(ARA) - The holidays are a busy time of year -- there are parties to host, decorations to hang, cards to send -- the list goes on and on. But shopping for gifts shouldn't have to add to the list of stressful holiday activities.

“Finding that perfect gift for a friend or relative can be challenging, but it shouldn't be stressful,” says Paulette Abraham of HoMedics, the nation's leading manufacturer of personal healthcare, wellness and relaxation products for the home. "Wellness products make great gifts to give for the holidays. They tell the recipient that you care about their well-being.”

If you're looking for a gift for a friend or relative that will pamper them and that they can enjoy all year long, a HoMedics massager, beauty or sensory gift may be the answer.

Massage

Massage is the one of the best forms of relaxation and, contrary to popular belief, it doesn't have to cost a lot of money. At-home massagers are an inexpensive way to soothe sore muscles and de-stress. HoMedics offers a wide variety of massagers that make great holiday gifts, including:

* The Wave Action Massager, which provides a Swedish-style massage at home and features three headset attachments that allows users to personalize their very own massage.

* Therapist Select Shiatsu Massaging Cushion -- this remote-controlled back massager provides a kneading, shiatsu-style massage. Its state-of-the-art moving massage mechanism is similar to those found in massage chairs that cost ten times as much and easily attaches to virtually any chair in your home or office.

Beauty

“Massage isn't the only tool people can use to help them relax," says Abraham. "Facials and footbaths make great gifts for the holidays too. They often incorporate everything needed for a treatment, such as cleansers and lotions, so there's no need to spend your precious time buying accessories to complete the gift.”

Two popular beauty gift ideas from HoMedics include:

* FacialSpa Ultra Cleaning System -- This system features seven attachments and four cleansers and lotions, including a microdermabrasion cream for a great at-home facial. The kit comes complete with a step-by-step guide to a spa-like facial: cleansing, refining, exfoliating, toning and moisturizing. It's rechargeable and deep cleans while minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.

* Foot Salon Elite Footbath -- The remote-controlled pedicure center features a pumice stone, cleansing brush and massage rollers for an unforgettable pedicure. Or, simply soak in a warm bubbling bath.

Sensory

If you're struggling with those hard-to-buy-for folks, such as a coworker or distant family member, but still want to find the perfect gift that will help them to relax and unwind, you may want to try a sensory gift. One good choice is the Envirascape Soothing Rains Fountain and Sound Machine, which features six relaxing nature and new age sounds and a unique, softly illuminated, adjustable rainfall water design.

No matter what gift you select for that special someone, if it's something that pampers them, it's sure to be a treat. And, don't be surprised if he or she is still thanking you well into next year.

Courtesy of ARA Content