Trying to think of what to give friends, classmates or work colleagues this Christmas? Think beyond chocolate, wine and cheap lollies. 

Warning: the following may be controversial. I’m not trying to be the Grinch, although I did see an awesome Grinch made out of kiwi fruit yesterday, so please keep your comments nice.

Do you intend to buy or bake a little something for your child’s kinder friends, soccer friends, school friends or even your own work friends?

Need a cheap Kris Kringle gift or pressie for the teacher?

Please, take a minute to think about what to get, rather than instantly buying a bag of cheap chocolate, candy canes or a bottle of wine.

There are 24 kids in my son’s class, 9 in his basketball team, 15 in his guitar class, 20 in his karate class, 15 in his chess class and if he gets a small treat from each of them then it certainly adds up. Add to that teachers, family members, coaches, random shop attendants and we just might be able to open our own lolly shop!

I exaggerate, but the world is excessive these days when it comes to ‘special treats’ and it’s making them less special.

I’m happy for my kids to have treats sometimes but as the number of treats increases, the enjoyment per calorie sharply decreases.

I am not opposed to ‘treats’ in fact I love chocolate! On special occasions my children also enjoy a treat but I like them to have quality food, not cheap pseudo chocolate or lollies full of artificial colours.

Some ideas for cheap gifts for kids are; hand made cards, packet of seeds, stickers, stamps, pencils and fun shaped erasers.

 5 top healthy food presents (instead of chocolates and wine)

• Healthier baked goods, nice relish or salad dressing (check out your local farmers market)
• Veggie seedlings or a pot with herbs
• Fruit basket
• Punnet of berries or some mangoes
• Foost kids knives

5 non food (but still food related) Kris Kringle presents:

• Unwrapped Oxfam or CARE gift card (seeds for a Sri Lankan family start from $10)
• Reusable shopping bag
• Keepcup (reusable cup for tea and coffee)
• Reusable water bottle
• Fun kitchen gadget (I have a giant pencil sharpener for carrots or veggie noodles and slinky apple machines can be found on the Foost website)

So get creative this festive season and think beyond unhealthy food.

Please share some of your suggestions in the comments below.

Main image courtesy of Shutterstock.com