Basket gift holiday item seasonal

That child-like look of eager anticipation and wonder on their faces. That look of consternation on our faces as we attempt to find those elusive paths to holiday-shopping success.

Gift giving is very subjective. How often do we buy gifts because it's something we'd like to have, not knowing what the recipient really wants? Or, if they already have three they don't use? Then there's always the common quandary: "What color and will it match?"

Although not easy to do, gifts that are selected with thoughtfulness -- with consideration for the recipient's taste and regardless of price -- are most often the best received.

Personally, I have a holiday-shopping phobia. I happen to celebrate Christmas, but I suspect that those who celebrate other holidays in which gift-giving takes center stage share my phobia. I love the gatherings with loved ones, the music, and the decorations, but I dislike the crowds and the stress of shopping.

How often have we heard that you should buy something the person wouldn't ordinarily buy for himself or herself? Of course, it's important to consider that there may be good reason for this -- it may not be something the person wants! However, there are certainly times when a person doesn't buy a particular item because he or she doesn't know of its existence, how to use it, or feel it is too extravagant.

One of the best gifts I ever bought for someone came from combining something they had a passion for with something I enjoyed. I love books, and I knew my gift recipient recently had developed an interest in making film documentaries. I found an extensive book on making documentaries. The gift was well received because it said that this is what I care about and I've combined it with your interest because I also care about you.

If you are reading this magazine, you are health-conscious and interested in taking care of yourself and living well. I can't think of a better interest to share with anyone. For years, the idea of purchasing items at a health food store seemed to be for personal use only, but we are discovering that gift-shopping at the health food/natural products store makes perfect sense

Read on for some ideas on how you can combine your interest with someone else's and feel good about encouraging that person to live more healthfully and naturally, and at the same time offer a unique gift.

The best part about giving a gift from a natural products store is that you can add a hand-crafted touch or give the package a fancy store bought look without taking a lot of time or spending a lot of money. These items can be dressed up by placing them in baskets that are complemented by lining them with straw, colorful paper, a bright cloth, or a napkin or dishtowel. Wrap your basket in clear or colored cellophane or seasonal paper and fasten with an attractive ribbon and bow. Or, you can purchase colorful holiday tins, or place the items in gift boxes and wrap.

Let's take a look around the health food store and make a list of some items to consider

1. Health and beauty-care items. Items in this category are among the most popular gifts. They're perfect for both beauty-conscious friends and family members on your list, as well as those who would never think to buy such products for themselves. For either group, put together a basket of beauty supplies, perhaps a clay masque or any of a variety of beauty treatments. Have any friends who love make-up? You'll find everything from facial cleansers, toners, and moisturizers to foundation, powder, blushes, and other all-natural cosmetic items. (Of course, in order to buy make-up or other skin-care products for someone, you must be sure to know her color preferences and skin-type needs.) Pre-prepared gift packs of daily facial products are available, or you can buy a plastic or vinyl case and fill it with a selection custom-made for your recipient.

Body-care items abound at health food stores. Look for such items as massage lotions and oils, body washes, and skin-care bars. Soaps made with oatmeal or chamomile are available in appealing colors and shapes. These items, placed in a basket lined with a wash cloth or body mitt, make an appealing gift. Toss in a few packets of bath minerals and crystals. Better yet, put together a basket of items for a home spa; be sure and include mineral salts and crystals and a vial or two of relaxing or invigorating essential oils for aromatherapy bathing.

With a little discreet investigating, you can select the perfect scent for your gift recipient. Vials of natural fragrances and perfumes to suit every nose are also found on your health food store shelves. Another unique beauty gift item is a natural bristle brush, which is available at most health food stores. Dry brushing has become a popular method for exfoliation and stimulating skin circulation.

If you're not familiar with the ingredients included in many natural beauty products, you may feel more like you're shopping for groceries than beauty products! In addition to oatmeal, frequent "edible" ingredients in such products include green tea, citrus fruits, strawberries, papaya, peach, apple, avocado, almonds, watercress, and vanilla, to name just a few.

Other common ingredients found in natural shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers, and alpha and beta-hydroxy-acid exfoliating preparations include aloe vera and chamomile (which are among the oldest of beauty aids), seaweed extracts, lavender, and vitamins C and E.

For the traveler on your list, pick up a variety of "travel size" products that he or she can take on the road.

2. Books. Health food stores generally have a wide variety of books on better living, better health, natural healing, essential oils, aromatherapy, etc. Look for children's books that emphasize these areas and give the children on your gift list a head start at thinking better nutrition.

There are also dictionaries, encyclopedias, and general information books for people who are just developing an interest in health and natural products.

Among the most popular gift books are cookbooks. They are perfect for your friends and family members who love to cook, as well as those aspiring to be good cooks (and those who are "culinary-challenged" whom you are trying to "rehabilitate"!).

3. For cooks and bakers. Another idea is to write out a couple of your favorite healthy recipes, gather the ingredients in a basket, and let them take it from there. For people who love to make bread, pick out bread-making mixes. Don't forget about putting together a basket of spices for your cooking friends. Glass jars with pastas in a variety of styles and colors are not only delicious, but visually appealing on kitchen counters. By the way, these make great gifts throughout the year for newly married couples. For following the old tradition of "pounding" -- a pound of various food staples can be given to help stock the kitchens of couples or individuals just starting out on their own.

4. Baby- and child-friendly products. You'll find a section of natural shampoos, body washes, bath gels, lotions, and other items to make bath time more pleasurable. For added fun, wrap together with a bath toy. Don't forget stocking stuffers, including an assortment of colorful hard candies without refined sugar and snack items with natural ingredients. Gifts for babies include natural diaper rash ointment, shampoos, lotions, and bath washes. You might want to place these in a traditional diaper bag or a convenient carrier for mom or dad to use at bath time. These also make great year-round gifts for birthdays and baby showers. Throw in a few jars of all-natural baby food, too.

5. Gift ideas for men. Don't forget the men on your list. There are a variety of all-natural shaving gels, after-shave lotions, soaps, and deodorant products or deodorant stones. Toss in a bottle of suntan lotion for the outdoors-type, or a natural bug repellent for the gardening type. If he's an athlete, a post-workout massage oil will be greatly appreciated.

6. Tea-lover gifts. For your tea-loving friends, buy several varieties of tea and divide the bags, wrap them in cellophane or put in small tins or jars, and label them. Place several varieties in a basket or in colorful packaging. If using loose tea, add a teaball; be careful to pack loose tea in a container that's airtight and easy to use with a small scoop. For that special person, add a teacup and saucer or maybe even a teapot.