12 Smart & Practical Holiday Gift Ideas (#3 is my FAVORITE!)

Holiday shopping can be a major chore IF you're not prepared and do it early! This list includes my TOP gift ideas that I'll be giving out this year-- gifts that keep giving all year long! So scoop up a few of these SMART & PRACTICAL holiday gift ideas for those you love and make it easy on yourself this year by shopping early and remotely! PS-- these are all things I use myself and thus Butter Nutrition approved 🙂

1) The Perfect V-Neck Tee Shirt ($15)

I'm a tee shirt lover, and I swear by this brand. They look and fit wonderfully on men and women, and are so very reasonable starting at just $15/shirt! I always stock up on several a few times a year, as they are a casual staple in my wardrobe. These would also make a great stocking stuffer. And they are such a basic staple, you know they will get worn!

2) Less Toxic Makeup ($20 & up)

A recent study revealed that the average woman applies over 500 chemicals a day to her body via her beauty routine! That is crazy if you ask me. While I don't swear off makeup completely, I do seek out more natural brands without parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, triclosan, and synthetic fragrances. Here are a few products I love that you might too. Whenever possible, I’ve put an Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skindeep database rating next to the product, so you can make informed decisions about your gift purchases.

• Lights, Camera, Lashes Black Mascara (EWG rating: 4)
• Limited-edition Energy Noir Clay Palette (EWG rating: unknown)
• Amazonian Butter Lipstick in Angelic Nude (EWG rating: unknown)
• Amazonian Clay Waterproof Brow Pencil in Taupe (EWG rating: 3)
• Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation (EWG rating: unknown)

3) Personal Style Easy Button ($20 & up)

Stitch Fix is a California based company that is making it possible for every woman to have her own personal stylist by mail at a very reasonable price! Each month Stitch Fix sends you five items that match your "style profile" and any personal requests you might have. Keep what you want, mail back what you don't. It's THAT easy and the perfect way to get some more stylish items into your wardrobe. I personally love this service because I HATE shopping at the mall, and I love the idea of someone else keeping an eye out for things I might LOVE! Learn more about how it works or sign up here. You can also snag gift cards for your friends and family so they can sign up on their own.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are one of those people who still has clothes from your college days, you want to read this AMAZING book to help you get rid of stuff that no longer suits you! I can't recommend it enough. Find it here.

4) Salt Lamp ($20)

These are so natural looking and fun! According to the manufacturer, "The Himalayan Natural Crystal Salt Lamp also works as an air purifier. When lit, the lamp emits negative ions that fight against positively charged particles that cause you to feel stuffy and sluggish. The lit salt crystal clears the air naturally of allergens like smoke, pet dander, pollens, and other air pollutants. It dilutes odors so that you can breathe easier. People with asthma often find it helpful in reducing their symptoms. You can keep the lamp lit for as long as you like to maintain this purifying effect."

5) Quality cookware ($90 & up)

I bet many of your friends and family cook with non-stick pans, particularly Teflon.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), there are serious dangers to non-stick cookware, particularly Teflon, "When you breathe kitchen air polluted with fumes from overheated Teflon, you're at risk for developing flu-like symptoms (yes, "Teflon flu"). The long-term effects of routine exposure to Teflon fumes, and from Teflon flu itself, have not been adequately studied." (source)

The dangers of Teflon and its perfluorinated chemical “family” (PFC’s) doesn't stop there. EWG also notes, "PFCs have been found in nearly all Americans tested by federal public health officials. Chemicals from this family are associated with smaller birth weight and size in newborn babies, elevated cholesterol, abnormal thyroid hormone levels, liver inflammation and weakened immune defense against disease." (source)

Here's a freaky info-graphic to show just what happens at the different stages of heating non-stick cookware!

Giving the gift of a high quality pan could not only make cooking easier and more enjoyable, but actually be more healthful as well! I personally couldn't live without this one or this one.

6) Essential Oils Starter Kit: 11 oils and a diffuser ($160)

This is SUCH a wonderful gift for the health oriented woman. It encourages one to ditch toxic household products and beauty supplies and start the all natural transition. You can also use them for perfume, all natural air fresheners, and MORE. The lady friend in your life will LOVE this and it will benefit the whole family! Learn more about the oils and how to get a starter kit here.

7) Collagen based protein powder ($20)

The only protein powder I recommend using, but not without special dosing instructions!

8) The lifesaving Crockpot ($49.99 & up)

I use one of these just about every week for making bone broth. Set it and forget it!

9) Ice Cream Maker ($75.95)

You'll need this for the ice cream recipes you plan to make in 2014! Especially this one!

10) Grass-fed Liver Capsules for Real Food Nutrition ($36)

Do you get enough vitamin A, zinc and copper to support healthy hormone production and fertility? What about enough K2 in your diet to support healthy teeth? These grass-fed liver capsules are a bit of a shortcut if you HATE the taste of liver!

11) High Powered Blender ($449.99)

I've had my high powered blender for over 8 years now, and it gets used. EVERY. DAY. Worth every penny of the hefty price tag.

12) Give the gift of Nutritional Wealth with the Creating Wealth eBook or the Metabolism FastTrack Program!

In January, I'll be accepting new clients for my 6 Week Metabolism FastTrack program. Give the gift of health by applying yourself or sponsoring someone you know for the program. Apply or request more information here.

Will you be gifting any of my favorites this year, or have one of your own to add? Please share in the comments!