2022 Holiday Gift Guide
So, it turns out I haven’t posted on my blog since… last year’s gift guide, whoops! If you regularly check here for posts from me, I haven’t exactly disappeared – in fact, I’ve been regularly posting on Substack (which is sort of like a blog/newsletter hybrid) since February. Please make sure you subscribe to get all of my new content.
Without further ado, here is the 2022 Holiday Gift Guide. This is always so fun for me to write, because I get to share all of my favorite things with you (sort of like Oprah, but much poorer and not at all famous) and also include a few things that I’ve been pining for, too! As always, I try to focus on mostly sustainable products, and generally share things related to cooking, health and wellness, self-improvement and holistic living. These gifts are all things that I genuinely love, and would happily purchase for my loved ones. I’ve included special discount codes for a few items, so be sure to read through each description.
All of these gifts are available online, but when you have the opportunity to shop small and local, please do so! It helps support your local economy and the planet.
Wishing you a very cozy, happy and healthy holiday season. I appreciate you, your readership and support so much – thank you, thank you.
Silk + Sonder Monthly Wellness Planners
Silk + Sonder Monthly Wellness Planners are a home run for anyone who loves putting pen to paper, is into health and wellness, and could use a little self-care. Each month, you’ll receive a beautifully and thoughtfully designed Wellness Planner, which is really a journal, calendar planner, meal planner and mind body wellness tracker all-in-one. These planners allow for reflection, productivity and creativity, and come with a little member manual to help you get the most out of your subscription. The folks and Silk + Sonder are graciously offering 10% off for my readers – just use code Lauren10off at checkout.
Since entering my 40’s, I’ve been making a greater effort to take care of my skin. I swear by these two products, and now they’re bundled together for a fantastic gift for anyone in your life – regardless of age – who wants more youthful, radiant skin. The All Bright C Serum goes on in the morning for a dewy glow, and the Overnight Resurfacing Peel can be applied right before bed for softer, clearer skin the next day. Beautycounter’s commitment to safety and transparency in their products is a huge added bonus, too.
Wildling Beauty Empress Collection Gua Sha System
Since we’re on the topic of great skin, I use Gua Sha as a natural means of lifting and smoothing facial skin. It’s also incredibly relaxing and a lovely self-care ritual at bedtime. Wildling Beauty is a fantastic resource for all things Gua Sha, and I’m loving this set that includes their patented stone, face mist and luxe repair oil. Wildling has a great video on YouTube demonstrating how to use the products, if you (or your gift recipient) is new to the practice.
Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket
I’ve talked before on Instagram about my love of the Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket. It’s a bit of an investment, but a very worthwhile one. For me, the most noticeable benefit is deep relaxation and a significant drop in anxiety/tension from the day; the relief is almost immediate. Infrared blankets can also help support detoxification, improve circulation, boost immunity, promote glowing skin, soothe sore muscles and improve heart health. You can get 15% off your order with code LAURENK15 at checkout, which results in some pretty big savings.
I’ve never been much of a robe person, but after being gifted this Faux Fur style from Pottery Barn, I never want to take it off. It’s plush, cozy and warm, and makes me feel like I’m staying in a fancy ski resort in Aspen or Jackson Hole.
Vegan, at Times by Jessica Seinfeld
As an avid cookbook collector, I find that the books I refer to most often are also the most approachable. I love recipes that are healthy and vegetable forward, but relatively unfussy and family friendly. Vegan, at Times has something for everyone, from roasted Chile Rellenos to Strawberry Cupcakes.
lululemon AirWrap Modal Pullover Hoodie
The lululemon AirWrap Modal Pullover Hoodie is the perfect thing for wearing all over town – from the pickup line, on the hiking trail, to your home office. It’s functional, warm and chic – I love the quick drying fabric and slightly boxier fit.
Atwell Stackable Ribbed Double Old Fashioned Glass
I have a thing for great barware, and even though I don’t indulge in cocktails often these days, I do love special glasses for my mocktails and even for dressing up iced tea and lemonade. The retro look of these is just so casually cool, and as a bonus, they’re stackable for easy storage!
Country Estate Winter Frolic Mr. and Mrs. Claus Ruby Party Plates
The holidays are a special time that call for heirloom-worthy serving pieces. I absolutely love these gorgeous ceramic stoneware plates; the simple, vintage inspired design is nostaglic and elegant all at once. Each plate features a different winter motif and are dishwasher, microwave and oven safe.
Tandem Coffee Single Origin Sampler Pack
Coffee is one of life’s greatest pleasures and I’m fairly choosy about my beans. When on vacation in Maine, I discovered Tandem Roasters in Portland and since then, I regularly crave their perfect coffee. They’re true aficionados and the single-origin beans are roasted mere days before shipping out to you. I also love that they’re carbon neutral certified and donate 1% of annual sales to environmental non-profits.
L.L. Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag
I’ve owned this essential L.L. Bean Toiletry Bag for decades: it’s water-resistant, durable and very well made (as most L.L. Bean items are). There are plenty of pockets and zippered compartments to neatly organize all your personal care products so that when you arrive at your destination, you hang it on the back of the bathroom door and – voila! – everything is where it should be.
Il Tratturello Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
This cult favorite organic olive oil is crafted in Molise, Italy, a beautiful agricultural region east of Naples. Intense in flavor, it picks up notes of raw almonds with a spicy finish, and is the perfect finishing olive oil to drizzle atop salad, pasta, pizza and vegetables.
Not quite a spoon, not quite a spatula – meet the spurtle! These handmade wooden spurtles are crafted from sustainably harvested trees in Lancaster, PA. I use mine daily for cooking tofu, stirring sauces and oatmeal, scraping up fond (those yummy brown bits) from the bottom of pans when I saute; basically, it does everything, and once you own one, you’ll wonder what you ever did without it.