The holiday spirit can manifest in so many ways. Some express their spirit through hundreds of twinkling lights and perfectly curated tree decorations. Some bake cookies and decorate impeccable gingerbread houses. Still others rejoice in finding the perfect gift for each person on their list, adorning each with crisp wrapping paper and an origami-inspired bow.
Then there’s the rest of us.
Those for whom the holiday season looks nothing like a Hallmark movie. You decorate—but you don’t capital-D decorate. You might try to bake—or you just pick up cookies from the grocery store. And yes, you give gifts, but shopping, selecting, and wrapping is not your superpower.
We can’t help with the decorations, but the gift-giving? You’ve come to the right place.
Behold! Our 2023 Gift Guide with a health-focused, Whole30 spin. We have gifts for a variety of personas on your holiday shopping list that are sure to please and help take the stress out of your holiday season. (Read to the end for a bonus item to help you ring in the New Year in the best possible way.)
For the cookbook connoisseur: One of Whole30’s many bestsellers
This is for the friend who wants to learn to cook, the family member now eating gluten-free, or the co-worker who’s always admiring your lunches. This gift pairs beautifully with “let’s cook dinner together one night,” or one of the kitchen tools featured below.
For the veggie lover: Fun kitchen tools
Meal prep can be intimidating, but the right tools make it easy and fun! Plus, who doesn’t love turning a zucchini or sweet potato into noodles with just a few cranks of a handle? Many of these are budget-friendly, and can add a pop of color to the kitchen.
- A spiralizer, for turning veggies into noodles (you can opt for a table-top version or a smaller one that fits in your hand)
- A food processor for chopping, shredding, and blending (we like this Ninja model, and this bargain from Black & Decker)
- A colorful citrus juicer to add a bit of citrus punch to your roasted veggies!
When gifts are their love language: A monthly subscription
If you know someone whose love language is gifts, a subscription or membership will regularly remind them of your love. They’ll delight in choosing their own favorite products all year long, and every time they see the box on their doorstep (or the email in their inbox), they’ll think of you.
- Thrive Market (an annual subscription to amazing online market for natural and organic groceries, plus home, baby, pet, and personal care products)
- Butcher Box (a monthly subscription for meat eaters, featuring sustainably-raised and fed beef, poultry, fish, seafood, and more)
- Daily Harvest (so this isn’t technically a monthly subscription box, but it is great one-time gift delivered to your plant-based pals, offering delicious bowls, bakes, pastas, smoothies, and more)
- XO, MU on Substack (MU’s highly acclaimed weekly newsletter, full of personal insights, advice, product and travel recommendations, and practical tips)
For the sports fan: An Instant Pot, slow cooker, or air fryer
Game day is always better with some wings, chili, deviled eggs, or loaded baked potatoes. These kitchen tools make whipping up Sunday appetizers and party platters fast, easy, and delicious. (They’re also great for quick weeknight dinners!)
- Instant Pot (this pressure cooker that makes short work of baked potatoes, hard-cooked eggs, and pulled pork)
- Slow Cooker (let this kitchen gadget do all the work for your chili, soup, or stew)
- Air fryer (wings, fries, onion rings, and jalapeno poppers have never been so fast, crispy, or delicious)
For the sharp cookie: Opt for high-quality knives
The pun wasn’t perfectly honed, but that shouldn’t dull the idea of gifting good kitchen knives this holiday season. Anyone who cooks frequently will delight in slicing through a tomato or blitzing through an onion with a sharp, reliable knife. You don’t have to buy a whole set, either—any of these options can give your friends and family an edge in the kitchen:
- The multitasking chef’s knife (if you only have one good knife, let it be this one)
- The perfect paring knife (perfect for peeling, mincing, and coring)
- The solid slicer (carve gorgeous slices of roast beef, turkey, or fish)
For the sober-curious: How about a Humm—or 12?
“Not drinking right now” is more popular than ever, but nobody should celebrate with tap water in their glass. Pair this person’s bubbly personality with the delightful carbonation and fun flavors of Humm’s Whole30 Approved Kombucha and Probiotic Seltzers. (The two billion probiotics Humm brings to the party are added benefits!)
- Humm Kombucha (Ginger, Mixed Berry, Mango Lemon, Strawberry Blossom, and seasonal Elderberry)
- Humm Probiotic Seltzer (Peach and Raspberry Lime)
For the bookworm: Give the gift of Audible
Even if they prefer the feel of a real book in their hands, Audible will allow them to listen and learn anywhere, anytime—at the gym, while on a walk, during a drive, or while folding laundry. It’s Whole30 CEO Melissa Urban’s favorite subscription of 2023; she’s racked up more than 21 days of listening time this year! Some of her favorite non-fiction:
- The Book of Boundaries, by Melissa Urban
- Food Freedom Forever, by Melissa Urban
- Never Split the Difference, by Chris Voss
- Hidden Potential, by Adam Grant
- The Comfort Crisis, by Michael Easter
For those serious about self-care: Books to support New Year’s resolutions
For those serious about self-care: Books to support New Year’s resolutions
The New Year is the perfect time to start a new habit, change your mindset, and set a personal growth goal. Support your loved one’s self-care efforts with a book designed to support, empower, and guide their journey.
- The Book of Boundaries, by Melissa Urban
- How to Keep House While Drowning, by K.C. Davis (also great on audiobook)
- Needy, by Mara Glatzel
- Laziness Does Not Exist, by Dr. Devon Price
- The High 5 Habit, by Mel Robbins
BONUS, for Future You: The gift of a Whole30 in 2024
Okay, we’re biased, but that’s only because we hear so many incredible success stories of how the Whole30 is changing the lives of people just like you. And what better way to kick off the new year by radically transforming your health, habits, and relationship with food? (Not to mention the sense of empowerment, self-confidence, and connection you’ll find through our program and community.)
If you’re looking for the perfect gift to give yourself, click here to join the January Group Whole30, starting January 2, 2024. Or, set yourself up for even more support (plus exclusive resources, daily motivational videos, weekly “ask me anythings” with MU, and real-time advice throughout your program) in our January Community Cohort.
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