Share the gift of healthy living. Here’s a list of some of our favorite things, from the staff and contributors of Well.
For the 2021 Well Holiday Gift Guide, we’re sharing 21 of our favorite things that can make life just a little better. What makes the Well holiday guide so special? These are gift ideas that the editors, writers and contributors themselves have purchased (or received), used often and really love. Some are practical, a few are whimsical, but they all help us live well every day. You’ll find tasty treats, practical items for the home, gifts to ease stress and help you sleep, fitness gear, cozy indulgences and presents to inspire family time. We’re publishing the gift guide a little earlier this year too, to help you avoid supply and shipping delays before the holidays. Ditch the single-use sandwich and zippered storage bags (they’re terrible for the environment and hard to recycle) and give Stasher bags, a silicone bag that can be reused, refrigerated, frozen, boiled, microwaved, heated in the oven and cleaned in the dishwasher — again and again. This sturdy bag has the same press-and-seal closure as disposable bags and comes in a variety of colors. I tried the starter kit, but some of the bags are on the small side. I prefer the sandwich, quart, half-gallon and standing bags for storing things like vegetables, tortillas, cheese and leftovers. I also use Stasher bags to keep my passport and vaccine card safe and as a travel kit for makeup and toiletries. — Tara Parker-Pope, columnist, Well Cost: $37 and up Everyone loves a gift from the kitchen, especially one that’s as delicious and good for you as this homemade overnight oats kit. Start with a 16-ounce Mason jar, and use this recipe from NYT Cooking’s Genevieve Ko. You’ll fill about half the jar with a mixture of old-fashioned oats, dried fruits, seeds and salt. (I use oats, dried apricots, pistachios, flax seeds and chia seeds.) Include a gift bag with extra packets of nuts, peanut butter, brown sugar or maple syrup, along with instructions. (Just stir in 1 cup regular or nondairy milk, cover and chill overnight, then top with nuts or other extras right before eating.) “I eat overnight oats every weekday morning. I’m a huge fan. I make it three days in advance sometimes, and it’s still super yummy.” — Dani Blum, senior news assistant, Well Cost: about $5 The pretty packaging of il Boschetto lemon-infused extra virgin olive oil makes this a great host gift or a delicious present for the foodie on your shopping list. (We love il Boschetto, but you can find other lemon-infused olive oil at Italian specialty shops or try making your own.) “It’s delicious on salads, fish and pasta, drizzled over fresh mozzarella or crusty bread, or mashed with avocado for the best avocado toast you’ve ever tasted.” — Toby Bilanow, deputy editor, Well Cost: $30 Tea always makes a great holiday gift, but Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice tea is extra special and comes in loose tea, sachets and tea bags. “It’s unlike any tea I’ve ever had. It wakes you up in the morning, but also replaces a dessert after dinner. Coffee drinkers like its bold flavors, and tea drinkers are always surprised by how they’ve never tasted anything like it.” — Karen Barrow, deputy editor, Storylines Cost: $10 to $20 Working on a laptop all day can take a toll on posture and cause you pain. For relief, try the Alljoy Shiatsu Neck & Shoulder Massager. “On days when my neck and shoulders are all knotted up, this massager works wonders. I don’t have to beg my kids or husband for a massage, and I can sit and watch something on my iPad while it kneads my muscles, almost as well as a trained masseuse.” — Apoorva Mandavilli, reporter, Science Cost: $50 Expressive writing has been linked with a number of health benefits, including lower stress and depression, fewer doctor appointments and even improving your memory. “I am a lifelong journaler, and have crates of old ones dating back to first grade. I travel with my journal so I’m always on the hunt for ones that are sturdy but not too bulky.
