The Best Items for Healthy Holiday Gift Baskets

Twinkling lights outlining houses, red kettle bells ringing and Christmas music playing … the holidays definitely are here! And while health and happiness are truly the best gifts of all, most of us still enjoy exchanging gifts with family, friends and even co-workers! Giving the gift of good taste and good health can be challenging with family traditions like baking peanut butter blossoms and sugar cookies galore! But before you gift someone an excessive amount of fresh fruits or meat and cheese, consider switching things up this year. Level up your holiday gift baskets, Secret Santa gifts, stocking stuffers and more with these dietitian favorites.

Top 5 Items Registered Dietitians are Gifting (even those on the Naughty List):

• For the Food Network & Great British Baking Show Fanatic:
  • Dried herbs and spices are the perfect addition of holiday cheer! Plus, they’re loaded with antioxidants. Gift a classic (like cinnamon) or try something more unique (like Everything Sprinkle, veggie seasoning blends, nutritional yeast, etc.) for the more adventurous cook.
• For the Gourmet Foodie:
  • Gift unique, specialty ingredients that your loved one doesn’t usually buy for themselves (like the real deal pure vanilla extract or a high quality dark chocolate). Seasonal items and local food products can also be another tasty gift option (like raw honey or 100% real maple syrup).
• For the Yogi or High-Stressed Busy Bee:
  • Bubble bath for the perfect sudsy soak. Help provide the gift of relaxation and calmness with a variety of refreshing and re-energizing scents. Visit your local Hy-Vee’s Basin Department for additional self-care favorites like bath bombs and shower bombs.
• For the Sweet & Salty Lover:
  • Fresh fruit. Kiwi, pears and pomegranate are three delicious winter fruits! They’re packed with potassium, vitamin C and fiber to keep you full, and they add the perfect pop of color to any festive holiday spread. Pair with Omega-3 mixed nuts and seeds for the perfect combo of protein + fiber to feel more satisfied and less Grinch-like. J
• For the Fitness Buff Who Finds Exercise SNOW-Much Fun:
  • A variety pack of single-serve protein powder packets + Blender bottle. Because post-workout fuel is critical for #gainz.

Health Tune-Up: Consider gifting less “stuff” and gift support and motivation from a nutrition expert. The grocery store is truly the best place to turn your health goals into action. Hy-Vee’s team of registered dietitians are here to help provide inspiration, motivation and clarification on what foods are best for you. We know there is not one diet that works best for everyone. Tailoring the right foods for your needs helps create the best healthy you! Visit our Hy-Vee dietitian website to learn more about the services we offer.

*The blog articles, recipes and recommendations found on this site are not intended as medical advice and should not replace consulting with your medical provider. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.