The MamaSutra's Gift Guide: Holidays 2022
Pampering Edition
Every year, I LOVE putting together a Holiday Gift Guide. This year, I asked in a poll what types of ideas you wanted, and you answered! It seems this is what we all need the most: pampering.
This holiday season is the perfect time to shop for fun, enjoyable, self-care gifts. To bring you more pleasure, comfort, and rejuvenation this holiday season, I’ve put together this year’s holiday gift guide featuring Vuori comfy clothes, slippers, sneakers, a towel warmer, and so much more! Treating yourself and your loved ones and friends to the healing power of pampering. and self-care this year. Whether you’re flying solo, in a relationship, or somewhere in between, you’ll find pleasure and softness in these gift ideas. Best of all, I’ve got exclusive discounts just for you—so don’t forget to pick up some (extra) goodies for yourself!
These are things I bought for myself or my loved ones. I love them and use them. I didn’t get any of these items for free, so although you’ll see some affiliate links below where I might get a little bit of a kickback, this isn’t a paid promotion or #ad. I’m not getting any money to promote these products unless you decide to buy using these links and, in doing so, support my small business.
GIFTS TO PAMPER YOUR LOVED ONES (AND YOU!)
Vuori Ponto Performance Pant + Halo Hoodie
My partner Ragnar got a pair of Vuori Performance Pants first …and then my daughter did. OMG you’ve GOT to feel the fabric of these pants. I started to plot when I could swipe them, but neither of them took a break so I could. I totally fell in love with their Dreamknit™ buttery-soft feel. I had to get some myself! I like the men’s pant personally because it has a roomier fit. Pair it with the Vuori Halo Hoodie. For lounging and running errands, this is YUM. This monochrome outfit with some jewelry doesn’t look like I’ve “given up” on dressing myself.
Ra Optics Maxwell Sunset Glasses
Food, sleep, and sex are solid pillars of my life and these glasses help with the sleep part. I track my sleep score and notice better numbers when I wear these Ra Optics Maxwell Sunset Glasses from sunset until it’s time to sleep. I wore them out to a nightclub (along with hearing protection) and slept like a baby afterward. They look good on too (Ragnar wears them and has a distinct “Bono” look when he does. Hot!) I dig these so much that now I’m tempted to grab the ones with yellow lenses too.
Birkenstock Zermatt Slippers + Bend Low Sneaker
I was NOT a Birkenstock gal until I went to the Fusion music festival in Germany in 2015. It was like every German, no matter their gender, was wearing Birks, and there I was with flip-flops and feet that were killing me. I gave in and bought a pair. Wow, were those Germans onto something! Total support and comfort. They may look “ugly,” but who tf cares when you can stand, walk, wander, go out, etc., without your feet getting tired?
Birkenstock has come out with so many styles besides the “Jesus Sandal” (that’s the Arizona if you’re curious). Ragnar and I each got a pair of the Bend Low Sneakers before traveling this summer and survived airports, early mornings, long travel days, layovers, and U-bahns. Our feet were totally fine. Ragnar came up with the nickname “Snirks” and I really think Birkenstock should change the name to that.
It’s gotten a bit ridiculous here with the Birkenstock inventory in our house. You don’t even want to know how many pairs of Birks we have in the house now. Ok fine, 12 pairs between the 4 of us. They’re really that comfortable.
If you’re a fashion snob and wouldn’t be caught dead wearing Birkenstock, you might be interested to know that Manolo Blahnik, Dior, and Rick Owens have done collabs with Birkenstock. They sell out. Fast. I have a pair of Rick Owens that are a cool gasoline/iridescent black. So fetch.
Why did I choose these Zermatt slippers? I am coveting them and plan on getting them for this winter season. Make that 13 pairs. LOL
Bindle Bottle (paid link)
Originally, a dad in my human sexuality class I taught introduced me to this bottle, which has a screw-off bottom where you can store a small amount of stuff in. This dad planned to give the Bindle Bottle* with a small sex ed kit (condoms, lube, dental dam, etc) in the bottom to his son when he headed off to college. I LOVED that idea, but also love this bottle for keys, lip balm, snacks, headphones, credit cards, and IDs. Grab one for each member of your household.
*This is an Amazon affiliate link and when you purchase this item, I will receive a small commission. A great way to support small businesses, like me and mine!
Clarify your values - Digital workbook
After a long day of work, the last thing you want to do is sit down and figure out your core values. But if you're feeling stuck, or like something is missing from your life, it might be time to take a step back and figure out what's important to you.
What are your core values? Think about the things that are most important to you in life. What do you want to stand for? What do you want to be known for?
This Values Clarification workbook will help you get clarity on what makes you happy, and what's worth fighting for. It won't be easy, but it'll be worth it in the end. So take some time for yourself, and pamper yourself with this valuable workbook.
Live Fine Towel Warmer (paid link)
When you get out of the shower, what’s better than warm, fluffy cotton towels? I don’t know the answer. That’s an honest question. If I had an answer I’d put it in here. *shrug*
This Live Fine Towel Warmer* is the must-have bathroom accessory for anyone who loves a warm towel after a hot shower. This handy gadget heats up quickly and keeps your towels toasty. So why wait? Buy one for yourself to make every shower a spa day. Then email me your thoughts on how it compares to just using a regular old towel!
*This is an Amazon affiliate link and when you purchase this item, I will receive a small commission. A great way to support small businesses, like me and mine!
**There is a note to use only natural fiber towels. Don’t want towels melting in the device!
Foria Bath Salts
Taking a bath has always been one of my favorite ways to relax. The warm water, the soothing bubbles, and the calming scents all help me to forget my troubles and drift off into blissful relaxation.
So when I heard about Foria's lavender CBD bath salts, I knew I had to try them! According to the website, these salts are "formulated to renew you in body & mind." They're infused with Epsom salts, kava, lavender, calendula, ginger, and hemp - all of which are said to have beneficial effects on the body.
I was definitely curious about this combination of ingredients, so I ordered a jar for myself. And boy, was I in for a treat!
The moment I opened the jar and took a whiff, I knew these salts were going to be special. They're made with organic ingredients and pure essential oils - no synthetic fragrances here! As soon as I added them to my bathtub full of hot water, I could feel their therapeutic effects working their magic. The minerals in the Epsom salts helped to soothe my tired muscles while the lavender oil relaxed my mind. And thanks to the CBD oil, I left feeling both physically and mentally refreshed.
If you're looking for a luxurious way to relax your body and soul, then look no further than Foria's lavender CBD bath salts!
The Arbus Sweater - Cashmere
The luxurious cashmere of this sweater is soft and warm, while the rib-stitch construction ensures a flattering fit. But what really sets this sweater apart is the unique boxy cut. With chic 1970s après-ski vibes, this sweater is perfect for winter weekends spent relaxing at home or out on the town. Plus, the side-slits make it easy to layer over other pieces, so you can stay cozy all day long. Whether you're curled up by the fire or hitting the slopes, the Arbus Sweater is sure to keep you feeling your best. So go ahead, give yourself a little TLC and wrap yourself up in this cozy sweater. You won't regret it!
Verilux® HappyLight® Lucent (paid link)
Looking for a way to improve your sleep, mood, focus and energy? The Verilux light therapy lamp* is just the thing. This lamp uses bright light therapy to improve all of those areas, leaving you feeling more refreshed and revitalized.
The Verilux light therapy lamp is perfect for anyone who wants to feel their best. It's easy to use, and can be set up in just minutes. Plus, it's totally portable so you can take it with you wherever you go (This version is much more compact than the older model I have). Grab one of these Verilux HappyLights to boost your energy levels and get more out of life.
*This is an Amazon affiliate link and when you purchase this item, I will receive a small commission. A great way to support small businesses, like me and mine!
Daily routine bundle
The Daily Routine Bundle has all the things you need to get your day started right: a tongue cleaner, oil pull, daily massage oil, and triphala.
My favorite is the tongue cleaner, which is great for scraping off the coating of ama, or natural toxins, that build up on your tongue over time. This helps promote oral hygiene and fresh breath. I swear I taste my food better too!
The oil pull is perfect for supporting healthy teeth and gums. The daily massage oil helps keep your skin looking young and radiant, and I use this in place of lotion after a shower. And triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic formula that detoxifies and supports healthy digestion.
So if you're looking for a way to pamper yourself and take care of your body at the same time, I highly recommend giving the Daily Routine Bundle a try.
I hope this glimpse of pampering gift ideas helps you to make decisions about what gifts you purchase this year. Shop away, folks! Happy Holidays!
xxoo,
Lanae
p.s., As I said above, I may earn a small commission for my recommendation and/or link to any products or services from this page. I am a participant in several affiliate programs, as well as the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites like mine to earn money by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
Very thoughtful list!