By Kelli Swensen, Dietetics Student, Sargent College

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TV commercials and stores have become the official announcers of the holiday season and, according to them ,we all should have been gift shopping since the night of Thanksgiving (or even October). Despite these constant reminders, many of us put shopping off until the last second. Shopping a day or even hours before a holiday party or family gift exchange can be stressful, wanting to find a gift that the recipient will actually like and use. We here at Sargent Choice want to make this process a little bit less stressful. Below are a couple gift ideas perfect for foodies, health nuts, cooks, college students, or anyone interested in eating a bit healthier. Happy Holidays!

Lunch Skins Reusable Bags

In addition to looking really cool, these bags are a great money-saving alternative to Ziploc bags. These would make a perfect stocking-stuffer.

For some ideas on how to build a healthy sandwich click here

Rubbermaid Salad Kit

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With separate containers for greens, toppings, and dressing, you don’t have to worry about your salad turning soggy by lunch. Extra bonus: there is an ice pack attached to the bottom to keep your salad nice and cold!

Citrus Zinger

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Have difficulty drinking enough water? Try adding lemon, orange, or lime to give a healthy flavor boost. Citrus Zinger infuses the juice from the fruit directly into your water.

Cuisinart SmartStick Blender

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Perfect for making healthy, comforting soups or blending up smoothies after a workout. It also takes up much less room than a traditional blender, making it a great option for students or workers living apartments with limited kitchen space.

Check out some of our healthy soup and smoothie recipes:

• Berry Mango Smoothie
• Purple Power Smoothie
• Butternut Squash Soup
• Turkey and Squash Soup

Mini muffin tins

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Not only are mini muffins and cupcakes trendy and adorable, they’re also great for portion control (as long as you don’t eat a bunch of them!). Perfect for the baker in you family or friend group (even more perfect for everyone else who gets to eat the cupcakes and muffins!).

Some of our health(ier) muffin and cupcake recipes:

• Pumpkin and Cranberry Muffins
• Chocolate Cupcakes
• Mocha Cupcakes

Apollo Olive Oils

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Heart-healthy olive oil is a sophisticated, delicious gift to give to the hostess of the group. Combined with rustic bread and fresh garlic, this gift will satisfy any foodie.

Not only are these oils organic and nutrient-packed, they’re also made out of olives that are sustainably farmed!

Taza Holiday Chocolate Mexicano Discs

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Based out of Somerville, MA, Taza Chocolate Company is known for their sustainable, mindful, and fair core values as well as for their bold, delicious chocolates. To learn more about Taza and what they stand for click here. These seasonal discs are 50% dark chocolate with cinnamon spice and pure organic orange oil — seasonal bliss!

Sargent Choice Cookies in a Jar

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Looking for a homemade option? Baking mixes in a jar are classic. This year put a healthy spin on this holiday favorite by using one of our Sargent Choice cookie recipes! All you have to do is put the dry ingredients in a jar and attach the cookie recipe to a bow to tie around the jar.

Delicious, healthier cookie recipes:

• Whole Grain Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies (I have made these many times and every time they turn out phenomenal!)
• Heart Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
• Chocolate Chip Cherry Cookies — very festive!

No matter what you end up buying, the best gift this season is to be with the ones you love. Have a happy, healthy, and safe holiday!