer print and letterpress making, screen printing, book and paper making and origami classes taught by local professional artists. Creativity boosts mood, self-esteem, improves cognitive function, relieves anxiety and depression and improves relationships. WNY Book Arts has classes, group experiences, open studios, and one-on-one instruction.
Prices range from $25 – $50 for basic letterpress printing. Book classes range from $55- $100. Prices depend on the type of class, level of skill and materials required.
Featured product “Grow through what you go through” mug: The perfect reminder gift for someone who has been going through a hard time or is on a personal wellness journey of any kind. $13.
Western New York Book Arts Center
468 Washington St., Buffalo 14203
716-348-1430
For questions, please email
rosemary@wnybookarts.org
Wnybookarts.org
4. Salt Cave Experience Book a Salt Cave session for someone at AURA Salt Cave and Wellness. Salt therapy or Halotherapy reduces stress, detoxifies the body, boosts immunity, increases energy and helps respiratory and skin issues.
45 minutes session: $35 • Additional spa services can be added to enhance the experience. AURA also sells essential oils, gemstones, teas and tea ware, salts, herbs and other metaphysical tools.
Featured product: Plant Therapy Essential Oils: AURA carries a huge line of Plant Therapy essential oils, the only brand guaranteed to be 100% pure, natural and of the highest quality for use. The healing and aromatic benefits of essential oils range from better skin and sleep to boosting the immunity and easing tension and anxiety. AURA also sells KidSafe Plant Therapy oils for the littles in your life. Prices range from $14.95-$24.95 based on size and contents (10ml and 30ml bottles)
AURA Salt Cave and Wellness
6429 Transit Road, East Amherst
716-276-9120 • aurasaltcave.com
5. Book a luxury hair treatment at Hair Reformation by Natalie: Know someone that needs a little pampering? Book them, man or woman, a luxury hair treatment for scalp and hair health at Hair Reformation by Natalie. Book an Olaplex, K18, Malibu Crystal Gel, Japanese Scalp Mist or other Hair Facial treatment to rebuild the strength, structure, elasticity, softness, shine, smoothness and bounce of hair like never before. You don’t need to purchase additional salon services to enjoy them. Each treatment comes with a fresh blow out to leave looking and feeling like a hair model. H.R. is the only salon on the East Coast to offer these, so you’ll also be winning the unique gift award!
Prices depend on service and range from $75- $100.
Featured product K18 leave-in molecular repair hair mask: This mask is designed for all hair types and is engineered to reverse hair damage in four minutes. It restores strength, softness, smoothness, shine and bounce. $50.
Hair Reformation by Natalie
9912 Transit Road, E. Amherst
716-276-8690 • Text only: 716-374-0616 • Hairreformation.com