This year has been a whirlwind of change and growth for our family. After eight really lovely months of unemployment (I really needed the break), I started a part-time job that quickly blossomed into something bigger when my old job—yes, the one that let me go in 2023—asked me to return. It’s been a wild ride, balancing two roles while also cherishing the moments that matter most.
We traveled to Finland for a magical summer trip, and my now three-year-old daughter, a spirited, sassy little soul, began her journey in a nature- and play-based daycare that feels perfectly tailored to her boundless curiosity. But it hasn’t all been easy—our beloved cat Moses, who blessed us with 18 years of love, left us this fall. His memory still warms our hearts as we step into this season of gratitude.
And now, onto gift giving. As always, I’ve curated this guide with intention—highlighting brands and businesses that are doing meaningful work, whether through sustainability, supporting minorities, or giving back to their communities. Here are a few thoughtful picks for this year.
Jade Yoga Mat (the best!)
Jade is said to be the best yoga mat by many, especially yoga teachers love it, and most yoga studios that I have frequented uses them exclusively. One important factor when comparing mats is how well the mat supports you because you don’t want your hands to slip while holding down dog (especially at hot yoga where you sweat a ton). Jade definitely wins in the grip department because I don’t even have to pull out my Yogitoes when using Jade.
Also very important: Jade mats are made sustainably with natural rubber tapped from rubber trees, a renewable resource that contains no PVC, EVA, or other synthetic rubber.
Donate to causes close to their heart
Non-material gifts are a great idea and even better when you support a cause close to the receivers heart. Make a donation to an organization under their name. My co-workers donated to our local animal shelter for my birthday one year and it was such a nice surprise.
P.S If you want to give me a gift these are some of the organizations I love: Cat Town, Alameda Animal Shelter, Humane Society Legislative Fund or Oakland Animal Services.
Essential oils Membership
It’s the gift that keeps on giving. For an entire year they’ll get access to wholesale priced (-25%) essential oils (+ beauty and household products like laundry detergent, hand soap, cleaning products) as well as a supportive online community to help you get the best out of your oils. DoTerra’s Healing Hands Foundation empowers people around the world to make a positive impact.
P.S. If you pick any of the enrollment kits the membership is free! Contact me for help with any order.
Passion Planner
I’ve used this planner for a few years now and if you’re like me and love keeping your life organized by writing lists and priorities down, Passion Planner is the way to go. It is a female founded small business that gives back so there’s another good reason to support them.
Pretty Superfoods
Superfoods have been a part of my life forever (if you count all the wild blueberries I ate straight from the forest as a child). Nowadays there’s such a huge variety and you can buy superfood powders everywhere. So once again, support small businesses. Sophie runs Philosophie from L.A., is a mom of 3 and has the cutest branding.
Berkey Water Filter
Because what’s more important than clean drinking water? Put your health first. It’s worth it.
Thrive Market Membership
A subscription to Thrive Market means discounts on the best of healthy foods, natural cosmetics, and household brands, delivered right to your door. I get many of my pantry goods from them and when they have sales I seriously stock up on things. I always get my liquid iron+herbs from them.
Institute for Integrative Nutrition Course
If you have someone in your life that’s into holistic, healthy, happy living, this is the best gift you can give them. IIN is like a whole life school in a year. You’ll learn so much about health and wellness, cooking, relationships, psychology and what the heck you should eat + all essential life skills, even if you didn’t want to quit your job in the end and become a health coach. Contact me for any questions or scholarship requests. Check out the Curriculum Guide here, attend a webinar here or check out a sample class here.