Its almost Christmas time well we’ve only got nine days…. If you are done gift shopping I applaud you, if you are not join the club!
I tend to live life on the wild side around the winter holidays. I swear I don’t do it intentionally. I like to be inspired when I get my family and friends gifts. Now that I am working my way through a MS program and blog about food and health, my gifts have taken on a new dimension. Here is what I mean:
Magnesium Lotion – I am stressed, you are stressed, everyone is stressed. Magnesium will help relax your body and especially your cramped, knotted muscles. It is a supplement that is hard to absorb in pill form. Ancient Minerals Magnesium Lotion is a smooth, quickly absorbed emulsion of magnesium chloride in a skin-nourishing base of certified organic oils. I love putting it on my feet!
Essential Oil Diffuser – I don’t have this one but two of my sisters in law do and I am so jealous. My body relaxes a little bit every time I walk through their doors.
Dryer Balls – This is a simple gift that not only helps keep toxic chemicals out of your home and costs low by avoiding disposable drier sheets.
Silicone Tea Infuser – A beautiful mug and this little guy will make anyone smile.
Bamboo Cutting Board – All I have to say is that you can never have too many cutting boards!
Klean Kanteen – Everybody needs one of these. A healthy, ecologically sustainable way to carry water with you on the go.
Squatty Potty – I’ve bought this as Christmas presents, wedding presents, and birthday presents and it never ceases to spark interesting conversations about digestion, health, and, well, poop. Confused? Read this article on why you may be pooping wrong.
Poo Purri Bathroom Deodorant – Speaking of pooping… this is not a joke. It’s just an incredible product. We use it at the spa I work at and it’s made a huge difference. No more smelly toilets, no more lingering smell in the hallways or lounge area. Every household should own one of these 😉
Deep Nutrition – Here’s what you want to give a friend or family member as an introductory book to becoming aware of health, nutrition, and the impact of whole foods. Dr Kate Shanahan presents the data and evidence very clearly and she thoroughly explains the impact sugar and processed foods has on our bodies. I have given my family Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon, Physical Degeneration by Weston Price, Real Food by Nina Plank, and although all these books are incredible for beginners, Deep Nutrition tends to be the most impactful.
But wait! This list isn’t over. I was chatting with my husband about Christmas gift ideas and I loved his suggestions so much that I asked him to jump in and share a few of those.
For Outdoorsy Types
Few things in life are more useful than a good blade. For those of us who are accustomed to carrying one, leaving home without it can be almost like leaving home missing a limb. For everyday (EDC) use, around the home and office for example, a pocket knife usually works best. One of my favorites designs is the Benchmade 551 Griptilian Knife, with a solid build, lightweight handle, and patented locking mechanism that makes one-handed opening and closing easy.
Some activities call for a different caliber of knife though. If you’re in the woods or out on the farm, subjecting your blade to heavy duty like prying and splitting, you’ll need a fixed bade. One of the best options out there is the Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife. Beefy, high carbon steel, full tang, and very affordable.
But the best knife in the world is still only a knife. If you’re looking to fell trees, split firewood, and build shelters, you’ll want a hatchet. Simply put, the best axe out there is the Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe. Time tested fine craftsmanship.
For Creatives
Smartphones and computers can do everything these days. But whether your iterating a logo, sketching out a landscape design, or illustrating a poster, everything starts on paper. There’s something natural and intuitive about the feeling of a pen on paper that allows you to work fast and be spontaneous. And of course, inspiration can come at any place, any time. That’s why having a good pocket sized notebook is essential for designers and creatives. Creative types know details matter. That’s why Field Notes are my favorite. Simple, pocket sized, graph, dot grid, and ruled styles, stapled binding, quality American paper, and a fair price.
Staedtler Pigment Liners make are great for actually putting those creative thoughts on paper at a decent price point. They are archival, waterproof, and fade proof. If you don’t see the world in black and white, you may want to add some color to your compositions. I love markers, but if you’ve bought them before, you know they can break the bank. For affordable but still high quality markers, I choose Sanford Prismacolor Professional Art Markers.
For Homesteaders, Farmers, and Gardeners
Interested in farming, gardening, or homesteading? If you haven’t already, you should familiarize yourself with the concept of Permaculture. It will radically change the way you think. Here are two books that are great for beginners: Gaia’s Garden: A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture and The Resilient Farm and Homestead: An Innovative Permaculture and Whole Systems Design Approach.
For “Good Form” Walkers and Runners
Are you looking to buy a gift for that one friend who, like me, just won’t shut up about the benefits of “good form” running? Having trouble navigating the weird world of minimalist shoe options? Take it from someone who has done their homework: here are three great shoes for three different activities. If you’re looking to go as minimalist as possible without actually being barefoot, Xero Shoes Sensori Venture sandals are the way to go. High quality, purely functional design fit for any activity where you don’t mind looking like an ancient Roman. If you like running, but want a little more protection and traction, I recommend the Merrell Trail Glove 2 Trail Running Shoe. Thin but durable soul, snug fit, wide toe box, breathable upper. Sick of being made fun of for your liberated feet? The Vivobarefoot RA II Classic Casual Oxford will allow your barefoot ways to go unnoticed at work, church, or any other formal event.