Simply Real Health Holiday Gift Guide 2019

Last year, I began thinking about gift giving a little differently. I wanted it to be less about getting, giving, and accumulating more and more stuff, and more about impact. Living intentionally. And choosing things that help you live your healthiest life, day in and day out, month in, and month out, ALL year long. 

This time of year especially so.

To stop the noise. The pressure. And look at things with a different lens.

So many of the things that change people’s lives are free: their behaviors and attitudes. It’s exactly the work that I do over here, getting people to understand how much power they have internally to change their lives. That it starts with food, but soon shifts into a much bigger picture of how they talk to themselves, how they fuel themselves beyond food, and how they show up for their life, daily.

That process is something I always want to help and support people with: the actual betterment of their lives. And for that, there ARE some things that make the process to get there easier, more fun, more enjoyable, and way more enticing. 

So, my own gift giving this time of year goes something like this: how can I give something that will enhance, shift, encourage, and raise up the people I love so that they can feel their best too?

And this year, with nearly a whole year of motherhood under my belt and the launch of my second cookbook, well, it’s caused me to lean even more into this vision of gifting with intention.Because doing anything and everything, with as much calm and presence as possible is sort of how I get through these fast-paced, chaotic, beautiful days as of late.

So let’s get into it. These are all the gifts I have my eye on, and that will make your people feel well loved, encouraged, and inspired to live their healthiest lives. 

BEST INSPIRING BOOKS OF THE YEAR TO LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE:

The Simply Real Health Cookbook & Simply Real Eating Cookbook. I mean, duh. Aside from the fact that both are on sale for the only time they will be this year, if you don’t have these cookbooks already, or know someone that doesn’t, these are the EASY, HEALTHY BIBLES (in my humble unbiased opinion of course). The first book has 150 of the best, easiest, gluten free recipes for a healthy life, made simple, ranging from breakfast ideas, brunch ideas, smoothies, make-ahead dishes, entrees, main meals, soups, salads, healthy cocktail & desserts. It’s the best place to start. The second book is a cookbook + a healthy lifebook, teaching you how to create a healthy lifestyle that lasts, with the most important rituals in your life to help you do so (with joy). 

AND, no matter where you buy a copy, don’t forget to grab your extra book bonuses here! They’re free for anyone who purchases a book before January 4th, 2020. All you need is your order # or UPC code on the back of the book. 

And don’t forget– get 40% off the first cookbook (The Simply Real Health Cookbook) here on amazon with the code: YR37HQ6G. Good through 12/9 only, when the discount goes to 20% for the rest of December. Go grab it!

Cannelle et Vanille by Aran Goyoaga such a gorgeous book full of nourishing GF recipes for every meal, by one of the kindest humans (and another local Seattlelite too!)

Family Freezer Cookbooks: So many people ask me about crock pot recipes, and this book is the best place to start, by my friend Kelly. The mama of 5 kids (hello, what?!) she gets the need for home-cooked food and nourishing dinners, but in way less time. 

Girl Stop Apologizing: A Shame Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals by Rachel Hollis. If you’ve been living under a rock and don’t know Rachel Hollis, it’s like if Tony Robbins was 5 feet 3,  had hair extensions and 4 kids to boot. Aka, a straight-talking kick in the pants to your excuses if you’re feeling stuck in life. 

Do Less: A Revolutionary Approach to Time and Energy Management for Ambitious Women by Kate Northrup. Soo good. I’ve read all of Kate’s books, and this by far is my favorite. So great for any ambitious women, moms, working moms, etc. 

On Becoming by Michelle Obama: a fun and fascinating read about life in the white house. I’m the least political person and I loved every minute of this book. 

NATURAL BEAUTY & SELF CARE:

Primally Pure: It’s no secret that I’m totally obsessed with this brand. It’s changed my skin, my routine, and my self-care in such big ways. There is no easier way to convert people that you love into using more non-toxic skin and bodycare products than with this brand. Why? The packaging is beautiful. The scents are not overwhelming. And most of all? It actually WORKS. The starter kit and baby kit are musts if you’re new to this brand. You can’t go wrong with the face oil cleanser (a nightly spa experience at home in 3 minutes!) or their award winning natural deodorant (the only natural deod that really works) either. I am obsessed with everything though (the Everything Face Spray, Blue Tansy Beauty Cream, Dry Shampoo, Vanilla Almond Body Butter, The Baby Balm, The Baby Oil (or the Baby Starter Kit), the (new) CBD face serum, and OMG I CAN’T STOP). Use the code “simplyrealhealth” at checkout for 10% off your order!

See it all in action here, when I show you my nightly skincare routine here, new on IGTV this week!

Parachute Home Sheet Set: For someone who’s a self-proclaimed sleep queen, I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to get a grown-up pair of real sheets. Don’t get me wrong, my sooo very soft amazon cheapies have been getting us through (and are amazing for a great budget buy), but it was time. Especially for the amount of time I was in bed while pregnant, and then nursing this whole year too. The sateen and washed sateen versions of these sheets make me die of happiness and dream about bedtime even during the day. Or wait, is that just my new mom life? 🙂 

HEALTHY KITCHEN MUST-HAVES:

Matchaful: the BIG bag. Promise you’ll use it all. And this way it’s like $1 per cup which is not anything close to what you pay for a matcha latte out. Also, when you make them at home (using my famous everyday matcha latte recipe), you avoid all those weird milks with gums and emulsifiers. Use code SIMPLYREALHEALTH at checkout for 10% off.

Foursigmatic: They use nutrient dense superfoods and adaptogenic mushrooms to create coffee and your other fav beverages that actually taste soo good. I love these for traveling, boosting my immune system, bolstering my adrenal glands in times and seasons of stress, and balancing out hormones naturally, My favorites to start with? The Mushroom Coffee Mix with Lion’s Mane & Chaga, (or in a big bag here), The Chaga Elixir (caffeine free and great for immune boosting), The Hot Cocoa with Cordyceps, and the limited edition Chocolate Bars. Pair it with my Winter Bevvie Guide for all the recipes you’ll need for a super-powered year! Use the code SIMPLYREALHEALTH at checkout for 10% off your order.

Corsori Hot Water Kettle: this is my underdog MVP award from a gift last year. It’s seriously the best for the QUICKEST way to get a calming cup of tea or French press coffee situation (or, ya know baby bottle warming). And looks beautiful on the counter too, which counts for everything in my book. 

Dry Farm Wines: a natural wine subscription for the wine lover on your list, but with less sulfites, mold, pesticides, additives, the least amount of sugar, fewer headaches & hangovers, and a great way to find new small-production natural, family owned vineyards. This is literally one of my favorite finds this year. Pick from red, white, rose or a mixed case, and 3, 6 or 12 bottles per month or every other month. You decide the delivery. Then the best part of all? It shows up at your door. Also, easy to pause or stop. But when is there not a need for good wine?! I love the 3 bottle per month white or rose option myself, so I’ve always got something good on hand for girls nights & date nights. 

Vitamix: ok, it can’t be a Sarah gift guide without mentioning the #1 workhorse/queen bee in my kitchen for 10 years strong. 10 YEARS YOU GUYS. There is nothing I love more or am so thankful for daily, than this. It’s changed my life and my health in so many ways– most of all being that I eat soo many vegetables with ease and daily. I love having both the smaller canister for smoothies and drinks and dressings, then a bigger one for soups, etc. A high-power blender WILL change your life. That’s all. If you don’t have one, maybe this is the year. I love this model (7500).

Instantpot: I was a skeptic for sooooo long. Like come on, one more gadget that takes up counter space (especially when you’re a clear-counter kinda girl)? OK BUT I TAKE IT ALL BACK YOU GUYS. Because truly, being a new mom, this thing works it. You throw it in, turn it on, be done with a legit hot meal in under 30 minutes. And the best part? It’s hands off. And takes basic cheap pantry staples (lentils, beans, quinoa, polenta, etc) and turns them into amazing meals. Needless to say, I’m in love.

Adult Bento Lunch Box: and soup canisters, too. These are great on-the-go carriers for all your snacks and munchies when you have a busy day at work, bopping around town, or when traveling. Also, this adult lunch bag and these glass storage containers are so helpful. I mean, your lunchlady game might have just gotten upgraded on it’s own. 

Almond Cow Nut Milk Maker: I am currently eyeing this one for my present this year… And here’s why: I love bevvies. They’re a part of my morning ritual. And currently that’s meant spending at least $7/week to buy the good (gum-free, stabilizer-free, junk-free) almond or cashew milk. Aside from the price, there’s the waste too that’s getting to me. I love my nut milk bag, but it gets messy and requires 2 hands that I don’t always have free these days. SO THIS: nut or seed milks, like a keurig. One touch. Pour nuts in, add water and press a button. See what I’m saying? Hint hint, honey Kyle… this is what I want. 

All Clad 10 piece Cookset: this stainless set (plus the cast iron skillet below) are all we use in this house. Non-stick, teflon and other old or chipped pans are coated in chemicals, so it’s worth upgrading your cookware when you are ready.

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet: the one pan wonder. It’s the only one that never leaves the stove in our house, and free of all the scary teflon/non-stick chemicals! Get the big one. 

Natural Beeswax Candles:Because while those fancy and art-piece worthy candles at your favorite clothing store may be beautiful, breathing in what’s in them isn’t. Yikes. The synthetic fragrance, lead, and other parabens make it worth looking for a little upgrade. But, worry not. The candle queen has you covered. Because there’s no way I’m giving up my winter time ritual of lighting all the glassybabys, or my morning ritual of journal writing and planning the day with my favorite flame going. This brand makes it possible, without the headaches or downsides, because they’re made from real beeswax and real essential oils. MOOD on point. I always load up on these tealights too. Or try essential oils in a diffuser like this instead, if the smell game is your thing. 

Palo Santo Smudge Sticks: to clear out any negative energy. I love lighting these for my Monday morning rituals sesh’s before journaling, or before people come over. It’s a woodsy, vanilla smell that’s so soothing.

Sarah’s Picks:

HEALTHY BODY BOOSTERS:

Sunny Magnetic Bike + Peloton App Subscription: The most game-changing investment I’ve made in myself and my health this year. See the full blog post here, but basically, this setup has changed my new-mom life in getting me hard sweaty workouts without any commute time, excuse time, or weird schedule for physical class times. I use this daily and while the full Peloton experience is amazing, I also love that I can combine my bike workouts (and full body and yoga workouts on the app) with a live class or two a week. The price makes both doable for me. 

The Day Designer Planner: My favorite tool for the last 4 years for daily productivity, efficiency and dream planning. I use this as part of my morning ritual (more in the book on this) to focus my energy and time in ways that matter most!  Love it in this  new jungle print or stripe.

THE BEST WEARABLES TO STAY COZY & STYLISH:

Vetta Capsule: this is one of my favorite clothing brands ever. I love their capsule wardrobes and the amount of ways you can wear so few pieces. These are the clothes I reach for the most, whether it’s for a work event, brunch out as a family, meeting friends for dinner, etc, because they always look fresh, they’re so comfortable and stylish too. It’s all made sustainably and in the U.S. Highest percentage worn in my closet? This flounce sleeve blouse and apron jumpsuit. I personally like buying piece by piece, but they have amazing pre-styled capsule wardrobes in a lot of different styles. 

Lululemon: because no would would ever be mad to get any item here. As an ambassador this year I’ve gotten to test out to many different things here, and now have even more favorites that I could literally do a gift guide of JUST lululemon. The align pants are my #1 pants of all time (all day, everyday). I’m also obsessed with the Fast N Free Tight (the phone sized side pocket is my life for daily walks and my bike rides and workouts). Also these High Rise Wunder Unders in Velvet….because VELVET. You also can’t really go wrong with this bra (my favorite), this everyday workout to normal life jacket and this winter coat puffy I CANNOT take off of my body. 

 For the men in your life, these pants are literally the best. My dad, my husband, and anyone else I can convince to try them on now swear by them for the office and daily life and have a few pairs. 

Nuuly Clothing Subscription: this is a new favorite find of mine! It’s Anthropologie’s/Urban Outfitters’/Free People’s subscription service. As in you get to shop those brands (plus cool LA brands and one-offs) online, select 6 pieces you want to borrow and they ship it to you for just $88/month. They let you return a few weeks later (or buy and keep what you want). I’ve tried one month now and it’s pretty amazing! Get $10 off your first order here. 

Sarah’s Picks:

MEANINGFUL, CLEAN & HEALTHY STOCKING STUFFERS GALORE:

Natural perfume: goop’s dirty rose or Henry Rose’s collections (or sample packs)

Gabriel Lipstick: the best quality and colors ever. Non-toxic and lead-free too!

Ere Perez Cheek & Lip Stain: made from beets my personal fav and what I wear daily (especially with a baby grabbing at my face!). Get it in person at Follain. 

Mineral Fusion Lip Tint: in smolder. This color is so pretty on literally everyone.

Scrunchies: because we ALWAYS need more scrunchies. Right? I love these ones, these ones, and these ones the most as of late!

Headbands: my trick for feeling pulled together in an instant? Yup. I like having a little collection to pick from– they’re cheap and so much fun to add a little more personality to your day. I also love this one, and this one as of late. 

Airpods: for podcasts, mom life, cooking, the plane, walks. You’ll use these more than you think.

Sarah’s Stocking Stuffer Picks:

FOR BABY & FAMILY:

Lovevery Subscription: You guys! THIS IS THE BEST! This is a montessori based toy subscription box  designed to begin getting little ones interested in learning, exploring & curiosity. We’re totally toy minimalists over here, so getting this box has been amazing. They’re all chemical free, wood toys that are so well designed (aka, not eye-sores as they’re scattered all over our living room), and Noah is obsessed with them. I love that it comes with a  book of activities each month based on their brain development, so I don’t have to keep on on my research as much. One less thing as a working mom. 

Lo & Sons Bag: we use as a diaper bag because I could NOT find a diaper bag that wasn’t screaming “diaper bag”, but I love it for so much more (which is why I bought it in the first place). It’s so great for a weekender bag or carry on too, and I love the separate compartment on the bottom. These color options are amazing too!

Artifact Uprising Album: this is such a great way to capture memories (without having to remember to print out your phone photos). I’m doing their custom album to celebrate Noah’s first year of life. Upload once in bulk and arrange them in a book you can customize and print and keep forever!

Sarah’s Baby & Family Picks:

SEATTLE SHOPS THAT CARRY SIMPLY REAL EATING:

(Be sure to call ahead to make sure they still have them in stock!)

Book Larder *signed copies in stock. Also carries the first cookbook.

Queen Anne Books *1 signed copy in stock. Also carries the first cookbook.

Anders Shop

Third Place Books

Ada’s Technical Books

Elliot Bay Bookstore

Island Books, Mercer Island

Paper Delights 

University Book Store

Amazon Books, University Village

Lululemon University Village *signed copies will be in stock after 12/11

Metropolitan Market

Edmonds Book Shop 

Other Local Seattle Shops & Spots For Intentional Gifting:

King Street Makers Market- dec 6-8th only ( @_ksmm_ on IG for deets). A local sweet treasure for handmade gifts from local makers.

Follain- for natural beauty & skincare supplies

Sarah Kahn Hair- for natural beauty & natural hair care supplies

City Sweats- for infared sauna packages & gift certificates

Bounty Kitchen- the best spot for brunch & lunch, in SLU and QA both. A gift certificate would be such a great treat!

Greenhouse Nail & Salon- for natural nail gift certificates

Anders Shop- the cutest local shop, with sustainable gifts

Vif- the cutest natural wine shop, coffee bar & delicious food

Dig- a fun boutique for in person gifts

Moorea Seal- jewelry, books, clothes, you name it. This Seattle staple is such a joy to visit.

Cheers to a cozy, beautiful, happy, healthy & more meaningful season ahead!

Don’t forget to grab your 3 free bonus gifts with all cookbook purchases before January 4th! Grab them all here.