2019 Holiday Gift Guide

Jordan by Brit Gill for Mala Collective

It’s that time of year again! I can’t believe this is my third holistic holiday gift guide. This isn’t your average gift guide - this is for the foodies, health enthusiasts, local company supporters and knowledge seekers. This list is a reflection of me and my lifestyle as well as products I suggest to my 1:1 clients.

Please note, I do advocate buying gifts people will use versus just purchasing because it’s the holidays. There is so much waste in today’s society, let’s make these gifts practical as well as delicious or fun!

FOOD

Quesava
”Our food system is broken – we want to do our part to change it. That means making only delicious, good-for-you foods from a simple list of ethically sourced, minimally processed ingredients that travel the shortest distance possible. Because we believe that what’s good for you is good for your tribe and your planet.” Ok, can we talk about how amazing Quesava’s brand values are? I bought all 3 vegan options: green pea and potato samosas, sweet potato ravioli and cheddar style potato perogies. All frozen products are inherently gluten-free as casava flour is used. Who doesn’t love food as a gift? You can even serve these as an appetizer over the holidays. Ps, this company is located in Burnaby, BC!

I love kinda cheese the most. photo courtesy of noochpop

NoochPOP
How did I just find out about NoochPOP? The first time I tried it, I almost devoured the entire bag. This Vancouver, BC owned family company makes the best popcorn I’ve ever had, hands down. The ingredient list is #BrucesRoots approved too: organic non GMO popcorn, organic oil blend (coconut, olive, avocado), inactive nutritional yeast, pink Himalayan sea salt. They have 4 flavours to choose from and all are canola oil free, goodbye inflammation. Buy it for yourself, your mom, bestie or for the workplace over the holiday’s. #MakingFriendsWithSnacks

NuIt
I have been hooked on NuIt since the very kind owner, Steph, sent me a jar to sample. I love it by the spoonful, on toast or in a smoothie, but the options are endless. What is it? Well, it’s almond (or peanut) butter with all your vitamins, minerals and omegas. It’s the perfect multivitamin in food form, my favourite way. Her brand mission is to improve people’s access to the nutrition they need to be healthy and thrive on a plant-based diet. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked. I recommend the glass jars as the most environmentally responsible option.

Books

The Fifth Vital Sign
I would buy this for a girlfriend, sister or for yourself. This book gets into everything ovulation, menstruation and the Fertility Awareness Method. The author boldly equates not teaching girls the “FAM” in school to the days where only men were allowed to learn how to read. You know what, I agree with her. How the heck did I not know about this in my 20’s… why am I learning about this now as a 35 year old female that has has an IUD for years! (happily removed last month).

My Vegan Recipe E-Book
I’m so excited about my 50 vegan and gluten-free recipe e-book for Fall and Winter. It includes lots of warming recipes and cooked foods for our cooler weather. I've also included all of the nutritional value so you can learn a little more about the food you’re eating. Plant-based eating is full of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, antioxidants and because of this, prevents and reverses many diseases. Thank you to everyone who has already purchased it, I love seeing your tags and you’re supporting small business.

The Buddhist Chef Cookbook
There were so many vegan cookbooks released this year, which is pretty neat. I love that more and more people are experimenting with plant-based recipes. The Buddhist Chef cookbook is on my list as his instagram inspires me. What’s your go to vegan recipe book? Comment below.

Sustainability

Organic Washable Liners
Ok women with periods, hear me out! There are so many reasons to consider using a reusable panty liner. Here are a few:
1- Health, these are free from toxic chemicals which your body can absorb
2- Planet , the onus is on us to reduce our waste. Think about how much you add to the landfill or recycling each day
3- Comfort, I haven’t tried these yet (mine is on the way courtesy of smartliners), but I’ve been told they are more breathable so it will be less warm down there
4- Cost effective and less packaging each month

Copper Water Bottle
I just discovered Asana Outfitters, a Kelowna BC yoga clothing line company. I have some pieces in the mail right now, so I’ll show you my order in Instagram stories. Asana Outfitters also sell lots of health and wellness goodies on their site including a copper water bottle. Did you know storing water in copper kills contaminating bacteria? Click here to read about the study. This makes the perfect gift for that person that doesn’t have a water bottle or uses plastic.

Lisse Shave
Lisse is the very first safety razor I’ve tried and I love it. I wish I started using one 20 years ago! I shave everywhere with this and only nicked myself a couple times when I first started. It’s so easy and not scary, trust me. It comes in a beautiful rose colour and is the most environmentally friendly razor. I think I should get one for my sister!

Menstrual Cups
The really neat thing about sustainable products is there usually good for the planet and your body. I recently shared on Instagram stories that I removed my IUD. It’s very common to not have a menstrual cycle with the mirena and it just felt so unnatural to me. Not going to lie, it’s very convenient. I knew it was masking any imbalances I had in my body so I went to the GP to get it removed in October. Well, I’ve had my first bleed and it was a great period. I’m going to invest in a reusable menstrual cup to reduce waste, avoid toxins and save money. Close with your girlfriend? Buy her one! It’s important to talk about these topics . We want to spread the word to go natural and avoid added toxins. Did you know your menstrual cycle and ovulation are major indicators of health?

Wellness

Preventative Health DNA Testing
Sharing you care about your loved one’s health is the kindest of gifts. Treat your friend or family to a health based DNA test. ‘This fully comprehensive package will provide you with actionable health guidance based on the relationship between health, wellness, diet, nutrition, fitness and your genes to achieve lifelong gains and feel better faster.’ Click here to learn more!

Seed Probiotics - BRUCE15 for 15% off
Talking about Seed probiotics and prebiotic gets me super excited, yes, I’m a nerd. What this company offers isn’t comparable to any other probiotic on the market. There is so much science on their website and in the company. Fermented foods are amazing, but they are not considered a probiotic. Their packaging is water soluble, compostable or glass, they have thought of everything. Learn more by clicking here. 

FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER, SEED HAS A SPECIAL OFFER. Nothing says ‘I care’ more than keeping them regular. Our Limited Edition Gift Kit is a 30-day introduction to our Daily Synbiotic, no subscription required.

• 30-day supply

• Free travel vial

• Complimentary BioArt postcard set

• $25 credit towards their first refill

Natural Pain Relief
I have so many I love, so I’m sharing all of them. Pro tip, use after the bath or shower for a more intense tingle. The most magical thing about this section, is all of these companies are Vancouver, BC based.

- Vitruvi Turmeric Roll on for sore muscles, goodbye inflammation! $20 off your order if you use my link
- Saje Extra Strength Pain Relief wins for the biggest roll on ever, so easy to apply alone and lots of tingle
- Feel CBD has the longest lasting tingle, can you tell I have muscle pain often? I think it’s partly because of the ingredients and partly because it’s a stick. 15% off by using my link

AkuSpike
AkuSpike is a product I haven’t tried, but one that’s on my wish list. This local North Vancouver, BC company is known for their acupuncture inspired spike balls and mats to relieve tension in the body. Taking a time out on a mat is the perfect way to get the body into the parasympathetic mode, known as rest and digest. We’re often stressed over the holidays and this can be a tool to get out of fight or flight. This makes healing more assessable, convenient and less expensive than always going to an acupuncturist. I love the idea of daily or even weekly maintenance to support the body and potentially prevent pain. I choose this brand because they use metal spikes and avoid plastic. The ball would make a great travel accessory for your loved one, maybe road trips only. (Plane approved?!)

Lululemon

Sometimes a new outfit motivates you to sweat. Sometimes it makes you feel more comfortable. I love my high waisted Lululemon pants for all my workouts! There is a BLACK FRIDAY SALE - use my link.

(I’m a lululemon affiliate)

JEWELS

Leah Alexandra
This Vancouver babe runs her own jewelry line with all female crew in Gastown. I own a beautiful Leah Alexandra necklace that says “rise by lifting others.” I just told my guy friend about her line because he wants to get his fiancé earrings and now he’s going to drive over to her studio. A line I would recommend to a friend so it made the blog.

Mala Collective
I own two beautiful malas, one more traditional than the other. Even though I don’t use them in a traditional way, I appreciate their beauty and energetic benefits. Mala is also owned by a female in Vancouver and it now sold all over the world. The pictures in this post are courtesy of a Holiday Shoot for their line.

ALSO, I INVITE YOU TO DO SOMETHING FOR THOSE LESS FORTUNATE - VOLUNTEER, DONATE TO THE FOOD BANK, BUY SOMEONE THAT’S COLD A TEA.

I hope you find the perfect way to say I love you to your crew. It may be by way of a gift, but it’s the considerate actions and memories people always remember. With love, Happy Holidays.

Comment with your favourite holistic, local or wellness oriented gift ideas. Or even better, your favourite way to create memories.

Jordan, Bruce’s Roots

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