I’ve shared my holiday gift guide, but many of you have asked for a gift guide of unusual ideas that aren’t the normal kitchen gear, clothing, and toys. This list of gift ideas is just that… a compilation of unique and creative ideas that your recipient likely won’t already have!
All of these gifts are practical, healthy, and usable, so they won’t sit on a shelf. Give them for a wedding, birthday, or just because. As a bonus, if you live in the same house as your recipient, you can also take advantage of the health benefits of these gifts!
Food and Drink
Chemex With Coffee
I have two rules when it comes to coffee… I don’t drink it every day, and I only drink good coffee. My Chemex is one of my favorite ways to make coffee. It’s a pour-over coffee maker that makes coffee without any trace of bitterness or acidity. Plus, it’s beautiful.
Pair it with some healthy, delicious coffee from Four Sigmatic coffee or Purity coffee. Use code wellnessmama for a discount.
Camel Milk
Years ago I got to try camel milk at a conference and was surprised to learn how nutritious it really is. It’s more similar to human breastmilk than cow or goat milk and it doesn’t have the same proteins that many are allergic to. This also means you can freeze it and the texture stays the same.
If you don’t happen to have a camel dairy in your neighborhood, here’s where you can buy frozen camel milk.
Barukas Nuts
A totally different type of nut, Barukas nuts have a unique nutritional profile. They’re found only in South America and are wild-harvested. Barukas are thought to be the healthiest nut thanks to their high protein, fiber, minerals, trace elements, and antioxidants. They’re roasted to neutralize anti-nutrients and increase absorption and taste great in recipes or as a snack.
CSA Box
A great way to support local farms and give the gift of fresh veggies all year. CSA stands for “Community Supported Agriculture,” and it means the member is essentially sharing in the yield of the farm that year. We’ve been a member of several different CSAs over the years and loved them all.
You can find products like dairy, meat, fruits, veggies, and even fresh-cut flowers, depending on the farm. Search here for CSAs in your area to find one near you.
Cacao Calm
An absolutely delicious and healthy hot cocoa drink! This one also makes a great stocking stuffer. Cacao calm is expertly crafted by my friend and chocolatier Jonathan Pantalis to have a beneficial amount of stress-relieving adaptogens. I love drinking this before bed!
Clearly Filtered Water Bottle
I’ve bought (and used) several different water bottles over the years, but this one from Clearly Filtered is certainly unique. It’s stainless steel and has a built-in filter that eliminates up to 99.99% of contaminants without removing beneficial minerals. Plus, you can refill it from practically anywhere for fresh, filtered water.
Nature Lovers
Mountain Rose Herbs
One of my favorite places to get high-quality, ethically sourced herbs. Mountain Rose Herbs is my go-to for bulk herbs, but they also have essential oils, tinctures, teas, and bath and body products. Give them some ready-made products or some ingredients to make their own DIY projects.
Flower Press and Glass Frame
Many people love to decorate their homes with fresh flowers, but flowers don’t last that long. With a wooden flower and plant press though, they can preserve nature for years to come! Once they’ve pressed a variety of leaves and flowers, they can arrange them in a beautiful display with this hanging glass frame.
Mushroom Log
You may have heard of mushroom growing kits that come in a box, but these fungi come with their very own log. They can grow organic shiitake mushrooms in just 10 days from inside their own home. They don’t even need to have a green thumb since these mushrooms are guaranteed to grow. Each box/log can grow two crops of mushrooms.
Kids
Kids Daylight Computer
It’s like an iPad but so much better. I love my Daylight Computer and use it when I need to take notes before bed. Their kids’ version is similar, with no blue light, no flashy colors or videos that overstimulate, and features calm learning apps and experiences.
The Kids’ Daylight Computer values curiosity and growth and can even be used outside in direct sunlight.
Talkbox
Know some kids (or their family) who want to learn a foreign language? Talkbox is unique in that it approaches language in a natural progression. First, we hear a language, then we see it, then we learn how to speak it.
I also love that it’s designed to be used in real-life, everyday situations, and the whole family is involved!
Puzzle Boxes
These beautiful Japanese puzzle boxes are a unique way for older kids and adults to keep valuable items safe, and they’re fun to learn. They’re handmade and require creativity and problem-solving. Or gift a Money Maze Puzzle Box with cash inside. This way they get the fun of a puzzle plus cash to get whatever they want.
Balance Bike
This one is only recommended for the 5-and-under crowd on your list. It’s a fun approach to a training bike. No training wheels or pedals here, just an ultra-light bike that teaches balance. The best part? Kids can carry it, put it away, and move it on their own.
Bodycare
Red Light Facemask
This one can look a little weird when you’re wearing it, but the benefits are well worth it! For anyone who wants targeted red light therapy on their face to help with inflammation and aging. The red light face mask works at a cellular level to rejuvenate cells.
Hard Lotion
I started making lotion bars years ago and have quite a few recipes on the blog. You can also add any skin-friendly essential oil you want to the base recipe here. And if you prefer not to DIY, MadeOn makes great hard lotion bars that meet my standards. Use code wellnessmama for a discount.
Red Light Toothbrush
I recently switched to this red light toothbrush and I’m loving it! It combines two of my favorite things: oral health and red light therapy. The near infrared and red light help to calm gum inflammation and promote circulation. And the sonic vibrations stimulate and massage.
Ice Roller
I’ve been known to dunk my face in ice water for some facial cold therapy. Not everyone wants to do that though, so an ice roller is the next best thing. It helps depuff the skin, drain lymph, and tighten and tone skin. I love the mint ice roller from Skinny Confidential.
LED Teeth Whitening
Ditch the whitening strips with this LED teeth whitener. This option does not use peroxide or other chemicals that can cause irritation, burns, and enamel erosion. Instead, they use a natural whitening gel with remineralizing hydroxyapatite, charcoal, essential oils, and other natural ingredients. And the LED system uses red and blue light therapy to target bacteria and reduce inflammation.
Red Light Hat
Is your recipient looking for fuller, healthier hair? BON CHARGE has a new red light therapy cap that uses 650nm red light to stimulate hair follicles. It takes just 10 minutes a day and they can easily wear it while doing other activities.
Rest and Recover
JOOVV Go light
I bought one for my mom years ago and she loves it! Red light therapy helps improve skin, boost collagen, and improve mitochondrial function. The Go Light from Joovv is a mini version for on-the-go red light therapy. I also have a Joovv Combo light, a modular option. So your recipient can purchase more panels later on for a more full-body experience.
Trigger Point Massage
A Trigger Point Massage Tool looks like a cane but works for self-massage. It hits hard-to-reach spots and is great for releasing tension in the back. I love to use this while watching a movie (bonus if you’re sitting on the yoga ball chair too!).
Myobuddy Massager
I got the Myobuddy Massager as a gift and it’s one of my favorite things now! It’s basically percussive massage meets myofascial release meets infrared heat. It feels like a mixture of deep tissue massage and fascia massage, and I find it so relaxing! Use the code wellnessmama for a discount.
Sauna Blanket
There are so many benefits to daily sauna use, and an at-home one is the easiest way to accomplish this. We have a two-person Clearlight Sauna and I love it because it’s my “quiet box” where I go to sweat, listen to a podcast, and get a few minutes of me time.
The sauna blanket from BON CHARGE is an affordable, portable option. Use code wellnessmama20 for a discount. I also like the sauna blankets from Higher Dose. Use code wellnessmama15 for a discount.
Pranamat
Improve sleep, relieve tension, and increase relaxation in just a few minutes a day. The Pranamat has thousands of acupressure relief points that increase blood flow to muscles in your back and neck. This can help reduce inflammation and pain while releasing endorphins. It also boosts circulation and helps muscles breathe a sigh of relief!
Unlike other acupressure mats, Pranamat uses natural fibers like untreated cotton, linen, and buckwheat hulls for pillow stuffing. Use code wellnessmama for a discount.
WAVwatch
I got to try the WAVwatch at a conference and I bought it on the spot! It uses restorative frequencies to target specific organs and areas in the body. The WAVwatch comes preloaded with 166 frequency sets that address everything from sleep issues to reproductive health to headaches and more. Use code wellnessmama for a discount.
LeelaQ Energy Products
You don’t have to understand quantum mechanics to harness its power. LeelaQ offers their quantum blocks, which harmonize energy and help protect from harmful energies like 5G and other radiation. They offer a variety of quantum energy products for every budget.
Mini Trampoline
Great for the lymphatic system, as an easy way to exercise, and just plain fun! A mini trampoline (also called a rebounder) will fit in most houses, and jumping on it is a great daily practice. They’re great to keep in the living room while watching your favorite shows or for small brain and movement breaks during the day.
Balance Chair
Have someone on your list who works at a desk for part of the day? Many companies are fine with switching out a chair for a more ergonomic chair, even if they won’t go for a standing workstation. This balance chair combines a yoga ball and a rolling chair for a desk chair that engages the core and negates some of the harmful aspects of sitting.
Full Spectrum Lamp
For anyone who experiences Seasonal Affective Disorder or daytime sleepiness, a sunlight lamp may be the answer. It has a bright full-spectrum bulb that simulates daytime, even indoors, and even in the winter. This is the one I use to keep my cortisol levels healthy.
Everything Else
Magic Wallet
Not just any wallet. This magic leather wallet is like a magical illusion and is fun to use. It’s also made by my favorite leather company, Saddleback Leather. Made from full-grain leather and comes with a 100-year guarantee.
Daylight Computer
I started using the innovative new Daylight Computer after sunset because it’s more circadian-friendly. There’s no blue light, so it won’t mess with your hormones and can be used even in direct sunlight. It has a fast, paper-like display to read, write, take notes, and use your favorite apps. The first computer that’s more nature and human-focused for a distraction-free digital experience.
Pet Probiotic
Have a pooch-loving friend or family member who would love a gift for their pet? Get healthy probiotics for their cat, dog, or horse here. It contains probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes for better digestion and happier pets.
Probiotics For the Home
It turns out our homes have a microbiome just like our guts, mouths, and skin. We can improve our gut bacteria in many ways, but we can also support our skin and gut microbiome by interacting with probiotics in our environment.
These beneficial bacteria may also help ward off mold and odors in the home. Homebiotic is probiotics for the home environment that the super-crunchy person on your list may just love!
Personalized Photo Book
I make a photo book for each of my kids every year with special memories from the past year. Use Mixbooks to customize the design and size and get hardcover or lay-flat options. Record memories from a special trip or event in your photo book for your recipient to cherish.
What are some unique gifts you’ve given or gotten over the years? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
