One of my favorite posts of the year is the holiday gift guide. Most likely because I love scanning them as well. Plus, does anyone else have a hard time coming up with unique gift ideas? This is just one great way to find small companies or unique gifts that you can gift in love.
On today’s podcast, I share my top 10 brands {plus I share some more insight into my recent Lyme Disease diagnosis – it’s a special edition of breakfast with Alexa}. Take a listen and learn through my own words why I like these companies.
Listen on iTunes | Listen on Stitcher | Listen on Google Play | Review the Podcast
But inside this post, I share those brands with an additional list of gift ideas for those who are hard to buy for, stocking stuffers and a few more. So let’s get started:
my go-to gift brands
This is the list of those brands I love nearly everything they provide. Not just one unique gift but the entire collection. Each is unique and would make a great gift for anyone.
Sunlighten Saunas
One of the most healing tools I use is an infrared sauna. As I go through this healing journey, I can honestly say the sauna alone takes away the joint pain, reduces skin irritation and provides with so much energy. You can learn more about the benefit in this post but if you had to give yourself a gift this holiday season – this is it!
Plus they’re giving you $200 off your purchase with the mention of my name {ALEXA} at checkout. Check out my favorite Sauna here.
BoWood Company
I’m a little biased, considering my husband and brother-in-law own the company and create each handmade item. But they are the best. Plus the days of plastic cutting boards and utensils are gone. This year consider the gift of wooden kitchen wear – and if you want to go a bit bigger, how about a custom hand-made coffee table or dining room table {definitely on my wish list}.
You can get 20% off your entire order through December 31st, 2018 using code SIMPLEROOTS at checkout. Click here to check out their products.
CocoKind Skincare
I’m always on the hunt for a good and safe skincare brand. While I know there are many out there, I was also seeking something more budget friendly. This year I found exactly that and what is easily becoming my favorite of all time. Cocokind skincare not only has safe products but unique ones including these chlorophyll bath bombs {WHAT?!?} Here are some of my favorite products from them.
- Chia Facial Oil
- Basic Beauty Set
- Highlighter Set
- Holiday Bundle: Chlorophyll Bath Bombs + Winter Melon All Over OIl
Dear Mushka
Dear Mushka has been on my gift guide for the last three years. I have loved them since I found them. Each piece of jewelry isn’t just beautiful, but it comes with a purpose. Each unique piece holds a Bible verse to hold fast to the reminders of God’s goodness. You can’t go wrong. Plus they came out with a kid’s line and my kids are asking for these. Here are my favorite finds:
- Carried Bracelet
- Essential Small Hexagon
- Ambassador Necklace
- Promise Pack – Scripture Memorization Set
Nourished Planner
Of course, I’m biased to this one, but who doesn’t love a good paper product at Christmas. The Nourished Planner is more than just a planner, but I’d even call it a guided journal helping you to become a better version of yourself every day. For so many of us, we wish for bigger and better things, but we don’t quite know how to take steps to get there. This is it, your tool and guide to help you live life more every day. Plus – your friends and family will love it.
Get your own Nourished Planner using code SIMPLEROOTS for 20% off your order. Click here to get one and gift one.
Book of the Month Club
A great idea would be to send a book of the month. Whether it’s one you’ve read or one you want to read, hoping on Amazon and shipping a book each month to a loved one is a gift that keeps on giving. Here are twelve of my favorite books I’ve read this year:
- Remember God by Annie Downs
- Fierce Faith by Alli Worthington
- Hope in the Dark by Craig Groeschel
- Becoming by Michelle Obama
- Headstrong by Dave Asprey
- Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
- The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D.
- Mind Hacking by Sir John Hargrave
- Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado
- The Anti-Inflammatory Cookbook by
Other Subscription Ideas
Subscriptions are the gifts that keep on giving. Here are my favorite subscription services that I use.
- Give the gift of health all year with this bone broth subscription.
- Bacon subscription – need I say more?
- Thrive Market the Costco version of Amazon getting all the health deals without leaving your house.
- Chatbooks to keep your memories right in front of you all year long.
Fashion Brands
The last few years I’ve taken more of a minimalist approach to fashion. Less is more, and in buying less, that means I can spend a little bit more on items that I love and will last. Here are a few sustainable fashion brands I love.
- My all-time favorite shirt comes from NOVAA – a brand that works to empower women. Seriously, their clothes are the comfiest ever!
- I have a pair of boots and flats on my Christmas wish list from this site Able.com
- Elevate sells the best bags! High quality + a good mission.
Fitness Enthusiast
For the person who loves to workout {even if it doesn’t make sense to you} will love these items.
- A trigger-point foam roller with free online tutorials on how to use it. {$}
- This acupuncture mat to help with healing and muscle definition. {$$}
- A massage tool to help break down fascia to smooth muscle and increase healing. {$$$}
- The new TRX workout ball. {$}
- A healing and muscle toning vibration plate {$$$}
Health Enthusiast
Any health enthusiast loves to get gifts that help to strengthen and rejuvenate their bodies. Here are my picks.
- The one kitchen gadget I use every single day and couldn’t live without, my Vitamix {which I must say I like better then Blendtec}. {$$$}
- You can never have too many diffusers – I like the looks of this one. {$}
- You could top that diffuser off with an essential oil kit or get this spa kit for someone who loves oils. {$$}
- Doesn’t every health enthusiast love a good bread without all the preservatives? This company delivers handmade gluten-free, allergen-friendly loaves of artisan bread. {$}
- Loose leaf teas are all the rage – and for a good reason. You could get this electric tea kettle that brews the best teas. {$$$}
- Or a less expensive tea steeper that I also love. {$}
- Who doesn’t love the soft orange glow of a salt lamp? For everyone and anyone. {$}
Gifts to Self
- While you could certainly gift this, it may be best to gift it to yourself. The pelvic floor strengthener and the best way to get abs. Use code ALEXA at checkout for $25 off + Free Shipping. {$$}
- I’ll promo it again, but it’s my healing mechanism of choice – the Sunlighten sauna. {$$$}
Hard to buy for
For those people who are hard to buy for, here are some great gift ideas.
- The DNA test that shows you’re heritage making it a great talking point around the holidays. {$} – 23 and Me
- If they already have their DNA test, this is a really interesting site to dive in further for food + lifestyle recommendations using your DNA information. {$} DNA FIT
- For the phone enthusiast – check out this portable printer to get pictures printed on the go. {$$}
- I can’t get enough of these glasses, and the importance is even more significant. Even if they’re not into health, they make a pretty awesome gift. {$}
- You can get a more stylish version of the glasses here. {$}
- We’re learning more and more about EMF radiation and magnets to block it make a great gift. From less expensive phone magnets to laptop defender pads, they make great gifts for anyone. {$, $$}
Stocking Stuffers:
The little gifts that make great stocking stuffers.
- Who doesn’t love a new water bottle? I love this one.
- A new hair-tie that is cute and stays in place.
- I’m all about lymphatic movement, and this dry brush has made all the difference.
- I recently started using a jade roller and love it – the perfect unique stocking stuffer.
- You could also do a glass roller ball with essential oils for a stocking stuffer combo?
- These compression socks had made a massive difference in how my feet feel.
Gifts for Kids
Of course, we can’t forget the kiddos. My kids love active gifts, and so do I.
- Boogie Boards: you can take them in the car or play with them at home without a mess. {$}
- Clearly, I have girls – but they rave over art stuff like this massive kit. {$}
- For kids who like to build – these provide something a little different than legos. {$$}
- An air hog – fly it with your hand as it sense’s your child’s movements. {$}
- The new version of a Polaroid camera. {$}
- Because all kids love to hang and climb – this ninja line is on my girls Christmas list. {$$}
wishlist
Of course, there is a ton more I could add to the list, like making memories through an outdoor adventure or taking your mom to a spa day. But of course, we’re keeping it short and sweet with the unique gifts I’ll be purchasing this year. Merry Christmas and happy gift giving!
