Simply Real Health Holiday Gift Guide 2020

Ooooh, what a year, what a year! If there’s one thing 2020 has shown me, it’s to find ways to celebrate the small things.

The mini delights. The happy accidents. The pieces of hopefulness and serendipity that have shown up in the middle of some really, really hard times. For everyone.

And, something else it’s shown me? To not pay attention to the noise. Aka, to focus in on the things I can only control: my health, my daily rituals, how I show up and care for my fam, my outlook, my thoughts, my peace. Protecting them and holding them sacred, because everything else is a bit unpredictable, you know?

It translates into everything we do, including how we approach the holidays…. What we DON’T need more of this holiday season is empty things filling our online carts and boxes piled up on our doorsteps. What we *do* need?

Quality time with loved ones (even if it’s via facetime/zoom).

Lasting, thoughtful gifts– given with intention & from the heart.

Support for small businesses who have walked through the fire this year and need us more than ever.

It’s not the gift-wrapped, bow-tied stuff that makes this season special. It’s the care we put into our relationships and our own self-preservation.

So…. this isn’t an ordinary “holiday gift guide,” and while you will find gifting ideas for the people you love most, I hope more than anything you feel inspired to pour thought, generosity & intention into the items you purchase this year, whether it’s for a family member, friend or even yourself. (A little self-care is necessary this time of year in my book!)

Something I’ve been thinking about so much this year is spending in alignment with the things I value, and supporting others whenever I can. So many of these ideas are woman-founded small businesses, BIPOC founded small businesses, etsy shops, and local ones too (many of which have online shops now too). And of course, a few great amazon finds for the kitchen, and a few intentionally picked cozy items, because well, options are good to have.

And, if spending it tighter this year than normal, know that you’re not alone. So many others are walking through challenging times right alongside you, and remember that sometimes the most powerful gift is your undivided time and attention or a thoughtful note or a home-cooked meal, or passing on a book that you loved with someone else.

It isn’t about stuff. It’s about heart. And these ideas are just to meant to help you give heart-centered gifts to your people, near and far. Happy, happy holidays to you and yours!

THE BEST INSPIRING BOOKS OF THE YEAR:

The Simply Real Health Cookbook & Simply Real Eating Cookbook: 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 & you can get 40% off throughout December with code ‘SRHHOLIDAY’! THIS IS THE ONLY TIME ALL YEAR THIS BOOK GOES ON SALE!!

The second book is a cookbook + a healthy lifestyle, teaching you how to create a healthy life that lasts, with the most important rituals in your life to help you do so (with joy). 

Cannelle et Vanille by Aran Goyoaga: This gorgeous book is full of incredible GF recipes for every meal, by one of the kindest humans and another Seattlelite too! Home of the amazing GF sourdough recipe I’ve been making weekly since March 🙂 

Sweet Laurel Bakery Cookbook: a gluten-free, vegan dessert cookbook that is truly incredible, and helps you see just how many options there are for beautiful treats that are real-food based. I got the chance to host a book launch event here last February in LA, and they have such a special thing going on. Woman founded & run too.

Plus, catch all of my favorite books lately (plus recs from my team and the SRH community) in this fall book club round-up!

NATURAL BEAUTY, SKINCARE & 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. I love EVERYTHING, but if you want to know my absolute favs, you reallllly can’t go wrong with these. Woman founded & run too, and a business I love supporting their mission. Get 10% off  everything when you use the code “SIMPLYREALHEALTH” at checkout. 

• The starter kit is the perfect place to start if you are new to this brand
• The HOLIDAY collection— getting released this Friday! I got a early chance to test these and OMG they are soooo good. There is a non-toxic holiday scented candle, bodywash, tinted lip balm and a whipped body butter and ooooooo weee it’s my favorite so far! I love the candle, body butter & tinted lip balm the most. The perfect gift for anyone on your list for a little self-care this year. Limited quantities of these.
• You can’t go wrong with the face oil cleanser (a nightly spa experience at home in 3 minutes!)
• Their award winning natural deodorant (the only natural deod that really works)
• The Everything Face Spray (my daily go-to for under my arms before a workout, anytime I need a energetic shift in my day, etc)
• Dry Shampoo
• Vanilla Almond Body Butter ( I can’t it’s so good)
• The Baby Balm
• The Baby Oil (or the Baby Starter Kit)

Natural beauty + makeup: ahhhh, one of my fav favs. Here are some of my go-to picks!

• Ilia Super Skin Serum Tint & SPF (so perfect for all year long, but esp in spring & summer)
• Ilia True Skin Foundation (for a more coverage option than a tinted moisturizer, so good!)
• RMS un-cover up concealer (I love color 22)
• Ere Perez Bronzer (this is such a great matte bronzer, and I love the 2 color options. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!)
• Kjaer Weis Cream Blush: I love the Reverence & Sun Touched colors
• RMS magic highlighter (i love mixing this with my tinted moisturizer or BB cream for a extra glow)
• Eyes:
• Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara (my newest obsession. Finally! A natural mascara that stays on and works just as good as the other stuff! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!)
• Ere Perez Chamomile Eye Palette (the best neutral palette)
• Tinted Brow Gel (this is so good, love that I found a natural one!)
• Ilia Multi stick (I love the ladybird color soooo much that I just ordered another one in All of Me! HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS STICK!!)

Wildling: Another brand that just is like a luxury spa-day for your face, but like, every day and in your own home. WIN. I LOVE their Empress Collection— it comes with the most amazing gua sha stone for facial massage/lymphatic drainage, a natural tonic & a heavenly facial oil to use with your gua sha. The perfect gift bundle, imo. Another beautiful woman-founded small business. And from Black Friday-Cyber Monday (11/27-11/30) you can get 20% off your order with code “simplyrealhealth” at checkout!

Parachute Home Sheet Set: For someone who’s a self-proclaimed sleep queen, the sateen sheets make me die of happiness and dream about bedtime even during the day.

HEALTHY KITCHEN MUST-HAVES:

Matchaful: the BIG bag of Hikari. Such a gift. (check out my most recent post here on why I switched fully to matcha). Also a woman-founded small business. 

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), and The Hot Cocoa with Cordyceps. Use the code ‘SIMPLYREALHEALTH’ at checkout for 10% off your order. 

Corsori Hot Water Kettle: This is seriously the best for the QUICKEST way to get a calming cup of tea or French press coffee situation (or yup, even baby bottle warming). And looks beautiful on the counter too, which counts for a lot 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. 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. Use code “simplyrealhealth” at checkout for a extra bottle of wine for just 1 cent!

Vitamix: The #1 workhorse/queen bee in my kitchen for 10 years strong. 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. I love this model (7500).

Instantpot: I was a skeptic for SO long. But truuuuuly, this thing works it. You throw whatever you want in, turn it on, be done with a legit hot meal in under 30 minutes, hands-free. I’m in love. It gives me my time back in so many ways, and streamlines nightly cooking in a magical way. 

Almond Cow Nut Milk Maker: 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? One of my favorite gifts I got last year on Black Friday weekend! BLACK FRIDAY: this is usually the one time a year these go on sale! I’ll post the code here when it’s ready!

All Clad 10 piece Cookset: These 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: My one pan wonder that never leaves the stove in our house, and free of all the scary teflon/non-stick chemicals! Easy to use, easy to clean, makes the best food. Get the big one. 

A diffuser for essential oils: This one is sooo good (and pretty on your shelf– a bonus!). 

 

 

HEALTHY BODY BOOSTERS:

My new fav meal delivery, Sakara: Think elevated, vibrant, gorgeous real-food-only meals…. delivered to you door. For the busy mamas, professionals, and health-lovers (who maybe don’t love to cook so much) in your life. A woman-found small business as well. You can schedule out orders into January with this price, so give yourself a gift that will feel like a week at the spa. Use the code “XOSRH” to get 20% off your 1st order. 

Sunny Magnetic Bike + Peloton App Subscription: The best investment I’ve made in myself and my health, now two years strong. See the full blog post here, but basically, this setup has changed my life in getting me hard sweaty workouts without any commute time, excuse time, or weird schedule for physical class times. I use this daily.

Bala Weights: so perfect for at-home workouts (and hopefully one day again soon, traveling). I love using these on my bike, in Peleton strength and barre classes, and my favorite, Melissa Wood Health workouts. So nice for your wrists or ankles and no annoying velcro!

Rosebud CBD & CBD Bath Bombs: the best CBD I’ve come across. Woman founded & run, and such intentional, organic sourcing. I love their double strength CBD oil  (or start with the original strength if you are new or nervous about CBD) to help with anxiety and sleep when needed (it’s soooooo good and so helpful, not to mention great for inflammation), and the CBD bath bombs & marshmallows would make such perfect gifts this year in quarantine. Also a woman-founded small business. Use the code “simplyreal” for 15% off your order!

The Perfect Leather Journal: truly the best tool for your mental and emotional health all year long– a journal you love (and use often). I found this company this year and love it!

Bluelight Blocking Glasses: reduces eye fatigue, headaches, and blocks out blue light from screens at night, so you can sleep more peacefully. So helpful for late night working, watching movies, etc. I love these ones too!

THE BEST WEARABLES TO STAY COZY & STYLISH:

Lululemon: because no would would ever be mad to get any item here. The align pants are my #1 pants of all time (all day, everyday– and great all throughout pregnancy!). I’m also obsessed with the Fast N Free Tight. Also these high rise joggers….because joggers + high rise, can you really go wrong?! You also can’t really go wrong with this bra (my favorite).

 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. 

Friends of Friends Hat Company: this san diego based company has the  best hats, all handmade. A small-business too.

This coat. Hands down one of my favorite things I’ve added to my closet in the last year.

Sarah’s hand picks: 

 

PURPOSEFUL, CLEAN & HEALTHY STOCKING STUFFERS GALORE:

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

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

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

Scrunchies & Headbands: maybe the most frequent question I get asked in my DM’s. I love these ones (and shown below).

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:

The Simply Real Health Baby Food Files: If you know of a new mama who wants her baby to grow up on real-food, and do it all simply, get her this. Packed full with over 50 + orginal recipes, organized month by month by age, including a full guide of the how, what, where, when, and why of baby food, plus ways to introduce foods, expand their tastebuds, and create babies that LOVE food for the rest of their lives. A woman-run company as well (wink-wink). Thank you for supporting Simply Real Health! 

Branch Basics: The best family-safe, natural + nontoxic cleaning supplies…. EVER! I love that you get a bottle of their concentrate cleaning solution to mix into multiple cleaners for the whole house (multi-surface spray, glass cleaner, even laundry detergent)!. Get 20% off ANY kit through Nov. 30 with code ‘simplyrealhealth’!

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 (aka no plastic) that are so well designed (aka, not eye-sores as they’re scattered all over our living room), and Noah is obsessed with them.

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). Upload once in bulk and arrange them in a book you can customize and print and keep forever!

The Slumber Pod: this thing has truly saved our lives traveling locally with Noah during this quarantine year. It’s a little pricey but we’ve used it from 6 months on, and he sleeps like a rock anywhere and everywhere because of it.

The Learning Tower: the best thing ever to get your little ones loving the kitchen & helping out. Best purchase yet!

Other Local Seattle Shops, Small Businesses & Spots For Intentional Gifting:

Samatva Skin: the best organic facials.

Greenhouse Nail Spa: for natural nail gift certificates. This is my favorite nail spot in the city, with all non-toxic products. Kelly, the owner is incredible. 

Anders Shop: the cutest local shop, with sustainable gifts from all over the world. 

Crunchy Red Fruit Wine: this is an incredible family-run business, with beautifully & thoughtfully sourced wines.  These wines are so good, and they’re just starting out (the founder was the somm at Canlis for years).

Frankie & Jo’s: healthy ice cream delivered right to your door (or place a order for pickup). Delivers nationwide too!

Glinda Wine Shop: a natty wine bar, brand new to the scene.

Vif: one of the best neighborhood coffee shops, lunch spots & natty wine shop

The Book Larder: The most amazing cookbook only shop.

Queen Anne Books: The sweetest local book shop.

Bounty Kitchen: the best spot for brunch & lunch, in SLU and QA both. A gift certificate would be such a great treat for someone in need of a cooking break!

Sarah Kahn Hair: for natural beauty & natural hair care supplies, with an online shop too! Use the code “simplyrealhealth” at checkout for some special bonuses. 

Carina Skrobecki Photography

Talitha Photography

Andria Lindquist Photography

Janine Soltman Photography (portland area based)

The Mint Gardener: beautiful prints, online art classes and the author of two amazing watercolor and coloring books for the artist on your list.

Robinson Creative House: the most beautiful stationary and lettering, truly.

Lil Bipsy: the best baby & toddler clothes with a full online shop that ships nationwide!

My Favorite Etsy Shops:

Made By Mary Jewelry @madebymary

Linen PJ’s  @soullinen

Zodiac necklace @elegantswan

Wall art & prints @umiama

These earrings @analyjewlery

Mae Woven Pillows & Textiles: all the pillows in our house come from here. So soft, so comfortable, and so many fun patterns.

Small Businesses Recommended by YOU, the SRH Community:

I asked you all to leave your fav small businesses, women-owned businesses, and BIPOC-businesses to support, and boyyyyy, did you deliver! I love that we can showcase and show up for these amazing biz’s and shops this season.

1. Inner Outer Beauty Market (non toxic beauty)
2. Stripe Design Group (accessories, decor, home goods)
3. Five Marys Farms (pastured meat delivery from family-owned farm)
4. Primal Pastures (pastured meat delivery from family-owned farm)
5. Mischo Beauty (non toxic beauty)
6. Sugarboo & Co. (art, decor, gifts)
7. Deity Skincare (holistic skincare)
8. Frog and Toad Press (stationery, cards, gifts)
9. elSage Designs (clothes, accessories)
10. Crystal Lion Gems (gemstones)
11. Natural Sloth Candles (natural candles)
12. Stella & Haas (simple jewelry)
13. SKIN by Jem (natural skincare)
14. Humble Suds (natural home cleaning supplies)
15. Botnia Skincare (natural skincare)
16. Wick and Bloom Candle Co.
17. Lammar Marie’s Popcorn
18. Madam J (luxury beauty, skincare, jewelry)
19. Green Juju (healthy/natural dog food)
20. Camille Shu Art
21. Channing Baby & Co
22. Ecovibe Style (ethical home, clothing, decor)
23. Big Little Feelings (parenting resources)
24. Kobees (organic lip balm)
25. Au Natural Skinfood (natural skincare)
26. City Mouse Studio (Seattle children’s clothing)
27. Naked Goat Soap Co.
28. Margo Paige (handbags)
29. Curious Bear Toys (local children’s toys, books)
30. The Crest Home (gifts, home goods, decor)
31. Paper Luxe (local stationery, gifts)
32. Hello Maypole (party decor, supplies)
33. Three Littles (children’s toys)
34. Drygood Designs (fabrics, crafts supplies)
35. Eco Collective (Seattle sustainable gifts)
36. Watson Kennedy (Seattle art, home goods)
37. Seattle Elderberry (small-batch herbal supplements)
38. RowdyBox gym (new boxing gym, online classes too)
39. September Shop (clothing, accessories)
40. California Baby (safe, natural baby products)
41. Hullabaloo Book Co (children’s books, gifts)
42. Eden Iowa (natural skincare)
43. Lolly Lolly Ceramics (ceramics)
44. Ambre Blends (natural fragrances)
45. Taana Baana (clothing)
46. Wild Bay Seafood Company (family-owned seafood delivery)
47. Splendor & Stone (handmade jewelry)
48. Diaspora Co. (spices)
49. The Whelan Girls (wrapping paper)
50. Salmonberry Goods (pastry and pantry delivery goods)

 

Cheers to a beautiful, cozy, happy, healthy & more meaning-filled season ahead!