Gifts of wellness on the mark for 2020
ON THE MARK FOR 2020
Holiday gift-giving season is here and there has never been a better time to center on the theme of wellness.
Holiday gift-giving season is officially upon us and there has never been a better time to center some of them on the theme of wellness. Since the pandemic is an experience that is impacting everyone in one way or another, there is no question that gifts aiming to remind people to take care of themselves are likely to be appreciated by the recipient.
This time of year there are many opportunities to support our local, independently owned businesses, so this gift guide highlights them as ideal resources to consider when out on a shopping run. If you prefer to stick to online shopping or curbside pick-up, those options can be accommodated in some cases as well.
You might have a friend who could benefit from learning the ropes of meditation through Blue Zen Wellness Collective in Pottstown, or a family member who might enjoy taking some downtime to connect with a cup of warming tea using a modern tea kettle with a basket infuser for loose tea from Kaleidoscope Angels: A Center of Well-Being in Douglassville.
If you’re looking for some ideas to suit, this guide includes gifts that actually give back to the recipient in ways that can essentially enrich a person’s life on a daily basis through the practice of self-care.
Hannah Kock, Supplement Buyer at Kimberton Whole Foods’ apothecary department with close locations in Douglassville, Collegeville and Kimberton, said she is a big believer in self-care and stressed its importance right now.
“2020 has shown us that it’s
vital to the wellbeing of ourself and of our loved ones,” Kock said. “Strengthening our body and mind helps to build our reservoirs for resilience and joy.” Kock shared some of her personal favorite gift picks they carry at Kimberton Whole Foods that can be incorporated into one’s daily rituals.
“My favorite ways to do this is with a daily ritual using beautiful local herbal products like Lancaster Farmacy Chaga Chai, Furnace Creek Farm Resilience Elixir, and Tooth of the Lion Turmeric Tonic and Sunshine Tea,” Kock said.
Furnace Creek Farms’ Elderberry Syrup was a gift idea pick suggested by Barb Dietrich, owner of Oley Valley Organics in Oley Township with her husband, Mike. Furnace Creek sources the organically grown elderberries to make their syrup locally from Sonshine Farms in Mertztown, Berks County. Dietrich predicts there will be a shortage of elderberry products this winter due to more people using them to boost their immune system. “Elderberries are one of those amazing super foods,” Dietrich said. “They have been shown to have the ability to fight off harmful viruses including colds and flu.” Giving the gift of something that can be consumed is a theme Dietrich said began a few years ago versus giving gifts that sit on a shelf. “What better way to tell someone you care than by giving them a healthful product such as elderberry,” she said. While most of the items featured in this gift guide are geared towards adults, there are some ideas that can offer children similar benefits. Julian Greenblatt, Gift Buyer at Kimberton Whole Foods, discussed the benefits of a gift such as a book from the Kids Book About series they carry that are actual children’s books that aim to teach valuable topics to children such as mindfulness, but in an approachable way through few, but thoughtful, words and calming imagery throughout the book.
“I feel that a child can benefit and grow from mindfulness,” Greenblat said. “It is never too early to learn to be accepting, thoughtful and kind.”
The Kids Book About series is meant for children five years and older to be read with an adult. In addition to mindfulness, other topics in the realm of wellness they offer include anxiety, failure and body image.
“The books also remind adults these are skills they should be practicing themselves since clearly a child will imitate the behavior of adults,” Greenblatt said. “It is a gateway for an adult
to start conversations with children.”
Gifts of wellness are abundant in our region and Dietrich from Oley Valley Organics discussed the importance of shopping local now more than ever.
“Every year is important to support local producers in our region and this year even more,” she said. “Local producers have a passion for their product and in times of uncertainty, local producers can provide for you and your family.”