We all have those people in our lives we get stuck on for ideas at Christmas time. It’s a time of year where it’s easy to give - and receive - less healthy gifts like wine and chocolate. Whether they are already health-conscious, avid foodies or just starting on their wellness journey, we have some great gift ideas.

If you see something you like for yourself on this list, be sure to let your loved ones know!

Give the gift of knowledge

Knowledge is power. At BePure we’re often asked our recommended resources to give to loved ones to get them started on a healthy lifestyle. Similarly, we often get requests for recipes to provide inspiration for delicious, nutrient rich meals.

Here we’ve compiled a list of our favourite books that cover both of these needs.

We’ve tried to include a mix of great recipe books we use frequently, as well as books that delve into science and information about the food industry and how big food corporations have huge influence in our food supply.

Nourishing Traditions - Sally Fallon - $57.99
This is the ultimate whole food bible. Great for people wanting to take their health to the next level. With traditional preparation of foods such as fermenting, soaking, sprouting and how to prepare organ meat that actually tastes good. Available at Amazon, book depository and specialist book stores.

Simplicious - Sarah Wilson - $39.99
Great for loved ones who have a family and are working to a tight budget while trying to reduce sugar. A whole food guide based around eating nutritious food that’s low in sugar, with a strong emphasis on reducing food wastage. This book has tonnes of great ideas for using up leftovers as well as using vegetables in inventive ways. Available at all good book retailers.

Holistic Nutrition - Kate Callaghan - $37
This book, from Wanaka-based nutritionist Kate Callaghan, is a must for anyone struggling with hormonal issues or fatigue. Kate shows you how to eat for balance and energy using whole food. You can get this book from fishpond.co.nz as well as all Paper Plus stores.

Eating Whole - Chantal Cuthers – $29.90
Eating Whole is the perfect gift for someone starting out on their wellness journey. Whole food nutritionist Chantal Cuthers has come up with a 7-day meal plan. This comes complete with explanations of why each recipe contains its ingredients, as well as the nutrients and benefits you get from following this way of eating. As a bonus, we’ve tried some of these recipes at BePure and can vouch that they are absolutely delicious. The health part is just a happy coincidence. You can get her book through her blog www.thefitfoodie.co.nz

‘Big Fat Lies’ and ‘Sweet Poison’ by David Gillespie $30
These books are perfect for those interested in the politics of food. If you want to know more about the links between food policy, corporate interest and how big food companies have dictated the health message for the last 40 years then this book is a winner. Learn why we were, falsely, told fat was bad, and how damaging sugar really is.

That Sugar Book by Damon Gameau - $39.99
A book to accompany the great documentary, That Sugar Film, Damon Gameau went on a mission to eat the average amount of sugar - 47 teaspoons per day - consumed by Australians for 60 days. He did it by eating conventionally “healthy” foods such as low fat yoghurt, juice and low fat muesli bars. Amazingly he didn’t consume chocolate, lollies or ice cream to reach this goal. In just 60 days he gained over 8 kg and developed fatty liver disease. It’s a sobering, well written, book. It also contains a helpful section on how to reduce your sugar consumption.

Lifestyle Gifts

Yoga passes
Check online at your local yoga studios. A few in Auckland are True Food and Yoga, East West Yoga, Yoga West and The Yoga Ground, which all have December specials and gift vouchers available. If you have some favourites in your home town let us know, we’d love to include them here!

Facials and massage
Again, check local salons and even daily deal sites like GrabOne. However, be sure to do your research and find out what products the therapist uses and check the ingredients. As always, we want to ensure quality, natural and ideally organic, personal care items are used to limit toxin exposure.

Skin, Beauty and Body Care Gifts

Herb Farm Products
We love these natural paraben free skin and body care products. They are a perfect gift to indulge in for a loved one and yourself, especially during summer when all of our skin could use a little more hydrating love.

Tailor Skincare
This gorgeous skincare range is made from all natural quality ingredients and are 100% cruelty free. Produced locally you are also supporting an amazing NZ made business when purchasing Tailor Skincare products.

Dry body brush
Available from most pharmacies, this inexpensive gift is a neat idea to help with detoxification, skin conditions and relaxation.

Soleo Organic Sunscreen 
Keep safe from sunburn this summer with our recommended organic, toxin free sunscreen. You can get it here.

Shakti Mat 
These acupressure mats can help relieve tension, muscular aches and improve sleep. A perfect gift idea for someone who’s a regular gym goer or works in a stressful job.

The Gift of Health

Lastly, we believe the key to good health is getting all the micronutrients; vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to support your bodies activity and everyday function. Because of stress, modern living and soil deficiencies, most of us do not get what we need from food alone.

Here’s a few ideas of how you can introduce a loved one to BePure this Christmas

BePure Starter Pack
If you know someone who’s new to the BePure philosophy, or haven’t used BePure products before, our starter pack is the perfect place to help kick start their healthy lifestyle. It combines our 10 Day Clean Eating Programme, and a one week supply of our daily multivitamin - BePure ONE.

BePure One & BePure Three
Do you have family or a friend that you want to help make strong step towards their long-term health and wellbeing? Set them up with two month's supply of our recommended base level natural health products. BePure One, our daily multi-vitamin, and BePure Three, our high strength, sustainably sourced fish oil will have them well on their way to health and wellbeing.

BePure Gift Vouchers
Let them choose! BePure vouchers can be used to purchase anything from our store or used towards consultations at our clinic. They are available in both $50 and $100 lots and are perfect for your loved one’s nutritional support and helping to keep their health on track.

We hope this list has given you some neat gift ideas for this festive season.

Be sure to let us know if you have any items to add to this healthy holiday gift guide. As always, we love hearing from you!