CHFA reveals top five healthy holiday gift ideas

Finding that perfect gift for health-conscious friends and family can be hard, but this holiday season, you can put those fears to rest. Today, the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) announced its top five healthy holiday gift ideas. With the most wonderful time of the year coming up, CHFA is determined to help Canadians indulge in healthy options this December and into the New Year.

"The holidays are often associated with excess and stress that can affect our overall health," says CHFA president, Helen Long. "This season we are encouraging Canadians to think outside the typical gift box and choose affordable and holistic options for their loved ones to help them stay healthy and happy, naturally."

CHFA's top five gift ideas are:

1: Give an organic vegetable or meat service
An organically grown and locally sourced community food box is a thoughtful and sustainable gift. Organic boxes are all the rage in urban centres around the country. They allow Canadians to do three things they love: support local farmers, go organic, and eat fresh and healthy foods without the hassle of shopping. This December, sign your loved one up for a program with one of your local organic co-ops and arrange to have delicious fresh produce or meat delivered right to their door. They will receive seasonal meats and veggies and a chance to expand their culinary skills by being introduced to delicious new foods (check out some yummy organic recipes here). This great gift can lead to more quality family time in the kitchen, as well as encourage healthy options for holiday meals. Boxes can range from $25 to $100 depending on the service you chose.

2: Give a winter supplements survival kit for health from the inside, out
With winter in full swing, now is the perfect time to help your loved ones boost their immune systems. As we start spending more time indoors, cold and flu bugs spread with more ease. Consider a seasonal supplement kit as a gift this year, with garlic, probiotics, vitamins B, C and D, and Zinc. These are all are powerful supplements that can help keep immune systems strong and help Canadians ward off the nasty bugs that spread in autumn and winter.

3: Give indoor winter workout gear for fit friends and family
The snowy season tends to keep Canadians indoors and their motivation to hit the gym often declines quickly. When considering a gift for fit friends and family, your options for indoor, home-workout gear are endless. From yoga mats and exercise DVDs to free-weights and stylish, re-usable water bottles. CHFA encourages you to mix and match to make the perfect home gym option for your loved one. No need to break the bank. Yoga mats can run as low as $15 and workout DVDs often don't cost much more.

4: Give books for a better you
It doesn't get much better than curling up on a winter's morning with a cup of organic herbal tea and a good book. This year CHFA wants you to take note of some reading options that are good for both the body and the mind. Consider putting your favourite holistic health guide under the tree or an organic cookbook for your favourite home chef. For a personal touch, choose a cookbook and provide the ingredients for a new favourite dish to share.

5. Give eco-friendly, toxin-free toys for healthy play
Healthy habits start young and eco-friendly toys are great options for the little ones of health conscious parents. With options ranging from big blocks to teddies and games for toddlers, we encourage you to visit your local health food store and explore options for toxin-free and environmentally friendly gifts for your favourite kids this season.