This year, I’ve discovered some devices and other items that have really made a difference in how well I feel. Maybe you’re being asked by a loved one to make a list of things you want but are stumped for ideas. Perhaps someone in your life specifically asked for something to help them achieve adequate nutrition or wellbeing. This list takes many years of research and personal application, distilled into what’s been most effective.
For Overall Health:
- Vibration Platform: this one is my favorite and by far the most fun. It’s become a source of simultaneous entertainment and education for guests. I find it makes me feel really good and energized. This supports the lymphatic system, a body- wide detoxification system with more volume than the blood— but without a pump like the heart is for the blood. This is one of the many reasons exercise can be so beneficial and other interventions can be helpful to keep it moving. It assists in the removal of toxins and even optimizes the health of the blood itself by removing waste products more effectively.
- Mini trampoline aka rebounder: this has lymph supporting benefits, and is a uniquely beneficial form of cardio. It’s gentle on the joints and hole having specialized benefits for the heart and ability to balance which becomes ever more important with age.
- Himalayan salt lamp: I love the vibe this adds to a bedroom. Because of it’s red/ orange hue, it’s optimal for the circadian rhythm (sleep cycle) as opposed to blue light in all other forms of lighting which can potentially signal the brain to stay awake at night. This makes it the perfect night light. In addition, because of the salt combined with the heat of incandescent light, it may emit small amounts of negative ions. This could mean some of the health- supportive properties as being out in nature, while you sleep.
- Blue light blocking glasses: these are a true health- nerd gift. Because of the importance of light to the sleep- wake cycle, blue blocking glasses at night can prime the body for sleep. I find when I use this I become much sleepier than I am otherwise. The sun emits blue light, which naturally indicates to the brain that it’s time to stay awake. However, in the modern world, our artificial lighting incorporates this blue light without discriminating for the time of day and our brains preferences.
- Red light therapy device: red light products have gone mainstream in the last years because of how well studied they are for improving skin and aesthetics. They have the potential to enhance the appearance of stretch marks, increase lymphatic flow, or increase hair growth thanks to inducing better circulation.
- Infrared sauna or heating pad: if your loved one hates being cold or loves bio hacking, they could definitely want this. Infrared heat warms the body from an inside out, increasing detoxification, circulation and relaxation. It has benefits for the heart as well, encouraging more of a reparative, restful, and less stress state at baseline.
- Essential oils: this might be an obvious one. If your loved one just began their journey on the wellness path, this could be a big missing piece. It’s a great first step towards reducing toxic load as a swap for petroleum chemical- based perfume and other fragrances. Making the swap can be hugely supporting to the liver, the lungs, and the lymph. Rather than having negative side effects like fragrances, they have a plethora of benefits. Some of my favorites are Lavendar, bergamot, peppermint, and an anti- microbial blend commonly referred to as “thieves” blend. What’s best for starting out, though, is a variety pack of some of the most commonly liked and used ones like this one here.
- Massage Gun: similarly targeting the fascia, this is a powerful intervention for the entire body that helps loosen up tight muscles and makes it inevitable to mentally unwind. I highly recommend this for a the person who works out a lot, those who have chronic pain as well as for those who might not be able work out often and need to get lymphatic circulation even moreso as well as a result. The way this increases blood flow, giving suppleness to the muscles and ligaments can increase mobility. For those looking to optimize the aesthetic of their physique, the way massage targets the fascia and lymph can help define muscles and depuff.
- Apple Watch: This helps track not only exercise but health on a deep level. I love it as a tool for monitoring heart rate and heart rate variability, a huge marker of nervous system health and the adaptability of the body. This is vital to make sure exercise is being added in a truly healthy way and ensure it’s actually increasing your holistic wellness as opposed to solely aiming for an aesthetic goal.
Beauty:
- Real silk pillow case/ eye mask: both of these have proteins beneficial to the skin for anti- aging all while having the benefit of a smoothness that protects the hair and skin from being pulled and tangled, respectively. Real silk is antibacterial which can be helpful against things like acne which can be caused by bacteria which may be spread throughout the days between washes. The eye mask can make a world of difference in quality of sleep with it’s ability to block light. It’s certainly exciting for a crunchy beauty guru to receive, all while feeling luxurious.
- LED mask: different light frequencies are shown to have different effects on the skin that they’re applied to; blue light is antibacterial, red increases circulation and fights inflammation. Yellow light has shown benefit for discoloration issues like melasma. I’ve personally had undeniable benefits for acne- proneness as well as resolution of scaring from acne that had come and gone. I love this one because it’s so cool looking! This one is another great option for those wanting to optimize the appearance of their neck or support their thyroid (which red light has shown in studies to benefit).
- LED face Massager: a scientifically supported way to incorporate self care nightly, the LED light targets bacteria, lymph circulation, and things like wrinkles. The massaging function relaxes a component of the anatomy called fascia, which directly affects the appearance of the face. Decompressing in this way can lead to immediate mind- body benefits. I love doing it before bed and starting my day.
- Body Brush: For health nuts and natural beauty gurus, this targets lymphatic flow and exfoliates the skin. It works gently to move along the body- wide detoxification liquid as well as the circulation of nourishing blood. It has been shown to help de puff the body and potentially reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Nature and Plant Enthusiasts:
- Plant wave: By far the most awe- invoking on the list, this amazing device will make your loved one’s plants, and heart, sing! Yes, it actually translates the normally silent frequencies emitted by plants into a melody played by the user’s instruments of choice. It can be used on their favorite plant, on a cute mushroom they find, some moss they see on a walk, or even the Christmas tree or (try before and during watering if you’re ready to be astounded). The same can work on a bouquet of flowers! This is the most fitting definition of a true gift. It will inspire joy all year long!
- Mushroom growing kit: this can be a fun way to grow nutrient- dense foods at home and double as a fun science project
- Aerogarden: your loved ones living in a concrete jungle who love fresh food, saving money, and to be one with nature will love this! This could make their dreams come true (I know because this was my case when my mom got it for me while I lived in an apartment). They can grow a large assortment of items from herbs to a salad mix and beyond. It’s amazing how bountifully they produce.
Note: Links listed contain affiliate links which provide access to the product at no additional cost to the buyer but can earn me a commission which helps me to continue providing the health information at this blog. I only ever reference items I would buy for myself and/ or have tried personally.

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