Stocking stuffer ideas perhaps not considered
Check out these stocking stuffers that are very handy
Let’s face it. We should not be surprised that it’s almost Christmas.
It comes on the same day every year, and yet there is always a lastminute flurry to buy presents, bake goodies, and make holiday plans. So, in case you are in search of a few stocking stuffer ideas to add to your holiday wish list, here is a list of items that are both practical and affordable.
TUMS or Rolaids – You may not think about this one until you finish your big turkey dinner and are sitting around, uncomfortably full, realizing that you ate faster and more than you can easily digest. These products are antacids that work to relieve heartburn or indigestion by neutralizing stomach acid.
Dermal therapy or Eucerin Emollient – The cold, dry weather leaves skin dry, sometimes so much that it cracks and hurts. These products are both scent-free and recommended by dermatologists because they keep the skin hydrated for long periods of time and contain no “extra” ingredients so they are good for sensitive skin as well.
Advil or Tylenol (or both because they’re different) – Whether it be too much Christmas cheer, or sore muscles from shovelling and stacking wood, these pain relievers are good to have on hand. Advil is an anti-inflammatory that can help with both pain and swelling. Fair warning, though, these can be hard on your stomach and caution needs to be taken if you have a heart condition or high blood pressure. Tylenol on the other hand, does not do anything for swelling but is easier on the stomach. It does not raise your blood pressure either but you do have to be careful if you have a liver condition.
Multi-Vitamins - It’s that time of year when people often do not eat enough fruits and veggies, and their immune systems get worn down from the added stress of the season. Most multivitamin products have at least the daily recommended levels of vitamins and minerals, so product selection should be based on flavor or formulation or the best price.
Lip balm – Your skin isn’t the only thing that dries out with the cold weather. Dry, cracked lips are uncomfortable. Although the coloured, fancy flavoured ones are very tempting, the extra ingredients may actually irritate the lips. The simple products that contain lanolin or petrolatum (like a tiny Vaseline) may actually be the best products.
“Diabetic” socks - The idea behind diabetic socks is that they have loose elastics at the top of the sock so that they do not hinder circulation or indent a swollen leg, and the toe closure is a smooth seam so as to avoid putting extra pressure on the toes. Not to mention, they are quite comfy!
Voltaren Emulgel - A good staple to have on hand in case of pulled muscles or sore joints. This anti-inflammatory gel is applied topically and acts locally, so it is a fairly safe product even for people with various medical conditions. It comes as either a regular strength product that is applied four times daily or an extra strength product that is only applied twice daily.
Floss - There will most certainly be a point over the holidays where you have a piece of turkey or a candy stuck in your teeth. A little container of floss may be a small gift, but after an hour of trying to dislodge a piece of turkey from between your teeth, it will be worth its weight in gold.
First Aid Kit – Whether it’s to grab the tweezers to tackle the splinter you got when you were putting wood in the stove, or to have on hand in your car so you can assist someone who has wiped out on the ice, a first aid kit can help keep the holidays joyful.
Pharmasave gift card – Ever notice that by the time the Boxing Day sales hit, most people have already gone way overboard in the spending department for the season? A gift card can ensure that there’s a little money left over for when the chocolates go on sale for half off!
However, you celebrate, here’s wishing you a season full of health and happiness!