Need Help with Gift Ideas? Don’t Worry, This List Has Something For Everyone!

The holidays are so fun.  And I LOVE giving gifts, I mean I really love it.  What I don’t love is coming up with unique, thoughtful, personalized gift ideas for everyone on my list.  I can usually figure out a few people, but then peter out before I’m even half-way through.  So, on that note, I’m sharing some of my brilliant ideas, in hopes they help you too.  Note, I’m not sponsored by any of these products, or get money back.  The links are just ideas, no need to buy these exact ones:)

Milk Frother

Currently, this is my favorite kitchen gadget: the milk frother.  I literally use it every morning.  And I don’t even use it for frothing milk.  I just use it anytime I want to stir something really well.  Buy one of these and customize it to your person.  Some examples:

• Coffee Lover:  Pair the milk frother with a bag of theirfavorite coffee, a flavored syrup or 2, and maybe a specialmug.
• Gym Buff:  Pair it with their favorite protein powder.
• Runners:  This goes great with some Liquid IV for recovery.
• Walkers: Grab their favorite water flavoring packets (do you know they make ones that taste like starburst?) and maybe a new water bottle to keep things fresh.
• Cold Weather Friend:  Some fancy hot cocoa and this frother to warm them up.

International Snack Box

I got this.  I’m so excited to try it with my family.  I say I bought this for the family….but really it’s for me:)  This would be perfect for someone who loves to travel, whether they actually travel or not- they can try foods from around the world.  Send it to your kid/niece/nephew at college for a monthly care package of fun new foods.  Or gift it to a family with littles so they can try new foods together as a fun family bonding night (this is why I got it- though I can’t take credit, one of my lovely clients told me they do this with their kids!).  Plus, who doesn’t love a consumable gift, I know I do!  You can buy one individual box, 6 months, or a year of boxes.  You can also just buy individual foods if you want to build your own!

Warming Mat

Do you have someone in your life who loves to host?  Then this is the perfect gift.  I didn’t even know it existed until my husband brought it up (thanks babe!).  Instead of the foil trays and sternos this warming mat can take their place: aka no more boiling water or open flames.  Easy to clean and 3 different temperatures makes it the perfect gift for the party thrower in your life.

Ice Cream Maker

I have to be honest, I’m not a fan of appliances that only do one thing, but this guy is so cute, and MUCH smaller and MUCH less expensive than its ice cream competition (I’m looking at you Ninja Creamie).  Now you don’t have to keep a half gallon of ice cream in your freezer taking up precious real estate.  With the DASH ice cream maker, you keep the base in the freezer, then add the ingredients and in 20 minutes you have a pint of  ice cream, or sorbet, or gelato, OR frozen yogurt:)  Yes please!

Reusable Sealable Bags

Here me out.  I know this isn’t the most existing gift, BUT it’s really practical.  I use mine ALL THE TIME ( I have kids in school, I also use them for my lunch, snacks on the go, and in the fridge for leftovers).  Use them for teacher or neighbor gift- make some cookies or peppermint bark and package them in the bag with a nice ribbon.  Or get some of the bags, some reusable paper towels (Swedish dishcloths), tuck some stainless steel straws in there and you have the perfect eco-friendly starter pack for your loved one who is all about saving the planet, and money!

Sushi Making Kit

This is so fun, I was gifted a sushi making kit and it encouraged me to go take a sushi making class!  And yes, you can gift a sushi making class too.  Making meals at home can not only be a little healthier, since you control the ingredients, but can be a fun learning experience.  BONUS:  pair the kit with some seaweed paper and sushi rice and the receiver will have no excuses not to try sushi making at home!  (I know this from experience… I got it 2 years ago…but still haven’t made anything since Aldi doesn’t have all the ingredients I need, so I’d need to make a special trip…and we can see how well that has gone)

Stocking Stuffers

Ok, here’s a few item to put in their stocking that aren’t your typical M&M’s or deodorant (please tell me I’m not the only one who gets toiletries)

• Oven Rack Shields– perfect for the clumsy baker or cook, protects their hands and arms from the hot racks whenthey’re putting food in and out.
• Mushroom Coffee– anything that says memory and focus is a must for me.  Does it actually improve your memory and focus?  Probably not, but maybe it has a placebo effect?  Plus it takes up a lot of room in the stocking:) And it’s very trendy these days, so might as well give it a go!
• Chocolate Passport– no more drugstore chocolate- step up your game with a chocolate passport from Trader Joe’s with 8 different chocolate bars from around the world.
• Herbs and Spices– while you’re at Trader Joe’s (or anywhere for that matter) stock up on some fun spice blends like this pizza one or fancy sea salt sampler that comes in fun flavors like smoked (for the grilling person) or infused (for the gourmet person)
• Apron– this one is so cute!  It makes a great gift to get a kid excited about cooking.  And makes it a little less stressful for the parent, when you can just say- wipe it on your apron (aka, not the counter, chair, their regular clothes…).  Or level up your game and get one personalized for the kitchen friend in your life.  Stuff this in the stocking and it’s practically half full!

If you need more ideas, check out our previous blog post on holiday gifts that are dietitian approved.  More than 10 unique ideas in there, including several for kids!  We really hope you have a happy holiday this season!  Eat those fruits and veggies to support your immune system and try to get some sleep (I know, I know, easier said than done).

Let us know if you have any other great gift ideas we can share!  I’m sure there are tons out there and everyone could use a little help with ideas now and again!

Stay Happy, Stay Healthy

This blog was written by Chris Henigan MS, RD, LDN, co-founder of Simple Start Nutrition.  For more blog posts and nutrition information follow @simplestartnutrition on Instagram and Facebook.  Also feel free to contact us, by visiting our website (simplestartnutrition.com) to schedule an appointment to discuss your nutrition related needs.