Sometimes presents are hard. I know people who keep lists all throughout the year of possible gifts to get their loved ones and are organized and have their shopping done before December. Then there are those of us who, when the holidays come around, are surprised and jumbled and need a little help! Here are some gift ideas targeted for your healthy-eating friends. Hopefully this list can inspire you to choose the right gift and stay on budget (we’re students after all!).
1. Spiralizer
Zoodles (zucchini noodles) may just be the latest health trend (time will tell), but as of right now, a spiralizer is a hot item! This is great if the person you’re gifting for heartily enjoys a big bowl of pasta and doesn’t want all of the calories that regular pasta has (so, anyone). Why this alternative? A simple search in the fitness app MyFitnessPal can tell you that one cup of zucchini is approximately 18 calories, compared to one cup of whole wheat penne, which has around 230 calories. This means you can enjoy more than your usual helping of pasta, lasagna, etc. and STILL eat less calories. Win win.
Keep in mind that many pasta dishes contain canned sauces, meat, and other veggies that will bring this calorie count up, but when starting with such a light base, the receiver of this spiralizer may find that his or her options for pasta dishes will increase, all thanks to you, you great gifter! Other than pasta, spiralizers can cut a variety of vegetables in different ways that are hard to accomplish with a knife. I’ve seen spiralized carrots and cucumbers in salads, or pears and apples for desserts!
Where to find it: Starfrit Spiralizer/Slicer at Walmart for $25.97 or Miscellaneous Stainless Steel Spiral Slicer at The Bay for $29.99
2. Magic Bullet
As the owner of a Magic Bullet, I couldn’t imagine not having one, which is reason enough for me to add it to this list. This is a great alternative to buying a big food processor or a regular blender because it’s so compact. A Magic Bullet is also less expensive for those who are gifting on a budget! This is such a versatile, small appliance for anyone, but definitely for someone who likes to eat healthy. Things you can make with a Magic Bullet include the following: pancakes, salsas, smoothies, sugar-free whipped cream, blender muffins, sauces, soups, and sorbet! These are great things to make at home because the health-conscious can make healthy alternatives to their favourite foods.
Where to find it: Walmart for $29-$44 depending on the model or Best Buy for $39.99
3. Bulk Barn gift card
I know gift cards as presents can sometimes be a holiday “no-no,” but for those gifters who are on a time-constraint or who really don’t know what to get, they are the perfect quick gift. Why Bulk Barn? Bulk Barn has multiple locations across Canada, and though some of you readers may know it as the candy paradise, it has plenty of healthy options (think of it as a grocery store: the healthiest stuff is around the outside aisles). Another plus to Bulk Barn: it has student price days (Wednesdays)! Make sure to mention this if the recipient of this gift card is a student! They might even use this to bake you something in the future.
Where to find it: Any bulk barn location for any price, but $50 would go a long way!
4. A spoon specifically for peanut butter
Because, come on… it’s peanut butter! You can get these on Etsy. I like them because they add a cute, personal touch to an otherwise simple gift. There are other stamped spoons that are reserved for Nutella, yogurt, and even ice cream, for when your friend needs a treat. Check out this page on Etsy for more ideas:
Where to find it: On this site for $9.65, plus shipping
5. Any of the following books about healthy eating!
These books all provide different ideas about healthy eating and, BONUS, all cost under $30 at Chapters. Books like these are sure to inspire your healthy-eating loved one to keep doing what they’re doing!
Oh She Glows Every Day by Angela Liddon, $18.65
I Quit Sugar by Sarah Wilson, $17.48
Pretty Happy by Kate Hudson, $29.50
Happy gift hunting and Happy Holidays!
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