2017 Holiday Gift Guide + Deals
Only 33 days until Christmas! Can you even believe that Thanksgiving is this week? Now, before you say, “It’s not even Thanksgiving yet” and wonder why I am posting this now, realize that many people start holiday shopping now and Black Friday, Small Biz Saturday and Cyber Monday are almost here.
I want to make sure that you are fully prepared for your spoiling your loved ones with the best goodies out there this Christmas (or whatever holiday you celebrate). Also, it's a good idea to stock up on your favorites, too!
And to my husband, if you are reading this… I will gladly take anything below, even though I have all the appliances and cookbooks. You can fill my stocking up with all these goodies, or at least tell Santa to stock me up on all of it!
Last year, Jeff filled my mom’s stocking and my stocking with Lively Up Your Breath Mint Drops. I put Ra Goods Lip Balms in each of their stockings and sent some to a few friends. This is a list that is filled with legit fun, yummy, goodies that I think any foodie, beauty lover or human being would love for Christmas (I know I would) this year.. I hope you find some good ideas here and don’t forget to read about some cute gift ideas that use some of these gifts.
I just love Christmas: Christmas decor, music, food, movies, being with my family, family traditions and everything that goes with this Holiday season. Yes, I know it's not about the gifts, but chances are you are buying presents anyway so you might as well get some ideas and save some money!
Items are listed in categories down below along with a deal, if there is one, and a link to the product.*
FOR THE KITCHEN
Rolling pin - It’s the most wonderful time to bake cookies! I bought this rolling pin a few years ago and it truly has made life easier when rolling my cookie dough evenly. There are a few different size options for you to choose from to make all of your cookie recipes perfect. I love that it’s so simple to use and really will step up your cookies this year!
VitaMix - I know these blenders cost a lot of money but, really, they are the best. I literally use my Vitamix at least twice a day or more. It’s so powerful, makes amazing lattes, smoothies, soups, sauces, dressings and so much more. Check Costco for a good deal and watch for Black Friday sales. This gift will not only last many, many years, but it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Just think, whoever you give one of these to will surely make you lots of yummy things!
Nespresso Frother - This was one of our wedding presents and, let me tell you, we use it all the time. I use it just about every single morning to make my lattes. It froths my homemade cashew milk, beautifully! It is a little on the pricey side, but if you love that extra foam on your latte, then you will be so impressed with the extra foam lattes that you will be able to make at home.
Deal - currently 32% off on Amazon!
CS8 Designs Handmade Bottle Opener - My talented cousin makes some awesome handmade and personalized bottle openers. I bought one for Jeff last year because I realized we didn’t have one in the house. I bought one and it is so amazing. It’s beautifully handcrafted and I got to design every aspect of it: choose the wood & add inscription/lettering. I chose to add his initials engraved on it, you know it’s his manly kitchen tool, now. Christopher sells them on Etsy and they are very reasonably priced and beautifully made.
EatingEVOLVED Hot Chocolate + Collagen - When I say that I have literally been waiting MONTHS for this product to come back in stock (it's seasonal unfortunately) - I ain't even lying! This hot chocolate is phenomenal and made with clean ingredients. Eating EVOLVED makes amazing paleo products: chocolate bars, chocolate spreads, roasted coconut spreads, chocolate cups and amazing hot chocolate. You can also get this hot chocolate without the collagen, making it totally vegan.... plus it's all organic, too! I also love that their chocolate is sweetened with coconut sugar and not cane sugar!
Deal- use code KRYSTENDTMT to get a free mini chocolate surprise in your order.
STOCKING STUFFERS
Lively Up Your Breath - I can’t even tell you how much my family and I love Lively Up Your Breath liquid mint drops! They are super minty, gluten-free, made with organic ingredients, come in three flavors (Sensual Citrus, Original and Vanilla Cinnalicious) and taste really good. I tell my husband to put these in my stocking every year now, and now my mom asks for them for Christmas, too. They are a great stocking stuffer! Plus, your breath will be nice and minty underneath the mistletoe.
Ra Goods Lip Balms - This is by far the best lip balm ever. Ra Goods makes all kinds of amazing essential oils, oil blends, body lotions, and gorgeous handmade oil diffuser necklaces. Everything is organic, made with simple, clean ingredients, and I have about 2 or 3 of their lip balms in every purse. There are 2 flavors: Peppermint and Sweet Orange. Both are amazing! These are great for anyone, especially during these dry winter months.
Deal - save 40% off this weekend during their Black Friday sale.
If you are seeing this blog after black Friday, use code KrystensKitchen for 30% off your first purchase.
Four Sigmatic Superfood Mushroom Packets - Giving someone the gift of health is pretty incredible — not going to lie. Consider purchasing a box of the Hot Cacao Mix packets and putting a few in everyone’s stocking! Not only is it yummy and a warm and cozy drink, it also has many wonderful healing properties. The Hot Cacao Mix with Reishi is great for stress (who isn’t stressed during the holidays?), helps with sleep, helps your immune system, can fight allergies and asthma and can even help you relax and get a good night’s sleep. Plus it is hot cocoa and taste so great in your Christmas jammies, next to the tree, and with your loved ones.
Deal - Black Friday / Weekend, save up to 50% + save an additional 10% with code KRYSTENSKITCHEN
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides On The Go Sticks - I’m just saying, I would LOVE to see some of these Collagen Peptides On The Go Packets in my stocking. Or better yet, put a big box of them under the tree. They have helped me so much over the last year or two with my hair growth, skin, and nails. You can purchase a box and give a few to each of your girlfriends or put them in everyone’s stocking. Mix it into the Hot Cocoa above and, man alive, you have a great drink! I talk more about why I take collagen, here. Any woman, in my opinion, would love a gift like this - it’s just helps with so many things.
Deal - with $75 purchase, receive a free mini 5oz container of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
Cocokind My Matcha Stick - This is another luxurious product! It’s made with clean ingredients that really work. I use CocoKind’s My Matcha Stick under my eyes every single day, morning and night to help keep away those dark, puffy, under-eye circles — and it works! It’s also really moisturizing so I use it on my lips, dry spots and basically all over my face to be honest. This would make a great stocking stuffer or bundle it with other beauty products.
Invisibobble Hair Ties - I have to say, these are my fav hair ties. They do not crease my hair, and they are pretty gentle on my hair unlike elastic hair ties. These are basically like those big curly key chains that fit around your wrist so you don’t lose your keys… only a million times better. They are great for stocking stuffers or to add to a beauty gift basket.
FOR THE HOME
Essential Oil Diffuser - I wish I had gotten one of these sooner! I love my oil diffuser and have it on most of the day and all night. We keep it in our bedroom, but I just ordered one for our living room and kitchen. My favorite essential oil that I use the most is called GNite Irene which is from Ra Goods. I love it because it’s so relaxing and soothing. You can use any essential oils in your oil diffuser and receive the wonderful benefits of essential oils.
ECOS Holiday Gift Box - Are you trying to help someone you love switch out all of their chemical-filled cleaning products to cleaner ones? Here’s the perfect gift! ECOS has a very cute bundle/gift set that is perfect for any housewarming present or gift under the tree. I wrote a blog all about how we are making the switch to cleaner, healthier products for the home, here.
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Ra Goods Botanical Steam - Do you want to have a spa night at home with the girls? This is really one of the best beauty buys. It makes my skin so soft every time I use it. Dry skin is upon us more than ever during the holidays, and this is a product that will help so much. It’s ingredients were chosen for their cleansing, astringent, moisture retaining, toning and soothing effects on the skin. It’s great for the skin, and you will think you just went to the spa. I love this product!
Deal - save 40% off this weekend during their Black Friday sale.
ToGoSpa Eye Pads - Those bags though! These are another great beauty buy! It’s a wonderful treatment for under your eyes that any tired mama, busy person, college kid, or anyone who will be in photos during the holidays, will love. You could use these as a stocking stuffer or bundle them nicely with other beauty products. They will de-puff your tired eyes and leave you looking bright-eyed and “not tired!” They even just launched some holiday sets that feature different products from each of their collections. My favorite is the Ice Water collection. This box will come with 4 pairs of eye treatments, 2 lip masks, 2 neck masks and 2 face masks!
Link to purchase individual eye pads
Link to purchase Ice Water Collection
Boss Babe Body Coffee Scrub - I really am picky when it comes to beauty products. I don’t just buy anything, and I really love products that work. This scrub will tackle any dry skin on your entire body. I promise, once you try these scrubs you will never love another scrub as much as Boss Babe Body scrubs! I have been using their scrubs since they launched in 2014 and use them 3-4 times a week on my entire body - from my nose to my toes! This scrub helps with circulation, cellulite, psoriasis, eczema, acne scars, stretch marks, dry skin and more. It has done amazing things for my face by clearing up old scars and discoloration. You will feel so pampered when scrubbing with this scrub. Your skin will feel softer than it’s ever felt AND this scrub is so affordable, you can buy it for everyone in your entire family!
Deal - use promo code ATH for free shipping on all orders.
ECOS Hand Soap - I have to say, I love hand soaps and the Orange Blossom from ECOS is one of my favorites. I love this for a Christmas present for a few reasons. 1) It looks like a Christmas Ornament. 2) It’s made with natural, clean ingredients and 3) it smells so good! There are a few scents to choose from: Lavender and Lemongrass.
Poopouri - Every single bathroom needs a bottle of Poopouri. It’s a “Before you go toilet spray” that will cover up anything you “doo” in the bathroom. I actually found this spray at a family member’s house during a holiday dinner. I had to go and saw the spray, used it and the bathroom smelled amazing afterwards. TMI? This is a must-give gift for everyone you know. Put it in everyone’s stockings this year. If you are going to someone’s house just leave it in the bathroom. Everyone will thank you, later. I must say the Merry Spritzmas is probably my favorite scent of all, and I need to stock up so that my bathroom can smell like a “bowl full of jolly” with this blend of peppermint, vanilla and citrus natural essential oils. They even have mini bottles that you can use for stocking stuffers or fun Secret Santa gifts!
Vampstamp - If you watch my Instagram story, then you know how much I love my Vampstamp. I use it almost every single day to get the perfect winged eyeliner. You can choose from 3 different sizes: kitten, medium and large. I use the medium size the most and literally have the best eyeliner every single time! You might want to gift this to yourself this year or give it to any makeup-loving friend. Make sure you get their Vink - Vampstamp ink. I have tried with with my own eyeliner and their Vink and their’s works the best, hands down!
Deal - Save 15% off when you buy Vavavoom & Vink together.
Cocokind Beauty Sets - Just as you probably want some family members to toss out their chemical-filled cleaning products you probably want them to start using clean beauty products. Cocokind Skincare just launched holiday gift sets that are of great value! Their entire skincare line is absolutely amazing. They are all made with super clean ingredients that actually work. If you already love and use their products then this might be a great time to buy some for yourself. There are a few bundles to choose from.
Deal - buy bundled gift sets and save
TO READ
Celiac and The Beast by Erica Dermer - I could literally write a whole book about how much I loved this book. If you have celiac disease, know someone who does, or even if you’ve never heard of it, then you need to read this book. It is so informative, detailed, funny and 100% honest. Erica Dermer, of Celiac and The Beast wrote this book in hopes of helping others and boy do I think this book would help so many people. I literally laughed so hard, aloud and on a plane while reading it. I felt her struggle, got angry when hearing about the misinformation about gluten and Celiac disease and just felt as if she was sitting next to me telling her story. This is a MUST this Christmas. I promise that you will love this book, learn a lot and feel as if you have known Erica for a lifetime.
Healing Mushrooms by Tero Isokauppila - Are you wanting to learn more about the amazing healing benefits of mushrooms and don’t know where to start? Do you want someone else to learn about mushrooms? Well, this book is a good place to start! It’s very informative, has a great overview and also has some great recipes that use mushroom superfoods like: reishi, chaga, lions mane and cordyceps. I use mushrooms in my morning lattes and smoothies and wrote about that, here. There are also 50 recipes in this book that use these superfood mushrooms.
Deal - save 10% with code KrystensKitchen (check back for Black Friday Deals)
Talking as Fast as I Can: from Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls by Lauren Graham - I am a big fan of Gilmore Girls and Parenthood. I started reading this book on the planes and trains we took in Europe and loved it. It’s funny and entertaining, just as Lorelai Gilmore and Sarah Braverman are. I love that I hear her voice when I read her book — and, no, I am not listening to her audio book. If you know someone who loved either one of those shows, then you should probably get them this book. It will help them as they cope with missing Stars Hollow and the Braverman family dinners.
The Gluten Free Allergy Friendly Lunchbox (Cookbook) by The Allergy Chef - I don’t know anyone else in the allergy-friendly community who does allergy-friendly food quite like Kathlena, The Allergy Chef. She recently launched her new cookbook all about lunches and has over 60 different meal ideas for you that fall under categories like, Top 8 free, gluten-free, peanut and tree nut-free, soy and egg-free, paleo, grain-free, vegan, coconut and yeast-free, sesame-free, legume and nightshade-free, GAPs, AIP Paleo and that are kid and adult-friendly. This is such a great book that you will get a lot of use out of, and will be so grateful for come January when school is back in session.
FOR PETS
Organix Treats - Our boys love these treats and we buy them for Buster and Posey year round, but we also love to put a few in their stockings to get the cutest pictures ever! They have fun digging their little kitty noses into their mini-stockings searching for the delicious treats that they love.
Find in stores (Cute cats and stockings not included)
ECOS Pet Wipes - Okay, so this might be a present for you and not your fur babies, but consider it as a present from your fur babies with love. We use these wipes in between baths that the boys get at the vet. They smell great and our boys don’t mind the quick bath. If you are getting someone a puppy or kitten for Christmas, it might be a good idea to add this to the box of supplies. (Photo of Buster, post bath via ECOS pet wipes)
Cat Tunnel - This is by far the best toy we got our cats. I found this on Amazon last year and the boys go nuts over it. It’s the single most used toy in the house, and it wasn’t too pricey either, though the quality has held up with our two rugrats! (Photo of Posey in his side of the cat tunnel)
OTHER
Be Real Eat Real Tote Bag - If you plan on going grocery shopping, your groceries will look fabulous in this awesome tote bag. I’m just saying! These bags are super sturdy and can carry a lot of goods, plus they are super cute.
Deal - tote bags are currently $5 off right now & use code FREESHIP for free shipping (USA Only)
Packing Cubes - We just got back from 20 days in Europe. I never thought I would be able to pack in only 1 checked bag and 1 carryon bag for that long, but I did it! I honestly wouldn’t have been able to do it without these packing cubes. I did some research and asked some friends if they have used packing cubes, and the consensus was that they were amazing and I needed them. I ordered them a few days before our trip, repacked everything and was blown away at how much space I was saving with using these amazing packing cubes! I highly recommend them, and now I won’t travel without them.
Locking Purse - Are you a traveler? Are you taking someone on a trip for Christmas? Are you going out of the country? Listen up - pickpocketing is a real thing! Unfortunately it happened to someone who was on our trip in France. It’s a big fat bummer, headache and pain in the rear to have to deal with that. I am not trying to scare you at all, I just want to make sure you are totally set for your trip - wherever you are going! This bag has been amazing for the last 2 years. I got it on Amazon, and I love it because every zipper locks on this bag. It’s small enough and big enough at the same time. It has 2 side pockets that can each hold a water bottle or small umbrella. It is RFID protected, and the strap is reinforced and cut-proof. Each zipper locks with lobster claw clasps and the bag is pretty roomy. I took this all over Europe and never had one problem with the safety of my belongings. The bag comes in 19 different colors and is pretty reasonable.
Luggage Scale - This will come in handy for sure. It’s such a pain packing for a trip, thinking that you must be under the weight limit, arriving at the airport only to find out that you are over by 3lbs and have to hurry up and choose something to pack in your carryon. How do I know this? Because it has happened to me way too many times to count, until we got one of these luggage scales. This is a great gift for anyone who loves to travel or anyone you are gifting a trip to this holiday season!
You did it! You finished the long holiday gift guide and now you are super ready for the Holidays to officially start. Well, here are a few gift ideas using some of the items above! Hope you enjoyed this post AND that it was helpful!
HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS
The Best Hot Cacao Combo
1 cute mug & fill it with:
1 packet of Four Sigmatic Hot Cacao
1 packet of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
A “Pamper Session” in a box:
1 bag Boss Babe Body coffee scrub
1 cute coffee mug
1 box Four Sigmatic Hot Cacao
1 CocoKind Skincare My Matcha Stick
1 Ra Goods Botanical Facial Steam
1 box of 3 To Go Spa Eye Pads
1 pair of warm, fuzzy socks
A Gluten Free Party
Choose 3 of your favorite certified gluten free (packaged) foods and put them in a gift bag with the Celiac And The Beast book
For the Coffee Lover
1 cute coffee mug
1 Nespresso Milk Frother
1 box Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee
1 bag Boss Babe Body Coffee Scrub
The Gift of Relaxation
1 Oil Diffuser
3 Essential Oils
1 book of choice
For The Traveler
1 set Packing Cubes
1 Luggage Scale
1 locking purse
1 Stasher Bag filled with snacks for the plane/trip
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