ultimate gift guide (1)

2026 Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide (For Everyone On Your List!)

As a recovering type A personality, I love planning ahead. I create checklists for holiday planning and I usually try to buy gifts early. This gives me something nice to look forward to, and on a practical level ensures everything gets here on time!

Many companies offer holiday deals earlier than ever to allow for extended shipping times, so I wanted to take advantage of these as well. Even if you’re a last minute gift giver, there’s sure to be something on this guide for everyone on your list. 

While our family tries to stick to experiences instead of stuff as much as possible (here are some of my favorite ideas from past years), it’s always nice to receive a thoughtful and well chosen gift.

This 2026 holiday gift list has all of our favorite gifts we’ve given and received as a family over the years. As much as possible, these gifts are eco-friendly and limit plastic whenever possible. They’re also largely natural, organic, or health-promoting.

My 2026 Holiday Gift Giving Guide: Natural + Eco-Friendly!

I’ve included my favorite gifts for every member of the family, age group, and interest level, so keep scrolling if you need ideas for a specific family member. They go in rough age order (from Mom and Dad to kids/babies) and then special interest gift ideas are below that (for the chef, the grandparents, white elephant gifts, etc).

I’ll start with some of my top picks!

2026 Top Gift Picks

There are so many options in this ultimate gift guide that I wanted to start by highlighting a few of my favorites. These are brands that I love for a variety of reasons and many will work for various ages and stages of life. Plus many of them offer exclusive discounts for Wellness Mama readers.

Be sure to also check out my Black Friday and Cyber Monday guides after Thanksgiving as you can often find even steeper discounts on my favorite brands.

1. BON CHARGE

I love their infrared sauna blanket as an easy way to sauna anywhere, plus their PEMF mat. They also have their red light toothbrush that combines two of my favorite things: red light therapy and oral health. Try their red light face mask for clearer skin or their red light hat for better hair and scalp health. 

They have so many other great products though, you’ll want to look around! Get an automatic discount when you click here.

2. Toups & Co

I love so many of their products, especially their original tallow balm. And what I love most about them is their story. Like myself, they started small with creating their products in their own home. Toups & Co is still family-owned and operated by the Toups family.

They have clean, simple ingredients that really work. I’m really picky about what I put on my skin and give to my kids, but I also want products that work. That’s why Toups liquid foundation is one that I use on repeat. Or check out any of their other amazing products, like deodorant, serums, soap bars, and more.

3. Annmarie Gianni

I use the Aloe Herb Cleanser and the Anti-Aging Serum the most, but they have a fabulous line of skincare products. Their ingredients list meets my strict standards and feels amazing on my skin. I also love giving their trio sample out as gifts and stocking stuffers.

Annmarie Gianni uses thoughtfully crafted organic and wildcrafted ingredients that go beyond what many of us can make in our own kitchens. As much as I like making my own skincare products, I make them a lot less now that there are such great options out there like this. For the holidays you can get three serums plus a FREE Anti-Aging Facial Oil sample for 69% off. Plus you’ll get free shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Gifts for Her (That She Won’t Just Pretend She Loves)

As kids, we always got my mom new kitchen gear as gifts. I remember feeling a little guilty because my brother and I got toys and fun gifts. I always thought she got the short end of the stick just getting kitchen items that she used for us. Then, I became a mom myself and developed a love for cooking. Now I get just as excited about new kitchen essentials!

This list includes some of the best practical (and some pampering) gifts for moms, wives, sisters, and best friends.

  1. Annmarie Gianni Skincare – Their trial pack (66% off) is a great stocking stuffer and a great way to try their products. I love their cleanser and the anti-aging serum!
  2. Gift Card – Let her get (almost) everything she wants with a gift card. There are tons of different options here for many different stores. 
  3. Real Plans Membership – My biggest time saver. This plans all of my meals and shopping lists and can handle allergies, bulk prep day, and more!
  4. Shiatsu Massage Pillow – Seriously rivals an actual massage for half the price.
  5. Hydro Flask Water Bottle – The water bottle I use that keeps water cool (or hot) for days.
  6. Everbella – Their collagen tastes just like caramel and is a delicious way to get better gut health, skin, and hair. And Everbella’s new Essential Growth Hair Serum is a natural way to grow thicker, healthier hair. 
  7. Purity Coffee – If you’re looking for a perfect cup of joe, look no further. Team this up with a coffee maker and you have a perfect gift for any mom, wife, or best friend!
  8. Wake-up Light Gentle Alarm Clock – Wake up gently to gradual light and sound
  9. White Himalayan Salt Lamp – She’ll enjoy the clean looking design and soothing warm glow at night from these beautiful lamps.
  10. Blue Light Blocking Glasses – I wear these after dark for better sleep (avoiding blue light after dark helps melatonin levels). There are some fun colors and patterns to play with.
  11. 10,000 Lux Light – Feel blue in the winter? I use this super-bright light to keep my cortisol levels healthy.
  12. French Press Coffee Maker – Make wonderful coffee with this classic method. (And see above for the perfect coffee to use with this).
  13. Beam Drinks – Gift mom a better night’s sleep with Beam’s healthy, relaxing drinks in a variety of delicious flavors. Their drink mixes feature nootropics, adaptogens, and other benefits for sleep, brain health, and more.
  14. Instant Pot – Revolutionize dinner! This electric pressure cooker makes roasts in about an hour and turns tough cuts of meat into deliciously tender meals. Also doubles as a yogurt maker or slow cooker. 
  15. Grown-up Coloring Book and Markers – Coloring isn’t for kids anymore and studies show it may reduce stress levels. Try a “grown-up coloring book.”
  16. Music – I love to fill our house with Christmas music this time of the year. Whether it’s on while we decorate or open presents, it’s a must-have for our family. 
  17. A good book – Just off the top of my head… maybe The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox or The Wellness Mama Cookbook? Ok, I’m biased, but it’s a great way to have all of the best recipes and health hacks on the site at your fingertips.
  18. Our Place – I love their Always Pan, an all-in-one pan that makes cooking and cleanup a breeze. They also have a wide variety of healthy cookware, bakeware, and their Wonder Oven – a non-toxic air fryer/8-in-1 cooker. Or try their new Dream Cooker to pressure cook, slow cook, and more.
  19. Spring & Mulberry – Not only are these chocolate bars beautiful, but they’re delicious and naturally sweetened with dates. Make anyone on your gift list happy with this one! Use code wellnessmama for a discount.

Gifts for Him (No Ties or PJs on This List)

I’ve always had the most difficult time finding good gifts for the men in my life. These have been some of their favorite gifts in recent years and they might be perfect for the guys on your list too. Also, check the lists below for more specific ideas for the guys who travel a lot or who love the outdoors!

  1. Magnetic Wrist Band – Holds nails and screws for the handyman.
  2. Viva Rays Circadian Glasses – These 3-in-1 Circadian Glasses, help harmonize artificial light day to night for better sleep and energy.
  3. Leather Toiletry Bag – This spacious buffalo leather bag is a great gift for the guy who loves to travel.
  4. Rumble Roller – Deep tissue massage with foam rollers. 
  5. Meat (and anything else!) Spices – Laila Ali (daughter of the great Muhammad Ali) has created an amazing line of spice blends. The GOAT seasoning was inspired by the way her father, the legendary boxer, preferred his favorite cheeseburger. Its a favorite in our kitchen.
  6. Lifestraw or Sawyer Water Filter – Survival water filter that fits in your pocket.
  7. Saddleback Leather – These high quality leather items come with a 100 year warranty. Offering shoes, wallets, backpacks, and more. 
  8. Comfy Slippers – These felted wool slippers keep feet warm while wicking away sweat and neutralizing odor. Plus they’re fair trade and ethically sourced.
  9. Heat Proof BBQ Gloves – For the man who likes to grill, these gloves will protect his hands.
  10. Smart Wool Socks – Warm but not sweaty and they keep feet dry. Great for hiking or everyday use.
  11. Wine Aerator – Pour wine through this to improve flavor.
  12. 60-day Lantern for Camping – A really long-lasting lantern for the outdoorsman who loves to camp.
  13. A new razor – Alitura is one of my favorite brands for skincare and their high-quality razor shaves perfectly and is great for sensitive skin.
  14. YETI Rambler – This stainless steel and vacuum sealed large mug keeps things cold or warm for hours.
  15. Hydro Flask Insulated Water Bottle – Insulated water bottle that keeps water cold for days.
  16. Defender Phone Case or Laptop Shield – Protect him from EMFs when using electronics. The Heat Shield is perfect for those who frequently use their laptops on their lap and need a layer of protection.
  17. Tactical Pen – More than just a pen, it works in all conditions and can break a car window if a person is trapped.
  18. ENO Hammock – Portable hammock that fits in a small bag and is great for travel and camping.
  19. Tactical Backpack – For the outdoorsman, this bag holds everything he could need.
  20. NFL Sports Coasters – These stainless steel coasters are a great gift for that sports guy who has everything.
  21. Kettle Bells – An easy, portable workout solution. Or any of the other items on my fitness favorites list.

Gifts for Older Kids & Teens

My older kids have gotten harder to shop for, but these gifts all got their seal of approval!

  1. Buddha Board – A relaxing way to paint with just water (it evaporates and you can paint again).
  2. Spikeball Travel Set – They can take this one to their friend’s house or on trips.
  3. Archery Set – My kids have loved these GBG archery sets and they’re created for kids by kids. They have some helpful videos on their website as well.
  4. Balance Board – A fun balance board for better agility and to help engage full body strength. 
  5. Spa Headband set – For teen girls. 
  6. Learn to Embroider – This kit teaches them how to do a variety of embroidery stitches.
  7. Book light – This rechargeable book light encourages reading. Plus it can block blue light for better sleep. Or try this clip on book light that uses amber light.
  8. Kanoodle – A brain teaser puzzle that kids will love. 
  9. Satin Pillowcase – She’ll wake up with less frizz and breakage with a breathable, comfortable satin pillowcase.
  10. Leather Journal – A beautiful leather journal for sketching or journaling.
  11. Japanese Puzzle Box – These beautiful puzzle boxes are a unique way for older kids to keep valuable items safe and fun to learn.
  12. Rubik’s Cube – The 1980s called, but we told it we are keeping the Rubik’s Cube. Older kids love learning to solve this.
  13. Star Wars Legos – Popular among big kids and teens with dozens to choose from.
  14. Build Your Own Programmable Robot Kit – This was a favorite with my oldest. Build a robot and program it!
  15. Grown-Up Coloring Books – Coloring isn’t just for little kids anymore. These “adult coloring books” are very detailed and studies show coloring is relaxing.
  16. Boogie Board – Reusable board that encourages doodling and drawing.
  17. Amazon Fire – An affordable tablet with a lot of capabilities.
  18. Runaway Alarm Clock – Does your teen have trouble waking up? This alarm clock runs away and keeps making noise until caught!
  19. Natural Makeup Brushes – If your teen is old enough to wear makeup, these natural brushes are great!
  20. Multiplug Wall Adaptor – Your teen can charge multiple devices at once.
  21. Collapsible Duffel Bag – Great bag for short trips that collapses to a tiny size.
  22. Cozy Slippers (for teenage girls) – Super comfy and stylish, barefoot style slippers!
  23. Cash inside a Money Maze Puzzle Box – Give money so they can get what they like, but make it fun by hiding it inside this puzzle cube.
  24. No Crease Ponytail Holders – These are gentle on hair and don’t leave a crease. Or I hear that Scrunchies are back in style!
  25. Travel Hammock – Have an outdoorsy teen? These travel hammocks collapse small and are awesome.
  26. Lounge wear – Does your teen love comfy clothes? Get them some organic loungewear or PJs from Pact.
  27. Teens Cook Real Food e-Course – Give the gift of quality time and kitchen skills to boot! This course was life-changing for our family.
  28. Push up bars – These wooden bars won’t slip or wobble for workouts.
  29. Charging dock – Handcrafted wood holds their phone and includes a non-electric amplifyer for music and podcasts.
  30. Watercolor brush pens – These are watercolor brushes on one end and fine tip markers on the other. Perfect for coloring in a mindfulness coloring book.

Gift Ideas For Younger Kids

There are certainly more options to choose from when looking for kid’s gifts, but over the years I’ve learned to steer away from 1) lower-quality plastic items that break easily (and aren’t good for us or the environment) and 2) toys/gifts that only facilitate one activity and get old quickly.

These are a few of the gifts I’ve found in recent years that have survived the durability test, encouraged creativity, and my kids have enjoyed the most:

  1. Gym 1 Indoor Doorway Gym – My kids’ favorite Christmas gift of all time. It’s a gym that mounts in a door frame and they use it every day.
  2. Snap Circuits – A really neat kit that lets kids learn about electricity by building different types of basic machines like a fan, a radio, etc.
  3. Art Kit – A favorite among my girls. This kit contains markers, paints, colored pencils, and more.
  4. Flower Press Book Kit – Kids can create their own stationery, cards, and more with the flower/leaf press kit.
  5. Mini Trampoline for Indoor Play – We’ve had a trampoline in our house for years and it’s great for cold or rainy days. Rebounding (bouncing) is also great for adults!
  6. Yoto Player – This screen-free player is designed especially for kids to listen to books, podcast episodes, music, radio, and more by simply inserting a card in. There are over 1,000 options or you can make your own cards. It’s rechargeable and the Bluetooth is optional so you can leave it off.
  7. Wooden Twig Colored Pencils – Wooden colored pencils made from twigs. Good size for younger kids just learning to write and draw.
  8. Wooden People and Craft Supplies – My kids loved making their own little wooden dolls with these.
  9. Wiggle Car – My little kids loved this ride-on toy that teaches balance.
  10. Natural Paints – Made from natural earth pigments.
  11. Microscope Kit – My oldest loved looking at hair, dirt, and all kinds of other things in this microscope.
  12. Sherwood Player – This subscription player gives kids unlimited access to over 5,000 wholesome audiobooks, podcasts, low-stimulation shows, and books that encourage creativity. Use the code wellnessmama10 for a discount.
  13. Bath Tub Crayons – These beeswax bath crayons for toddlers are handmade in New Zealand with New Zealand beeswax and food-grade, non-toxic pigments. The jumbo crayons are perfect for toddlers, kids, and children from 2 years old onwards.
  14. Beeswax Crayons – Jumbo crayons made with natural beeswax and food grade colors.
  15. Wooden Doll House – Great for ages 4-8. Fits smaller dolls.
  16. Little Passports – This subscription service tailors to your child’s age and the collection they would most be interested in. (For parents, you can filter by your budget!)
  17. Hiya Vitamins – My littlest kids love their tasty vitamin subscription and I love that its free of junk and fillers. 
  18. Stainless Steel Play Kitchen Pots and Pans – My daughters used to play kitchen with these for hours.
  19. Beginner Piano Keyboard (and free Hoffman Academy Lessons) – These are a great way to get the kids started with music.
  20. Boogie Board – A reusable writing tablet that encourages creativity.
  21. Sun Art – Fun educational craft idea that kids love.
  22. Kendama Game – Fun interactive game that encourages movement.
  23. Weighted Blanket – Not just for kids, but a soothing gift that helps kids get into a restful state and has demonstrated benefits for sleep.
  24. Sensory Swing – If you’re looking for a sensory swing to help your child relax and de-stress, this is the swing for them. They’ll want to spend hours in it!
  25. Kids Cook Real Food e-Course – Give the gift of quality time and kitchen skills to boot! This course was life-changing for our family.
  26. KiwiCo – Subscription boxes of fun for every age and interest. Everything from art to geography to cooking and engineering. 

Gifts For Babies (and Expecting Parents)

There are literally thousands of options for gifts for babies, but many have endocrine-disrupting plastics or never get used. With nearly two decades of parenting and six kids, these are the gifts, toys, and gear that made the cut.

  1. Pregnancy Affirmation Cards – I love these sweet cards that encourage pregnant moms!
  2. Organic Mattress Cover – Protect baby from mold and allergens in mattresses.
  3. Organic Cotton Crib Sheet – Soft organic sheet for the crib.
  4. Baby Bouncer – This can be a lifesaver during busy days and it doesn’t even need batteries.
  5. Dreamland Baby – Sleepers, weighted sleep sacks, and more to help little ones fall (and stay!) asleep. Use the link for a discount.
  6. Naturpedic Mattress – Along with healthy bedding, get your new little one a non-toxic organic mattress from Naturpedic. They also offer options for adults and kids of all ages. 
  7. Organic Muslin Swaddling Blankets – My favorite blankets that are perfect for swaddling or nursing.
  8. Snot Sucker – Not as gross as it sounds and a lifesaver if baby is sick!
  9. Food Grade Silicone Fruit Teethers – A favorite of my babies.
  10. Hape Wooden Toys – I love these high-quality wooden toys!
  11. Ergo Baby Carrier – A great baby carrier that’s comfortable for mom or dad too.
  12. Organic Newborn Booties – Babies always manage to lose socks, but these stay on and keep toes warm.
  13. Manhattan Toys Rattle and Clutching Toy – Little ones love this engaging wooden toy.
  14. Baltic Amber Teething Necklace – May help soothe teething pain.
  15. Natural Rubber Teething Toy – The only toy my baby preferred to my finger when teething got bad.
  16. Organic Cotton Teether – An organic cotton and wood teething toy option.
  17. Hair and Body Foaming Baby Wash – Fabulous smelling baby wash and shampoo without the junk!
  18. Wooden Animal Toys – Adorable and durable stackable wooden animal toys.
  19. Canopy Nursery Air Purifier – This compact and cute air filter is specifically designed for baby’s room. 
  20. I also have over 60 baby and toddler gifts on my favorites list here.

Gifts For the Chef or Foodie

Does someone in your life love to cook (or eat)? These gifts make spending time in the kitchen so much fun!

  1. Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator – No plastic, no junk, just awesome coffee that stays warm for hours in this all-stainless percolator.
  2. Blendtec or Vitamix – both are amazing blenders that will last for years!
  3. Stainless Steel Immersion Blender – Great for sauces, smoothies, blending things in a pot or pan and so much more.
  4. Yogurt Maker – Homemade yogurt tastes so much better than store-bought and is simple to make.
  5. Ice Cream Maker – Make any kind of ice cream: dairy-free, sugar-free, etc.
  6. Crock Pot – A great slow cooker that meets safety standards for lead and other contaminants. 
  7. Instant Pot – This electric pressure cooker has almost replaced our slow cooker and I use it at least three times a week.
  8. Crinkle Cutter – So the kids can help cut food for meals.
  9. Stainless Steel Bowls – Great for mixing, serving, and storage.
  10. Spiral Slicer – Make vegetables into noodles with this spiral slicer.
  11. Stainless Steel Straws – Replace disposable straws forever with these steel straws.
  12. Mason Jars + Sprouting Lids – Use mason jars to grow your own sprouts.
  13. Kombucha Brewing Supplies – Homemade kombucha tastes so much better and you can flavor it any way you want.
  14. Dehydrator – Preserve foods with a stainless steel dehydrator.
  15. Xtrema Cookware – My standby scratch-proof ceramic pans that I’ve used for years.
  16. Our Place – Non-toxic cookware and bakeware that I also love. These come in fun colors for any kitchen theme.
  17. Solid Wood Utensils – These inexpensive utensils are great for cooking. They’re also made without glue or any toxic additives found in some wooden spoons.
  18. Stainless Steel Large Baking Dish – These have been a lifesaver when cooking for large get-togethers with family and friends.
  19. Glass Electric Tea Kettle – Make tea in seconds with this glass electric tea kettle.
  20. Salt Block for Cooking – I love cooking fish, meat, and even baked goods on a salt block for amazing flavor.
  21. Premium Milk Frother – If you want to spring for an unusual (and more pricey) gift, this milk frother makes coffee shop worthy froth for coffee.
  22. Spice Set – These super high-quality spices were created by Laila Ali (boxer Mohammed Ali’s daughter). They come in ready-made blends to make flavorful cooking easy.
  23. Thrive Market Membership – Know someone who is a connoisseur of great food (with real ingredients)? Gift them a Thrive Market membership so they can have the pantry of their dreams for less, all year.
  24. Primal Kitchen – They offer the healthiest condiments, sauces, dips, and more with great flavor. 
  25. Four Sigmatic or Purity Coffee – Two of my favorite healthy coffee brands for the discerning coffee drinker.
  26. Pique Tea – With plenty of tea options these are my favorite to have on hand. We’ve had the founder on the podcast and are impressed with the level of purity and testing they have for their teas.
  27. ButcherBox – Give the gift of 100% grass-fed beef, free-range organic chicken, crate-free pork, and wild-caught seafood. We have a monthly subscription and enjoy their filets and ground beef.
  28. Vital Choice – Similar to the above, this food subscription features high quality, wild caught seafood.
  29. Kasadrinos Olive Oil – I use olive oil a lot between cooking, using on salads, and anywhere in between. Kasadrinos is the only olive oil I trust and anyone with a love of cooking (and eating!) will taste the difference.
  30. Sip Herbals – The robust flavor of coffee without the coffee beans. These herbal coffee alternatives are delicious!

Gift Ideas For the Grandparents

My parents live nearby and are involved in the kids’ lives. I always struggle with what to get them that somehow says “thanks for everything you did for me all of those years and thanks for being just as awesome with my kids!”

We usually give them something handmade from the grandkids, but these are some other ideas that have been a hit. (Some of these are also ideas for this year, so Mom, if you’re reading this… don’t read past here.)

  1. Gift Card – The perfect gift for when you’re not sure what to get.
  2. Kindle – My brother got my mom a Kindle a few years ago and she uses it quite a bit.
  3. Terracotta Plant Waterer – Perhaps not the fanciest of gifts, but very practical for anyone with house plants (I just ordered some). It upcycles a glass bottle to water a plant for weeks.
  4. OneSkin – All of their skincare products are backed by clinical studies, safe for sensitive skin, and free from harmful ingredients.
  5. Alitura – Anything from Alitura makes a wonderful gift and I’ve been using their products for years. The Santal Black is great for any Dad and their face mask and gold serum make you feel like you just left the spa.
  6. Glass Electric Tea Kettle – For tea drinkers, this electric glass tea kettle makes tea available almost on demand.
  7. Instant Pot – The grandparents love it for all the reasons we love it- faster and more nutritious meals!
  8. Daily Harvest – Give them the gift of easy, real food meal prep with a Daily Harvest subscription. 
  9. The Grandparent Book Journal – A sweet way to encourage kids and grandparents to spend time together and a beautiful keepsake of family history.
  10. Pique Tea – My Dad is a big tea drinker and I like to make sure he’s stocked up for the winter.
  11. Mixbooks – I always make a photo book for each of my kids, but I also try to make one for my parents as well.
  12. Weighted Blanket – My mom sometimes has difficulty sleeping and a weighted blanket helps improve sleep at any age.
  13. Along the same lines as above, a new sheet set can be a great practical gift! I like the sets at Olive + Crate and have been really happy with the sheets that we have from them!
  14. Or anything on the lists above that they’ll love!

“Just in Case” or Hostess Gifts

These inexpensive gifts are great to have on hand for when someone drops by with a gift or to take to party hosts. I keep several of these wrapped to give when someone brings a gift by unexpectedly:

  1. Electric Wine Bottle Opener – A fun way to open up a bottle of wine.
  2. Bag of Organic Coffee – Who doesn’t love coffee, especially when it’s organic and delivered fresh? Pair this with a hand warmer pottery mug – I love mine!
  3. Cold Brew Iced Coffee Pot/Maker – I’m a big fan of cold brew coffee and this is a great way to make it.
  4. Plant Therapy Essential Oils – Check out their seasonal oils and kits.
  5. Mason Jar Solar Light – Add some beautiful ambiance to any room with these solar lights.
  6. Natural Cheese Board – This is a great gift for anyone who regularly hosts and/or for that cheese and charcuterie lover!
  7. Pique Tea – I love carrying these teas in my purse. They dissolve in cold or hot water and are great for gut health. Sure to please almost anyone!
  8. Fontana Candles – They’re made only with coconut oil, beeswax, and essential oils for a gentle fragrance.
  9. Foot Roller Massager – This inexpensive wooden massage roller is perfect for tired feet.

Gifts For an Active Outdoor Lifestyle

One thing we all need for Christmas… less time inside and more time in nature! Here are some gifts that are sure to spur adventure:

  1. Kion – Get a delicious aminos drink and supplements for recovery after activity. Save at the link. 
  2. Camping Tent – I’ve searched for a long time for the perfect family tent, and in my opinion, this is it. The hinged door saves many arguments over who left the door open and let all the mosquitoes in. The attached screen room also gives kids a bug-free hangout (and a place to store smelly shoes!). Plus, it’s PFAS free.
  3. Kids’ Hydration Pack – This lightweight pack designed for kids is so much easier than a water bottle (and it has pockets so they can carry their own “treasures”). You could also fill the pack with some fun and practical camping gear (or a coupon for a day hike or camping overnight).
  4. Flight Log Book – Know someone who’s always dreamed about flying an airplane? Slip a gift certificate for a flying lesson into their very own flight log.
  5. Scratch-Off Travel/Adventure World Map – My favorite travel map to record our family trips, simply because it’s so nice to look at. Bonus, one less wall I have to worry about decorating!
  6. LMNT – This salty electrolyte drink is a must-have for any outdoorsman, runner, hiker, crossfitter, etc. My favorites? Grapefruit or watermelon salt! For an added gift, pair this with a Hydro Flask.
  7. Surefire Flashlight – High quality and super bright pocket flashlight.
  8. Gardening Book – The most practical, easy to follow garden book I’ve ever seen. Simple enough for beginners with plenty for experienced gardeners too. Add some non-gmo, organic seeds.
  9. Paleovalley – Our favorite grass-fed beef sticks. They come in a variety of flavors perfect for camping or hiking (or a day at the beach). You can also get superfood bars and bone broth protein here.

Funny Gifts For Dirty Santa and Funny Gift Exchanges

These are some of my favorite funny gift ideas for Dirty Santa or white elephant gift exchanges. Sure to get lots of laughs!

  1. Toilet Light – For those nighttime bathroom trips.
  2. Tree Face Decor – Dress up your outdoor friends with curious eyebrows, a mustache, and an entire face.
  3. Nap Sack Prank Box – Take a nap anywhere with this hood.
  4. Prank Pack Crib Dribbler – A fun prank for someone with a baby.
  5. “You Parked Like An Idiot” Cards – I know a few people who would actually use these!
  6. Bathroom humor – This Bathroom Guest Book (don’t forget the pen!) is sure to make your guest’s bathroom visit more fun.
  7. Bob Ross Chia Pet – Bring back the 90s with this Bob Ross chia pet.
  8. The Obsessive Chef Cutting Board – For the OCD chef.
  9. Animal Paw Socks – These socks were a hit last year! Which animal would you choose?
  10. Pooping Pooch Calendar – Yep, it’s exactly what you picture… perfect (or awful?!) for the dog lover in your family!
  11. Banana Slicer – If you’re going to eat bananas, why not slice them correctly?
  12. Cards Against Humanity – These are incredibly irreverent but will have you on the floor laughing for hours.
  13. Maybe Swearing Will Help Coloring Book and Markers – For the potty mouth (or clean mouth?) in your life ?

Family Gifts

If you’re like us and often choose family gifts that the whole family can enjoy (or enjoy better health because of), you might love these options. This list also includes outdoor activity gifts we use and love.

  1. Sauna – This is one gift that will have long-lasting health benefits. It isn’t an inexpensive gift, but one that the family can enjoy all year. If space is limited, using a sauna blanket is a great alternative!
  2. MELALIGHT – This beautiful red light sleep lamp is crafted from frosted glass and natural wood. I love that it won’t disrupt melatonin and sleep but uses precise 660 nm deep red light.
  3. Sunlighten – Another sauna brand I love (did I mention I have several saunas??). Mention Wellness Mama for a discount.
  4. Joovv Light – This hand held device is a convenient way to get the benefits of red light therapy.
  5. Higher Dose – Their infrared PEMF mat combines infrared therapy and pulsed electromagnetic fields for better recovery, more energy, and relaxation.
  6. Rapid Release – Like a chiropractor and a massage therapist built into one. This device is designed to release muscle tension and it works. I love this thing.
  7. Organic and Natural Mattresses – This was my gift to myself one year and I love my mattress. We have ones from My Green Mattress, GeliSleep, and MyEssentia (all on sale right now). 
  8. Xtrema Pure Ceramic Cookware – I got some of this cookware for Christmas years ago and have been using it since then. 
  9. Matching Organic Jammies –  Switching to organic PJs is one way to reduce chemical exposure from clothing by half. These organic jammies are our favorites.
  10. WAVwatch – Wearable sound frequency therapy the whole family can use. Supports everything from better sleep, to a stronger immune system and more. Use code wellnessmama for a discount.
  11. Daylight Computer – A tablet that’s easy on the eyes. Take notes, use apps, write… all without blue light. They also have a kid’s version. 
  12. Backyard Bags (aka Cornhole) – This is always a fun game for the backyard. Whether you have guests over or it’s just the two of you, this has been a family favorite in our house.
  13. Trampoline – Not just for kids when you consider the lymphatic benefits of jumping!
  14. Swing – My kids love this backyard swing and they could all fit on it.
  15. Slackline – Like a balance beam and trampoline in one. It encourages balance and coordination and is hours of fun.
  16. Ninjaline – Like monkey bars but tougher. A lot of people use these for Ninja Warrior training, but my kids just think it’s fun!
  17. Radiant Life Water Filter – We use their whole house water filter in our home. It’s an investment, but worth it for toxin-free water. Want something smaller? Here’s my full review of my favorite water filters for every budget. 
  18. Jaspr Air Filter – Clean air is a must in our polluted world. I like the air scrubbers from Jaspr. Use code wellnessmama for a discount. 

Natural Beauty, Health, and Home Gifts

I love making my own DIY Christmas gifts, but there isn’t always time! Thankfully there are so many great companies now making safe and natural personal care products.

  1. Wellnesse – Try some yummy Vanilla Berry toothpaste, or grab nourishing shampoo/conditioner. They make a perfect gift… or snag some for yourself!
  2. Pranamat – An acupressure massage mat that helps relieve tension and pain in the body. Use code wellnessmama for a discount.
  3. Lotion Bars – Similar to my lotion bar recipes. MadeOn is a small, family-owned company that makes all kinds of natural products up to my standards. Use code WELLNESSMAMA for a discount.
  4. Purity Woods – Their organic Dream Cream feels divine on skin and is great for all skin types.
  5. Alitura Skincare – Alitura uses organic botanicals and superfood ingredients to nourish the skin. This is serious skincare with the works: clay masks, intensive moisturizers, derma rollers, and more. Use code WELLNESSMAMA.
  6. Toups and Co Organics – They have an incredible line of clean cosmetics, tallow lotions, and even a baking-soda-free deodorant for sensitive types.
  7. Branch Basics Cleaners – I know I’d be happy to find some all-natural cleaning products (I don’t have to make) under the Christmas tree. Automatically get a discount at the link.
  8. Magnesium Oil – Spray on for relaxation, detox support, and even deodorant. I also love this magnesium lotion (two birds with one stone!).
  9. Beekeeper’s Naturals – My absolute favorite bee products! Their Propolis Spray comes in handy when I have a scratchy throat or when I’m traveling and need an extra immune boost. I also love their cough syrup and Superfood Honey and my kids love the Throat Soothing lollipops. 
  10. Kid-Safe Essential Oils – For sleep, headaches, cold relief, and more, without having to worry about negative side effects.
  11. Organics Bedsheets – My favorite organic sheet set (and I’ve tested a lot of them!) to pamper a special someone in your life. We gave this to the grandparents one year and it was a huge hit! If you’re looking for a comfortable pillow to add, I love my Wakewell pillow.

Gifts for the Book Lover

If you’ve listened to my Wellness Mama Podcast interviews, one of my favorite questions to ask our guests is if they have a book that they would recommend. I’m an avid reader and I’ve enjoyed receiving new book recommendations from guests that inspire me. Below are my favorites – some inspirational, some fiction, and some educational.

  1. Awareness: Conversations with the Masters – Real freedom comes from waking up to the ways that our conditioning, attachments, and expectations shape our experiences of reality.
  2. The Untethered Soul – You are not the voice in your headbut the awareness that notices it and realizing that changes your relationship with every thought and emotion.
  3. A New Earth – When we stop identifying with our egos, our roles, and the stories we tell about ourselves, we create space for a more conscious way of living.
  4. Meditations – A current favorite of mine by Marcus Aurelius. We can’t control what happens around us, but we can choose how we respond and our character is built through those choices.
  5. Man’s Search For Meaning – No matter our circumstances we always have control over our inner state.
  6. Chef Junior – An amazing cookbook written by kids, for kids! And yes, I may have some Mom bias, but this is a great gift for kids who either want to learn how to cook or just want some fun and easy recipes to create.
  7. The Four Agreements – One of the most popular recommendations and one that I highly recommend for everyone to read.
  8. The Obstacle is the Way – Ryan Holiday’s books never disappoint. Here he takes some of the most important aspects of wisdom and success and how to apply them in our lives.
  9. Young Forever – Bestselling author Dr. Mark Hyman understands how confusing it can be sometimes to take charge of our health. He shares all the science and nutritional insights to set the record straight.
  10. Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans by Michelle Tam. This is not your average cookbook! It’s hugely entertaining with lots of narration by comic characters, and best of all, my kids have loved every recipe.
  11. Make It Easy: A Healthy Meal Prep and Menu Planning Guide by Danielle Walker. Easy, grain-free recipes to get healthy meals on the table fast (without those all-day cooking marathons). See my podcast with Danielle here.
  12. 30-Day Guide to Paleo Cooking by Hayley Mason. A basic guide perfect for beginners about Paleo eating, plus a month-long meal plan and shopping list.
  13. The 4-Hour Chef by Timothy Ferriss. An unconventional but fun cookbook that teaches readers how to maximize their efforts in the kitchen.
  14. The Holistic Rx: Your Guide to Healing Chronic Inflammation and Disease by Madiha Saeed, MD – Dr. Madiha’s book offers those with chronic health conditions easy-to-follow, evidence-based approaches to healing by targeting inflammation and its underlying root causes.
  15. Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brene Brown. I like how Brene walks us through something that we all need to know how to do – being brave, falling, and getting back up.
  16. The Lion Tracker’s Guide to Life by Boyd Varty – This would be a great book idea for any guy on your list!
  17. The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own – I love anything by Joshua Becker, and this book is great for anyone trying to find the joy in simplicity. Or his book, Clutter Free With Kids, is helpful for parents.
  18. The Nightingale – A fictional historical book taking place during World War II that will grab you from the beginning.
  19. For easy, entertaining reads, our team recommends The Last Thing He Told Me or Local Woman Missing: A Novel.

There’s probably a lot more that could be added to this list, but these are my current favorites. Many of these items go on sale Black Friday week, and I will list the best of those sales in this post. I hope this list inspires you and helps reduce your holiday stress.

Even More Gifts

Looking for something more specific? Here are some other gift guides I’ve put together that might spark just the right idea for someone special:

What’s on your Christmas and holiday gift list this year? What are you getting for friends and family?

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fizzy toilet tablets

Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner Tablets

I accidentally discovered this recipe for DIY toilet bowl cleaner tablets thanks to one of my children. Anyone else have kids who throw everything in the toilet?? And while it might have been unintentional, this happy accident has saved me a whole lot of scrubbing over the years. 

How I (Accidentally) Discovered DIY Toilet Cleaning Tablets

Once upon a time, I made a giant batch of my regular sea salt bath fizzies and postpartum bath fizzies. I had some friends expecting babies and wanted to give them as gifts.

I kept a few of the broken ones when I removed them from the molds and was planning to use them myself. I had them in a bag by my bathtub and my then one year old got into them (in true one-year old fashion). She was going through a phase of putting everything in the toilet, and these were no exception.

My first reaction was to stifle my annoyance for yet another thing being thrown in the toilet. And then I was angry that I wouldn’t get to use the bath fizzies myself.

I didn’t want to flush the toilet until they finished fizzing since I wasn’t sure that would be good for the pipes. As I stood there watching them fizz and mourning the loss of my relaxing bath, I noticed that the toilet seemed to be getting cleaner as they fizzed.

I used the toilet brush to make sure they had all dissolved and when I flushed the toilet, I was shocked how clean it was. I realized that the bath fizzies had a lot of ingredients that were naturally detoxing, and that these ingredients also worked great for detoxing and cleaning toilettes.

An Effective Toilet Bowl Cleaner

I played with the recipe to make it a little more potent since it doesn’t need to be gentle enough for skin. The result is an inexpensive, easy-to-make, highly effective toilet cleaning tablet. The best part? The little kids loved using these because they’re fun, so my toilets were cleaned frequently. 

These toilet bowl cleaner tablets freshen the bathroom and leave the toilet sparkling. I store them in an air-tight glass jar in the bathroom and use them as needed. I’ve found that if stored correctly, they keep for months.

Baking soda is great for gently scrubbing messes and deodorizing. Citric acid is naturally found in citrus fruits and helps dissolve mineral deposits. Together, they make an effective, natural toilet bowl cleaner. 

And while I don’t make homemade cleaners as much anymore now that I’ve found healthy versions, I still enjoy pulling them out on occasion. 

Natural Toilet Cleaning

If you’re still using the “call poison control if you drink, inhale or look at this wrong” type cleaners, try these instead. All of the ingredients are food grade and can technically be used in cooking. Though I definitely wouldn’t eat them because of the concentration of baking soda and citric acid.

I give some more toilet (and bathroom) cleaning options in this post. And if you don’t feel like DIYing it, there are some really good pre-made options now. One of my favorite natural cleaners, Branch Basics, also works for toilet bowls. And you can add some of their Oxygen Boost powder if you need something a little stronger. 

Note: I haven’t tried flushing the toilet before this has fully dissolved, but I wouldn’t suggest trying it. I’m thinking that kind of pressure in pipes isn’t the best idea! The toilet bowl cleaner tablet also needs a little time to work and clean the bowl. 

These are not the kind of toilet tablets that go in the toilet tank, in case you were wondering. They go directly into the bowl to clean as needed.

Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner Tablets Recipe

Make natural toilet cleaner using food grade ingredients such as baking soda, citric acid, and essential oils.

Prep Time15 minutes

Drying Time8 hours

Total Time8 hours 15 minutes

Yield: 40 toilet tablets

Author: Katie Wells

  • In a glass bowl, mix together the baking soda and citric acid in a glass bowl. I suggest wearing a mask and some latex gloves for this to protect your skin and eyes.

  • Slowly mist the dry powder with water, mixing as you go. You want to barely wet the powder to get it to stick together in the mold. I used a small, fine mist spray bottle and about 8 sprays. Too much will cause fizzing.

  • Add the essential oils and continue mixing.

  • Using a 1 teaspoon measure (or larger), scoop out spoonfuls and place them on a piece of parchment paper until dry. You could also use a silicone mold for this step.

  • Let the toilet tablets dry overnight and carefully place in an airtight container to use as needed.

  • I haven’t tried flushing the toilet before this has fully dissolved, but I would not suggest trying it (I’m thinking that kind of pressure in pipes isn’t the best idea!)
  • I usually use a 1 teaspoon measuring spoon for these, but I’ve also used a 1/2 Tablespoon. You’ll get fewer toilet tablets, but stronger cleaning power with a bigger scoop. 

Tips For Making Toilet Bowl Cleaner Tablets

The number one mistake people make with bath bombs and similar recipes like this is adding too much water. The mixture should feel like damp sand when you squish it together. Too much water will cause the citric acid to prematurely react and fizz.  

I use water, but some people use a mix of alcohol and water. The alcohol adds some moisture to help the powders stick together, without making it too wet. If it’s a really humid day or you live in an area with more moist air it can also affect the recipe.  

If your toilet bowl tablets break apart after drying, the pieces still work for cleaning!

More Cleaning Recipes

Want some more natural cleaner recipes? Here are some DIY’s I’ve used for the bathroom over the years.

What do you use to clean your bathroom? Leave a comment and share below!

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spring garden

Spring Garden Checklist For An Easier Garden Season

Every spring one of the things I look forward to most is getting back in the garden and yard. Living in a warmer climate I’m able to do a lot outside, but there are certain tasks that need done in the spring. Here’s what’s on my garden to-do list this spring to prep everything for the summer and beyond. 

My gardening approach may look different than someone in a colder climate. Wherever you live though, there are certain gardening tasks that are helpful to do before warm weather planting. The yard may need cleaning up, garden equipment replaced, and soil prep done. 

Spring Gardening Planning

I’ve had a garden for years and our family has grown a wide variety of vegetables. I’m also an avid beekeeper and we’ve more recently taken on ducks and chickens. Then there are the herbs and flowers scattered across the yard. 

While what I’ve grown has certainly changed over the years, you’ll always find me growing something. 

What’s the first step to gardening? Planning.  

You can find your USDA plant hardiness zone here. It will tell you the last and first frost dates. If you live in a really warm climate (like me) it’s possible to have multiple growing seasons throughout the year. Someone who lives in more of a true four seasons location typically will have spring through fall available for gardening. Really cold climates just have a few months in summer. 

Whatever climate you live in, be sure to check your last frost date and work backwards from there. 

A Garden Planner

A garden journal or planner is really helpful. This can be an app on your phone, a computer program, or old-fashioned pencil and paper. Go over the garden plans and notes from last year. What worked, what didn’t? What do you want to change or add? Decide what you’re planting and where in the garden. 

It can be fun to plan big, but also keep in mind what will actually work in your area and what you’re realistically able to do. It doesn’t make sense to grow 20 tomato plants if you only have 3 garden beds! Research how much space each plant needs so it has adequate room to grow. This is my favorite garden planning app.

This is a good way to plan for crop rotation to prevent soil depletion. I also do companion planting when I garden to boost plant and soil health. Once you know which plants you’re growing, mark down when to start the seeds and transplant outside. 

Seed Starting

Once you know what you want to plant where (and when), it’s time to start the seeds. Some plants need fully warm weather to survive and need a late spring or early summer planting, depending on your area. Other plants tolerate cool weather well, like peas, lettuce, spinach, and root veggies. 

Some plants can be direct seeded in the soil, like lettuce and carrots. Others work best if they’re started indoors and then transplanted. You can find my detailed seed starting guide here. 

Soil Testing

This step isn’t always necessary, but it can be very helpful. Soil testing lets you know what nutrients are low or missing so amendments can be made. Local university extension offices are usually a good resource for this. 

Soil testing looks at the ratios of sand, silt, clay, and the basic soil makeup. It will also show the pH and available nutrient levels. Certain plants grow best in certain soil pH levels, so it can be the difference between having a thriving garden and little or no growth. 

Crop rotation, companion planting, and regenerative practices (like not doing large areas of mono-crops) help with this. 

Add Compost

Once you know what’s going on under the surface, spring is a good time to add in compost. I like to add an extra boost of nutrients via compost as I’m planting my veggies, herbs, and flowers. However, you can also help improve the overall soil quality by amending with compost in the spring. 

In early spring spread a layer of compost about 2-4 inches thick over the area. If the soil is clay rich and hard, then break it up first. Next, till and work the compost into the soil. You can do this with a hoe, garden rake, or even your hands if it’s a smaller area. Learn how to start composting here and how to make compost tea here. 

Snip, Snip, Trim

If you didn’t already trim bushes, trees, and plants in the fall, now is the time. I like to prune bushes, trees, and anything else I need to.This gets rid of the dead waste so the plant can focus on new growth. 

Here are things that can be pruned in spring:

  • Dead or damaged branches
  • Flowering shrubs (just the tops, before new growth starts)
  • Overgrown shrubs and hedges

Trim dead growth from last year on perennials. Clean out old leaves, twigs, and dead plant material and compost them. Avoid pruning or trimming spring flowering plants like forsythia or lavender. 

Organize and tidy up the garden shed and potting bench. Restock any supplies that you’re going to need. Where are your watering can, garden hose, and gardening tools? Are they where you need them once you start gardening? Clean, sharpen, and oil any tools as needed. Get rid of and replace as needed. 

This is another area where it can be tempting to go out and buy all of the things. Ask yourself what you actually use and what kind of garden you have. If you only have a few raised beds on your back porch, you don’t need a large soil tiller.

If you have a rain barrel (or want one!), then this can be set up in late spring. Be sure to clean out the gutters and make sure the downspout and any necessary attachments are in working order.  

Weed and Mulch

Many of the plants people call weeds are actually beneficial and medicinal plants, like dandelion and plantain. However, I also don’t want a bed full of dandelions taking up the space where I planted other veggies. Spring is the perfect time to get a headstart on the weeds. Just be sure to save plenty in the yard for the pollinators!

I like to clear out the garden beds when the soil is damp and roots are easy to pull out. They’re much easier to remove in their early growing stages than later on. They’re also less likely to go to seed and make more weeds. 

You can cover the beds with a thick layer of mulch to deter future weed growth. However, it can be easier to plant smaller transplants first, then mulch around them. 

Hold Up on Cleanup

It’s best to wait until warmer weather to clean up leaf litter and do yard cleanup tasks. Pollinators and beneficial insects rely on their protection during the winter and into spring. According to the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation:

Meanwhile, last year’s leaf litter is still providing protection for both plants and invertebrates against late-season frosts. And butterflies’ chrysalides still cling to dried stems and twigs, waiting for the right time to emerge as adults. – Xerces Society

The perfect time to start yard and garden bed cleanup depends on your area. Ideally it’s late spring or even early summer.

Maintaining Garden Areas

It’s not just the dirt and garden beds that need some loving care. Check on your garden pathways and areas surrounding the beds for any maintenance needs. 

Are there any pavers that are cracked/broken and need to be replaced? Do any weeds need to be removed from walkways? Are there any spots that need replenished with more mulch or gravel? 

If you have raised garden beds, pots, or other planters, check for any repairs that need to be made to these. If you want to extend the growing season, you can also add cold frames or row covers to insulate the plants. 

Perennials and Cuttings

Spring is the ideal time to divide perennials and replant as needed. When a flowering perennial has grown in the same place for a while its growth can stagnate or even stop. Splitting it into several plants during early spring growth not only strengthens the plants, but can increase the flowers. 

Bare root cuttings, like elderberry, are also good to start now. Here’s a guide for gathering elderberry cuttings to plant for summer. If you’re planting any trees, fruit trees, bushes, or shrubs, once the ground is no longer frozen in spring is a good time to do it. 

Helping the Garden Friends

A garden wouldn’t be what it is without friendly bugs and pollinators. While many agriculturalists wage war with the natural world, bugs, birds, and bees are essential to a healthy eco-system. 

I’ve already mentioned I have beehives in the backyard, but there are plenty of ways to support pollinators and other garden helpers. Try making a simple bee hotel. Take stock of any bird houses or bird feeders. Dust them off and pull them out of the garage, and see what needs to be replaced or repaired. 

Hang and refill bird feeders, and clean out and refill the bird bath. Check your bat house if you have one, and if not, here’s why I recommend them! You can even plan and plant a butterfly garden. 

Preparing For a Spring Garden

I know I mentioned a lot in this spring garden checklist, but don’t feel the need to tackle everything at once (or at all). As the seasons of my life have changed, so has my garden and what I’ve done with it. At times I’ve had a huge vegetable garden, other times I’ve pulled back and focused more on herbs and flowers. 

Do what feels good (and doable) for you during this season. I hope that these gardening tips will help you feel more prepared for your gardening season. Whatever that looks like for you!

How do you prepare your garden during the spring? Anything you would add or I missed? Leave a comment and share below!

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grow microgreens

How to Grow Microgreens at Home (the Easy Way)

Maybe you’ve seen microgreens at your local farmer’s market or farm to table restaurant. These little green plants are similar to sprouts, and just as packed with nutrients. Growing microgreens at home is really easy and offers so many health benefits!

What are Microgreens?

Microgreens are miniature plants of greens, herbs, or other vegetables. Like sprouts, they’re a concentrated nutrient source and packed with beneficial enzymes thanks to their rapid growth. While sprouts are grown without soil and are sprouted seeds, microgreens rely on soil or another growing medium. 

Microgreens are popular at gourmet restaurants because of their distinct flavor and presentation. You don’t have to go to a fancy restaurant though to eat microgreens! Our local health food stores sell them, but I’ll often grow my own microgreens because it’s much cheaper. 

They’re simple enough to grow that you can easily have a fresh plant source in your kitchen year round. One downside to sprouts is their potential to grow bacteria (which is rare) because they’re grown in the air and not soil. With microgreens you’re eating the stem and leaves, not the seed and root. 

Are Microgreens Good For You?

In a word, yes. Research shows that microgreens have 4-40% more micronutrients compared to full grown herbs and veggies. Microgreen benefits include getting fiber, minerals, and vitamins our cells need to thrive. And the benefits of microgreens don’t stop there. You’ll also find antioxidants to fight free radical damage. 

Types of Microgreens to Grow

The most commonly used plants for growing microgreens are:

  • Lettuce
  • Kale
  • Spinach
  • Radish
  • Beet
  • Watercress
  • Herbs
  • Greens
  • Cabbage
  • Mustard
  • Chia
  • Sunflower
  • Buckwheat
  • Clover
  • Kholorabi
  • Peas

Any edible plant that is entirely edible (root to leaves) can technically be used, but the ones above are the most common and taste the best. If you’re looking for the best microgreens for beginners, broccoli and radish stand out. 

Can I Grow Microgreens in Potting Soil?

Yes, potting soil works well with microgreens, but it can get a little messy. I prefer organic potting soil to avoid unwanted pesticide residue. Potting soil usually has some fertilizer mixed in for faster grow time. Just be sure when you’re trimming off the microgreens not to get the dirt along with it.

Another option is coconut coir or coco coir. Made from fibrous coconut hulls, it holds up to ten times its weight in water and is naturally resistant to fungus. It does not have a lot of nutrition in it so you can mix in a little fertilizer or use a 50/50 blend of soil and coco coir. 

If you want to grow microgreens at home without soil (hydroponically), then a hemp mat is a great option. You can grow microgreens in water with a hemp mat and sow the microgreen seeds directly onto that. For this tutorial though I’m focusing on growing seeds in soil (which can impart more nutrients). 

How to Grow Microgreens in a Mason Jar

You can grow seed sprouts in a jar, but you can also grow microgreens that way. Simply follow the same steps as below, but instead of using a shallow container, use a wide mouth jar. The downside to using a jar is that depending on the jar’s size you might not get many greens and they can be harder to harvest.

How to Grow Microgreens in a Tray

This is my preferred method. You just need a shallow, sturdy tray. Some people use plastic microgreen trays, but you can also use glass or compostable ones. 

Here’s how to grow your own microgreens!

What You Need to Grow Microgreens at Home

How to Grow Microgreens:

  1. Find a south-facing window with plenty of sunlight or install a growlight. I’ve found that a growlight mounted under kitchen cabinets works perfectly for growing greens on the counter if you have the space to do it. In warmer months, these can also be easily grown outside.
  2. Place an inch of organic potting mix in the bottom of a shallow tray or planter. You can also use a 50/50 mix of soil and coco coir. Smooth the soil out evenly. 
  3. Thickly scatter seeds evenly over the soil surface. 
  4. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and spray the surface with clean, filtered water. I use a glass spray bottle.
  5. Place on the warming mat, if using, and under the grow light or near a sunny window.
  6. Mist the seeds a few times a day to keep the soil evenly moist while waiting for the seeds to germinate. You can also put a small fan on them to give them a gentle breeze, deter mold, and improve growth. 
  7. Greens are usually ready to harvest in 2-4 weeks, depending on the type of seed used.
  8. To grow another crop, either remove the roots and replant or dump the entire tray in the compost and fill with more soil mix to replant. If you dump in the compost, some straggler seeds usually volunteer and make a crop of their own a few weeks later.
  9. Cut microgreens right above soil level with kitchen shears. Store in the fridge and rinse right before use. 

TIP: Soaking the seeds overnight will speed sprouting time, but make it more difficult to scatter them.

You’ll spread more seeds than you would if just planting the seeds to grow to full size. Since they’ll only get 1-2 inches tall and you want to harvest as many as possible from each tray.

Troubleshooting Common Microgreen Growing Problems

My seeds won’t sprout – They may not be getting enough light or it may not be the right temperature. Microgreens are versatile, but the ideal soil temperature for seed germination is 60-75 degrees. The air around the soil should ideally be between 60-70 degrees. Microgreens take 7-21 days before they’re ready to harvest. Or your seeds may be too old to germinate.

Why are my sprouts fuzzy? – The seed roots are often naturally fuzzy, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s mold. If it’s slimy, doesn’t wash off, and is growing on the greens, then it’s mold. 

There’s mold growing on the soil – If you do have a mold problem, this can be due to too much water or a drainage issue. Your microgreen trays also need good airflow to deter fungal growth. Mixing some coco coir into the potting soil helps improve drainage too.  

Do I need plant growing lights? – You don’t need them, but they can be helpful, especially on darker winter days. If you don’t have a plant light, pick a very sunny windowsill. 

My microgreens are tall and falling over – If you’re using a light source that’s too far above the microgreens or poor quality, it can cause them to get “leggy.” The stalks have to stretch too high to reach the plant growing light. 

Do Microgreens Regrow After Cutting?

Certain seeds might give you a little bit of a crop after harvesting, but not much. It’s best to compost the soil medium after you harvest and start fresh. Experts generally recommend not reusing the same soil for microgreens because of disease risk and lower yields. If you have a compost pile going in the backyard though, then you can incorporate some of your finished compost into your microgreen soil mix. 

How to Eat Microgreens

You don’t need any special microgreens recipes to use them. They work well on top of any kind of salad and most dishes. Try them on top of some grain-free eggs benedict, a burger bowl, or garnish for some soup. Microgreens can work on top of almost any savory dish!

Have you ever grown your own herbs or plants inside? What are your favorite ways to use microgreens? Leave a comment and let us know!

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christmas gifts for men

Christmas Gifts For Men He’ll Love (+Stocking Stuffers)

Between friends, family, and employees, I’ve come up with a lot of gift ideas over the years. Christmas gifts for men are some of the trickiest to come up with, but I’ve managed to find plenty of great ones that meet my standards. The following thoughtful gifts are ones he’ll actually use and enjoy!

Best Christmas Gifts For Men

This gift guide includes some of the best gifts for the men in your life. Most of them would also work for Father’s Day or a birthday gift too. I love creating DIY gifts, but sometimes it’s nice to buy them. Some things, like an EMF protective phone case or a portable water filter, are harder to make yourself.

Whether you’re buying for your husband, boyfriend, dad, brother, or that one cousin on your mom’s side, I’m sure you’ll find something on this list to pique their interest. All without having to resort to a gift card (although they do make great stocking stuffers).

I also like giving gifts that are high quality and will last. This helps keep items out of the landfill and reduces waste. And they need to be as eco-friendly and natural as possible! The following Christmas gifts for men meet my standards, and are useful, but still fun to have around.

45+ Gifts For Men (That He’ll Actually Use!)

Food and Drink

Perfect for any guy who likes to grill, cook, or just eat. 

  • Wine Aerator – Pour wine through this to improve flavor. Great for the foodie in your life.
  • Heat Proof BBQ Gloves – For the man who likes to grill, these gloves will protect his hands.
  • Pizza Oven – These pizza ovens make amazing tasting pizzas and can also be used to give a unique flavor to other foods.
  • ButcherBox – Is your man the grill master? Give the gift of 100% grass-fed beef, free-range organic chicken, pork raised crate-free, and wild-caught seafood. We have a monthly subscription and enjoy their filets and ground beef.
  • Kasadrinos Olive Oil – I use olive oil a lot between cooking, using on salads, and anywhere in between. Kasadrinos is the only olive oil that I trust and anyone with a love of cooking (and eating!) will taste the difference.
  • Wine Subscription – If your guy is a wine drinker, he’ll love this wine subscription box of organic biodynamic wines.
  • YETI Rambler – This heavy-duty stainless steel and vacuum sealed large mug keeps things cold or warm for hours.
  • Hydro Flask Insulated Water Bottle – An insulated water bottle that keeps water cold for days.
  • Whiskey Glasses – A gift set that includes whiskey glasses, a wooden storage and gift box, granite cubes to chill, and cocktail cards. The perfect holiday gift for the guy who likes his whiskey on the rocks.
  • Purity Coffee – If you’re looking for a perfect cup of joe, look no further. Team this up with a coffee maker and you have a perfect gift.
  • Salt Block for Cooking – He can grill (or bake) fish, meat, and veggies on a salt block for amazing flavor.

Wellness

Various products for overall health and wellness.

  • Cold Plunge – Definitely more of a splurge, but one of my favorite ways to get the benefits of cold therapy. Alternate with sauna use for even more health benefits! Here’s an 88 gallon budget friendly version.
  • Defender Phone Case or Laptop Shield – Protect him from EMFs when using electronics. The Heat Shield is perfect for those who frequently use their laptops on their lap and need a layer of protection.
  • Red Light Cap – Looks like a baseball hat, but has red light inside for hair growth and scalp health.
  • Higher Dose – Their infrared PEMF mat combines infrared therapy and pulsed electromagnetic fields for better recovery, more energy, and relaxation.
  • Sauna Blanket – An easy and convenient way to get all of the health benefits of sauna.
  • CBD Products – If he’s on the move and needs more calm, energy, or muscle support, then give him one of these CBD infused products. Use code WELLNESSMAMA for a discount.
  • Blue Light Glasses – Get him some blue light glasses for after dark

Outdoors and Travel

Does he like traveling, camping, hiking, or even just spending time out on the back porch? 

  • Buffalo Leather Toiletry Bag – This is a great gift for the guy that loves to travel and can use a fancy way to organize his toiletries.
  • 60-day Lantern for Camping – A really long-lasting lantern for the outdoorsman who loves to camp.
  • Mystery Tackle Box – Does he love fishing? This variety pack of surprise fishing gear comes with supplies for freshwater bass (smallmouth and largemouth) and a mini fishing magazine.
  • Rumpl Outdoor Blanket – Speaking of camping, my family has Rumpl blankets for our outdoor events. They’re waterproof, washable, and warm on these fall and winter nights. Can be used indoors, too! They’re made from 100% recycled materials and recycle over 5 million discarded plastic bottles every year.
  • ENO Hammock – Portable hammock that fits in a small bag and is great for travel and camping.
  • Tactical Backpack – For the outdoorsman, this bag is a practical gift to hold everything he could need from gadgets to a toolset, to a hoodie.
  • Fire Starter Kit – Useful tool from our favorite outdoor brand to start fires. This all-in-one tool does it without matches or a lighter.
  • Solo Stove Tabletop Fire Pit – Crisp evenings are always better with a fire pit and this one is great for smaller areas or if you just don’t want to deal with the bigger ones.
  • Surefire Flashlight – High quality and super bright pocket flashlight.
  • Tactical Pen – More than just a pen, it works in all conditions and can break a car window if a person is trapped.

Skincare

Most guys aren’t big into skincare routines, but these simple products make the cut.

  • A new razor – Alitura is one of our favorite brands for skincare. Their high-quality razor shaves perfectly and is great for sensitive skin.
  • Beard Oil– Great option for the bearded man in your life. The organic oils from Toups and Co make this feel like a luxury gift! 
  • OneSkin – All of their skincare products are backed by clinical studies, safe for sensitive skin, and free from harmful ingredients. They also have a minimalistic look many guys prefer.
  • Essential Oil Skincare – Plant Therapy has a range of men’s products including beard balm, beard oil, and essential oil roller blends.

Fitness 

For guys who like to workout or are on the move… or just need some relaxation and sore muscle relief.

  • Smart Wool Socks – Warm but not sweaty and they keep feet dry. Great for hiking or everyday use.
  • NFL Sports Coasters – These stainless steel coasters are a great gift for that sports guy that has everything. They also make the perfect addition to a man cave.
  • Myobuddy – A percussive heated massager that targets muscle and fascia. A lot of people use this for cellulite, I just use it for relaxation and fascia massage. It has a wider massage platform than some other popular options, like Theragun. Use code wellnessmama for a discount.
  • Oura Ring – This is the fashionable ring that does it all: tracks your sleep, HRV, and tells you how ready you are to start the day. Does your guy like to know all his stats and wants to track his health metrics? This tech gift is perfect for that!
  • Rumble Roller – Deep tissue massage with foam rollers. 
  • Kettle Bells – If he loves working out, Kettle Bell Kings offers all sorts of weights and other workout gear. 
  • Kion – Get a delicious aminos drink and supplements for recovery after activity. Save 10-20% at the link. 
  • Rapid Release – Like a chiropractor and a massage therapist built into one. This device is designed to release muscle tension and it works. I love this thing.
  • Portable Red Light – This red light therapy device from Joovv is compact for on the go and less cumbersome than larger red light panels. Perfect for sore muscles. Or try this flexible, wearable red light.

Sentimental

Tell him you love him with one of these heartfelt gifts. 

  • Photo Book – Gather all of your favorite moments together and add them into a special book for him.
  • T-Shirt Quilt – This easy, DIY unique gift is the perfect gift for a guy who has a lot of sentimental old T-shirts lying around. It took me about 8 hours to make this personalized gift from start to finish.
  • Star Registration – If you’re looking for that unique, sentimental gift, this is the one for you! You can name a visible star and you’ll receive a certificate with the name and location.

Just Because

These gift ideas don’t fit neatly into the above categories, but they still make great gifts for men!

  • Comfy Slippers – My brother loves these slippers he got a couple of years ago.
  • Pooping Pooch Calendar – Yep, it’s exactly what you picture… perfect (or awful?!) for the dog lover in your family!
  • Saddleback Leather Wallet – This wallet has a 100-year warranty (yes, really!). They also have really high quality boots, satchels, and other leather products.
  • Sleep Mask – These futuristic looking sleep masks boast 100% blackout and zero eye pressure.
  • Magnetic Wrist Band – Holds nails and screws for the handyman.
  • Merino Wool Slippers – These felted wool slippers keep feet warm while wicking away sweat and neutralizing odor. Plus they’re fair trade and ethically sourced.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas For Men

  • Trailside Utensil – For those who love to spend time outdoors and camp, this lightweight spoon and fork combo is ideal for any campfire meal. The multitool also has a bottle opener on it.
  • Spices for Meat (and anything else!)– Many of you know Laila Ali (daughter of the great Muhammad Ali) has handcrafted an amazing line of spice blends. The GOAT seasoning was inspired by the way the legendary boxer preferred his favorite cheeseburger and is a favorite in our kitchen. Have you listened to our podcast interview?
  • Four Sigmatic Coffee – Between the individual coffee packets or the 24 oz. bag, your guy will be ready to go for the day. My favorite? The coffee with Lion’s Mane and Chaga.
  • mellö Magnesium – These magnesium packets come in several flavors and include L-theanine and GABA for relaxation, brain support, and calm.
  • Paleovalley Beef Sticks – Almost every man loves a good beef stick! And you can be confident that they’re eating the healthiest version of them.
  • Lifestraw or Sawyer Water Filter – Survival water filter that fits in your pocket.
  • LMNT Electrolyte Packets – Replacing our electrolytes when we workout, use the sauna, or when we fast is super important. LMNT offers multiple flavors (watermelon and raspberry are at the top of my list) and only sources clean ingredients. 
  • Ice Shaker Bottles – Co-founded by NFL player Rob Gronkowski, these bottles are some of my most used when I’m on the go.
  • Essential Oil Skincare – Plant Therapy has a range of men’s products including beard balm, beard oil, and essential oil roller blends that fit perfectly in a stocking.
  • Books – Some that I highly recommend are Atomic Habits, Greenlights, 201 Relationship Questions: The Couple’s Guide to Building Trust and Emotional Intimacy, and The Power of Now.

What are some of the best gifts you’ve ever given for the men in your life? Anything you would add to this list? Leave a comment and let us know!

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DIY Homemade Face Packs to Keep Your Skin Glowing This Winter

DIY Homemade Face Packs to Keep Your Skin Glowing This Winter

When the winter chill sets in, our skin often bears the brunt — turning dry, dull, and lifeless. The lack of humidity and harsh winds strip away natural oils, leaving skin craving hydration. While store-bought products promise quick fixes, nothing works quite like homemade face packs made from natural ingredients. These easy, nourishing recipes help restore moisture, radiance, and softness — all from the comfort of your kitchen.

Here are six simple, effective DIY winter face packs that will pamper your skin and bring back that healthy glow.

1. Honey & Aloe Vera Hydrating Pack

Best for: Dry, dull, or sensitive skin

If your skin feels tight or flaky, this soothing blend is the perfect fix. Honey acts as a natural humectant, locking in moisture, while aloe vera cools and heals irritation.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
  • 1 tablespoon raw honey

Method:

Mix the two ingredients into a smooth paste. Apply evenly over your face and neck, and let it sit for 15–20 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.

Result: Soft, supple, and deeply hydrated skin that glows naturally.

2. Milk Cream & Turmeric Glow Pack

Best for: Normal to dry skin

Fresh milk cream (malai) is one of nature’s best moisturizers. Combined with a pinch of turmeric, it helps brighten your complexion while keeping the skin nourished and smooth.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon fresh milk cream
  • A pinch of turmeric

Method:

Blend both ingredients well and apply to your face. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.

Result: A natural, golden glow with baby-soft skin.

3. Banana & Honey Moisture Boost Pack

Best for: Extremely dry or flaky skin

Bananas are rich in potassium and antioxidants that help repair and hydrate rough winter skin. When paired with honey, they create a moisture powerhouse.

Ingredients:

  • ½ ripe banana (mashed)
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Method:

Mash the banana and mix in honey. Apply to clean skin and let it sit for 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

Result: Smooth, plump, and deeply nourished skin.

4. Oatmeal & Yogurt Exfoliating Pack

Best for: Combination to dry skin

Exfoliation is essential in winter to remove dead cells that block moisture absorption. Oats gently scrub without stripping the skin, while yogurt hydrates and brightens.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon oatmeal powder
  • 1 tablespoon yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Method:

Mix all ingredients into a creamy paste. Apply gently in circular motions and leave for 10–15 minutes before rinsing.

Result: Soft, radiant skin that feels clean and rejuvenated.

5. Coconut Oil & Cocoa Butter Repair Mask

Best for: Very dry, cracked, or mature skin

Winter can be harsh on mature or sensitive skin. This rich mask combines coconut oil and cocoa butter to provide intense nourishment and repair.

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon melted cocoa butter
  • ½ teaspoon honey

Method:

Blend the ingredients and apply while slightly warm. Leave on for 15 minutes, then wipe off with a warm, damp cloth.

Result: Velvety, hydrated skin with a natural sheen.

6. Avocado & Olive Oil Nourishing Pack

Best for: Dry and aging skin

Avocado’s healthy fats and vitamin E make it a winter skincare hero. Mixed with olive oil, it deeply nourishes and improves skin elasticity.

Ingredients:

  • ½ ripe avocado
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

Method:

Mash the avocado and mix in olive oil. Apply generously and leave for 20 minutes before rinsing.

Result: Soft, youthful, and radiant skin even on the coldest days.

Winter Skincare Tip:

Always follow up your face pack routine with a mild moisturizer or face oil to lock in hydration. And remember — consistency is key. Using these natural masks 2–3 times a week will keep your skin glowing all season long.

This winter, skip the chemical-laden creams and rediscover the beauty of natural skincare. With these DIY face packs, your skin will stay hydrated, healthy, and beautifully radiant — no matter how chilly it gets outside.

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