Science Of Essentials Wellness Gift Guide 2023
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The glorious holidays are fast approaching, and I find myself seeking products that really embrace wellness and help me intentionally take better care of myself every day. I wanted to share with you some of my favorite gifts I’ve given and received over the past few years that do this. This year, I created a “wellness focused” gift guide to help you find gifts that nurture and restore the mind and body. Here we go!
Gifts for the Essential Oil Lover
1. Science of Essentials Best Blends Book
With over 300 of my favorite essential oil blends on a variety of different themes for the entire year, you will never be guessing again!! Let this book inspire every oiler to use their oils with purpose every single day! It makes a great gift (if I do say so myself!). Enter coupon code HOLLY10 for 10% off your purchase!
2. Science of Essentials Best Recipes Book
The perfect gift for the DIYer! These are my top 100 tried and true essential oil DIY recipes for the mind, body and home. Think of this as your little black book of recipes! It will help equip and empower you to feel confident making essential oil products. Enter coupon code HOLLY10 for 10% off your purchase.
3. Nature’s Exhale Aromatherapy Inhalers
This inhaler set symbolizes how nature's exhale of volatile aromatics can allow us to restore, recharge and retreat. Nature's Exhale was created to help you slow down and listen to your mind and body. To breath in your choice of powerful aromatics from nature and exhale tension, releasing any thoughts or emotions not serving you. It comes with 4 beautiful inhalers, 4 cotton wicks and recipes to use. Enter coupon code HOLLY10 for 10% off your purchase.
4. Science Of Essentials: The Essential Guide For Using Aromatherapy To Promote Health And Healing
This book is a comprehensive evidence-based guide for using aromatherapy to promote health and healing. Maybe you are brand new to essential oils and this is the guide you follow to support you on your new journey. Or, maybe, you have had essential oils for a while but still do not feel confident (yet!). Through this book you will learn the science behind our sense of smell and gain a greater understanding of how aromatherapy can benefit your everyday life. This hardcover book will equip and empower you to feel confident using essential oils as you gain knowledge about what oils to use for what purpose, how to use essential oils safely, tips, tricks, recipes and more! Use coupon code HOLLY10 for 10% off your purchase here.
Looking for a digital copy of this book? You can get it here.
One of my favorite small shops for incredible one of kind essential oil rollers, spray bottles, crystals and more! Great for gift giving or spOILing yourself. Use coupon code HOLLY10 for 10% off your purchase!
She makes the most beautiful essential oil storage bags! Every oiler knows they can’t leave their essential oils at home! Her bags are incredibly well made in a variety of beautiful prints! Enter coupon code HOLLY10 for 10% off your purchase.
7. Kinito Life Portable Diffuser Charger
I love these portable diffuser chargers so I can take my diffuser with me in another room or on the patio outside without having to worry about finding somewhere to plug it in! Fits most diffusers and battery life is 6 hours of uninterrupted diffusing time.
8. Valley Mountain Design Oil Shelf
Have you seen my mountain oil shelf? I get asked about it ALL the time! I recommend Valley Mountain Design for the most beautiful unique handmade oil storage shelves. Use coupon code HOLLY10 to save 10% off your order!
9. Glass Essential Oil Diffuser
This diffuser is a dupe from a popular larger brand diffuser. I love how small and compact it is, making it perfect to use in a bedroom, office or bathroom. Comes with a remote control and has multiple lighting options.
10. The Herbal Zen Shower Steamers
Not everyone is into making their own DIY gifts. I recently discovered The Herbal Zen which is a company founded by a pharmacist who was pulled in the direction of natural health and wellness. Not into taking baths but needed to time to recharge? The Herbal Zen makes incredible shower steamers in a variety of different aromas. All steamers are made with pure essential oils and no artificial fragrances or preservatives.
11. Baggage and Co Diffuser Travel Bag
I never travel without my diffuser and oils! Baggage and Co makes the best diffuser travel bags! Use coupon code HOLLY15 for 15% off purchase $35 or more.
Gifts for the Body
One of my favorite ways to intentionally take a self-care break is laying on my Pranamat. This strange, spiky mat has quickly become a rave in the wellness-minded world. The Pranamat works similar to acupressure and acupuncture by stimulating pressure points along the meridians of the body. To do this, you lay on thousands of patented lotus spikes (not scary, I promise!) to help relieve neck/back pain, muscle tension, stress and headaches. The sensation and benefits of acupressure massage mats are very similar to those of traditional massage. You notice results from your very first session. Have a spouse, parent or sibling with stress induced tension or neck or back pain? One clinical study showed it to have substantial potential to relieve chronic neck and back pain. (1) Read more about the Pranamat on this blog that I wrote on it!
A 2014 clinical trial showed that using the Prana Mat just 20 minutes a day:
70% reported that their back pain had completely disappeared
97% reported a relaxation of the muscle in their backs
80% reported a decrease or total absence of headaches
100% said they felt less tired and apathetic
70% reported better mood, more energetic
90% noted an improvement in resistance to stress
95% enjoyed a better quality of sleep.
My community gets up to 30% off right now by shopping here!
My husband and I gave up drinking coffee a long time ago. He didn’t like the taste after he got covid and I realized coffee was making me more anxious and jittery. We switched to brewed cacao instead which is 99.9% caffeine free and packed with nutrients like antioxidants to help immune system and magnesium to support bone, brain, and heart health. It is also less acidic than coffee. We “dress” it like we would our coffee and drink hot or iced. Pair some brewed Cacao with my favorite Barista Warrior gooseneck kettle or a classical Chemex for a fun gift. In our opinion Choffy has the best tasting brewed cacao on the market (and trust me, we have tried a few different brands!). Use coupon code HOLLY15 to save 15% off your order here.
14. Pipersong Meditation Chair
If you are someone who sits at your computer for work, or you struggle with sitting still, then you will LOVE this chair! I love the attached foot section so you can switch up the way you sit. I have found since using this chair, I don’t have as much back pain or tension. I love to sit cross-legged or with my knees bent using this chair. It’s incredible!!!
I’ve been using Osea products for the past year on my face and body and love them! They are a clean, seaweed infused skincare line that prioritizes naturally derived ingredients, chosen for their safety, efficacy and backed by the latest scientific research. I swear by their Ocean Cleanser for my daily facial cleanser. I also love their Vagus Nerve Bath Oil and their Undaria Algae™ Body Butter. Enter coupon code HOLLY10 for 10% off your purchase here.
16. Embroidered Lumbar Support Heating Pad
I love anything from Natural Life! They have the cutest mugs, loungewear, blankets, scarves and more. But I really love their adorable heating pads. Great for kids and adults!
17. Daily Harvest
Who doesn’t love a good smoothie? Daily harvest deliveries are a gift that I know someone will use! I love to gift 6-9 smoothie cups to friends and family if they are pregnant, just had a baby, are not feeling well or going through a hard time. They also make a great holiday gift! What’s cool about Daily Harvest gifts, is you can send them the gift electronically via email and they can go ahead and choose what they want delivered. I personally love the cacao + avocado smoothie, but they have more than just smoothies! Harvest bowls, soups, flatbreads galore! Get $40 off your first box by entering coupon code: I’m totally loving Daily Harvest and think you will too! Get $40 off by using my coupon code: RE-RBKGY3H .
I love a little pamper session with a Jade roller at the end of the day. Jade rollers and Gua Sha aid in muscle tension relief, reducing facial puffiness and help your skin look fresh, firm and dewy. This would make a great gift with a DIY overnight face serum using aromatherapy.
Nothing says wellness like being intentional about getting enough sleep and syncing your circadian rhythm. This Sleep Aid digital alarm clock is designed for everyone but especially heavy sleepers and kids. It’s a sunrise simulation light with 7 natural sounds that gradually increases from 10% brightness to 100% by 30 minutes before alarm setting time. (You can also set the process to 20 minutes or 10 minutes.) It’s a great alarm to help combat the darkness in the morning without dealing with a loud aggressive and startling alarm.
Speaking of sleep…..I am obsessed with Comphy Co! I came across these luxurious sheets 8 years ago while traveling and I could not get over how incredibly soft they were. I felt like I was at a spa! We purchased a set immediately and still use them every night 8 years later! One year we even gifted all of the couples in our families a set of these sheets and they were beyond excited. Comphy Co makes supremely soft, high quality, sustainable linens that are:
Wrinkle-free
Quick-drying
Treated for stain release
Recyclable
Protective against allergens
21. Weighted Blanket
My kids and I love weighted blankets. The science behind weighted blankets has to do with deep touch pressure stimulation similar to a hug or a massage. Weighted blankets can help promote restful sleep, soothe anxiety, relieve stress, calm the nervous system, support restless legs, reduce cortisol, promote focus, aid in comfort and promote release of oxytocin. I love this knitted weighted blanket.
22. Alfalfa Sprout Kit
Have a gardener in the family (or maybe a wannabe gardener?) Here is a no fail gift for someone who may not have a green thumb! I love to make alfalfa sprouts and broccoli sprouts at home! They are super easy to make. All you need is some sprouts seeds, a sprouts lid, a mason jar and some water, and in 3-5 days you can consume your sprouts! To add a little extra fiber to your meal, top them on salads, sandwiches, eggs, anything!
If you also live in a rainy state like me, then you know it is hard to find high quality rain gear. I was gifted the Women’s Neptune Bib from Grundens last holiday and am obsessed with it. I love to get outside every single day to get that vitamin D and I don’t let the weather stop me. I am not a fisherwoman, but I love to play outside in the rain, and I constantly am reaching for these! They are tailored for an active fit with a medium-weight fabric that stretches and moves with every task, while providing 100% waterproof protection against the elements.
I get asked ALL the time where I got this shirt from when I wear it! I love this small shop based in Canada. All clothing is made from organic cotton, tencel lyocell, bamboo and recycled water bottles. I love their nature themed designs and the symbolism behind the gorgeous prints. My favorite is the treeline print symbolizing how trees=life. It was created with different types of trees along the top, and the heart monitor 'beat's' along the bottom, connecting the two. It's meant to show how trees help us live, help the planet breathe. Enter coupon code HOLLY10 for 10% off your purchase here.
25. Linen Apron Dress from The Chemistri
I love shopping small and when I came across this adorable Etsy with the world’s best name, I knew I had to snag something. I am obsessed the linen apron dresses that cross in the back! They are super comfy and I wear mine ALL the time when I am making messy DIY projects, sourdough bread, even harvesting in the garden. They wash really well, and I love the vintage feel! So cute, comfortable and affordable!
Need to unwind after a long day? Reishi mushrooms have been shown to promote relaxation and feelings of calmness. I love to have a cup of Four Sigmatics Mushroom Hot Cacao Mix with Reishi before bedtime. Don’t worry, it doesn’t taste like mushrooms! It really helps me unwind and fall asleep quickly! Pair it with this adorable mushroom tea towel or mushrom mug from World Market and consider your gifting done!
Nothing says wellness than eating fresh locally grown vegetables. I love these fishnet market totes from World Market. They are well sized bags and come in a 3 pack which you could easily separate for gifts. You could gift them alone or add a gift card to a local farmstand or coffee shop inside.
28. Food 52 Japanese Cast Iron Pots
Nothing says wellness like cooking up a nourishing meal. For the cook in your family, check out these gorgeous Japanese Cast Iron pots from Food 52.
I have loved making my own sourdough bread products this year. There is something so calming and relaxing about caring for a sourdough starter and kneading bread dough. Not to mention the smell of fresh baked bread in the house is one of the best scents in the world! This custom Ballerina Farm sourdough kit will get you up and going. Two proofing wicker baskets for prepping your dough, a sourdough spatula for mixing your sourdough starter, a bench scraper for shaping and moving and a dehydrated Willa starter to get it all going. You’ll never want to buy bread again. Make sure you add on some Weck jars to hold your starter.
Gifts for the Mind
30. Headspace Meditation Subscription
For the person on your list who wants to relax more. Headspace is an app full of meditation courses to help you catch your breath, relax your mind and feel less stressed. Headspace offers courses on anxiety, reducing stress, finding joy, falling asleep and more! They even offer several meditations geared towards children of all ages! Gift a 1 month, 3 month or 1 year subscription.
For those who want to support posture and experience true comfort while meditating. This beautiful set includes a floor cushion and round cushion to be used together or separately.
There is a reason over 1.3 million + journals sold worldwide this year! The Five-Minute Journal is the original pioneer in guided gratitude journaling, helping people achieve a more peaceful and harmonious state of mind. It helps cultivate gratitude and mindfulness and only takes 5 minutes a day to write in.
33. Our Heritage Co: Floral Resin Bookmarks
For the reader in the family! I am obsessed with these gorgeous floral resin bookmarks my friend Danelle makes! I purchased a few to put in my kids stockings this year. They are so beautifully made and would pair well with a book to make the perfect gift!
34. Self-Reflection Poetry Books
I love books that I can just open up a page, read a page or two and let the words consume me in self-reflection. I alternate which book I grab but some of my favorites are Inward and Clarity and Connection by Yung Pueblo, Shine from Within by Nikki Banas and All Along You Were Blooming by Morgan Harper Nichols.
35. Stress Relief and Self Care Cards
This unique Self Care Deck contains 52 extremely effective exercises for mindfulness, meditation, anxiety relief, stress management, self-care, relaxation & more. My kids and I often love to look through these and choose one for the day to use!
36. Meaningful Art by Sienna Art Studios
I discovered Sienna Art Studios a few years ago and am obsessed with her artwork. She creates beautiful pieces of art entirely by numbers or equations at hand. Sienna states “Every mark in my drawings is a number or an equation drawn by hand. These pieces take me roughly 50 hours to draw and upwards of a year to research. They are best viewed with a magnifying glass, curiosity, and a little time. The numbers and equations that you see composing my work tell a story of the subject by way of scientific data and formulas. From measuring the health of a human heart to calculating the probability of life in the universe, my pieces beg the viewer to look closer and ask meaningful questions about the work and the sciences that inspire them.” My two favorite pieces of her art include “Forest Bathing” which is an illustration drawn with the chemical formula for alpha pinene, which when breathed in lowers heart rate and cortisol levels thus reducing stress. My other favorite piece of art is called “Breathe” which is illustrated with data pulled from recorded EEG values of Sienna herself before and after using an 8 week Mindfulness Program. Her website also have some clothing and journals showing her artwork.
37. Illustrations by Lore Pemberton
My friend recently shared the beautiful works of this illustrator, and I am obsessed! If you have a love for nature and the beauty in simplicity of life, you will be mesmerized by her illustrations. Just looking through them all is incredibly calming to me.
Gifts for Kids
38. Little Renegades Mindfulness
I love Little Renegades and their focus on bringing mindfulness to kids. They offer a range of products from mindful journals to activity cards for little ones. We especially love their mindfulness bedtime cards. My kids love to choose one every night and I love reading it to them and watching their minds and bodies relax.
39. Little Yogi Mats
Every time I share my kids doing yoga, I get asked about their mats. Little Yogi makes luxurious and eco-friendly yoga mats for kids made from non-toxic biodegradable natural tree rubber and printed with water-based inks. The suede texture makes the mats extremely soft and durable as well as easy to clean. We’ve used the “Strike A Pose” Little Yogi mat since my kids were 2 years old and I love how they can see the pose on the mat and then do it! We often will alternate who is the “yoga teacher” and it’s one of my favorite parts of the day! These mats do ship from Australia so order quickly to get in time for the holidays.
40. All About Mom and Me Journal
Give the gift you will treasure for many years to come! My kids and I love these Mom and Me journals! It’s a fun journal you pass back and forth answering a variety of questions to promote bonding and connection. I love to find it sitting on my bed or in another spot of the house from my daughter or son knowing that they took some time to write to me and vice versa. These journals are perfect for ages 7-13 and it’s a gift I know both of us will love to read many many years from now! Here is the version for daughters and here is the version for sons.
41. Polaroid Camera
We got my daughter a Fujifilm Instax Mini Polaroid Camera a few years ago and what a treat it has been! In this day of age, where we constantly are taking photos on our phone, it is rare to ever hold on to a photo. Gifting our daughter a polaroid camera turned out to be so fun! She grew a love for photography and takes the most stunning unstaged photos of our family and nature. She then hangs them up on the wall in her bedroom or gives them to family and friends. My mom even uses a photo she took of her guinea pigs as bookmark. This camera has lasted her almost 2 years of frequent use and is her favorite to pack along when we travel.
42. Wildcraft Herbal Adventure Game
This is by far, my kids favorite and most used board game! I love how they can play it on their own and love the concept of this educational cooperative game. It takes kids on an exciting quest through several ecosystems – while learning all about 25 edible and medicinal plants, where they grow, and how to use them! As they “travel” in the game, they come across different challenges (such as a bug bite or upset stomach) and they need to use the appropriate herb to help them through the challenge.
Want to easily shop all of my favorite items from amazon? Check out my amazon storefront here.
Gifts of Experiences
I am always game for experiences as gifts! Anything that promotes connection and bonding and gets a family outside is a win to me! Of course, I’m also happy to gift solo experiences that help nurture and restore the mind and body. Check your local Costco for some gift cards at a discounted price.
Some experiences I love to gift:
Round of Golf
Haircut and Shave
Date night with my husband
Mushroom Foraging with a guide. If you are local to the Seattle area, I highly recommend James with Terra Fleurs Mushrooms.
Meditation App Subscription
Museum Gift Card
Yoga Class Gift Card
Local Fishing Trip for a day
Concert or game tickets
Staycation at a nearby hotel
Local ski getaway
Zoo tickets
Spa gift card
Indoor Skydiving
Flower subscription service
Guitar Lessons
Airbnb Gift Card
Paint and sip night out
National Parks Annual Pass
Movie ticket gift card
Horseback riding lessons
Trampoline Park tickets for the kids
Need some DIY gift ideas? Check out 10 Fast and Easy Aromatherapy DIY Gifts.
I hope you find this Wellness Gift Guide helpful! Happy Holidays and thank YOU for being the biggest part of what I do here!
References:
Hohmann C, Ullrich I, Lauche R, Choi KE, Lüdtke R, Rolke R, Cramer H, Saha FJ, Rampp T, Michalsen A, Langhorst J, Dobos G, Musial F. The benefit of a mechanical needle stimulation pad in patients with chronic neck and lower back pain: two randomized controlled pilot studies. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:753583. doi: 10.1155/2012/753583. Epub 2012 Sep 11.
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