Green And Gorgeous Xmas Treats

You may be in denial but New Zealand is just moments away from being drowned in Xmas frivolity. Love or loath the merry months, Christmas shops are opening, lights are being untangled and credit cards are stretching and flexing ready for a strenuous workout.

Some of the EGL team have already begun to tick off Xmas lists while others are in the aforementioned denial camp. As a member of the latter category I thought this was the perfect time to look into fab, green gift ideas that serve not only as gorgeous, thoughtful pressies but as an introduction for loved ones to beauty products that are both gentle on your skin and on the environment.

As you’ll also see from the ideas below, many of our favourite brands are truly dedicated to providing us with high quality, effective and safe products. So now there’s no excuse; arm yourself with pen and paper, continue reading and start making your Xmas list now!

For mums, sisters or girlfriends Trilogy has a super cute Xmas gift pack with four of its best selling, natural skin care essentials. The certified Organic Rosehip Oil, Cream Cleanser, Vital Moisturising Cream and Gentle Facial Exfoliant are wrapped in a handy travel pouch and all enclosed in a festive designed box. Look out for Trilogy’s Rosehip Essential Gift Pack ($29.90) now in selected Farmers stores, health and department stores.

While we’re on the subject of gift packs, huni’s Night and Whitening Gift Packs ($59.00) are a great gift for females, and serve as a fab introduction to its wide range of skin care products. Our personal favourite is the Night Gift Pack containing Every Day Cleanser, Anytime Toning Mist, Every Day Moisturiser and Every Night Moisturiser.

For something more unisex The Herb Farm Holiday Travel Pack ($21.60) is another great gift idea specially designed for the traveler. The portable mini packs contain 100% natural creams to assist with all your body’s needs while on vacation. Each set includes Energise Cream, Lavender & Tamanu Cream and Headache Away Cream; no need to explain why that will come in handy!

Why are men so hard to buy for! Dad is no exception, but when the Dr Hauschka Waterproof Sunscreen Spray ($49.00) came across my desk I thought this could be a great gift! Now sunscreen mightn’t seem an obvious gift choice, but this would be perfect to add to a bunch of smaller gifts to protect Dad from the harsh sun as he keeps the lawns mowed and mans the outdoor BBQ! Now that’s thoughtful!

I love the simplicity and fun of putting together a personalized gift pack, full of smaller presents. Moloya Natural Clay Soap ($9.00) in Lemongrass is made of 100% natural New Zealand Volcanic Ash Clay (from a mine in Gisborne) which boasts a load of minerals great for skin rejuvenation. The soap draws out oils and impurities in the skin and won’t dry your skin out. This would be a great gift to send to expat Kiwis now living overseas as a reminder of home.

Another great gift to throw in with others is the Clear As Mud face mask ($25.80 for 7 sachets). Don’t be fooled by the somewhat unexciting packaging as this stuff is amazing! Hands down the best facial mask I’ve used. This totally pure and natural face mask is brilliant for clearing acne prone skin, but is also a truly indulgent weekly facial must-have.

Books are always a great gift as you can rarely go wrong with a great read. The Green Beauty Bible ($60.00) would be perfect for your sister or friend, described aptly on the cover as “the ultimate guide to being naturally gorgeous”. This is a comprehensive, unbiased guide to natural and organic beauty products and includes topics such as what healing plants to use for your skin type and natural ways to boost your immunity.

Stockist details:

Trilogy: Selected Farmers stores, pharmacies, department and health stores nationwide. www.trilogyproducts.com
Huni: Selected pharmacies and health stores nationwide. www.comvitahuni.com
The Herb Farm: www.theherbfarm.co.nz
Dr Hauschka: Smith & Caugheys, selected Farmers stores, heath food stores and selected pharmacies. 0508 423 737 or www.drhauschka.co.nz
Moloya: 0508 734 466 or www.moloya.co.nz
Clear as Mud: 0508 734 466
The Green Beauty Bible: New Holland Publishers (NZ). Available in all good bookstores.