Sarah's Health Notes: Christmas (wellbeing) stockings

This week I’m thinking Christmas stocking presents – so here’s what I’ll be wrapping up really rather soon….

With my oldest friend in and out of hospital – last year in ICU with sepsis then most recently for breaking four ribs slipping down stairs – I’ve seized delightedly on these brilliant cheerful socks to give her for Christmas. In 100% breathable soft cotton, clinically proven to be kind on hypersensitive skin, they come in a range of brights, as you can see above, in sizes from 4 to 13+, with grippy soles and heels – so good for hospital and home (especially going down stairs…). These are a real steal at £9 a pair but if you’re feeling super generous, you could splash out on a five pack of Cashmere Hospital Socks, at £180.

The brand’s founder Sophie Kinross was inspired by her own experiences with shoulder surgery when she had to wear an itchy, scratchy, chafing plastic sling. After launching the Tonic range of ‘Modern Medical Apparel’, Sophie became a patient again, with a diagnosis of cancer. Sitting in chemo, she was thankful for the clothes she’d created so carefully for others. The clothes are designed to go from hospital to home to anywhere in between, with robes featuring internal pockets for drains, full coverage gowns, tracksuits that zip to the joints, track suits, cashmere shawls, and T-shirt gowns plus accessories including a range of comfy slings and noise muffling eye masks. And yes, there are versions for men too.

Thoughtful and lovely.

Socks/£9 - buy here

Georganics Beechwood Toothbrush

These are going in my family’s stockings because it’s SO important to change your toothbrush every three months, and always after any sort of infection – and chances are they won’t do it themselves. I like these manual ones (always soft so you don't erode enamel or scratch gums) because the handle is compostable beechwood, the bristles are BPA-free nylon, and the packaging if you order through their website is recyclable and sustainable. I’ll also pop in a Prebiotics & Probiotics Toothpaste/£7.90, plus Plastic Free Floss/£4.90, and a Beechwood Tongue Scraper/£4.90. May not be the most glamorous pressies but, hey! Dodgy teeth and bad breath definitely aren’t glam.

£3.90 - buy here

£11.70 for a bundle of 4 - buy here

Arthouse Unlimited Chocolate Bars

Jo and I have loved this charity for years and always buy presents here. It was set up to showcase the talents of artists living with learning and physical disabilities, providing inclusive art sessions led by experienced teachers for people to express themselves freely. And oh, wow! The results are wonderful. Have a look here to see some of the artists and learn more about the ethos of the charity and how it works.

I’ve just ordered rather a lot of the delicious chocolate, which comes in gorgeously designed packaging, illustrating themes like Happy Hounds (that’s white choc with vanilla), Hugging Animals (dark with mint and crystal crunch) and Angels of the Deep (dark choc with rum).

Do have a look at all the other offerings: I’m going back for Triple Milled Plant Based Soap/£6.50, Seed mixes/£3.75, and a Joy Revolution Jigsaw Puzzle/£35, for my puzzle-mad niece.

£7.25 - buy here