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Sheryl Kraft

Sheryl Kraft, a freelance writer and breast cancer survivor, was born in Long Beach, New York. She currently lives in Connecticut with her husband Alan and dog Chloe, where her nest is empty of her two sons Jonathan. Sheryl writes articles and essays on breast cancer and contributes to a variety of publications and websites where she writes on general health and wellness issues. She earned her MFA in writing from Sarah Lawrence College in 2005.

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10 Great Gift Ideas for the Healthy Woman in All of Us
10 Great Gift Ideas for the Healthy Woman in All of Us

10 Great Gift Ideas for the Healthy Woman in All of Us

If you're looking for inspiration for gift-giving (or getting), check out these ideas that will be good for you—and maybe good for the planet.

Menopause & Aging Well

If you—or someone else—needs some inspiration for gift-giving or giving hints, here are some great, healthy ways to indulge in a gift that doubles as being good for you, the planet and/or all of humanity. Check out the selections below, some of which come with an added gift of a discount.


1. When life weighs you down

Sleep with this.

Your precious sleep may suffer when the going gets tough. Quash that anxiety and make yourself feel safe and secure with a weighted blanket, like this one from Corala, which comes packaged in a beautiful gift box. Experts say that weighted blankets, which comfort you with a warm, gentle pressure, mimic the feeling of being held and might increase serotonin (a sleep neurotransmitter) to help you calm and get a better night's rest. Rest easy with 15% off using code HW15.

2.When you want to feel like you're at a spa …

Slather on this.

Waxing Kara brings the spa to you with its line of beautiful, natural, handmade products crafted from their farm of honeybees, lavender and wildflowers. Its Winter Warming Ritual is just one of the many special products to make you feel pampered, relaxed and renewed. Pssst … Use the code MID15 for 15% off, expiring on Christmas.

3. When you want to take it with you …

Blend this.

Now, this is cool—a portable blender that uses perfectly portioned pods filled with fruits, veggies, superfoods and supplements. Take your Vejo on the road, use it at your desk or blend it in the air (yes, it's airport security-friendly). All you need is to add some water and you're good to go with a delicious blend of goodness from the likes of Tart Berry, Banana Almond Clean Greens and more.

4.When you want it in the bag …

Carry this.

Tote your stuff in style with these bags and totes from Mixt Studio. Travel and weather-friendly, they're light, bright and available in fun, stylish and eclectic patterns that take you anywhere you want to go, from the beach to the gym and beyond. Bag one or more with discount code CHECKOUT20 to enjoy 20% off sitewide.

5. When you want your own arm candy …

Wear this.

The first time I tried these on, I was hooked. Imagine bracelets that withstand the harshest of elements (you can swim in them!) and are weightless, soundless and TSA-proof. Think: look fashionable, fabulous and float-worthy. Budhagirl all-weather bangles are handcrafted in Thailand using flexible, medical grade tubing and silver or gold leaf. (They make other stuff too, like necklaces, rings and pendants.)

6. When you need to read the fine print …

See with this.

Isn't it the worst when the writing on things seems to get smaller and smaller? Fight the presbyopia (read: farsightedness) that comes with age and look cool while doing it with these sophisticated reader frames from Peepers that come in fashionable colors like mustard, red and navy. Pssst …My peeps get a 10 percent discount with the code HEALTHY10.

7. When you want coffee in your own cup …

Drink from this.

Keep litter under control by bringing along your own reusable cup. Each year over 300 billion single-use cups are manufactured, out of which 99 percent will never be recycled, which is why Ecoffee Cup came about. They like to say, "Choose to Re-Use." I like to say that I think I need (er, want) one in every color and print.

8. When you want to fill the air with wellness …

Inhale this.

A diffuser that populates the air with fragrance is nice, but one that does so with smartphone and Alexa compatibility is even nicer (and smarter!). Spread wellness and cheer with this one from Aera. The scents are packaged in capsules, the diffuser disperses the microdroplets evenly throughout the room, and you breathe in and feel tranquil and soothed. Sweet.

9. Because sometimes life can get ruff …

Pet this.

Petting a dog for just 15 minutes can lower blood pressure by 15 percent, research shows. But it's not always possible to take care of one. That's one reason Joy for All Companion Pets exists. Another is to bring comfort, companionship and fun to elder loved ones. These robotic, interactive dogs and cats remind us all of the joy that a pet can bring (even if it's not real). The team at Ageless Innovation focuses on improving the quality of life for older adults, but I dare anyone of any age to not want to reach out and cuddle these all-too-real looking and sounding animals.

10. When you want to make up …

Beautify with this.

I remember Merle Norman Cosmetics from way back when there were Merle Norman Studios where you could go in to "try before you buy" and get makeovers. Amazingly, after all these years, the brand (which started in the 1930s) is still around and still in the family. Its Knockout Nudes eye shadow collection with a natural color palette makes a great gift for every natural beauty. The colors have staying power, just like the brand, and go on smoothly and evenly. Color me impressed.

This post originally appeared on mysocalledmidlife.net.

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