It’s been a wild year, and boy do we need a season of Hope and Peace. I want to preface this blog and gift guide - that more than any physical gift, we all truly do need to lean into the reality that no gift will ever give us what we all need this holiday season — except grounding in the fact that Love came down on Christmas.
That said, I honestly love giving gifts. It’s a love language of mine. And it’s that time of year when we are all putting on the Christmas tunes, hanging lights, seeking out snow and leaning into the dark and cold days of winter. This winter feels especially... odd, so many of us are craving some normalcy and joy that the holiday feelings and experiences can bring.
I can smell it in my home and feel it in the crisp breeze. I know we ALL need an extra cozy and bright holiday season this year. And I also know that many people will be virtually shopping, even more than normal. I wanted to compile a valuable list for you to use as you please. I like to buy fun *and* meaningful gifts. I think people appreciate a gift that has value, and even one that is functional and supports their health! ;)
In all seriousness -- I am here for gifts that are thoughtful or perhaps just bring a smile or resurrect a fun memory. But I am also HERE FOR gifts that somebody will actually use. How amazing to give a gift that will allow one to create more health in their life! I also like to support small businesses and companies that are making a positive difference in the world. Here in this guide I included many of those! I think if you can invest in a person or small business you believe in -- all the better. Especially this year. Then your purchases make a difference on so many levels!
And I am actually a small business, also! I run A Whole Health Life so that I can share my passion and educate on holistic wellness, and by shopping through my affiliate links and using my codes, you support my work and time I pour into this! So not only do I appreciate you shopping through these amazing companies and small businesses (I know some of them well and personally!), but I also appreciate you shopping through my links and website - it truly blesses me, and allows me to bless others in return. Not all of these are affiliates, I simply included them because I love the product and think you may too.
STOCKING STUFFERS
Leefy Prana is a household staple around here. It's a DELISH tincture of turmeric + ginger. We use it daily for wellness and it's anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties. It can also be used to support pain relief, such as headaches or joint pain. It's kid friendly (consult your doctor as always)! Also, it tastes amazing (like citrus). A fun gift for anybody in your community or even your family! Perfect for the person who likes a functional and usable gift. *code AWHOLEHEALTHLIFE for your first order for 15% off.
Pique Teas: truly TOP NOTCH teas! They are triple screened for heavy metals, pesticides and toxic mold. Pique teas consist of organic teas and herbs from family farms. Patented crystallization technology is the most effective way to extract phytonutrients from plants! Pique tea is my go-to recommended tea, and their matcha is of the utmost quality (and taste). By drinking pique tea, you also don't have a tea bag made of microplastics soaking in your hot water. They also have an Ode to Joy Pique Tea gift that is truly incredible and even plays a song. *Use code AWHOLENEWLIFE5 to save on any pique tea products!
Four sigmatic Mushroom Coffees: this super yummy (and quality!) organic coffee is mixed with the power of adaptogenic mushrooms. We personally love the Ground Adaptogen Coffee (with Aschagwanda!) and the Coffee with Lion's Mane. The boxes of the instapackets are AWESOME to keep on hand for travel or for when you don't have time to brew it up. If you don't like adaptogenic mushrooms with your coffee, then I recommend Kion Coffee. *code AWHOLEHEALTHLIFE to save on both.
Beautycounter Clean Mini Deodorants: Perfect for a teenager or adult - we ALL need some nontoxic deodorant! Your body absorbs what we roll onto our armpits in high concentrations, and most anti-perspirants and deodorants have toxins and even metals like aluminum. If you or your friends and fam aren’t on the clean deodorant train, this is a *perfect* little gift. Plus, these mini ones are the perfect size for a fun stocking stuffer. It comes as a four pack - - give all to one person or divy up! Beautycounter is offering 15% off through the end of November, or save 25% (message me to learn more!).
Elderberry Syrup — Purely Parsons Kit or Seattle Elderberry: such a tasty way to boost your immune system. We have incorporated it into our routines in the past couple of years, and everybody loves it -- kids included! We take elderberry shots and also put it in our smoothies (and tea!). I recommend Seattle elderberry (she's a local Seattle gal and her Elderberry syrup is truly “freaking delicious!” just like she says) or the easy DIY packets (if you like to make your own!) from the lovely and wise Elizabeth Parsons. You can find them on instagram at @purelyparsons and @seattleelderberry. *code AWHOLEHEALTHLIFE to save on Seattle Elderberry.
ION*Biome: A Functional Gut Health Gift! *ION*Biome honestly my new FAVORITE health supplement. Eek I said it. You know my motto that GUT HEALTH is everythang. And ION *Biome is where it's at. To summarize, ION*Biome is not a probiotic or a prebiotic. ION*Biome is a line of all-natural, soil-derived gut health products that goes beyond probiotics to strengthen the gut lining in adults, children, and pets. It helps to improve communication between the gut and the brain, protecting the bloodstream from toxins like glyphosate, gluten, antibiotics, and more. Our whole family is now taking ION*Biome. Nothing says Merry Christmas like gut health! ;) Even if this is just a gift for you and your family! I would be happy to see this in my stocking - seriously! Maybe just not in the kids’ stockings... (although they can take it and there IS a kids product!)
doTERRA Holiday Peace and Joy Blends: Ditch the toxic candles (keep the clean ones if you have them!) and diffuse oils to add all the holiday smells to your home. doTERRA has two Holiday blends Holiday Peace and Holiday Joy but you can also purchase Black Spruce, Wintergreen, Clove, Nutmeg and more goodness to add to your home. Give the gift of that holiday smell! It will bless not only your family, but all of your visitors over the holiday season. They smell like a Christmas tree farm but with the warmth of some cozy smells like vanilla and clove. Linking the doTERRA website because you can shop those oils or any of the other fun holiday gift ideas.
HOME ITEMS
Savory Seasons Cookbook: Oh my goodness, we all need this in our kitchen. Believe me. Authored by the lovely and wise Karalynne Call. I think one of the best gifts we can truly give our families is the gift of real, delicious food! And this book offers just that, while also offering purely delicious eats. I can’t wait to cook from this over the holidays and fill my families with nourishing and tasty food. She also has an incredible cookbook, Just Ingredients, of household staples - so easy to use and follow. You can find Karalynne on instagram at @just.ingredients.
AirDoctor Filtration System: the ultimate air purification system. You might be thinking that you don't need to purify the air in your home. In reality, filtering indoor air is a critical element to safe air in your home! We spend most of our life indoors, so clean air at home is moi importante! AirDoctor filters out irritants/toxins, pollution carcinogens, flame retardant carcinogens (in carpets and furniture, etc.), viruses, bacteria, dander, toxic mold and more. What an amazing gift it would be for anybody to receive this! It's one of my ABSOLUTE favorite investments for our home. If not for your friends or family, this would be a great gift for your own home. *The link above saves you $300 (half off!).
doTERRA Roam Infuser is an amazing price point and the perfect gift for anybody who uses essential oils or is just getting started! Pair it with a starter kit if you really want to give somebody the perfect go with plant wellness. Or the Holiday Peace and Joy oils — makes for the perfect holiday home. The Roam diffuser is CORDLESS, which means no cord limiting it's location or there for you to trip on. I love that my kids don’t trip on the cord and that I can take this from room to room easily. Message me any questions for help with all things essential oils.
Branch Basics Starter Kit: nothing says adulting more than gifting an all-natural cleaning set! Comes with an actually-green (not green washing here!) concentrate that you then add to the various bottles in the kit. As well as Oxygen boost to get all those tough stains out. It actually works and doesn’t harm you or your family’s health along the way. I have been using Branch Basics for about one year now and absolutely love it. *Code AWHOLEHEALTHLIFE to save on a Starter Kit.
Stasher Bags: I think we are all on reducing single use plastics - am I right? These are now our go to for what we used to use ziploc bags for. Better for our bodies and better for the planet. I also love all the fun colors. You can find them in my Amazon Store or at many local retailers.
AquaTru Reverse Osmosis Water Filter: Clean water does not come out of the tap unfortunately (it's got chlorine, fluoride, pharmacueticals, arsenic and other junk in it), but this deal on a reverse osmosis water filter will make anybody smile on Christmas! This truly would be the gift that keeps on giving all year round. Clean water is a critical, foundational step in a less toxic home. This link above gets you $150 off!
FOR HER (OR YOU):
Beautycounter Brightening C Serum and Resurfacing Peel: Of all the Beautycounter products I have tried, these two are day and night staples. The Brightening C serum is a potent 10% blend of two forms of vitamin C to instantly brighten the skin. Antioxidant rich turmeric and camu add extra protection against new dark spots. The Overnight Resurfacing Peel features a proprietary multi-acid complex - a leave on AHA/BHA peel that improves skins texture and boosts clarity. Glycolic malic and botanically derived lactic acid clear away dead skin cells. I use these products almost daily! I put the Brighting C Serum under my makeup and I put the Resurfacing Peel Serum on at night often. Everything is 15% off right now.
EMF Harmony Bracelet: we are all facing the damaging effects of too much EMF exposure. The health consequences of the ubiquitous electronic pollution in our environment affect everyone living in our modern world. Exposure to EMFs is associated with cancer, DNA damage and more. The EMF Harmonizer Mobility+ EMF bracelet supports your health and well-being as you are exposed to the pervasive electromagnetic radiation in today’s environment. It comes in black and white (and also makes a great gift for him ;). EMF Harmony also offers other amazing products to keep you safe from the damaging effects of EMF. *Code MEG20 to save 20% on all of the products.
Thirty One Bits Jewelry: I love this company! I have purchased their gorgeous and fun jewelry over the years, and I truly appreciate that it's investing in such an incredible brand that provides artisans across the world with dignified job opportunities and also provides you with a place to shop ethically-made jewelry. I love the simple styles, as well as the bold statement pieces — so fun to layer onto outfits.
Beautycounter Beyond Gloss: While some people might not want foundation as a gift, I think we can all agree that you can't have too much lip gloss! The Beautycounter Beyond Gloss is made with ethically sourced vanilla, and wow it tastes amazing and goes on smoothly (not sticky). You can buy them as individuals or the holiday gift set — and separate them out or give the set as a whole! I think any Beautycounter would make a fun gift (and you are supporting an amazing company that cares about people and planet too!). Let me know if you have questions on how to save the most with Beautycounter. Everything is 15% off right now.
Step Out of Line Sweatshirt: Hey ladies, sometimes the world needs us to step out of line and use our voices! Going against the grain isn't always easy, but sometimes it is absolutely necessary and is truly part of LOVE. I got my Step Out of Line sweatshirt in black, but it also comes in gray! Not to mention you are supporting one of the most amazing gals (Echo) on the interwebs with your purchase! You can find Echo on instagram at @echounafraid.
Gua Sha Stone: Create a spa experience at home. The slow pace of movement and gentle touch are deeply relaxing, instantly activating our parasympathetic (relaxed) nervous state. Using deep pressure with a Gua Sha stone can really get into sticky knotted areas to release held muscular tension, thus allowing muscles to do their supportive jobs properly. This manual movement stimulates our lymphatic system, helping our organs function optimally by breaking up stagnation, flowing debris and toxins within the body for easier expulsion. *Code AWHOLEHEALTHLIFE to save 10% on your first Primally Pure order.
Dry Brush: The practice of dry brushing provides so many benefits, not to mention it's a soothing way to unwind. Dry brushing provides critical lymph support and detox. Regular dry brushing helps support the normal lymph flow within the body, as well as provides a boost of blood to our skin to keep it nourished. When we have increased blood flow, we see a better glow! Dry brushing also allows for exfoliation. Dry brushing is easy to incorporate into your routine. *Code AWHOLEHEALTHLIFE to save 10% on your first Primally Pure order.
Olani Lava Rock Diffuser Necklace: get the benefits of aromatherapy (and fashion;) outside of your home! I absolutely love my two olani necklaces. I love their geometric and modern look, and the fact that I can basically wear a small diffuser. I'll take that over toxic perfume any day. Check out their fun options and let me know which one you picked out for yourself or friends! Use code AWHOLEHEALTHLIFE to save!
Beautycounter Countertime Radiant Skin Set: This radiance-boosting set is the AGE-DEFYING gift that keeps on giving. The best-selling Countertime Tripeptide Radiance Serum visibly increases skin’s firmness and elasticity, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Massage it into your skin with our Turn Back Time Facial Roller, which boosts the benefits of our plant-derived Retinatural Complex (think visibly firming, age-defying results)—and creates a moment of spa-like bliss anytime, anywhere. Yes, please. It's like a gua sha stone that rolls naturally over the skin. Everything is 15% off right now.
Book | More than a Mom: For all the mommas out there who are feeling a little weary and need a good laugh and some girlfriend encouragement and wisdom -- this book is for YOU. My dear friend and *author* Ashley Carbonatto wrote this book, and the reviews are in. Seriously — Ashley is relatable and hilarious (in person and in her book)-- and her words are incredibly encouraging for the beautiful and challenging journey of Motherhood. I can attest that she is real and funny — and has the desire that women don’t feel alone in the day to day of motherhood. A gift for you and all your momma friends! You can find Ashley on instagram at @ashley_carbo.
Book | Becoming and Beholding: another book that every woman thirsty for Truth needs in her life. Ruth Chou Simons makes scripture come to life with her beautiful drawings and authentic, raw words of encouragement. This pairs perfectly with that morning cup of joe or matcha as you snuggle with a blanket by the fire. Ruth keeps it real while also always bringing her readers back to what truly matters. I could sit cozied up with this book for hours, just resting in peace and Truth. You can find Ruth on instagram at @ruthchousimons.
FOR HIM (OR YOU ;)
Counterman Essentials Gift: Trying to get your man to switch over to cleaner shampoo, conditioner and deodorant? May as well wrap it up and put a bow on it. ;) I know my husband found clean soap he likes, but the hair care and deodorant situation is a bit harder. Reinvent your man's (or dad's or son’s!) grooming experience with a collection of clean necessities he can rely on. Our Sequoia Stem Cell Complex, featured in the shampoo and body wash, helps protect skin and hair from everyday stress, and The Clean Deo gives him a safer way to stay fresh all day. Everything is 15% off right now.
Casey Underwood Art Print and Decal: the men in your life will not be disappointed when they open a gift with some of Casey Underwood's art in it. Check out the incredible prints -- ranging from fish species, wild game, adventure series, etc. He has art that I'm sure would make any man happy, and would frame beautifully (I can personally attest - I love his art, too!). Casey also has a large decal (sticker) supply that would be fun for your man or your kiddos! Perfect water bottle accents. We love it all, as well as supporting this insanely talented artist and his small business. You can find Casey on instagram at @cpunderwood.
Krochet Kids Beanie: Krochet Kids is a brand and company that empowers people to rise above poverty. We love their beanies and their soft T shirts! Lots of amazing options, and you know you are supporting a company that is making a difference.
Kion Aminos: Kion Aminos Powder is a premium blend of essential amino acids in a convenient, delicious drink mix. You can the powder to ice cold water and enjoy a refreshing, low-calorie drink for fueling workouts and keeping up with your busy life. Kion aminos help you to: stay energized, boost athletic recovery and support lean muscle mass. *Use code AWHOLEHEALTHLIFE to save.
Sawyer Water Filter: This is perfect for adventuring in the great outdoors, travel, and of course emergencies. Sawyer's simple to use, effective and easily transportable systems are the most commonly used portable filtration system in natural disasters, refugee camps, and by non-profits doing development work. How cool is that? We use them for travels and longer hikes or backpacking. Also, this is not only a gift for him. ;) I have used my Sawyer multiple times this year! It's a family necessity in my opinion. If you ever lack clean water, you can find a river or lake and use this.
Sprout Living Clean Protein Powder: This protein checks all the boxes! And it tastes good. 19 grams per serving of complete vegan protein from four sources, as well as a creamy texture, rich real flavor and full-bodied sweetness with no ‘fake’ aftertaste. It's nutrient-rich superfood blend with exotic lucuma fruit and delicious vanilla bean. NO “natural” flavoring, “other ingredients” or additives whatsoever. That's a protein powder I can get behind! Wrap it up, stuff it in a stocking or make him a shake or smoothie over the holidays! *Use code AWHOLEHEALTHLIFE to save.
Darn Tough Socks: These socks are a staple in our house - and I feel like socks tend to make it into stockings! They also are unconditionally guaranteed for life. I have them included in. my Amazon Store Front for you, but you can also find them at places like REI or local adventure shops.
Alright friends, I sure hope that is helpful! Please let me know if you have any questions as you are shopping the guide. And truly, thank you for shopping my links if you choose to do so (over the holidays and always!). I think it’s a year that so many are looking to support small businesses, and I am so thankful for that — and I hope you enjoy the ones I have included here! If you end up purchasing something you (or a loved one) loves, please let me know! It brings me so much joy.
Have a cozy and wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas season, sweet friends.
May it be full of the joy, peace and hope that we all truly need!
XOXO,
Meg