There is a slight chill in the Los Angeles air, white sparkling lights are decorating the trim around the houses in my neighborhood and my daughters are sending me some not-so-subtle hints about goodies that they would love to have. It can only mean one thing: the holidays are almost here! I do not know about you, but I feel like I have not even begun to recover from the whirlwind that is Thanksgiving. The idea of bracing for the holidays ahead is a bit overwhelming for me. I know I should be focusing on the positive vibes that result from the holiday season, but I am engrained in resisting the stressful moments of the season ahead. That is why I always try to prepare ahead with a holiday gift list so I am not waiting until the absolute last minute, fishing for items I think people will enjoy.
I really dislike that the holidays are so focused on material things, but at the same time, I get genuine joy from gifting my loved ones items that I know they will love and actually USE. That is why this year, I have put a list together of gifts and stocking stuffers that I genuinely love, have used myself, and know that others will too. This year’s focus is on products that help with sleep and stress since I struggled with both of those things this year.
I have made a pledge to only buy items that I know my loved ones have a need for. I will not be purchasing anything for anyone that I feel I need to get a gift for just so that they have a present to open. If I cannot find the perfect gift that someone will actually use, I will gift them my time by inviting them over for tea or on a hike so that I can learn more about what is going on in their life. I urge you to keep a conscious mindset this holiday season. Do not go out and purchase something on this list just because you feel obligated to. If you do buy something, do it because you know it will bring someone (or yourself!) joy or will help to improve someone’s health. Oh, and just as a reminder, I am not being paid by any of these companies to include their products on my holiday gift guide. I just really love them and want to share them with you!
Gifts
1. Theragun Pro
Our muscles and fascia undergo endless work during every minute of every day. I think it is so imperative for us to take good care of them so that they can keep performing for us. Theragun is a wonderful product that helps my muscles and fascia to feel SO much better wherever they are feeling sore. The Pro model is much quieter than older models and really helps me with pain relief. It has super customizable features and, despite looking a bit confusing to the new user, it is very simple for anyone to use.
2. Gravity Blanket
If you follow me on social media, you know that I had some severe sleeping issues this year. It took a lot of different tactics working together in tandem for me to overcome my sleep problems. One thing that really helped was re-creating my sleep area to make it much more comfortable and enjoyable. Part of that was this weighted blanket! It helps to keep me from tossing and turning in the night. Whenever I use my Gravity Blanket, I wake up feeling much more rested. Oh, and they now have a cooling blanket for anyone who tends to run a bit warm in their sleep!
3. Green Pan 10-Piece Cookware Set
Most non-stick pots and pans contain a significant amount of harmful chemicals, so I am very careful about which ones I purchase for myself and my loved ones. Green Pan has developed a coating for their pots and pans that is lead and cadmium free, utensil proof, chip resistant, oven safe AND dishwasher safe for ultimate convenience. I highly recommend their 10-Piece Cookware Set for anyone in need of new pans or pots.
4. Dry Farm Wines Subscription
What is better than one gift over the holidays? A natural wine subscription that gives multiple gifts throughout the year! Dry Farm Wines represents unique wineries from all over the world and all of their wines are tested for purity and extremely high quality. They are organic, biodynamic and contain no added sulfites which many health professionals believe contribute to allergies and hangovers.
5. Sun Potion’s Travel Ally Set
I am a HUGE fan of Sun Potion’s products and I use them in my delivered SOUP Cleanse all of the time. Their Travel Ally Set is incredible. It is a series of products that support a balanced, energized and resilient state during travel. The 6-pack contains their Organic Ashwagandha, White Dragon Matcha, Organic Mucuna Pruriens, Organic Reishi, Wildcrafted Shea Butter and Yin Power.
6. thisworks Portable Diffuser
Traveling always messes my system up, so I am constantly looking for new items to add to my travel survival kit. One of my favorite products to help me stay healthy while I travel is my portable diffuser by thisworks. You can create your own fragrances based on which essential oils that you are need of at the time and it is USB-powered, so you really can bring it anywhere.
7. Nue Co.’s Magnesium Ease Spray & Sleep Drops, Functional Fragrance
Nue Co. is a brand that I have used for a long time and it always delivers. Its products are all natural, chemical-free and cruelty-free. Nue Co.’s Magnesium Ease Spray is a God-send for stress relief. It is a lavender and arnica oil infused magnesium body spray that helps to relieve tension throughout the body and mind. The Sleep Drops are another favorite of mine – especially since I was having so many sleep issues this year. Finally, their Functional Fragrance is a beautiful subtle perfume that helps to calm you down in times of stress and it comes in a life-saving travel size.
8. Spring Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is one of the most important habits that we can form for optimal health. But the largest obstacle between most of us and ultimate hydration is our memories – we often forget to drink water until we are super thirsty. Bellabeat’s Spring smart water bottle can help with that. It calculates the optimal amount of water for your body based on your activity level, age, height, weight, local weather, and more.
9. Foam Rollers by Lauren Roxburgh
One of my favorite boss ladies in the wellness space is Lo Roxburgh. She has developed a line of AMAZING foam rollers. Health goes way beyond just eating the right amount of fruits and vegetables (which, do not get me wrong, is very important). Health is also about physically taking care of your body in a number of different ways. Foam rolling is a big one for me and these rollers that Lo has created are absolutely beautiful.
10. Smeg Hand Blender
It would not be my holiday gift guide unless it contained at least one soup-related product, and this Smeg Hand Blender is it! I love this cute little hand blender because it is small yet mighty. It quickly purees all of my soups without the need to risk burning myself by dumping the soup from the scalding pot into a standard countertop blender. I think gifts that encourage health are so wonderful, and this blender will definitely check that box.
11. Golden Faden MD’s Daily Nutrient Facial Mist
Golden Faden MD’s ultra-fine face mist is one of my favorite parts of my morning routine. It contains minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients that work to hydrate your delicate facial skin. It also purifies, nourishes, de-stresses, and brightens my skin. Golden Faden MD has provided me with a 20% off coupon code for my readers. Just enter “Green20” at checkout!
12. EVO Planner
I am all about organization in my life – I have to stay on top of it or else my days will fall to pieces. But I feel like most of the planners out there are either corporate looking or super huge and heavy. EVO’s planner is super cute, light weight and more unique than any other planner I have ever seen. Before you purchase a planner, you take a quiz to see what brain type you are in order to determine which flow style planner will be most effective for you. The planners have sections for daily gratitude, wellness activities, happiness activities and much more to encourage health and wellbeing. Plus, you can download the app to track your progress over time!
13. Gem Water’s Reusable Crystal Straws
I think it is safe to say that, as a society, we are well beyond single use straws. But I do not love the look of most of the ultra-masculine, big, steel straws that are advertised everywhere – they simply do not fit my personal style. I do, however, love these gorgeous gemstone straws by Gem Water. I receive genuine joy from my beautiful straw every single time that I take a sip of my drink.
14. Social CBD’s Relax Vape Pen
As I mentioned previously, sleeping was a major issue for me this year. Aside from a comfortable sleeping environment, CBD was one of the major positive impacts on my improved sleep. One of my absolute favorite CBD products is Social CBD’s Relax Vape Pen. It has a hint of delicious lavender flavor and I find it to be extraordinarily soothing before bed.
15. Mary Ruth’s Liquid Nighttime Multi-Mineral Travel Pack
Traveling is always SO difficult on my sleep patterns and overall health. I am constantly looking for new products and supplements that can help me stay healthy when I travel, and I really hit the jackpot with Mary Ruth’s Liquid Nighttime Multi-Mineral Travel Pack. It promotes healthy magnesium levels and balances calcium intake, which helps to decrease stress and relaxation. It also contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for optimal sleep health.
16. Unique Books
Books are one of my absolute favorite things to gift because I love giving the gift of knowledge to the people that I care about. Megan Monahan’s “Don’t Hate, Meditate!” book is a beautiful modern guide to meditation. In the book, Monahan works through the five spiritual mindsets (Presence, Acceptance, Intention, Non-judgment, and Trust). I recommend it to new meditators and advanced practitioners alike. I also love the “Meal and a Spiel” cookbook by Elana Horwich. It is beautiful and contains some of my favorite delicious Italian recipes. Finally, I am all about
Heather Askinosie’s “Crystal365” book. It takes a look at 52 different crystals that are meant to help you in different ways throughout the year. Bonus: it looks gorgeous as a coffee table book.
Conscious Foodie Gift Basket
You will not find charcuterie or cow cheese in my holiday gift basket – I am all about gifting health! The following items are ideal for the foodies in your life.
17. Lakanto Baker’s Bundle
Lakanto’s Baker’s Bundle is ideal for the baker in your life. It comes with a 1 Pound Bag of Lakanto Classic Sweetener, a 1 Pound Bag of Lakanto Golden Sweetener and a 1 pound Bag of Lakanto Powdered Sweetener – all of which contain absolutely zero sugar. The delish bundle also comes with Lakanto’s 7-Day, Sugar-Free Video Series Guide. Oh, and it is currently on sale!
18. Avohass Organic Avocado Oil
I constantly get asked what my favorite cooking oil is and I have to say, right now it is Avohass’ Organic Avocado Oil. It has a delicious full and buttery flavor and it contains so many of the beneficial compounds that come with avocados. Plus, avocado oil has a much higher smoke point than other oils, so it is ideal for stir-frying (unlike extra virgin olive oil). I love cooking with avocado oil, making salad dressings with it and drizzling it over my soups.
19. Kikoko CBD Honey Shots
Kikoko has been my favorite brand for CBD-infused teas and they just released a delicious line of compostable cannabis-infused honey sticks. I love the “Calm” one, but I have friends that are huge fans of the “Buzz” one too. These honey shots are perfect for keeping in your purse in case you decide to grab a cup of tea while you are out and about.
20. Spread the Love Power Butter
Spread the Love’s new “power butter” is an almond and flax seed mix and it is amazing for making smoothies and for dipping fruits/veggies for a fiber and protein rich snack. You can use my code ELISSA20 which gives you 20% off all of their products (excluding multipacks and gift sets, which are already discounted).
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Happy holidays!
