1. Goe Oil // 2. Berkey Water Filter // 3. Nothing Fancy Cookbook by Alison Roman// 4. Away Bigger Carry-on Suitcase // 5. Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking by Samin Nosrat // 6. Chemex Pourover Coffee Maker // 7. Oliver VSOP Balsamic & Olive Oil Gift Set // 8. Thrive Market Membership // 9. Electronic Travel Organizer Case // 10. Diptique Baies Candle // 11. The Health Habit by Elizabeth Rider // 12. Acupressure Sleep Mat
Whats more fun than giving someone a great gift? I know! Giving someone the perfect gift.
To me, the perfect gift has nothing to do with how much it costs. The perfect gift is one of two things. Its either 1) something that the person really wants but cant fit into their budget, or 2) something that someone would genuinely enjoy but probably wouldnt buy for themselves.
A few Christmases ago my family decided to only gift experiences over things. Because really, I prefer to give (and receive) experiences over things. Tickets to a show, a day at the Childrens Museum, a spa date, or even a splurge on travel all create cherished memories and lasting joy. BUT, there were a handful of items I knew people would enjoy and I decided that gifting experiences and physical things can healthily coexist. So, while that was fun for one year, Im back to gifting both things and experiences.
I just took a list at the gift guide I wrote last year and still love every single thing on the listeverything there would make an awesome gift this year. I still love sleeping on my Slip pillowcase every night and use every item on that list. Check it out here for even more ideas after you read this post.
For this year, here is a list of things that Im absolutely loving to give you some ideas if youre in need of the perfect gift. This post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own; some of the links here are affiliate links that help pay for this blog.
Elizabeths 2019 Holiday Gift Guide
1. Goe Oil
OMG I love this stuff. Goe Oil by Jao is an all-purpose, all-natural balm and moisturizer made of 28 plant, fruit and flower oils, and butters. It smells absolutely divine and a little goes a long way. Its fast-absorbing so I used it on my hands and cuticles, and sometimes use it on my arms as a light perfume. I first discovered it a few years ago at Spruce & Honey in Bozeman, MT, so look for it in local boutiques. Or, you can find it at Anthropology online here.
2. Berkey Water Filter
So this might not seem like a super sexy gift, but its the gift that keeps on giving. Berkey water filters are known to be the best gravity water purification systems available. What I love about them is that 1) they filter water better than anything else, and 2) the filters last for years so its more economical and less work to use one once you have it set up. The Berkeys black filtration element is a combination of micro-pores, which traps harmful contaminants like bacteria, and revolutionary material with adsorption and ion exchange properties that essentially attract molecules and viruses to the media, preventing them from passing into your drinking water. You can read more about how it works on their website. You can pick one up there, at many online stores, or on Amazon here. I have The Big Berkey on my counter and use it every day.
3. Nothing Fancy Cookbook by Alison Roman
This cookbook is fantastic! Alison Roman is an NYT Cooking columnist and chef, and her new book is simply excellent. I highly recommend it. Get it here.
4. Away Bigger Carry-On Suitcase
File this suitcase under expensive-but-worth-it. If you travel often (or are looking for a gift for someone who does) this is a must-have. Somehow, theyve engineered a carry-on that fits a weeks worth of stuff. I recently went to Miami for 5 days with 5 pairs of shoes, outfits for dinner, beach, and daytime and still had room for my toiletries and hairdryer. This suitcase is incredible (and they are not paying me to say it!) I use my Bigger Carry-On every time I travel. GET $20 OFF HERE!
5. Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking by Samin Nosrat
Another excellent book, this one is perfect for anyone who loves science and loves to cook. Its fascinating, educational, and so well done. Get it here.
6. Chemex Pour-Over Coffee Maker
I use my Chemex every time I want a cup of coffee. For one, its beautiful and looks nice on the counter. And two, pour-over coffee just tastes better. I love that this is glass to avoid the plastic that is in so many coffee makers (and dont even get me started on those individual plastic coffee pods!). You can pick up a Chemex at just about any home store or on Amazon here.
7. Oliver VSOP Balsamic & Olive Oil Gift Set
This balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil set is such a treat! It comes from Napa Valley and is a Williams-Sonoma exclusive. It makes a wonderful gift for someone who already has everything. The company describes the vinegar as a superior-quality aged balsamic imported from Modena that is slowly reduced and intensified in French oak barrels to produce full-bodied, sweet and well-balanced flavor. Use it to add depth to pan sauces, braised meats or stews, or drizzle over grilled vegetables, fresh fruit or ice cream. The Arbequina extra virgin olive oil is sweet and nutty with hints of almond and melon. Its bright, fruity flavor makes it ideal for sauting and sauces. I love them together on salads. Get it here.
8. Thrive Market Membership
Thrive Market is an online natural grocery store that cuts out the middleman to bring consumers the best prices. They have many brands that youd find at natural grocery stores, and their own Thrive Market brand that lists 18 values on each product so you know that you can trust it. I love that Thrive saves people money, and love even more that they gift a membership to a family in need every time a membership is purchased. I use Thrive Market for just about all pantry essentials like vinegar, condiments, nuts, superfood seeds, and non-perishables, so my trips to the grocery store are mostly for produce, meat & fish, and things in the chilled sections. GET 25% OFF your first order here.
9. Travel Cord Organizer Case
This little case seems so simple, yet it makes a huge difference to keep your sanity while traveling. No one likes untangling all of the cords in their bag. This little inexpensive case has been a lifesaver, and everyone who Ive gifted it to loves it. Grab it here.
10. Diptique Baies Candle
When in doubt, get someone a fancy candle. Last year I included the Capri Blue Volcano candle (the staple scent that makes Anthropologie smell so good). Diptique is a luxury brand from Paris that makes high-quality, long-burning candles. They are expensive and definitely a luxury gift. I received the Baies (berry) candle as a gift and its incredibleits such a treat! Find it here online or at Nordstrom in the US.
11. The Health Habit by Elizabeth Rider
(Shameless book plug alert.) What would my gift guide be if I didnt include my own book? The Health Habit is a healthy lifestyle book for anyone who is over diet culture and just wants to be healthy! It comes with a 28-day healthy kickstart plan and 50 recipes to get you started. You can read more about it and order your copy here. (And, Amazon has amazing holiday pricing on it here!)
12. Acupressure Sleep Mat
Ive been using one of these for about six months and love it. Ive also been meaning to write a more in-depth post about it, so look for that soon. Essentially, you lie down on your back on this and the hundreds of little sharp points hit dozens of acupressure points that can induce calm and sleep. I know it may sound a little strange, but it (usually) works! For me, Id say it makes me fall asleep faster 4 out of 5 times I use it. Im not sure why it doesnt always work (stress? hormones?) but I really do like it and use it often. Its a fun and unexpected gift for anyone into wellness who might not fall asleep easily. You can grab one on Amazon here.
13. Experiences
Like I mentioned at the top of this post, gifting experiences is also always a sure bet. My favorite experiences to gift include: a spa service, tickets to a show, tickets to the zoo, tickets or membership to the local Childrens Museum, or if youre pulling out all the stops, tickets for a weekend away to someplace the recipient hasnt ever been.
Have more ideas? Please, share!
Id love to hear from you! If you have a suggestion or have given or received the perfect gift, tell us in the comments to inspire other readers.
Happy Gift Giving!
The post Elizabeths Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on Elizabeth Rider - Health Coach, Author, TV Host & Wellness Expert.
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