Skip the sugary snacks and impractical knickknacks this holiday gift-giving season. Our Indigo team has curated a list of 12 wellness-inspired stocking stuffers for everyone on your list.
- Neti pot. This nifty nasal irrigation device is a natural and effective way to manage symptoms of allergies, sinus infections, cold, flu, COVID, and other respiratory gunk. Make sure your gift recipient knows to always use distilled, sterilized, or boiled tap water when irrigating sinuses.
- Hand soap. There’s no better way to protect your loved ones than with the gift of soap. Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to combat germs and help prevent the spread of illness. Up your soap-giving game with holiday scented, artisan-crafted, and premium French-milled varieties. (For good measure, toss in a travel-size bottle or two of alcohol-based hand sanitizer for those times when soap and water aren’t readily available.)
- Water bottle. Proper hydration helps regulate body temperature, lubricate joints, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells, and keep organs functioning properly. A cool, reusable water bottle makes it easier for friends and family to get their daily sips in. If you’re looking to make space for other stocking stuffers, consider giving a collapsible water bottle. It’s lighter than a standard water bottle and fits easily into a purse, sling bag or backpack.
- Stress ball. Whether filled with beans, foam, gel beads, or who knows what, stress and squishy balls not only effectively relieve stress and anxiety (both of which are in high supply this time of year), but they can also strengthen muscles, improve circulation, and enhance concentration and focus.
- VapoRub. This menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil home remedy is a medicine-cabinet must. It can relieve minor aches and pains, coughs and fever, and can also be used as an antiseptic, and to repel mosquitos.
- Fitness tracker. There’s no need to break the bank with a gift of an Apple Watch Ultra 2. A simple Fitbit-inspired health and fitness tracker is an easy and affordable way to monitor heart rate, log sleep stages, and track steps and workouts.
- Sleep mask. A good night’s sleep is essential to good physical and mental health. Wearing an eye mask to bed to block out disruptive ambient light can promote better sleep. Research also shows that it can improve alertness, memory, and information retention. Learn more about how sleep affects your health.
- Herbal tea sampler. There’s a reason why people around the world have been drinking tea for thousands of years. Loads of studies have shown that certain herbal varieties (such as green, ginger, chamomile, and hibiscus) can boost the immune system, flight inflammation, promote cardiovascular health, and more.
- Travel-size first-aid kit. The unexpected can happen anytime and anywhere. A mini first-aid kit in the car, a gym bag, or backpack is essential to provide quick care for minor cuts, scraps, burns, stings, and other common issues.
- Resistance band. Strength training can lower blood pressure, reduce blood sugar, lessen the risk of disease and ease inflammation. Studies suggest that using elastic resistance bands can provide strength training comparable to using conventional gym equipment. These inexpensive, portable and versatile bands are an excellent gift choice for all fitness levels.
- KT tape. Show that special athlete in your life how much you care. When applied, kinesiology tape lifts the skin and decompresses the underlying tissues, which helps improve blood flow. It can be used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and swelling, and provide joint and muscle support. It also comes in an array of fun colors and designs.
- Dark chocolate. It wouldn’t be the holidays without chocolate. Just make sure to stuff the stockings with the heart-healthy variety. Dark chocolate is jam-packed with antioxidants and minerals and has been shown to lower blood pressure and increase blood circulation.
Happy holidays from all of us at Indigo!
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