Are you looking for something to give to your significant other for Valentine’s Day, or maybe a birthday or anniversary gift?  Well, a little planning goes a long way.  So, in addition to the gift of a healthy weekend away I thought I’d give you some other ideas from a recent column I did on healthy gift ideas.  I hope you’ll find something for your favorite guy or gal!

Candles:  I found a set of Feng Shui Candles at www.heritagestore.com    Feng Shui (as many of you know) is an ancient practice of living harmoniously with your natural environment.  This is for a set of 5 candles with each representing one of the five elements of wood, metal, earth, fire and water. 

Music:  The gift of music is always a good idea.  One of my favorite vendors for relaxing and uplifting music is Real Music.  Check out Grammy Award Winner Peter Kater’s Elements Series and the one titled EARTH is one of the best (and a personal favorite).  Visit: www.realmusic.com

Red Wine & Dark Chocolate:  70% Cacao is best and one organic wine to try is Bonterra’s Cabernet (all in moderation, of course).

Your Time & Friendship:  Maybe you can be a positive influence in helping your friends, family or co-workers into the habit of enjoying a healthy lifestyle.  A gift certificate from you to them could be for a one hour walk in the park (just the two of you) or perhaps a guest pass to your gym (together, of course).  Maybe you can invite them over for a healthy meal or healthy cooking demonstration and discuss how you’ve integrated more fruits, vegetables and whole grains into your life.

Gift Basket of healthy food items:  Include a good quality olive oil, dark chocolate, red wine, nuts & sees (i.e. sunflowers, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, etc.), dried fruit (i.e. Montmorency tart cherries and cranberries (without added sugar, etc.) and include a copy of The Healthy Kitchen: Recipes for a Better Body, Life, and Spirit by Andrew Weil, MD and Rosie Daley.

Here’s to your health & well-being!