In a world where we could have just about everything we want at a moment’s notice, we have to pick and choose where we allocate our energy and always remember that while good things are fleeting,

Great Things Take Time

Nothing is worse than a bad gift, especially if you’re the one giving it. Need some help this year? I’ve got some ideas…

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Table of Contents

• The Gift That Keeps On Giving

• Moments with Maurice

• Great Things Gift Guide

The Gift That Keeps On Giving

Gift giving is an art, which means it’s also very subjective. One thing that you think is amazing and the best option ever, might actually be the most offensive piece of trash you ever thought to gift someone. 

Ahhh, doesn’t that make the holiday season super chill? 

Of course, there is also the emotional side of things: do I get a gift, do I bring a gift? How does my gift compare to what others are giving? They said no gifts this year… but what does that actually mean?!

To get you through this holiday season, I figured we’d take a look at some of my favorite gifts, products, and gifting principles. 

But we can’t continue without giving a shout-out to our sponsor: Sense of Humor! Humor: for when things feel impossible (like getting the perfect gift) and you can’t help but laugh about it. In all seriousness, nothing in this email is sponsored or an affiliate link, which means that these are all products I genuinely love and want to share with you. But before we dive into material objects, I want to start with some of the things I find the most helpful when I’m shopping for gifts.

So, where to start when getting someone a gift? First, I want you to spend a moment reflecting deeply on what you want for this holiday season. What are the gifts that make you happy and fulfilled? What is your gift language? What do you have your eyes on? 

Now, embrace those warm, fuzzy feelings that the perfect gift gives you, and throw out all the ideas because we’re shopping for someone else, not you! Some of us need to be reminded that we are getting things for everyone. 

(Don’t worry, we’ll come back and shop for you later). 

For me, the filter I put all gifts through is asking myself what they will actually use, and not what I would like them to use.

A friend of mine collects all the cards she receives for sentimental reasons because she likes to go back and read them and feel attached to the person (especially if they are deceased). For Christmas one year, her spouse got her a portable scanner so she could scan all her cards and keep a digital record, and throw out the physical ones (saving space and reducing clutter). Welp, that gift has gone unused and is collecting dust because it wasn’t something that would be used, and she feels guilty getting rid of it because it was a gift.

Ego is the biggest thing that gets in the way of gift-giving. We think we need to spend a lot of money, buy the most perfect thing, pick out the most unique item, or even just get a gift to begin with. But usually, people just want to feel thought about, and nothing says “I’m thinking of you” like something that is going to fit in well with their life. 

Plus, how cool is it to get something that someone will use, and then you know that they are thinking of you regularly every time they use it?

Take my mom. What do I get the woman who has given me the world, and literally raised me through blood, sweat, and tears? How can I say “thanks for giving me the world?” A commemorative tea towel? Nothing feels enough. 

So I got her pots. And I know what some of you may be thinking, “you’re getting your mother, the woman who helped provide you sustenance throughout your childhood…pots? Shouldn’t she be relaxing? Putting her feet up? Not doing MORE cooking?”

But my mother, affectionately known as Shay Shay Gourmet, LOVES to cook. It’s one of her top ways to show affection to others and is a cornerstone for who she is in life. So when she opened her gift, she LOST. HER. MIND. upon discovering a new, upgraded set of pots. She couldn’t believe that there was a pot or pan for everything. 

Could she have probably upgraded herself? Probably? However, sometimes we hold off on buying ourselves a better version because we feel like we’ve been getting by for so long that we don’t need to upgrade. So how special does it feel when we’re reminded that we do deserve better by someone else, completely unprompted? That’s what the gift really was: that she was getting to pursue her favorite hobby, love language, and creative outlet in a way that was easier and more enjoyable for her, and was reminded that she deserves better and that someone else thought so. Had I gotten some else that gift, there would have been a good chance it would have blown up in my face. Just because it was a good gift for my mom doesn’t mean it’s a good gift for someone else.

On the other hand, when I’m gifting for someone like my brother, I have to be more sneaky. Luckily, we have similar passions, so one year, a gift of a camera lens came with a lot of questions for him about what my next lens purchase should be. He had mentioned it offhandedly a while back, so when gifting season came around, there were a lot of questions. Questions about the pros and cons of the lens, was it worth buying or should I wait for another model, and of course, questions to his circle to make sure no one else was getting the same gift. It could have backfired, and I could have piqued his interest so much so that he realized he needed it. Luckily, the gifting stars aligned, and he got his new lens. 

On top of having a new tool to use for his work, he had a reignited excitement for one of his favorite passions and something he could share with others, both the product and the enjoyment of using the product. It was something the two of us could connect over and helped deepen our bond. It’s not a magic bullet for magical brotherly love, but it does give us another connection piece to talk about. Sometimes you don’t need someone to ask how you’re doing; you need a reminder that they’re there if you need them when you ask them, “What do you think of my newest shot?”

All in all, gift giving is kinda like anything else in life, don’t be a jerk and lead with your heart. If you mean well, there’s a huge chance that the gift is going to have a positive impact. 

Looking back on all of the above and bottom lining on how I approach gift giving, I’d say that it kinda selfishly seems like I’m trying to make it so my recipients always think of me fondly while doing their favorite things. But I guess, what’s the harm in a little pride in your work? It’s the gift that keeps on giving

Moments with Maurice

If you only pause to reflect on your life for one moment today, do it now.

If you’ve been journaling along with me, take the time to pause on the reflection and write down your answer to the prompt. Even if it feels silly in the moment, looking back on what you’ve written down can be eye-opening when you start to see patterns form.

Need some gift ideas? Below, you’ll find some of my favorite things to either jump-start some gifting ideas or as a treat for yourself.

Fitness

Running Shoes: lululemon Split Shift Shoe

Wearing these shoes gives me a familiar and nostalgic feeling. They are both lightweight and supportive, and I can wear them for longer runs or bootcamp because they provide enough stability for weight work. There are a lot of shoes that don’t feel like part of your foot because there is so much cushion, and when you change directions, it feels like the shoe goes one way and your foot the other. These shoes do not have that problem as they feel airy and ready to go.

Lifting Shoes: Vivo Primus Lite  

You know I have a thing for people wearing sandals in the City (street juices? ew), but with these, it’s like you’re wearing no shoes, and I 100% approve. When you're lifting, it's important to grip the ground, and these have it with the wide toe box that allows that. There is also zero pitch, which means no weird arch. In terms of balance, you want to feel planted from the floor up when you’re lifting, and these help obtain that. 

For Someone Just Starting Their Workout Journey: Peloton App        

This isn’t just job security for me; it’s a really good option for someone looking to dive into things. A beginner is going to want choices, and the app offers an abundance of choice. There is direction if you don't know what to do or a more hands-off approach if you have some experience but are maybe more rusty. There is also a plethora of options you can try. If you gravitate towards a different type of music or instruction, this gives you the ability to try new things without the fear of judgment or regret about signing up for the wrong thing. If you or someone you know is looking to start a fitness journey, the Peloton App is truly an amazing place to begin.

Favorite Recovery Tool: Theragun Wave Duo 

The two connected balls help this tool get into hard-to-reach places without a ball rolling away. (Fun for the dog, maybe not so much for you) I personally love to use this on my spinal erectors (the muscles that travel up your back), but it also feels amazing on your feet. A lot of people hold tension in their feet that translates to their whole body, and they might not realize they need to take a load off. There are so many uses for the whole body that just because this tool helps you heal one spot, it doesn’t mean it can’t help with another.

Favorite Recovery Tool On The Pricier Side: Rally Orbital Massager

This one’s an odd one, but is basically a tool with a saucer attachment that gets into really hard-to-reach places. Who knew that the flat head would the thing that I’d be drawn to with the relief that it provides me. This is a great item for someone who needs a lot of recovery work.

Food & Drink

Protein Powder: Transparent Labs

Yes, this could be a funny gift to open up over the holidays, but also a great one if you’re trying to steer the drinker away from toxic additives like local tree fruits (White Lotus fans, you’ll get that one). Ironically, I started using this protein powder because I’ve found it to be one of the cleaner options for a supplement. (SUPPLEMENT! NOT REPLACEMENT FOR FOOD). Now I’m not saying you get someone protein powder only for a gift, but if you think this could…er.. SUPPPLEMENT your present for them…it could be a good place to start. I usually have it mixed with banana, peanut butter, and milk after a workout or some time later on in the morning (always after food because food = life).

Cooking Knives: Damascus Hexclad  

These were gifted to me, and while I’m not a professional knife man, these blades are sharp, light, easy to handle, and sturdy in the hand. I've had them for a year and haven't needed to sharpen them yet- probably not something I should be openly admitting on the internet. While they are a pricier gift, for someone who enjoys cooking, these are a great addition.

Sauces and Seasonings, Oh My! Smart Miso, Bachan’s Japanese BBQ Sauce, Meredith Goat Cheese Spread, Trader Joe's Umami, Trader Joe's Everything But The Leftovers, Bragg’s Nutritional Yeast 

Sometimes you need a stocking stuffer or small items to include in a larger gift basket, which is why I’m including some of my favorite spices and sauces. I pair the miso with everything, yes, even steak. The BBQ sauce is a nice, lightweight addition to salmon or chicken thighs, especially if you get a nice sear on it. The Meredith Goat Cheese Spread is so good that if you buy it for someone, they are going to need to hide it because everyone is going to want it. I personally now eat toast multiple times a day because I love it so much. Who am I kidding? This stuff is so good I eat it with a spoon, straight down the gullet! It’s one of the top 5 food items I’ve discovered this year.

The spices and nutritional yeast are a great throw-in option for spicing up salads, rice, potatoes, or a variety of other things. Just make sure whoever is getting the gift doesn’t think you’re calling their cooking bland…

Best Kitchen Appliance for Busy Person: Nuero Fuzzy Rice Cooker 

Rice has always been a staple in my house growing up, and this cooker makes it easy. The rice is perfect every time, and I don’t have to monitor a pot constantly (or destroy a pot). Rice can be spiced up with seasonings or swap water for coconut milk, so someone who is busy has the option of a flavorful meal.  

Best Gift For The Person Who “Wants To Cook More At Home”: GreenPan Elite Slow Cooker    

It’s elite to be slow. This gift is so easy to use, it barely needs any explanation. It is incredibly easy to set it and forget it and come back later with a full meal at the ready. (Plus, there are rice options if you like having multi-purposeful items).

For A More Personal Touch

Best Journal: Full Focus Planner

For someone who wants to remember their reason for doing something as well as their progress along the way. Don’t let them forget how far they’ve come! Want to add a more personal touch? Include a few surprise handwritten notes in the planner for sporadic motivation.

Best $10ish Gift to Instantly Boost The Mood: TREATS

The best $10 I ever spent on myself was a chicken cutlet bagel sandwich at Bagelsmith on Bedford Ave in NYC. When thinking about something small and quick that I might like to have, my thoughts immediately went to food and treats (aperol spritz, donuts, a cup of coffee, etc). Sometimes all someone needs is a small gesture to be reminded that you care. It doesn’t have to be a big show of affection or a fancy gift, but it can easily boost the mood and be just as impactful as a planned gift.

Best Gift To Show Someone You Believe In Their Goals: Listening To Them

This might seem like a cop-out of a gift, but I’m certain you can find a way to personalize it even more and make it special. When on your way to your Great Things, sometimes you just want someone to listen to what you’re going through in a completely judgment-free way with no unsolicited advice. Listening to someone (and I mean REALLY listening to them, not just mindlessly nodding or listening to respond) can make someone feel so appreciated and loved. Look to schedule quality time with them where you take them on a walk or buy them a treat, or a meal, and lock in on what they’re saying.

Best Gift for Photography Lover: A Memory Card or External Storage

Again, maybe not the sexiest gift out there, but if you’re taking a lot of photos, you need a place to put all the pictures! Plus, if you’re worried that someone else might swoop in and get them the gadget of their dreams, one can ALWAYS use more storage space. You can always include it in a basket of things or with a funny poem; again, personalization turns one person’s trash into another’s treasure (to be clear, memory cards are absolutely not trash).

Skin Care (because Nana wouldn’t want any of your gift recipients to be ashy)       

Face Moisturizer: Better Screen™ UV Serum SPF 50+

Because everyone should have sunscreen on, I don’t care who you are. Period.

Face Moisturizer for Oily Types: Kiel's Ultra Facial Cream 

I have super oily skin, and anything that is too oily, creamy, or thick feels like it clogs my pores        

For the Tatted Up Fitness Lover Who Uses Their Hands: Hand Aid Original Hand Balm, Little Seed Farm 

This is like butter. I'll use it on my tattoos and hands or when I'm feeling extra dry. I hate having ashy or cracked fingers. My hands get pretty dry working out or washing dishes, so I need to put something on them.         

For the Person Who Loves To Set a Scene: Birkenstock Balancing Hand and Body Lotion    

After washing my hands, I rub this in and instantly smell like I just chopped some wood and delivered it to your house. Of course, scents are personal, but something like that is great for the cozy winter feel.

Body Oil: Undaria Algae Body Oil 

This scent is unreal to me, and the oil feels wonderful on my skin. This is perfect for someone who wants to smell a bit like the sea, and no, I don’t mean low tide. 

Body Oil for Bed: Shea Moisture Lavender Body Oil

This is not a bougie one, but it certainly feels like it. Perfect for right before bed, it isn’t super thick or heavy and absorbs into the skin pretty quickly. The lavender is a great relaxation scent and gets you all ready for bed. 

Fragrance: Aesop 

This can be a fun gift to pick out together. Because scent is so personal, don’t just get them a gift card, go with them and make it an experience to pick out what smells the best. Not only will it be some wonderful quality time, but you’re bound to get laughing when asked, “Does this smell like me?” and it’s anything but a match.

Remember:

-Adrian