'Tis the season to show the ones you care about how much you truly care about them. Though I do think that this should be a year-round event (and one not focused so much on the material aspect of gift-giving), I've started a list of some of my favorite gift ideas that are healthy and if you're in the Bay Area, local. Check them out below, and feel free to add more of your favorites in the comments!

Massage with an Amazing Therapist. David "Dayalan" Clark moved to San Francisco in January 2012 and has been one of the best therapists I've seen since. He is also a certified yoga instructor and holistic health practitioner. You can gift 60 or 90 minute massages directly through his website at 4dbliss.com.

Photo courtesy of David Clark at 4d Bliss

Healing Acupuncture Session. If you're looking for a holistic health care clinic in San Francisco, Golden Point Acupuncture is that place, and the talented Rebecca Fettig is the person you want to see. She has helped replenish my health immensely. The perfect gift for the person needing less stress, more energy, and ultimately a transformed body and mind. (Wait, isn't that everyone?) While you're getting holiday presents, book a session for yourself at goldenpointacupuncture.com.

Recovery and Restoration through Depth Hypnosis. Suzanne Katanic provides integrated counseling through hypnosis and counseling. Essentially, she helps her clients find connection with their personal purpose and direction and will use Shamanic practices, Huna, energy medicine, and Buddhist psychology to do so. Visit artofdeepbusiness.com to learn more and schedule (or gift) a time to meet with her.

Comforting Bone Broth. Described as "a hug from your mother," Broth Baby's bone broth is pasture raised and perfect for cooking or sipping. It's my personal most favorite thing to sip on after a long day! You can FEEL the nourishment. Check out this wonder at brothbaby.com.

Herbal Apothecary Goods. Sometimes it can be difficult to shop for the men in your life. But MoonriseCreek Herbal Apothecary makes it easier with its natural, eco-friendly botanical skin care line, aromatherapy oils, and other plant-based, artisanal products. Plus, they even sell men's grooming products and personalized gifts as well! Put in your order today through their Etsy shop.

Private or Event Yoga. Perhaps you're looking for a more experiential gift this season. Why not organize an energizing yoga session for a group of your friends, colleagues, and/or family members? Regina Garcia is a fun, knowledgable teacher who will help you begin the New Year "on the right foot." Bonus: Regina also doubles as a photographer, if you are interested in gifting a photo session too. Schedule your session with Regina at yogafelice.com.

Wholesome Cuisine. Last but not least, you could gift my private chef services - a helpful present for the busy individuals in your life! I'll plan, shop, and cook the meals and in return, your recipient will enjoy the nourishment and health benefits of a week of wholesome, home-cooked meals. Alternatively, I also offer private brunch/dinner party catering and in-home cooking classes. Check out A Purified Life's website for more information.

Bone broth is incredibly healing. It has been used for years to treat illnesses and speed up recovery and healing. Health benefits of bone broth:

Promotes healthy bones
Heals and supports gut health and digestion
Inhibits infection
Reduces joint pain
Reduces inflammation
Promotes healthy hair and nail growth.

Bone broth can be made with chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, or beef bones. I chose to use beef bone marrow for this one. It doesn't matter what you choose to use, but you must make sure they are organically-raised, pastured or grass-fed animals in order to get the health benefits.

Making bone broth can be a nurturing process if you allow it to be. The more love you put into it, the more healing and nutritious it will be for you and your family. It's a great staple to have at home. And the best part is that you can make huge batches like this one and store in the freezer to have for a few months. This will be your best health supplement. Use it as a base for soups, sauces, or drink it as is.

Ingredients

3.5-4 pounds organic, grass-fed bones. I used beef bone marrow.

4 Tablespoons unfiltered apple cider vinegar

Filtered water, enough to fill pot

4 large kombu strips

4 Tablespoons dulse flakes

4 large carrots, roughly chopped

4 stalks celery, roughly chopped

1 bunch parsley

1/4 cup goji berries

1 Tablespoon organic ground turmeric or a large chunk of fresh turmeric (peeled)

Procedure:

Place bones and apple cider vinegar in a large stock pot. Fill pot with water and let sit for 30 minutes with the heat off. The acid in the vinegar helps extract the minerals from the bones.
Turn on heat and bring to a simmer, removing scum that rises to the surface for the first hour of cooking. Cover loosely and continue simmering on low for 24-48 hours. The longer, the better. I simmered it for about 28 hours total. You will need to add water along the way to keep bones completely covered.
Add remaining ingredients for the last hour of cooking.
Strain broth and place in air tight containers. Let cool completely before storing in the refrigerator. Broth will keep in the refrigerator for 5 days or in the freezer for a few months.
The next day, there will be a layer of fat on the surface. You can discard this, use it for cooking, or stir it back in - it contains valuable nutrients.

Makes ~20-24 cups

Don't be afraid to use your choice of herbs, spices, or vegetables to give it your own therapeutic touch.

Happy healing!

Healthy + Local Last Minute Holiday Gifts

Healing Bone Broth

Will you be making this therapeutic drink? Let me know in the comments below.