Top Five Healthy Stocking Stuffers for the Holidays

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care…

in hopes that healthy treats and snacks soon would be there.

Instead of giving calorie-laden sweets this Christmas, help your loved ones have a healthy holiday by including some delicious, yet healthy stocking stuffers.

I know we all get excited for sweets and treats, but there are stocking stuffers that can be both delicious AND healthy.

When I was growing up, Santa would always put a little chocolate and a little fruit in my stocking.

Since, I have always tried to keep at least some healthy items in my stockings.

Here are my five favorite ideas for healthier stocking stuffers.

Healthy Stocking Stuffer Number 5: Natural toothpastes

I know it sounds silly, but I love getting a brand new tube of toothpaste in my stocking. They have these cute travel-sized toothpastes at Whole Foods for under a dollar each. They will help keep your breath fresh for that unexpected kiss under the mistletoe.

Healthy Stocking Stuffer Number 4:  Gym Membership

A gym membership can be a great gift for your special someone, but there are some secrets to help them get the best out of it. First, it helps for the gym to be close by. Market research has shown that if you live more than ten minutes from your gym you are much less likely to use it. It also helps to have a loved one or friend who also joins and can attend with you. Also consider whether the gym has child care facilities. It’s hard enough to make time to go to the gym alone, it’s even harder to try and make time when you are looking after your children.

Number 3: Health Magazine

I love getting yearly subscriptions to health magazines in my stocking. It’s something I would never buy myself, but I am always so excited when that magazine comes each month. Some of my favorites are Cooking Light, Self Magazine, and Women’s Health. My husband also likes getting health magazines, and loves his Men’s Health.

Healthy Stocking Stuffer Number 2: DYI Chocolate Covered Almonds

Okay I had to add at least one sweet idea. Almonds are healthy right? And dark chocolate is full of anti-oxidants. Combine them and you have yourself a delicious treat with numerous health benefits. Dark chocolate almonds provide 149 calories per ounce, nevertheless they still have a place in a healthy diet. Almonds can lower cholesterol, increase blood vessel function. Dark chocolate also has flavinoids which increase blood vessel dialation and make your heart healthier.

These are so SIMPLE to make!

Step 1. Melt the dark chocolate chips (I like using a Pampered Chef microveable bowl).

Step 2: Put almonds on top of wax paper and poor the melted chocolate over the top

Step 3: Once the almonds are completely covered with chocolate add crushed candy canes for added flavor.

Step 4: Use a spoon to blend chocolate almonds and let them stand at room temperature for about fifteen minutes until the choclate is hard and cool.

Step 5: Add a cute box and some tape and enjoy!

Healthy Stocking Stuffer Number 1: A gift card to your favorite health food store.

I love Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, GNC or any health food store. I love getting fresh organic fruits and vegeteables. However, sometimes it’s hard to justify the added cost. With a gift card, I don’t have to feel guilty. My husband loves them also for buying specialty meats and prepared meals.

Here are a few more ideas for health stocking stuffers:

We LOVE Young Living essential oils around here! You can get some here for a great deal!

What are your favorite healthy stocking stuffers?

Happy Holidays!