Holiday Gift Ideas: 2018 Edition

I’ve always enjoyed giving holiday gifts for loved ones, and just the same have always appreciated receiving thoughtful gifts. However, holiday gifting became tough for me as I became more health conscious. It also became more challenging for my family members who no longer knew what to give me for the holidays…

In previous years, I would bake holiday cookies and send them in tins to friends, family members, and work colleagues. I would get my husband the latest cologne or take him to the latest trendy restaurant. I would often buy candy and other sweets for everyone as stocking stuffers. Family members never had a hard time picking out gifts for me… I loved scented everything!

But then in 2011, I started to learn about how many of the common things in my life were affecting my health and exacerbating my Hashimoto’s.

• The sugar in the candy and cookies was causing blood sugar imbalances.
• The gluten and dairy in the baked goods were causing my acid reflux, diarrhea, and carpal tunnel.
• The perfumes, colognes, and lotions were filled with endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

And once you know something, you can’t “unknow it”. I didn’t feel right getting them things that I learned to be detrimental to one’s health. But being health conscious doesn’t mean we can’t give or receive fun holiday gifts! It does mean we have to be a bit more creative though…

In this article, I share some fun ideas for gifts you can give (or receive yourself). You’ll find gift ideas for:

• Your new year health goals
• Relaxation
• Foods and snacks
• Fashion and beauty
• The healthy chef

Feel free to forward this list to a loved one or treat yourself—you deserve it!

For Your 2018 Health Goals!

• The Hashimoto’s Self-Management Program – Get ahead of your New Year’s goal by enrolling in my self-management course and taking a deep, focused dive into addressing Hashimoto’s.
• Rootcology AI Paleo Protein – When a Christmas gift can help you meet your New Year’s goals, we have a clear winner! Rootcology AI Paleo Protein will help you start your day with a blood sugar balancing smoothie like my Root Cause Green Smoothie.
• Rootcology Adrenal Support – We all know the holidays can be stressful… Rootcology Adrenal Support has a blend of adrenal adaptogens that help you tolerate stress (read: annoying family members) better.
• AquaTru – Fluoride is a common thyroid toxin that can be found in a substance that we consume daily—drinking water. For this reason, I was so excited when I learned about the one-of-a-kind AquaTru countertop reverse osmosis water filter, as it’s the only countertop filter that removes fluoride from our tap water. I keep this water filter in my bathroom.
• AirDoctor – As you’re breathing deeply to stay calm (and healthy!) throughout the hectic holiday season, make sure that it’s clean air by using this incredible air filter. This filter is fantastic for people with asthma and allergies, or those who just want to reduce their exposure to toxins. I have this filter in my bedroom!
• Air purifying plants – A study conducted by NASA found that some indoor plants can help reduce airborne toxins like formaldehyde. Sansevieria, spider plants, aloe veras, bamboo palms, and peace lilies make beautiful gifts that are sure to brighten up any home! (Note: Plants have wonderful air-purifying qualities but some can be toxic to dogs, cats or children. If you have pets or children in your home, be sure to check plants for toxicity before purchasing, and place them out of reach if necessary.)
• Blue Light Therapy – Don’t let the winter blues get you down! Blue light therapy has been clinically shown to reduce the winter blues and give you more energy in the winter. This little device got me through the tough Chicago winters and rainy days in Amsterdam—like a beach in a box!
• Yoga lessons – Yoga is one of my favorite ways to sweat out toxins and stay fit! Ask your local yoga instructor if you can purchase gift certificates for private or group yoga lessons that you can attend with a friend. You can also sign up for online yoga and meditation courses from Yogaglo. Their videos can be watched from the comfort of your home—no studio required!
• The Thyroid Secret DVD Set – Cuddle up by the fire and watch these groundbreaking interviews!
• Taking multiple supplements and medications can get a little tricky to track without a pill organizer. Never wonder: “Did I already take my pills this morning?” again!
• Gifts of Knowledge – It seems that everywhere we turn, there’s someone else that has been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s or another thyroid condition. One of the greatest gifts that I can offer you are my books, Hashimoto’s: The Root Cause and Hashimoto’s Protocol, that I poured my heart into and divulged all my knowledge that I’ve gained through my professional career and personal Hashimoto’s journey. If you haven’t picked them up for yourself, consider doing it now—for your health’s sake! If you know someone who is still trying to find their way through this maze of an autoimmune condition, gift one to them (or loan them your copy!). If you’re more of an audiobook person, I’m excited to say that you can listen to Hashimoto’s Protocol wherever you are!

Gifts of Relaxation

• Treat a loved one (or yourself!) to a day of relaxation! I love the in-home massages from Zeel on-demand. Massage therapists show up at your house with a massage table! Get a same-day, in-home massage with a few taps of the Zeel app, or book via their website. You can use my personal Zeel invite code, 9qa2, and get $25 off your first Zeel Massage! (They also do gift certificates.) Spa Finder is another great resource to find someplace local, and they offer gift certificates.
• Sleep Sound Machine – This one adapts to the noise level in your environment, so it’s especially useful for those near busy streets or loud cities.
• Blackout Mask – We know that sleeping in complete darkness is best for a good night’s sleep. Even better if you pair it with your sound machine! It also comes in a whole bunch of fun colors.
• Bath Bombs – It’s time for a little relaxation during (or after!) all the excitement. Pamper yourself with these non-toxic, gluten free and vegan bath goodies after a long day.
• Epsom Salts – Soaking in an Epsom Salt bath is one of the most effective means of making the magnesium your body needs readily available. (You can read more about the importance of having sufficient magnesium levels and the benefits of Epsom salt baths here.) Throw some salts into a decorative mason jar and you’ll have a fabulous gift that your friends are sure to enjoy! What could be better than gifting a relaxing spa day at home?
• Blue Blockers – These nighttime glasses aren’t pretty, but they can help block the blue light from electronics (TV, computer, phones) as well as support melatonin production and one’s circadian rhythm.
• Jade Roller or Jade Gua Sha Tool – A Chinese medicine method for lymphatic drainage of the face.
• Journal – This is a great gift to encourage self-reflection and self-care. I’m a fan of the ones with pretty covers like these. Ones with vegan leather-bound covers are great too! I also love the Five-Minute Journal—it helps you cultivate gratitude and banish negativity from your life, and only takes five minutes to fill out each day.
• Car Essential Oil Diffuser – This USB diffuser can make anything smell better with the help of natural essential oils!
• Essential Oil Diffuser – Love the smell but not the toxins of conventional perfumes? Essential oil diffusers are a healthier option to make your home smell lovely! You can use your diffuser with your favorite essential oils like frankincense, rose, and lavender. Lavender is especially calming. (Note: Some pets, babies, and individuals may be sensitive to certain essential oils. If you experience any adverse reactions, please discontinue using them.)
• Tea mugs – Help make drinking herbal tea even better with a special cup that brings a smile to their face while they enjoy their beverage.

Gifts of Healthy Foods & Snacks

• Rootcology Protein Powders – Having a protein packed smoothie in the morning can help kick off our daily nutrition and keep our blood sugar balanced. Rootcology AI Paleo Protein is a great-tasting hypoallergenic option for those on an Autoimmune Paleo diet, and it comes in a vanilla flavored version for those that prefer some additional, natural flavor. Rootcology also offers vanilla flavored Organic Pea Protein for those looking for a vegan friendly source of protein that has high bioavailability and excellent digestibility. I love adding Rootcology protein powder to my daily green smoothies.
• Paleo Valley Grass Fed Beef Snack Sticks – These are one of my go-to snacks when I’m in a hurry or traveling. I always try to carry one with me wherever I go.
• Tea Infuser – This is so simple but, for me, has made making loose leaf tea way more enjoyable and has a very easy clean up compared to other infusers.
• Pique Tea Crystals – These cold brew tea crystals contain twelve times the amount of antioxidants found in regular tea bags. Plus, they are very convenient for traveling, as they come in packets and can be brewed in hot or cold water. I have been absolutely loving these antioxidant-rich teas, and my friends at Pique Tea are offering 14% off + free shipping on their exclusive Gift of Health bundle this holiday season. If you’re a tea enthusiast, these may just “pique” your interest!
• Vital Choice Gift Certificates – If fish is your choice of meat, this is an incredible option that makes finding healthy fish as easy as clicking a button.
• The Flavor Chef (The Brothery) Gift Certificates – Warm your insides with this delicious bone broth. Drink it plain or use it in your favorite soup. Autoimmune-friendly options are available.
• Dry Farm Wines Gift Cards – Dry Farm Wines works around the clock to source the healthiest wines out there. They are organic, low in sulfites, low in sugar and still delicious. The company even claims that their wines are less likely to result in a hangover! If you’re going to have some white, red or #roséallday, you may as well go with the healthy option, right?
• Desert Farms Camel Milk – Camel milk has some interesting healing properties, and it’s also not reactive for most people with dairy sensitivities.
• Thrive Market Gift Cards – Discounted healthy foods shipped right to your door!
• Honey Mama’s Chocolate Bars – These bars are my newest obsession. Made with coconut meat, dark cocoa and raw honey, and blended with creative ingredients, they are gluten free, dairy free, and soy free. The lavender and peppermint flavors are my two favorites.
• La Croix Sparkling Water – A fun twist to lemon flavored water.
• Great Lakes Gelatin – Made from cattle that are pasture raised and grass-fed, this gelatin is a healthy option for your cooking needs.
• Better Batter – Baking flour that is free of the top allergens (including, of course, gluten!).
• DIY Kombucha Starter Kit – You don’t have to be intimidated any longer—this kit makes brewing kombucha fun and easy!
• That’s It fruit bars or Tanka buffalo bars – Tasty, healthy snacks to have on hand for travel days (which the holiday season is typically full of!).
• Organic Coconut Oil – Coconut oil is so versatile that this gift is great for more than just cooking!
• Fruit Infusion Pitcher – A unique and easy way to infuse some flavor into your water. Try a new combination each day!
• Digestive Bitters – Tend to feel a little bloated after meals? These bitters can help with that issue—especially useful after heavy holiday meals!
• MyFitnessPal (Premium) – Get all benefits of the standard membership plus so many more offerings to customize your fitness goals and keep track of your nutrient intake.
• Nima Gluten Sensor – Worried about getting glutened while eating out? This handy little device can sniff out gluten and warn you!

The Gifts of Fashion & Beauty

• Winter hats, scarves, gloves, PJs, blankets, robes, and comfy socks are always seasonally appropriate and serve as a perfect gift for anyone with cold intolerance. I love my cute anti-fatigue compression socks from Dr. Shams. Wearing compression socks can really help with leg cramps, circulation, and cold feet, among other things!
• Personalized fashion gifts – Rather than picking out specific clothes for someone, I love sending personalized boxes from companies that handpick clothing based on your size and personal style, then deliver them to your door. I love Stitch Fix for everyday clothes, and use Trunk Club (a Nordstrom company) for fancier things such as designer shoes, jeans, and dresses for special occasions. The best part is that you can try on the clothes at home and send back what you don’t want without driving to the store! (These are also great gifts for yourself.)
• Annmarie Skin Care Sample Kit – Struggling to find the perfect little something or are you wanting a little something special for yourself? This sample kit is great for both!
• Butter London Nail Polish – This is great for those who want to minimize their toxic exposure but still want to have pretty nails.
• Eco Lips – Yummy, organic lip balm that keeps your lips soft during the harsh winter months.
• Tangle Teezer – Tangled hair is a symptom of thyroid disease. The Tangle Teezer will get your hair untangled without the pain and needless lost hair. I use it for everyday brushing and love it for travel and those windy days.

For The Healthy Chef!

• Vitamix – This is a big ticket item that is so worth it! It’s like having your own sous chef! The Vitamix makes smoothies, soups, mashes, and nut butters, making food so much easier to digest and healthy food prep so much easier. I use mine almost daily (and so does my hubby).
• Magic Bullet or NutriBullet – I love using these little blenders for making smoothies on the go. I also take my Magic Bullet with me whenever I travel and want to avoid unhealthy hotel food.
• Juicer – The Omega Masticating juicer is a great addition to your life if you are planning on making delicious, nutrient dense juice. My mom swears that daily juicing made her hair thicker.
• Spiralizer – This is one of the funnest kitchen tools ever! Have you ever wanted to try making zucchini noodles? Experiment with this fun tool and see what different foods you can make!
• Slow Cooker – The slow cooker is an oldie but a goodie. I love dumping ingredients into the cooker, turning it on, and leaving! This is perfect to use before bed, before work, or before a dinner party. The food cooks on its own while you can do your thing!
• Pressure Cooker – This single kitchen tool has revolutionized my life in the last year. Sweet potatoes in 8 minutes—you got it! Bone broth in less than an hour—no problem! I use it for everything, from making soups and veggies, to even making homemade dog food for my hypothyroid dog Boomer. (Boomer enjoys his lamb, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Since we switched him to a home cooked diet and added some thyroid hormones, he has lost 4 pounds, has gained tons of energy, and has a beautiful shiny coat!)
• Yonanas – This is a really cool gadget for the ice cream lover in your family. Yonanas makes soft-serve ice cream from frozen bananas. You won’t believe how delicious it is until you try it!
• Digital Food Scale – Gluten free baking is a bit of an art mixed with a science—I love my kitchen scale for helping me create gluten free baked goods.
• Xtrema Cookware – Looking for safer cookware options? Xtrema’s 100 percent ceramic pots and pans are made of all-natural materials and have been proven not to leach toxic metals like lead and cadmium. They are especially fantastic alternatives to stainless steel cookware for those with nickel allergy. You can use my exclusive promo code ROOT10 to save 5% off before the end of the year.

This is the time of year where we give thanks for all that we have. I want to thank you, my wonderful readers, for allowing me to serve you on your healing journey!

I hope that these suggestions gave you some fun ideas for your friends and family, and maybe for yourself. What other gifts are on your wishlist?

For more gift ideas, check out my posts from previous years, here and here. 🙂

Note: Originally published in November 2017, this article has been revised and updated with new gift ideas.