Easy Gifts from HWFC
by The Coop Scoop Editors
The Co-op abounds with possibilities for gift giving that offer opportunities to think both outside the box and earth-friendly. For example, a jar filled with unpopped corn or dehydrated soup mix from the bulk aisle and tied with a bow and simple instructions makes a lovely gift. It’s that simple.
If you need jars, you can bring some from home, buy new ones at the co-op, or choose from the rack in the bulk section where donations of clean, used jars are available. (If you have some to donate, give them to the bulk department’s staff.)
Below are more suggestions for items found throughout the store to make your gift giving journey easy.
Non-Perishable: Looking for something especially exotic? The specialty food aisles near the cheese department offer jellies, chocolates, drink mixes, and so much more.
Perishable: Pick out a lovely pot–usually on the end caps by the produce, across from bulk, and pair it with an indoor plant from the front of the store.
For Children: There is a wonderful selection of children’s toys, books, and crafts located in aisle #5, across from the baby foods.
For the Pets in Your Life: Besides the pet food and toys in aisle #4, there are also canned fish selections in aisle #1 or fresh meats in the meat department, which will certainly appeal to even the most discerning fur baby. Always choose no-salt when it comes to human-grade canned meats. And, don’t forget fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits!
Gift Basket ideas
New Mother/Parent
Chocolate bars/hot chocolate mix
Massage/body oil
Epsom salts for bath or salt scrub for shower
Bath tea herbal blend: lavender, calendula, comfrey, rose petals
Collagen packets by shelf-stable alternative milks
Bone broths by the soup section
Candle or essential oils for diffuser: lavender, geranium, rose, ylang ylang, rosemary, jasmine
Teas for lactation, women’s health (raspberry leaf or nettle if breastfeeding) or relaxation (careful of ingredients if breastfeeding).
Relaxation/home spa treatment
Sleepytime/stress relief teas
Chocolate bars/hot chocolate mix, or golden mix
Herbal blend for foot bath: Epsom salts with arnica or sea buckthorn oil with lavender for soothing, or mint and tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar for health
Facial masks
Candle from gift section or essential oils for diffuser: lavender, cedar, rose, rosemary
Cook or Host with the Most
Always a great selection of potholders, measuring cups and spoons, aprons, tools and accessories, cutting boards, napkin rings, kitchen towels, cocktail supplies, and more located in 3 main areas: the end cap just past the tinned fish; the end cap between Wellness and the Frozen Foods; the end cap opposite at the end Frozen Foods; and the shelves between specialty foods and frozen fish.
Eco Wrapping: If you have scraps of fabric around, opt for that rather than wrapping paper. People tend to reuse fabric wrappings over and over. Make your own gift tags by cutting up last year’s holiday cards, junk mail, packaging material, etc…You can get super creative with this one.
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