Top 7 Favorite Gift Ideas from Mindful Adventures!

‘Tis the season and as much as I think about buying gifts earlier, I never do. So join me for a few minutes and review the latest Mindful Gift Giving ideas from Mindful Adventures for anyone else on your shopping list. Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of holidays!

1. Shop locally
Now that I live in Michigan I’ve been paying more attention to what I can send from this area. Michigan is one of the largest producers of cherries and for that reason, I like Cherry Republic, located in Traverse City, otherwise known as ‘The Cherry Capital’ of the world. Cherries are also healthy and one of my favorites is the Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries – double dose of goodness. And, I must not leave off another Ann Arbor, MI institution – Zingerman’s! There’s still time to send out some delicious treats and you’ll love the choices – so many to consider. Both of these Michigan options are offering flat rate shipping.

2. Tea
Do you enjoy tea? This is another favorite gift because tea is more than a beverage to me, it’s ceremonial and all about mindfulness. Think about the old Tea Houses and Afternoon Tea. Nothing is rushed. It’s a time to be in the moment and enjoy a relaxing cup of tea with friends or on your own for a few moments of solitude. Check out Tea Forte for some last minute ideas and consider one of my favorite books Tea Here Now.

3. Nourishing & Natural Body Products
Most of you enjoy chemical-free, natural products and one of my favorites for this is Burt’s Bees. Their Cranberry & Pomegranate Sugar Scrub is great for this season as well as the Bee Pampered Spa Set. There are great gift ideas for everyone and they’re affordable and so well received.

4. Uplifting Books
Another favorite gift is a Day Book. It’s the gift that keeps on giving year round because each day there’s an uplifting message and when I find one I like for myself I often gift it to friends, family or colleagues.   One of my personal favorites is by Mark Nepo titled The Book of Awakening.
And, if you or a loved one is going through a difficult time due to the loss of a loved one, or other personal loss, this one came into my life and helped me and I feel compelled to share with others, especially at this time of year. It’s by Susan Barbara Apollon and is titled Touched by the Extraordinary and her second book, Book 2: Healing Stories of Love, Loss & Hope

5. Wine & Dine with a different twist
These are some of my favorite vino finds. Some can be ordered online and others can be found at your favorite wine store. In addition to giving the gift of wine, consider making it more of an event – include a note to enjoy a wine-pairing dinner that you prepare at home, or perhaps a private wine tasting with your friends. These aren’t new ideas, however perhaps they’ll spark another idea for a last minute gift with more meaning and an opportunity to get out more and enjoy the moment with your friends and family. Okay, the list… Tres Sabores Vineyard – I love their Red Zinfandel; Husch Vineyards – check out the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon; and Cline’s Cashmere – this one has a limited supply available for both the ’09 and 2010.    And how about an added link for some wine pairings for that special wine & dine gift at your house!

6. Gifts that Give Back
The best gift is the one that keeps on giving. These are few to consider: Rails to Trails Conservancy, Feeding America, Bread for the World, American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial.

7. Relaxation and Rejuvenation
Well, this one is on my list every year – it’s the gift of spa.   A gift card to their favorite day spa to enjoy a relaxing massage or revitalizing facial, or perhaps a year of Yoga or Pilates. There are so many options to give the gift that enhances their health and rejuvenates their body, mind and spirit.   Another favorite is a destination spa – an opportunity to immerse into a week or so of activities, healthy meals, hiking, fitness and services that uplift, rejuvenate and inspire.