My Holiday Gift Guide (2022)

Of course, the holidays are about more than gifts, but the gift-giving part can be pretty great, too. Here are a few of my favorite, *mostly* practical things that bring joy to my life and will hopefully spark ideas for those on your holiday list this year. 

And don't you worry... I took this list very seriously. These are all items I either own or have experience with. I truly love everything on this list!

Some of the items are under $50 and others are worth the splurge!

1. Vitamix. Nothing compares to a Vitamix! We tried many before splurging on this one, and we've never looked back.

2. Lomi Indoor Composter. No space to compost? No problem. This indoor composter is compact and turns your leftovers into compost in less than 24 hours. You can compost any leftovers as long as there are no bones or pits. A bit of a splurge initially, but you'll save over time purchasing compost or hiring a service. I love ours!

3. Oura Ring. My husband and I gifted these to each other last year, and I've been obsessed ever since. I love that it focuses on sleep optimization, helps me track my cycle  and it's less bulky and in-your-face a a fitness watch. The link includes a $50 for the first five people to use it.

4. Pranamat ECO. An acupuncture for muscle relaxation and nervous system regulation. Looks like torture, but it's truly a great calming tool for your wellness toolbox.

5. Instant Pot. My Instant Pot saves me weekly. It's the go-to for when I forget to defrost meat.

6. Squatty Potty. Give the gift of a great bowel movement! The Squatty Potty helps you sit for a more efficient, complete poop and less straining. It's truly the gift that keeps on giving.

7. Ice Roller: I treated myself to this for my birthday, and it's truly worth it. The quality is top-notch, it holds the cold very well, and it feels sooo good. My soothing go-to when I have a headache. 

8. Air Fryer. Yes, they're worth the hype. We love ours and have gifted it!

9. Meditation Pillow. I use mine for breath work or just sitting on the floor with my kids. 

10. Ooler Temperature Control Mattress Cover. It took us 13 years of marriage to figure out we require much different temperatures for comfortable sleep. It was a splurge, but totally worth it. I closely track my sleep quality using my Oura ring, and I saw significant improvements overnight. 

More affordable (but also life-changing) smaller things:

1. Non-Toxic Nail Polish: Always a great gift option to add to the color collection.

2. Stasher Bag: A more sustainable option for food and anything storage. Also great for the freezer!

3. Green Pan Cookware. My favorite economical, non-toxic, non-stick cookware. Not great for super high heat, but a staple in our house for eggs, pancakes, chicken or reheating leftovers.

4. 5-Minute Journal. Journaling in as little as five minutes a day can change your life. This is a great one for the beginner who needs prompts.

5. Sleep Mask. Any bit of light can mess with your sleep. I sleep with my eye mask every night and pack it with me whenever I travel.

6. Fermentation Lids. These lids make fermenting a breeze. No burping required.

7. Glass Straws. Up-level any beverage with these glass straws. I'm also a big fan that they're clear so I can see if they're clean. Don't worry, we've dropped them multiple times and none of them have shattered. 

8. Instant Meat Thermometer. When they say "instant," they're not kidding. We appreciate it most for quick cooking proteins. No time wasted waiting. Anyone who uses it ends up wanting them for themselves.

9. Thin Veggie Slicer. You didn't know you needed beautifully thin, uniform slices of cucumbers or carrots until you experience this tool... because who wants to bust out the mandoline slicer for a salad? No one. Just watch your hand.🙂

10. Sea Salt Pinch Pot: Cute and functional countertop storage for pure sea salt.

Lastly, gift certificates can seem boring, but I love getting them for experiences I feel can sometimes feel guilty spending my money on or are the first to get cut out of the budget. Here are a few of my favorite types of gift certificates:

1. Massages and/or facials

2. Local restaurants, shops or farms

3. Clothing rentals, like Rent the Runway or Nuuly

4. Fitness, yoga or meditation apps (I love, love, love Evlo Fitness)

5. Pre-made meal service or meal kits. Daily Harvest, Balanced Bites (they also have excellent spice blends that make great gifts), Trifecta, Factor, Green Chef and Home Chef are my favorites. Most communities also have a local chef offering this type of service. Support local when you can!

Happy holidays to you and your loved ones!

Kristi