The past 2 years have been filled so much so seriousness, so much struggle, and so much anxiety, that the idea of the holidays offers a welcome respite for us all.

I thought it would be fun to offer a little levity to the world of women’s health with a Holiday Gift Guide. I’ve pulled together things that I personally love, things that are recommended by friends, and a few other fun surprises. Nothing in here is sponsored — it’s all my own suggestions. I hope you enjoy!

For Your Skin:

I’m generally a minimalist when it comes to skincare. I don’t experiment much, and when I find something I enjoy I stick with it. These are some tried and true staples from my bathroom counter.

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen: I use this nearly every day. It goes on almost like a thin primer. No smell. No feel. SPH 40. LOVE.

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream: I got this as a sample and I’ve now bought 3 containers of my own. It’s clean, no scent, and makes my skin feel like a million bucks. It’s my nighttime MVP.

Herbavoire Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum: I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again. If you are TTC or pregnant, do not use a retinol. It is linked to birth defects! This is a safe alternative for younger looking skin.

Yes To Tea Tree Deodorant (I’ve tried so many natural deodorants and THIS WORKS.)

For your Lady Bits:

Women’s health is more than just reproduction, however, we do need to care for our lady parts! Most of menstruating people have a monthly period, and if you are on the conception journey, it’s important to think about what you use along the way.

Bambody Period Undies: These have rave reviews from my sister and she prefers them over more expensive brands. I just ordered a pair!

Natalist Lube : (great stocking stuffer!) — no nasty parabens or preservatives. Sexy packaging and a safe product. What’s not to love? PROMO CODE: WELLMADE15 for 15% off through December 31st!

Natalist Prenatal Vitamin for Her: Word on the street is that these are the best prenatal vitamins around. I crush on Natalist because everything they put out is highly researched and evidence-based. The team is made up of a bunch of smart moms you can trust. PROMO CODE: WELLMADE15 for 15% off through December 31st!

For Your Body:

It’s always fun to open something to wear on Christmas!

Old Navy Masks: These are my favorite masks! North Carolina is still under a mask mandate, as are many other states, and what we’ve also seen over the last year is the huge drop in flu cases and other infectious diseases due to mask wearing. So keep up the good work! Buy a pack and divvy them up for stocking stuffers!

Colorfulkoala Yoga Pants: Yoga pants went from workout wear to everyday wear in our new work-from-home culture. I kept seeing these as the best Lululemon dupe out there and I have to agree! They run true to size and wash well (hang dry.) I have black and am going to get some more!

Gifts that Give Back:

I really like to give gifts that provide joy not just to the recipient, also to others as part of the company’s social responsibility strategy.

Sanctuary Project Jewelry. I have the Rosette Medallion Necklace ($48.) The Sanctuary Project is a non-profit social enterprise that provides meaningful employment and job training to women who have survived lives of trafficking, violence, and addiction.

Unicef Donation: Girl’s Empowerment Pack. Your $35 gift buys 6 girls an Empowerment Pack. Each pack includes 5 menstrual pads, 2 pad holders and a pouch for storage, providing the protection and peace of mind girls need to stay in school and forge a better future. Donate and write a sweet note to a friend or sister that works hard for women around the world.

All True Box Subscription. For the FabFitFun lover in your life— gift them a subscription to All True. All products are ethically made and sustainable, and many of the products come from small, female run businesses around the world. All True includes beauty, home, and clothing items in each box. Subscriptions are $49 per box, and you get 3 boxes a year.

Treats and Feeding Others:

There is something extra special about giving homemade gifts, as well as gifts that nourish others. Over the last year I’ve had friends and family go through some pretty hard women’s health-related issues, including miscarriage and breast cancer. Providing food is one of the best ways to care for people because often meal planning is the last thing they want to deal with.

Eat To Feed Cookbook: I am a sucker for giving books as gifts! I really loved the recipes in here when I was in the postpartum period. They are super nourishing for your recovering body (and for creating human milk for your little one as well.) Gift the book or something from it (the baked oatmeal is epic) to a family welcoming a baby.

My Favorite Granola Recipe: This is endlessly customizable if you need to plan for allergies— the base recipe is delicious. Make a double batch, pour into mason jars with a cute tag and you have the perfect homemade gift.

Breakfast Cookies: Anyone else get into a breakfast rut? I found these to mix things up in the morning and they go particularly well with a mug of hot tea. Also they are VEGAN!

DoorDash Gift Card: For when you can’t make a casserole for someone that needs a little extra help getting meals on the table, a take out gift card does the trick!

Rage Baking Cookbook: Feminist essays + cookie recipes. Proceeds of the book go to Emily’s List, which helps support women political candidates.

Health Tech:

BinaxNow Rapid Covid-19 Tests: Thanks to the similarities of Covid-19 to other upper-respiratory illnesses, I’ve had three Covid-19 tests over the last 2 years. It can be a hassle to find a testing center, drive there, wait for results, etc. Having a few rapid tests at home can reduce that stress and give you an indication if you should quarantine/ seek further health treatment versus know if it’s a case of the preschool sniffles (as it often is in our house.)

Poppyseed Health App: 24/7 on-demand tech support for midwives and doulas. This is $29/ a month. I can’t figure out how you’d gift it, but you can always Venmo the cost to someone with info about how to download the app!

Scanwell UTI testing kit: Before you load up on cranberry juice, use these super-cost effective tests to screen for a urinary tract infection at home!

BONUS: Favorite Kids Books

The Bear’s Garden: A story about a little girl in Brooklyn and her community garden

Last Stop on Market Street: A surprising tale of noticing the world around you and helping your community with a heart of gratitude

The Word Collector: About a little boy who loves all kinds of words

Bunny’s Book Club : Bunny loved books. Beautiful illustrations for a tale of woodland creatures that break into the library.

Charlotte the Scientist is Squished: Another bunny book! This little bunny is a serious scientist and can’t seem to get her experiments done because of her large family. Her solution is creative and fun.

Rosie Revere Engineer: The drawings are as incredible as the rhyming tale of a little girl who loves to create things but is scared of what people will think.

A is For Awesome: Creative illustrations that introduce female change makers across history.

Superheroes Are Everywhere: By Vice President Kamala Harris! I really enjoyed her take on community helpers.

Daisy: This is such a sweet book about kindness and friendship for kids.