Independent health store advice on health store buys to get you through the winter lockdown

Looking for advice on natural health and wellbeing? Your local independent health food store can offer a wealth of knowledge and expertise. This month we speak to Zoe West from Holbeach Wholefoods in Spalding and its sister shop, Spice of Life in Bourne, Lincolnshire.

Christmas shopping and preparation can be stressful at the best of times, but this year we all have the coronavirus pandemic to contend with too. It’s been a tough time for everyone but hopefully we can all still enjoy a bit of festive cheer:

During the UK lockdowns, independent health food stores have remained opened as they are classed as essential shops. So you can rest assured that we will be here to help with supplying groceries, household products, bodycare items and supplements. What’s more, you can source Christmas gifts from health food stores as well as festive food and drink. Here are some ideas.

Christmas gift goodies

A simple way to put together a great Christmas gift for a loved one is to make up a hamper of goodies for them to enjoy. Health food stores such as ours stock a wide range of teas, from organic black tea to herbal variations, so a selection of these, along with some locally roasted coffee and locally produced honey, would make a thoughtful gift. Another idea could be to combine a selection of cooking oils, spices and condiments, perhaps with some organic pasta and different types of wholegrains, for a loved one who enjoys cooking. Individuals who are following special diets are well catered for by health food stores. We stock a wide range of gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian products, which could make a great gift hamper. Chocolates are a popular gift option and we stock plenty of healthy varieties, including vegan and low sugar options for those who are following a low sugar diet.

Pampering present ideas

There are plenty of pampering present ideas to be found in health food stores. Customers can choose from a huge variety of natural and organic beauty products, from bath salts and shower gels to shampoos, conditioners, body lotions, moisturisers and face masks. It’s been a stressful year for us all, so a hamper of pampering, relaxing gifts would make a great treat for a loved one. Some extra touches you could add include incense sticks, a wheat bag, some cosy bamboo socks and a vegetable candle scented with essential oils. We also have a range of hand-painted oil burners which, combined with a selection of essential oils, would also make a great gift.

Products made from bamboo are particularly popular and make great eco-friendly gift options. Our range includes bamboo combs, hairbrushes, toothbrushes, lunchboxes and travel mugs in a range of eye-catching designs. Other gift ideas include salt lamps, incense holders, sari bags and magnetic bracelets. Don’t forget that your local independent health store can also supply you with all the festive food and drink you need for the Christmas period. Not only do we stock staple foods like rice, flour, pasta and wholegrains, but we also stock festive goodies like chestnut macarons and fruit jellies.

Lastly, if you need some supplements to help support your health during the festive season then we can offer numerous options to suit your needs. We are finding that there is a lot of interest in immunity, sleep, stress and anxiety among our customers. Herbal remedies like elderberry, echinacea and valerian are proving popular and there’s a lot of interest in CBD. Consumers are definitely looking for a more natural approach to help ease any anxiety and stress that they are experiencing.

So, when you are looking to do your Christmas shopping this year, don’t forget to check out your local independent health food store! We are always happy to help.

Read more Your Experts articles here...

Read articles from our latest issue here...