Health and Wellness Experts Share the Best Holiday Gift Ideas

Mental and physical health have certainly taken center stage in 2020—if the last year has taught us anything, it’s that our health comes first. Thankfully, as you’ve seen, there are plenty of ways to prioritize our mental and physical well-being. Whether you’ve invested in at-home fitness equipment or streaming programs, got into acupuncture or meditation practices, or even took up cooking for the first time, you’ve likely experienced some form of self-care this year.

With the holidays swiftly approaching, why not give the gift of wellness to your loved ones? To keep up your healthy habits, and encourage others to do the same, some of our favorite experts weigh in on the best gifts of the season.

Neada Deters of LESSE

“All I ever want to do over the holidays is decompress. Long days reading on the couch followed by simple meals with ample wine. I’ll be purchasing gifts for family and friends that encourage them to do the same. Grounding incense from Bodha, boxes of natural wine from Mysa, vintage reads from Better World Books, these shearling slippers from Deiji Studios, and, of course, skin care from LESSE. I love to gift the Bioactive Masque, as it feels like a spa treatment at home and it’s my favorite way to recharge.”

Jordan Taylor of Medley

“I love giving gifts that I hope people can incorporate into their everyday routines. Over the past few months, during which I’ve been working at home, I’ve invested in a few delightful essentials I use daily. Soapply’s Liquid Hand Wash Bundle is the best hand soap, and I’ve already given it to several friends for various occasions. Every time I use it (many, many times daily) is a small moment of luxury. My hands used to get dry, but this is very gentle and unscented and has a beautiful bottle. I also have been cooking frequently, and [I use] Equal Parts’ Essential Pan—it’s free from toxins, yet the nonstick works really well. The pan comes in a few different colors, but the Red is very striking. Lastly, I’m a big fan of natural remedies, and Hilma’s Starter Trio is one of my go-to gifts—I love knowing what’s in the products I use, and it’s an easy way to shift your medicine cabinet to cleaner alternatives. The company just completed clinical trials for each of their remedies, and the Starter Trio is an easy way to try them. A warm cup of Immune Support is part of my afternoon routine instead of tea. Two things are high on my list to receive this year: Canopy’s Humidifier, a major upgrade to my current one, and Avec Drinks’ Sampler pack. I love having these in my fridge—they were designed to be used as mixers, but I love it as a low-sugar mocktail on its own. Jalapeno Blood Orange is my favorite flavor.”

Krissy Jones and Chloe Kernaghan of SKY TING

“This season I’m buying gifts that support small businesses and friends who make amazing things. I love giving gifts that feel personal and special, like these ceramic candlesticks from my friend Cassie Griffin, handmade masks by Michael Munday, this cookbook from my favorite restaurant, Dimes, or a flower arrangement from METAFLORA (for my NYC people). Also, a handblown glass cup by my friend Kalen Kaminsky. And of course I’ll be encouraging my loved ones to stay active during the holidays and will be gifting SKY TING TV memberships to all!” —Krissy Jones

“Since we’re all spending a lot more time at home, I’m all about buying loved ones beautiful things that can enhance their home life. I’m obsessed with these cute Busted ceramic busts—I have one that I keep on my vanity, and it always makes me smile when I see it. For my beauty-product-obsessed people, I adore LESSE’s Ritual Serum or this special Aba Love Apothecary Body Oil. I love poetry books and am so excited my friend Leti Sala’s In Real Life just came out—it’s a perfect gift. This year I’m really excited about SKY TING’s holiday gift bundles that will launch at the end of the month... There’ll be three types: The Devotee, The Beginner, and The Pyro, which include a fun mix of products.” —Chloe Kernaghan

Michelle Siman of Lemon Water

“I’ve always been someone who likes spending the majority of their time inside lounging and cooking, and with that, I love practical gifts that I’m able to incorporate into my daily routine. For lounging, I’m loving this weighted blanket. At-home workouts have been the new norm for almost a year now, and these Bala Bangles are a great addition for a little added weight for both your arms or legs. I’ve used ankle weights in the past, and they’ve been a little on the bulkier side, but I absolutely love the design of these. As the weather starts to get cooler, I also lean towards warmer foods and beverages. Golde Turmeric latte with added Rainbo Chaga is perfect for any time of day for a little pick-me-up. For cooking, the Le Creuset French oven and a new Japanese chef’s knife would keep me in the kitchen for hours!”

Danuta Mieloch of Rescue Spa

“The best gift to give your loved ones this year is the gift of good health. It’s essential to stock up on high-quality, FDA-approved hand sanitizer and mask and gloves with antiviral silver thread, like the ones we created for Rescue Me Beauty. Your well-being and healthy skin play an important role in your overall health, as your skin is your first line of defense for your immune system. Treating your loved ones to a spa day with a gift card to Rescue Spa will be appreciated!”

Kimberly Ross of ORA

“Throughout the last several months, we have had the time to pause, reflect, and adopt new wellness rituals into our lives. This has ultimately placed a major emphasis on the importance of practicing self-care and returning to traditional healing methods to bring a sense of calm into our spaces. For me, gift giving this holiday season is all about sharing gifts that bring balance, healing, and relaxation. We recently designed a custom ORA by Campo Essential Oil Blend to help regulate chi, harmonize the mind, and enhance your overall immunity; if you’re traveling this season, it is the perfect boost of wellness when you are on the go. The Campo Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser is the best diffuser to gift (or receive!) to create a calming space with a modern look. I recommend broth for immune-boosting benefits, so a subscription to New York’s favorite broth, Springbone, is a simple, healthy gift. Gifting experiences like a virtual workout by Megan Roup’s The Sculpt Society or a wellness weekend at the The Reform Club in Amagansett are a great option to offer friends and family a chance to escape and de-stress, if even for an hour. Finally, I am giving the gift of sleep through the Oura Ring; I absolutely love tracking my sleep with it, especially after an acupuncture session. As for me, I am pregnant this holiday season, so I am looking forward to receiving all things baby-related—like this Bathe Me Kit from Hill House Home for my new baby!”

Top photo: Courtesy of Jordan Taylor

Want more stories like this?

Why Fitness Experts Recommend Changing Your Workout with the Seasons
Brain Fog? These Foods Will Help Declutter Your Mind
Should I Be Working Out My Pelvic Floor?