One of my favorite gifts to give during the holidays revolves around food. Either a healthy find or a one-time indulgence, both really feed the body and soul. Here are our top picks in "food" for the Body & Soul Gift Guide.
When I look at these gifts, I imagine my version of the perfect gift basket. Take a look:
Choclatique -- No gift basket is complete without chocolate. The people from Choclatique sent me a box of their gourmet chocolate champagne truffles called "Bubbly," and I was in love just upon seeing the packaging. They're made with Dom Perignon champagne, surrounded by dark chocolate with a tiny bit of 24-karat gold on top. They are gluten and nut free, all natural, and artisan made. Hand decorated, they also come in luscious brown "leatherette" packaging. Not only are they made of pretty and yum, but a box of 8 is only $20. A steal for this delicious gift.
Archer Farms Simply Balanced -- I love a gift basket with great snacks. If you're a Target shopper at all, you're probably already familiar with the Archer Farms line of food. All kinds of good stuff there, but now they have a new line called Simply Balanced. Their goal is to provide healthy food that is calorie, fat and sugar balanced. No artificial flavorings or synthetic colors (a BIG deal for moms of special needs kids, like me) and zero grams trans fats. The best part? They're really good! We were sent the dark choc. Cherry bars, honey spiced apple bars, and blueberry almond flax bars, and loved every bit of them on our recent 900 mile road trip. I didn't find this exact line online, so be sure to check your local Target for these items!
Glenwood Pecans with a Purpose -- This imaginary gift basket I'm building just got charitable. Pecans with a Purpose are not just regular pecans, whose health benefits have been touted for years, but they're fresh (never frozen) and all proceeds benefit children with autism through Blenwood Autism & Behavioral Health Center. They are also tasty! We tried the chocolate covered and cinnamon covered pecans, and were thrilled to see how affordable they are (starting at $8.50).
Honey Wafers -- This snack is so addictive (in that oh so right, kinda way) that I want to stop right here and go grab one. Just to keep me going. Honey Wafers are just that -- two crispy light 8-inch (yeah, they're huge) wafer rounds hand-sandwiched together with a honey candy filling. They are light and airy and so tasty -- and only 90 calories per serving! These were such an unexpected deliciousness, I can't say it enough. The company is family owned, the recipe first introduced over 80 years ago. Third-generation wafers continue to be produced by hand in Chicago, IL. They can be bought locally or by the case.
Pre Probiotic Juice -- Gift baskets with "beverages" are even better, and I loved the idea of this unique inclusion. Why not make the beverage healthy enough to ward off any bugs making us sick right now? Pre Probiotic Enhancer is a big name for some really tasty and healthy juice that includes probiotics and prebiotics. Only 10 calories, PRE comes in 7 flavors (including my family's favorite -- Pomegranate Blueberry).
Super Juicer -- While this gift may not necessarily fit into your every day gift basket, it IS the perfect gift for those looking to really increase their health and save money at the same time. It's something our family wanted for a long time, knowing that if we could just juice our own fruits and veggies at home, we'd have that organic "medicine" for really boosting all the big and little immune systems in our home. The Super Juicer by Sharper Image
Disclosure: All of the products listed (and many others) were sent to the writer for review and consideration for the 2009 holiday gift guide.
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