Healthy Holiday Gift Ideas for 2018

When December rolls around (always so much sooner than we anticipate), it can be challenging to think of creative gift ideas. We find many people are scrambling well into the month to find something special or different that doesn’t scream same-old same-old. 

This year our top picks for 2018 are things either we currently use ourselves and/or have just learned about and are excited to give to our own friends and family (or teachers if you still have kids in school). And by the way, these ideas are not just about food but encompass all sorts of fun healthy ideas related to home goods, exercise, stress relief, beauty and more.

Let’s get this party started! Click on the colored links to view.

KITCHEN/FOOD IDEAS

The Instant Pot is hands down our favorite kitchen tool of the year. We use it several times a week for soups, stews, steel cut oats, apple and cranberry sauces, and so much more. This has become an absolute staple in both our homes in 2018 and we don’t know what we would do without it. 

Bamboo cutting boards are super pretty and practical. They are known to be lightweight, easy on your knives, and won’t shrink or swell.

For avocado lovers, you’ll get a kick out of the Avocado sock if you want something super cute AND practical. It will ripen even the hardest avocado in 24-48 hours to  perfection. 

Equal Exchange is one of our favorite companies for chocolate. We are impressed with their fair trade practices and use of organic ingredients. They make delicious chocolate with varying percentages of cacao. We recommend their darker brands for the highest antioxidant and lowest sugar profiles. We promise if you begin to train your taste buds, they will adjust! Their Panama bar is 80% cacao but they also carry an extra dark 88% as well.

Have a coffee lover on your list? Equal Exchange also makes coffee with the same integrity as their chocolate. Conventional coffee is one of the most heavily chemically treated foods (and this includes decaf – which is actually MORE treated than caffeinated). 

GENERAL HEALTH/HOME

For cellphone protection from EMF’s, look no further than Safesleeve. It can block up to 99% of the radiation emitted from your cellphone. We both own one of these cases which come in lots of attractive colors (pockets on the inside for a credit card or two as well).

The 5 Minute Journal is an amazing book that we like to call gratitude on speed! Based on  hundreds of psychology articles, books, and research, it condenses the info into a structured process of 5 daily questions that focus on gratitude, setting direction for making your day great, and reflecting on good things that happen throughout your day. It actually helps you APPLY the advice you hear about all the time. There is also one made just for kids and they have a productivity planner too! 

Essential Oils
Chances are you know we love our essential oils.  These are an incredible gift because not only do they smell amazing, but they also have great healing properties as well.  Plus, you can give someone (or yourself) a membership which includes wholesale pricing and support from us in using the oils.  You can go here to purchase (we like the Aroma Touch kit as a gift or for the athlete in your life, the Athlete’s kit).

(If you are looking for more info on essential oils, contact us).

Cozy Slippers nothing like soft warm slippers in the winter.  These are made with 100% sheep’s wool, rather than synthetic materials.

These blue light blocking glasses from LifeArt are SO much cooler (read: hipster) than the older models. It’s SO important to reduce blue lights from all your screens which can interfere with melatonin production and affect your quality of sleep. We have also had clients who suffer from chronic headaches that were greatly reduced by using blue light protection devices. Oh, and you can order these in ANY magnification you need. 

Also, Eye Just blue light screen protectors are another way to get blue light protection on your smart phone. So clever! 

Weighted Blankets have been found to be helpful for anxiety, stress and insomnia.  They are great for anyone looking for some relaxation or sleep support.

EXERCISE/YOGA/FUN

Mantrabands are simple, pretty and elegant bracelets that have all sorts of uplifting messages. There are tons of mantras to choose from and it’s a great way to give yourself or someone you love the gift of daily inspiration.

My Custom Yoga Mat is a company that makes colorful yoga mats (and other items) that are custom made so you can order one for your bestie and have their name or anything you like printed on it. These are not only practical but just really fun 🙂

Yoga Anatomy Coloring Book is the perfect duo of yoga and adult coloring, focusing on the bones, joints, and muscles used in yoga. We found this to be such a fun and creative idea.

Everywhere Belt Bag from lululemon is probably the only product we can say will make fanny packs hip again! Great for when you want to run out without taking your whole pocketbook with you, like when you are heading to the gym or just out for a quick errand. 

Yoga Sling Sandals are for WAY more than yoga. We think they might just become your favorite sandal for everyday (we are both considering them for ourselves). Reviews all report they are so comfy and they come in really fun colors. You have to check these out!

Have a Happy Healthy Holiday! Feel free to share some of your own ideas as well we would love to hear them.