Beyond candy and flowers

Better Nutrition, Feb, 1999 by Patricia Andersen-Parrado

Great gift ideas for your valentine.

Tired of sending candy or flowers to your sweetheart on Valentine's Day? If you use your imagination, there are lots of other romantic, affordable gift ideas out there -- in particular, natural health and beauty products.

Here are some ideas to help you put together a customized "package of love" for your sweetheart this Valentine's Day.

Hair. There are some wonderful hair-care products available featuring a variety of herbs designed for different hair types, and even for different colors of hair. For example, some natural shampoos feature such herbs as marigold, in their "blond-hair" formulas; blackberry and licorice in their formulas for those with jet black locks; and strawberry in their formulas for those with red hair.

Be sure to include conditioner, too. As far as nutrients and herbs featured in these products, the sky's the limit. Some of the most frequently included hair-conditioning ingredients include: sea kelp, joboba, biotin, and chamomile. An all-natural "leave-in" deep-conditioner is a nice treat to include, too.

Skin. There is no shortage of products designed to nurture our largest organ -- our skin. Pampering "tools," such as a pumice stone, body brush, loofah, and all-natural sponges and brushes are all great gift ideas.

Throw in some moisturizers for both the face and body, keeping your loved one's particular skin type in mind. Common natural moisturizing ingredients include: aloe vera; calendula; hemp; vitamins A, C, D, and E; cocoa butter; papaya; geranium; citrus; and eucalyptus.

Nice "extras" for the skin include:

* Facial masks and scrubs. There are varieties for dry, oily, normal, and combination skin types.

* Sunscreens. Given the fact that overexposure to the sun not only causes wrinkles, but increases one's odds of developing several types of skin cancer, sunscreen -- regardless of the time of year -- is a good idea. In fact, experts now recommend that sunscreen be worn every day, year-`round.

* Shaving creams. Natural varieties featuring skin-soothing herbs are available for both men and women.

* Eye creams. There are many creams, featuring such gentle ingredients as green tea, designed especially for the delicate skin surrounding the eyes.

Nails. Travel-size hand lotion, emory boards, and a nail-brush and clippers are "nail-care musts." Your health-food store is the source for formaldehyde-free nail polish and acetone-free (even organic!) nail polish remover, too.

The finishing touches ...

To add a little romance to your valentine gift, be sure to add some bath salts, featuring such aromatic botanicals as rose petals and hibiscus; there are also herbal "body teas" which can be dropped into a warm bath. Natural perfumes, such as jasmine, are also a nice touch.

In terms of body parts that are most in need of pampering, feet definitely top the list. Talc-free powders, oils, and lotions featuring tea tree oil are a good choice.

And no valentine health and beauty package would be complete without some aromatherapy products. Drop in some essential oils with a "gift certificate" from you to your loved one for a personal massage. Such oils are also great for baths, too. Aromatherapy pillows, potpourri, and candles will also add a sense of romance.

It's all in the delivery ...

Once you've purchased all your goodies, it's time to decide how you will present your gift. The possibilities are endless. Try to think of presentations that are not only pretty, but environmentally sound, as well. Here are just a few ideas: baskets are always a winner; depending on the number of items you're giving, consider bundling them up in a big fluffy towel, or even a bath robe, and tying it up with a ribbon; or a pretty canvas bag, which can be used over and over again.

Putting together a thoughtful assortment of natural health and beauty products may take a little bit more time than picking up the phone and ordering flowers, or zipping into the candy store for a box of chocolates, but, then, isn't that what Valentine's Day is all about ... going the extra mile for the one you love.

Happy Valentine's Day!