I got a hairdryer once for Channukah.
I was six or ten, or some age when brattiness was still somewhat acceptable. I wanted rollerblades. And I’ve never let my parents forget my horror at opening a medium-sized, expertly-wrapped box to find not a toy, or anything with wheels, or a doll that I would stop playing with in exactly 23.7 days.
But a hairdryer.
Secretly, though, I now wish I received hairdryers every holiday.
Well, not hairdryers exactly because that would be silly. And a lot of hairdryers.
But useful items. Like a really good vacuum that is easy to use and clean out. Or really pretty, soft towels that lick up all the water. Comfy sheets, an electric toothbrush, and maybe even new light bulbs that I haven’t had the energy to replace.
I get it now. Practical presents are the best presents. Especially when it comes to items that (a) you wouldn’t normally spend your money on or (b) you didn’t have the motivation to get yourself.
This brings us to you. And your belly. And the gifts that will be under your tree or menorah or waiting outside your bedroom door this holiday season.
This is a list of the low-sodium sauces, chips, pizza kits, books, tools, and utensils that will make your food taste amazing and your kitchen fun to be in. These gifts will take your low-sodium cooking to the next level and let you splurge in the specialty ingredients you always wanted to keep in your pantry.
Send this to your friends and family. And feel free to add to it.
And if mom or dad want more “gift-like” ideas (if giving a bag of salt-free chips seems too much like my hairdryer), then check out my gift board on Pinterest.com
Source: thehaystackneedle.typepad.com via Sodium on Pinterest
or my wish lists on Amazon.com.
With that, low-sodium holiday drum roll please…
1. Can It: Essential Low-Sodium Pantry Items
From no-salt added tomato sauces to chopped lemongrass to spicy marinades, the grocery store aisles are filled with special low-sodium ingredients that can really lift up a simple plate of vegetables or dish of noodles. Grab a cute box or basket, and fill it with these treats.
- Westbrae StoneGround Mustard
- Mendocino Hot & Sweet mustard
- Muir Glen No-Salt Added Tomato Sauces
- Eden Organic No-Salt Added Tomato Sauce
- Stonehouse 27 Exotic Indian Sauces
- Thai Taste Lemongrass
- Ginger People Sweet Chili Sauce
- Ginger People Pickled Ginger
2. Bake-Me-A-Cake Kit
Most low-sodium eaters know that when it comes to bread and bready things, it means making it with your own two hands. So give your loved ones everything they need to whip up bagels and muffins, cakes and more whenever they want them. Without the salt.
- Baking Soda Substitute
- Salt-Free Baking Powder
- French Bread Pans
- Non-stick Loaf Pan (love this!)
- Calzone Mold
- Food Processor (for breads and pie doughs)
- Doughnut Mold (for bagels too)
- Low-Sodium Baking Book
- Best Cutting Board Ever
- Slice & Store Cutting Board
- Fold-Flat Food Grater
- Food Prep Bowls
- Immersion Blender
- Hand-Held Mixer
- Stand-Mixer
Thank you so very much for the pantry item ideas…especially the Indian cooking sauces! I have adapted every Indian and Thai recipe I can find to be very low sodium (with mixed results). Although I love Indian and Thai food it is very time consuming to make. Stonehouse 27 seems to have excellent variety of sauces. Can’t wait to try them all!!!
Have a wonderful holiday!
Thank you Sodium Girl you have been a great source for low sodium information. Happy Channukah!
Thanks so much for the shout-out, Jess! Love the great collection of low-so gift ideas. People might scoff, but on a salt-free diet things like baking powder, sauces and seasonings really do make the best presents. Wishing you very happy holidays & all the best in 2012!