Looking to give the perfect gift this year??? Don’t settle for BORING! We’ve got you covered with gift ideas of health, wellness, self-care and more for every person on your list — links included with most items!
For the WOW-Factor
Looking for a gift that is going to bring a big smile to someone’s face??? We’ve got you covered!
Travis enjoys working on maintaining and improving his home. He recommends a gift of tools — such as a chainsaw or work gloves — for the handy, homeowner in your life. “Working on and at my house since becoming a homeowner is incredibly fulfilling. Working with my dad and father-in-law to split, stack, and burn wood at the end of a long day is a great way to relax. There’s also something rewarding about working with your hands and building in general.”
After a long day of working on the house or an endurance training session, the body needs some recovery time. Matt loves his Normatec Compression Legs and he uses them everyday! The compression legs help to improve training and speed up recovery. If you’re looking for the WOW-Factor, this gift will not disappoint!
Give the GIft of Healthy (and Delicious) Hydration
Melissa recommends a Soda Stream for just about anyone on your list this year. “I am trying to get away from drinking diet soda and other members of the family (primarily the teenager) from drinking sugared soda and other sugared beverages. However, the craving for the fizz still exists. I like to drink La Croix and other flavored seltzer, but they can get expensive, and sometimes drinking an entire can is not what I need in the moment. With the soda stream, I can make bubbly water from regular water that I get right out of my refrigerator. I can flavor it however I like with fruit slices/lime/lemon/berries/basil/ etc etc! And I can pour myself just a glassful if that's all I want in the moment. One huge plus is that my teenager drinks the bubbly water too and then doesn't ask for soda at all!
For the Fitness Fashionista
Who wouldn’t like to add a few new items to their closet??? We’ve got you covered here too!
Stephanie can not live without her Hoka Cross Trainer Shoes.
“I have been buying these on repeat for a couple years now. I like that they come in multiple colors, they are super comfortable, and even better I can pick them up at Rapid Transit downtown.”
If you’re wrapping up a pair of shoes, why not throw in some comfortable socks too? Erin loves the Born Outdoors no-show socks. They come in super fun colors and patterns, and they are very comfortable. “I wear them with sneakers, ankle boots, or just when I’m feeling really cold at home. They work as an all-purpose sock for me — and I can usually find them at TJ Maxx!”
Who doesn’t need an extra pair of gloves in the winter? Melissa loves her Victoria Leland gloves. “I actually received these gloves from A Basketfull (in Boalsburg) as a gift from a client. Sadly, I lost one but I just replaced my pair with the exact same pair that I found at Helen Foxx (in Bellefonte). I love them because the pattern is pretty, they keep my hands warm — and they have the all important "tech index finger AND tech thumb," so you don't have to take them off to manage your phone while wearing them.”
Being warm and cozy in the winter months is important, but so is being comfy too! Erin’s new favorite leggings are the Daily Leggings from Vuori. “I love the fit and the feel — they are buttery soft. But I think my favorite part is the color! I love the Sangria color. Is it brown? Is it burgundy? I think it is a little bit of both and it is gorgeous! I could wear these every day!”
Vuori clothes aren’t just for women! Matt has his eyes set on the Sunday Performance jogger (among other Vuori items) this year.
Puffer hobo bags are all the rage now…. And you can pretty much find them everywhere! This bag will work as a gym bag, a travel bag, or an everyday bag. You really can’t go wrong with wrapping this up and placing it under the tree!
Give the Gift of Self-Care
In this crazy, fast-paced, non-stop life we live, self-care is not an indulgence — it is a necessity! Why not fill a stocking with some practical, yet decadent skin care products to keep the skin healthy and glowing all winter long!
Monica loves this overnight hydrating mask. The mask feels like it melts into your skin and leaves your face feeling soft and glowing by the morning.
The winter months can be hard on the skin. Everyone can use a good face cleanser to add to a healthy skin care routine. Erin loves the Ruby Facial Cleanser from Roccoco. This cleanser is so light and smooth, and it actually brightens your skin as soon as you use it — an essential for the dreary and dark winter months.
Satin Lips by Mary Kay is Melissa’s favorite lip balm for the cold winter months — and all year long. “Some of the lip balms out there sometimes don't seem to be quite "enough" when winter is rough. I keep a tube of this in my car and one in my purse for when the "dry, burny lip feeling" happens. Instant relief.”
Stephanie likes to use the TiZO tinted sunscreen as a replacement for foundation for a little bit of coverage — especially on a busy morning. “Most importantly I use this to protect my skin from the sun. It goes on so light and smooth, and it hardly feels like you are wearing anything.” Even though it doesn’t seem like we see the sun very much in the winter months, it is still important to protect your skin from the sun!
For the Book Lover
Our gift guide would not be complete without a few of our favorite book recommendations from the last year.
Monica has been “reading” on audiobook The Voice of Knowledge: A Practical Guide to Inner Peace by Don Miguel Ruiz. This thought provoking book will challenge you to take a look at the way you perceive yourself and the way you perceive others to ultimately acknowledge the reality of truth, love and joy.
Travis enjoyed reading The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter. “This was an enlightening and eye-opening read. It talks about how modern day comforts can rob us of our ancestral history. It outlines how performing difficult tasks every year can reap immense benefits, confidence, and grit. It can also help you if you struggle with anxiety and self doubt.”
Stephanie really enjoyed reading The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. This murder-mystery set in Small Town, USA — Pottstown, PA in 1972. The characters are outstanding and the true dynamics of a small town exemplify the importance and strength of community.
Also a story of mystery taking place in a small town in the 1970s, Melissa recommends All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker. This engaging book with a suspenseful plot will keep anyone interested and turning the pages to find out how the story ends!
Maybe someone on your list is heading out on a beach vacation this winter — Erin suggests The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand. This easy-to-read mystery takes place on Nantucket, which makes it the perfect book to take to the beach. Although the plot is quite different, Netflix released a limited series based on this book — both the book and the series are full of interesting characters and plot twists to leave you questioning “who dunnit?” all the way to the end!
Whether you are looking for a Secret Santa gift, or you need some ideas for stocking stuffers, or you’re ready to treat yourself this season, we hope you found something to love on our list!