Looking for holiday gifts to make your loved ones happy and healthy? Look no further! I have compiled some of my favorites to keep your shopping season simple. And they are all super practical!
(Time-sensitive Black Friday & Cyber Monday deals/coupon codes included)
Beauty Products
When I started learning about the toxins in common cosmetics, I became terrified. About six years ago, I discovered the Environmental Working Group’s website. I began looking up the products I was using only to find out that the SPF 50 Neutrogena facial moisturizer I had been wearing to protect against skin cancer had ingredients that caused…guess what…CANCER!
So I began my search for healthier alternatives and below I share some of my absolute favorites!
Ganache for Lips Chocolate Orange Chapstick– $6.50
I first discovered this chap stick at the Scharffen Berger chocolate factory in Berkeley, California. I have no idea whether the factory is still there, but this chap stick is still my favorite! I remember finding this gem of a chap stick in the gift shop. It is made with pure ingredients that you could literally eat- sweet almond oil, apricot oil, beeswax, shea butter, vitamin E, orange oil, cocoa extract, rosemary extract, and REAL Scharrffen Berger chocolate. And unlike many chap sticks that leave you reaching for them again thirty minutes later, this product is truly moisturizing. It is quite the indulgence, making it the perfect holiday gift.
Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub– $18.88
I typically apply it to my skin without water. Then, I use small circular motions to clean out the pores all over my face, followed by rinsing with cold water to close up the cleaned pores. It leaves my skin feeling smooth and it seems to also help diminish acne scarring.
It feels like going to get a facial, only at a fraction of the cost!
Dragonfly Traditions Natural Deodorant– $6
(Use coupon code “Bridgetown10” to receive 10% off your order)
Have you ever looked at the ingredients in your deodorant? They’re terrifying…especially if you research them. I used to wear Degree Clinical Protection because I wanted the strongest stuff out there for preventing sweat and stank. Until I learned that the active ingredient was aluminum…a neurotoxin. Not to mention the fragrance that can contribute to allergies, immunotoxicity, and more.
But finding a natural deodorant that works is tough. After six years of searching, I finally found a brand that not only smells amazing, but is powerful, doesn’t leave white residue on your clothes, is easy to apply, and doesn’t cause white streaks to drip down your arm in the middle of yoga class.
I highly recommend giving Dragonfly Traditions Natural Deodorant a try and gifting it to your loved ones to protect their health as well! But you might want to save this gift for someone close to you! Don’t want to offend them by accidentally sending a message that they are stinky!
Fitness
Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat– $27.75
(25% off Black Friday only)
There’s nothing quite as off-putting as taking deep inhalations of your toxic yoga mat. There is just something about it that doesn’t feel healthy. But when many people start off doing yoga, they either don’t know better or are hesitant to invest in a good mat, and end up buying the cheap toxic one. An eco-friendly mat can be the perfect upgrade for your yogi friend’s yoga practice.
Foam Roller– $18.99
This thing is like your own personal massage therapist (almost!). I was originally recommended to get one by a physical therapist for my back pain. I use it on a daily (or at least weekly) basis for relieving muscle tension. It works great for the neck, back, IT bands, quads, hips, and gluts. It works by mobilizing the fascia that surrounds your muscles. I consider it a self-care essential.
TrekDesk– $499
It is hard to find time for physical activity. I get it. The demands of our society make it challenging to pursue a career, eat well, be there for your family, and still have time to exercise. But the company that created the TrekDesk is making it a bit easier, especially if you are someone who ever works from home on the computer. It fits on nearly any existing treadmill. But please note: this product does not come with a treadmill.
Household
Ceramic Teapot w/ Infuser (meaning it is suitable for loose leaf tea)- $34.38
A teapot is one of my secrets for drinking enough fluids…and saving money! I find that the yummy taste of tea is much more enjoyable than water. Plus, this ceramic tea pot keeps the tea warm, so I can enjoy the warmth of the tea when it is freezing cold outside, without having to heat more water.
Are you wondering how a teapot saves me money? Well, here’s how- let’s say a tea bag costs $0.25. Normally, one would use 1 tea bag for about 8 ounces of water, letting the tea steep for 3 minutes, then discarding the bag. That’s $0.25 per cup of tea. Instead, I use 3 tea bags for 54 ounces of water (using this tea pot) and let them steep longer (something that is difficult to do with a single cup due to the limited size of a mug). The water gets the same amount of flavor, without the cost. Each cup of tea ends up costing half as much!!
Life Factory BPA-Free Water Bottle– $18.75
I have had my Life Factory water bottle for three years now and absolutely love it. Previously, I used stainless steel water bottles as my way to avoid BPA, but I found them hard to clean and I hated the metal taste. When I considered switching to a Life Factory glass water bottle, I was a bit hesitant because I was afraid that being glass, it would break easily. But I have got to tell you, this thing has amazed me.
I use it literally every day and have for three years now. I have watched it tumble to the concrete several times and miraculously no glass has shattered. It is cute, dishwasher-safe, easy to carry around, and has become a necessity in my life. Plus, it has saved me enough money from avoiding single-use water bottles that I could have purchased one of these several times over.
19-Piece Snapware Leakproof Storage Containers– $44.88
These are the absolute best tupperware containers out there. Switching from plastic to glass is crucial if you are going to be heating your foods. Plastic containers leach harmful chemicals into your food- ew!
I like this set because the containers are completely leak proof. Plus, they are stackable which frees up fridge space- a major need when you are living a healthy lifestyle. Because healthy lifestyle = lots of healthy food to store!
Bamboo Essential Oil Diffuser– $32.99
Don’t forget to order some essential oils to go along with this gift.
Food & Drink
Sunburst Superfoods– price varies by product
(25% off with coupon code CYBERWEEK16 through 11/29/16)
I love this company. They sell a wide range of high-quality super foods. What are super foods, you ask? They are highly nutrient dense foods that promote health and well-being. They are typically rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
One of my favorite products this company sells is their Raw Cacao Butter. I use it to make dark chocolate mint truffles for my family as holiday gifts. These chocolates are super simple and melt in your mouth good. My family thinks I could sell them. Perhaps I will just have to share the recipe instead!
Art of Tea Sampler Pack– $25
(25% off through Sunday at 11:59 PM)
My day to day teas are usually from Trader Joe’s to keep costs low (I drink a lot of tea!), but there is nothing more satisfying than a mug of quality, delicious tea from Art of Tea. I find that it can be the perfect strategy for curbing my sweet tooth. Plus, it makes me feel fancy and spoiled- just what you want in a gift!
Mail Order Spice Subscription– less than $9/month
Wouldn’t it be nice if you got to travel around the world via spices in your food? There is this awesome company called Raw Spice Bar that does just that by allowing you to gift a subscription of their spices. Every month, they send you (or the person you gifted) several unique spice blends with recipe ides for using those spices. It is the perfect gift for a busy person who likes to cook for a hobby, but doesn’t have the time to constantly think of new ways to spice things up!
Cookbook- Food As Medicine Everyday– $29.95
This cookbook was created by two naturopathic physicians who teach in the Food As Medicine Everyday (FAME) program at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM- that’s where I went to school!). The cookbook was just released earlier this year- it is full of recipes based on real, whole foods. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for practical, nutritious recipes.
Personal Health
iHealth Portable Glucometer– $16.95 ($9.95 with coupon code)
(Use coupon code BG41 through Cyber Monday- limited quantity available at discounted price)
This product is a glucose meter that plugs into your smartphone (iOS or Android) and tracks your measurements. Although a glucometer is typically used by those with diabetes, it can also be a useful tool for those without the disease.
That’s because unstable blood sugar levels are often intricately tied to conditions such as fatigue, mood imbalance, and sleep disruption. Measuring your own blood sugar levels around meal times and throughout the day can help you be your own health detective. It’s the perfect gift for troubleshooting personal health.
Ubiome Microbiome Testing– $399 $89 special
(Black Friday deal- get 5 sites analyzed for the price of 1 using coupon code 5FOR1BF16)
This is the perfect gift for the health nerd in your family. The simple test (completed at home) analyzes the microorganisms living in/on various parts of your body- gut, skin, mouth, nose, genitals. Then it provides you a report comparing your sample to others who have done the test. I have done the test and found it fascinating to search through research learning about the various species living in/on my body.
New Year, New You Sugar Detox– $30 $15 (2 for 1 early bird special)
(Purchase a “gift certificate” of the New Year, New You Sugar Detox by Dec 1st, 2016 to receive admission for two for the price of one)
I will be facilitating a sugar detox program for the new year (January 2017). Give the gift of wellness and receive free access to the program for yourself.
The program will include the following components:
- Daily guidance by me (Riley Wimminger, MScN, nutritionist)
- Private 20-minute phone call with me prior to the 1st day of the program to discuss your health concerns & receive a personalized supplement recommendation
- 21 days of no added sweeteners + limited fruit
- 7 days of “healthy” amount of sugar
- Gain intricate knowledge of the health impacts of excess sugar
- 50+ recipes (sugar-free, gluten-free, and mostly dairy-free)
- Access to private Facebook group for support
- Product suggestions and lifestyle tips
- Daily inspirational quotes
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