Unique Holiday Gift Guide
Deciding on gift ideas can be stressful, especially for people who already seem to have everything.
I have been thinking about ideas for gifts that are actually useful, delicious, or bring joy and health in our lives and I decided to make a list to share with you.
Actually, these are all from my dear friends whose business philosophies are aligned with mine- I would love you to get to know them because I admire small business owners AND love what they have to offer!
Unique Experiential Gifts
For a gift that will get more meaningful over time, I recommend Family Love Letters, a unique company based here in the Bay Area. The founder Aviva Black is a dear friend of mine, and she has been making a difference in so many people’s lives! Family Love Letters designed a supportive and collaborative process that captures the life stories of elder adults and turns them into one-of-a-kind, highly personalized letters to be shared with family members. Talk about the gift that keeps on giving!
Sustainable Wine & Food
If you love wine and care about sustainability, check out Tessier Winery. With a background in microbiology, the owner Kristie Tessier sources high-quality fruit from a strong network of farmers in Northern California, then uses minimal-interventionist winemaking techniques to showcase the unique characteristics of the grapes and the vineyards. Kristie is having an open house on 12/11 at her home in Berkeley Hills- great opportunity to taste her wine and purchase some gifts! It’s free but you need to rsvp here.
If you are looking for a nice dining experience where you know the food is sustainably made, check out Revival Bar and Kitchen. My dear friend Amy Murray
Massage & Acupuncture
If you are looking for self-care, or a gift for others who could use a good massage, I have a few awesome people! You can reach out to them and ask for gift certificates if you are thinking of gifting a nice treatment. Make sure to let them know that you know me so they’ll take extra good care of you or your loved ones!
Mina Karimabadi is an acupuncturist in Albany. What is amazing is that you get a great massage by her partner Conrad before getting the acupuncture treatment! I always come out of their office totally refreshed, like having spent a day at a spa. Phone: 510-525-5022
Anthony Finley is an awesome trainer & massage therapist. Anthony believes in healing and recovery through massage. With the everyday stress life places upon us we all deserve some time to relax and reset. Best part is that he comes to you to provide an extra level of comfort and convenience. Check him out!
If you live in Marin or SF, check out Sandra Radovic who provides different types of massage to make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
Health and Wellness
I am shamelessly including my few offerings here because so many of you are talking about your New Year’s intention to finally change your health habits!
The Mind-Body Reset Program: This is a great introduction to resetting your lifestyle temporarily so you can feel lighter, more energetic and confident. It starts in January and it makes a perfect gift to someone you care about, if she/he could use a little positive shift in their health and lifestyle.
Private Coaching with Ai: If you are up for the next level, I have a few spots open for my private coaching program. Private coaching is the most impactful option for those who are busy, or have particular health issues or circumstances. Whether you are struggling with weight, sleep, energy, mood or general feeling of stuckness, we will work together to create a program that is tailored to your needs. If you are ready to finally make a shift in your life and enjoy it fully, I’m there for you. If you are interested in learning more about this for you or your loved one, please set up a complimentary call with me to learn more!
On-demand Yoga Library: For those who are thinking of starting yoga practices, I have compiled nearly 300 recorded classes from beginner series to more advanced ones. For only $25 a month (which is the cost of a drop-in class these days) you will have unlimited access to all the classes!
Unique Apparel
It's been quite chilly in the Bay area recently. Maybe you are like me and are always feeling cold this time of year. A friend of mine, Jessica Trauner, a former lawyer who transitioned to become a pilates and fitness instructor, just launched her new brand of grip socks that are made out of a wool blend. Core Chaud grip socks are designed to keep your feet warm so your body stays warm too. Not only do her socks keep you warm while doing barre/pilates/yoga, but they make great regular socks too! See corechaud.com for more information about the socks, company story and how Core Chaud gives back!
If you know someone who has a unique small business that I should know of, please do share with me!
This list will live in my blog so people can access any time 😊
Happy holidays!
Much love,
Ai
