Dr. Marita’s holiday favourites

Holiday gift-giving can be a great opportunity to support each other with our health and wellness goals, so why not give environmentally-friendly, health conscious gifts instead of items that you’ll eventually get rid of, or worse, that will negatively impact your health?

If you live in the Victoria area as I do, you know how lucky we are to have so many independent businesses to support. I’m sharing my favourite, local spots that help keep me inspired. Plus, each of these spots provides unique gift-giving ideas! 

Give the gift of green cosmetics

I love The Green Kiss - a business at Uptown Mall in Victoria that is all about supporting clean, green cosmetics and beauty products. If you’re new to green cosmetics, they have a promotion where they will actually help you switch over to clean products from your toxic cosmetics. Gift your friends and loved ones new cosmetics, or get them a gift certificate so that they can explore themselves!

Give the gift of exercise and fitness

Giving a gift certificate for a fitness studio or exercise class can not only help to support a local establishment, but also help to give that special person in your life the motivation they need to take steps towards bettering their health. My favourite spots to workout are Tall Tree Integrated Health, Garage Cycle, and Sitka Yoga + Pilates.

Give the gift of health and wellness

For your health-conscious friends and family members, I recommend getting them some healthy smoothie additions, like adaptogenic herbs, or a gift certificate for their favourite supplements. Some smaller, sampler packages of herbs and supplements can also act as great stocking stuffers! Head to my favourite stores, like Lifestyle Markets, Health Essentials, The Vitamin Shop, Planet Organic, Mother Nature’s Market and Deli, or Sidney Natural Foods

Give the gift of healthy cooking

If someone you know has been in a cooking rut, places like The London Chef and Cook Culture both offer fun, healthy cooking classes. Not only do you get to learn how to cook a new meal, but you also get to enjoy it at the end -- win, win!