Healthy Living Blog

Yes, it’s “that time” of the year when I’m swamped with cooking, baking, and trying to figure out what to give assorted kids, sisters, friends, and grandkids. It’s overwhelming, isn’t it? I mean, the cooking and baking are just plain joy for me; it’s all those other decisions that are the puzzle. To help you make these decisions easier, I have some gift ideas below. But first, this reminds me of a story: Once upon a time at the tiny original Healthy Living (1200 square feet in the Blue Mall, South Burlington) in the midst of running a store with zero business know-how, I put a hand-written sign in the window with something about “cool holiday gifts here!” Not knowing how to advertise, this sign was my entire strategy. We bought lovely locally produced massage oils infused with beautiful herbs, and I had a carpenter build a special display for them with glass shelves. I loaded up the shelves with 100 bottles of these sparkling oils—perfect for holiday gifts! Do any of you remember that?! It looked elegant! Later that afternoon I heard a crash. The glass shelves had given way under the weight of the bottles and the entire thing ended up on the floor with a tidal wave of oil running everywhere. So much for that idea! I’ve learned something every day since starting Healthy Living ("always a beginner” is my mantra) ... everything from how to buy products, how to attract a caring staff, how to (hopefully) make guests happy. Oh yes, and how to make the shelves that hold our carefully curated selections strong and safe! Ok, here are some of my favorite things in the store during the holidays:

For the kids 

Jellycat Little kids, medium-sized kids, big kids, and big-adult kids are obsessed with these loveable, cozy, totally beautiful stuffies! Green Toys These simple, colorful toys made from 100% recycled materials are manufactured right here in the USA. Floss & Rock (In-store only) No batteries, plastic, or tech here! Just beautifully designed stuff to make kids THINK!

Sometimes it’s the little $10.00 (or less) things that are a hit!

Hot Crispy Oil and Chili Garlic Sauce Two words: umami gold! Runamok Sparkle Maple Syrup Pure maple, pure fun! We love this legendary, family-owned Vermont company. Mini Mike’s Hot Honey Sweet and hot all at the same time! Patagonia Provisions Tinned Fish Delicious and responsibly harvested, made by the iconic Patagonia brand. Butterfly Bakery Hot Sauces A wild array of unique hot sauces made in VT. Truvani Single Serve Packs Our best-selling plant-based, clean protein powders.

For the guys—that’s right … body care for men

Dr. Squatch Raising the bar on men’s deodorant and holiday bar soaps. Feared Beard VT This local brand makes great, 100% natural small-batch beard balms and oils for awesome beards! Badger Beard Care Certified organic oils and balms for tip-top beards.

There is coffee … and then there is mushroom-powered coffee!

Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee Coffee with benefits! Premium coffee with added lion’s mane and chaga mushrooms for energy, focus, and a feel-good boost. Hario V60 Pourover My favorite way to brew! I think of this simple little powerhouse every night because I know it will be waiting for me … coffee! Hooray!!! Still thinking? A Healthy Living Gift Card is always a hit! Someone you love will get to go on a Healthy Living treasure hunt! I hope my list helps simplify your mad dash during the holidays. Let’s fill the season with the good stuff … lots of family, dear friends, fab food, and some peace and quiet thrown into the mix. Katy