Here to help

Independent health store advice on natural and sustainable Christmas gifts

Looking for advice on natural health and wellbeing? Your local independent health store can offer a wealth of expertise. This month we talk to Suzy Shinner from the Good Health Boutique in Retford

Independent health stores like the Good Health Boutique are a great place to do your Christmas present shopping. This is because everything we sell has been handpicked and we put a lot of thought into the items we stock. We only offer natural, ethical and sustainable products that are good for your health and good for the planet. Natural Sustainability is very important to us, so all the items we sell are packaged in recyclable or plastic-free packaging. Christmas is a time when there is a lot of unnecessary waste, and we want to reduce this as much as possible while still showing our loved ones that we care about them.

Natural and organic beauty

Natural and organic beauty products make ideal Christmas gifts and we stock a number of great ethical and sustainable brands. First up there's the Dr Hauschka gift sets, featuring skincare as well as body care products. The packaging is not only beautiful but sustainable and is designed to be used again. Another brand we love is Our Tiny Bees, and we stock their bath salts, body scrubs, balms, soaps and gift sets. They use 100 per cent natural ingredients in their products, which are made just down the road in Sheffield and packed in recyclable packaging.

Evolve is another of our favourite natural brands, and we stock some of their fantastic gift sets. These make lovely Christmas gifts, as do their face masks, face cream and lip balm, which are packaged like Christmas baubles.

For a little stocking filler, we have some gorgeous gifts made by B Corp Certified brand Bathing Beauty. Choose from eco-wrapped Christmas cracker bath salts and room aromas – all at £10.

It makes scents

Our wide range of aromatherapy products would make great Christmas gifts, from natural scented candles to essential oils, roller balls and diffusers.

Hobo & Co is a wonderful artisanal brand that we stock, with all their products made in Lincolnshire in small batches. Their candles are free from petroleum and lead, are cruelty-free, 100 per cent vegan and the packaging is either biodegradable, recyclable or reusable. We love their frankincense and myrrh-scented soy wax candle which comes in a gold tin – perfect for Christmas!