This time of year every blogger posts gift guides or wish lists for the holidays. “But I thought you weren’t like everyone else, Emily.” I know, I know, I’m jumping on this train. But this is the Polar Express heading up north so it’s a good train to be on. Anyway, don’t run away yet! I tried to make my list a little different. Not that these items are things you haven’t seen before, but maybe they just aren’t at the forefront of your mind for gifts. We could all say we want/need a new GPS tracker or Lululemon crops (*insert hands-raised emoji*) so I’m going to skip the obvious.
I like to consider myself a practical, down-to-earth person, although my mother claims I am only down-to-earth if earth is covered in Lululemon and expensive almond butter. Can’t say I hate the idea of that world. Therefore, the main items on my list this year are what I consider “practical”: things I would buy anyway and that I already use every day throughout the year. So maybe these gifts aren’t for your closest loved ones, but then again, I don’t recommend you resort to lists on the internet to find those special gifts.
If you want to give a gift that will get good use (or you just like nice things) read on…
Specialty gift cards– Let me first say that I’m personally not a fan of giving gift cards to your closest loved ones. However, I understand their convenience. I suggest buying a card to a place where they can “treat themselves.” I spend generic AMEX gift cards on gas and toiletries. If the card is for a specific place, such as Whole Foods or a massage studio (like Massage Envy), then I will be forced to indulge. “Forced” as in I will be the first one at the Whole Foods parking lot at 7 a.m. because I’ll be so excited to spend it.
Spiralizer– If you don’t yet own this super handy kitchen item, what are you doing with your life? add it to your list! I get so much use out of my spiralizer year-round that I don’t remember life without it. Slight exaggeration. While I personally own the Paderno version, I want Ali’s new Inspiralizer! It came out after I already had one so I haven’t tried it yet.
Expensive food products– Hear me out on this one…nut butters (and other items like goji berries, certain granola, bars, etc.) are PRICEY. If my dad knew I spent an average of $10 on every jar of almond butter he’d have a fit. Guess he knows now. Good food is worth the cost for me. So while I’d buy this anyway throughout the year, I would not complain about having a jar or two in my stocking. My favorite brands: Wild Friends, Kal0t, Justin’s, NuttZo and MaraNatha.
Magazine subscriptions- This is the gift that keeps on giving. I am a proud magazine subscriber and every month (or week with my People) I look forward to a new issue. A few of my favorite fitness related ones: Runner’s World and Women’s Running.
Rewind Candles- Candles made from repurposed wine bottle that are crafted to smell like different wines? Sold.
Fitness Packages- Trendy fitness classes such as Orange Theory and specialty cycling studios are awesome workouts but cost a pretty penny. While buying a package is similar to buying a gift card, I consider this more “thoughtful” because it means you know more about the person’s life, interests and fitness habits. You could buy a larger package for multiple classes or even just a drop-in session for your friend to try out a new place in town.
Infused Olive Oils & Vinegars- My mom got me hooked on these and now I don’t want to cook with anything else. They add so much flavor without needed a million ingredients. A few flavors we like: Coconut Balsamic Vinegar, Butternut Squash Seed Oil and Honey-Ginger Balsamic. I’m linking to my store in Tampa (Joe & Son’s) but Williams Sonoma and other specialty cooking stores have similar products.
Compression socks– When in doubt, the athlete in your life will love these socks…even if they already have a pair. Consider a fun pattern or color that they could use for other holidays or occasions throughout the year. I wear Pro-Compression.
Click To Tweet