Basket dog gift homemade

So you've finished shopping for all the people on your list: Mom, Dad, brothers and sisters, cousins and nieces and nephews. Now you can sit back, relax and enjoy a cup of tea ... but wait! What about the babysitter, the dogwalker, your co-workers, your neighbors? And what about the stockings hung on the mantel? Looks like you've got to put on your boots and coat and make one more trip out for those last minute items. Rather than make lots of stops, however, just visit your local health food store where you'll find lots of little tokens say "happy holidays."

The neighbors: Fill a gift bag with a loaf of homemade quick bread, a jar of all-natural fruit preserves and some herbal tea. Make a date to chat, and enjoy the goodies together.

The dog walker: Chances are, your dog walker has a pooch of her or his own. Wrap up a selection of all-natural dog treats and supplements for Mr. Woof, and include a bottle of massage oil or therapeutic salts for your pet sitter's aching feet.

The babysitter: You trust this person with your most precious assets: your children. Thank this angel with an array of products: bubble bath, body lotion, a loofah, and all-natural perfume or essential oil.

That nice person from school/work/church: Everyone has to eat, and an assortment of gourmet products is always appreciated! Put together some pasta, sauce, spices and a few kitchen utensils, or a dessert selection of cookies, hot cocoa mix, organic chocolate and dried fruit or nuts. Pack them all in a reusable basket or even a nice bowl.

Your gym buddy/personal trainer: He's the one that gets you motivated to exercise every morning. Give him a gift that will boost his spirits (as well as his own work out). Pack a gift box full of his favorite energy bars and shakes, some protein powder, a few jars of supplements and a book on exercise.

Your co-workers: Let's face it: You share a small space with lots of people, eight hours a day, five days a week. You'd like to say "thank you" to them for putting up with your annoying phone calls, loud radio or messy desk. What to give them? How about aromatherapy candles in a relaxing or stress-relieving scent to help tame the tension. Or maybe a CD of nature sounds to make it seem more like you're outdoors and less under harsh artificial light. Another idea is a nice candy dish filled with all-natural candies or healthful trail mix.

Stocking stuffers: It seems as if the stocking stuffers always get put aside for the last minute. Here are some quick ideas: candles, potpourri, soaps, lip balm, natural cosmetics, organic chocolates, natural snacks, energy bars, essential oils, lotions, bath salts, small gift books and bath accessories.