The Ultimate Wellness Gift Guide for Moms

When it comes to gifting for your fellow moms, choosing something that promotes wellness and self-care can make a huge impact. Whether it’s a little something to help them recharge or a tool to simplify their healthy lifestyle, these gifts are perfect for moms who deserve a little love (aka all of them!).

Here’s a list of my favorite wellness gifts for the burnt out mom in your life. 

1. A High-Quality Water Bottle

My Recommendation:  Hydro Flask 

Why She’ll Love It: I know Stanley is so popular but I am a die-hard HydroFlask Girlie. I have had mine for years, and they are so durable. Staying hydrated is key to feeling good, and a stylish, insulated water bottle makes it easier (and more fun) to drink water throughout the day. These keep beverages ice-cold for hours, even through soccer practices or endless errands. This 40-ounce bottle goes with me everywhere AND fits into cup holders. 

2. A Coffee Sampler Box 

My Recommendation:  Atlas Coffee Club 

Why She’ll Love It: I think we can all agree a mom’s love language is coffee - and this sampler box offers a variety of flavors from all over the world. This pack is sure to power her through everything this chaotic holiday season throws at her - just remind her to drink a glass of water before her coffee :) 

3. Simple Weights 

My Recommendation: Wrist or Ankle Weights 

Why She’ll Love It: Perfect for quick workouts at home, or even just wearing around the house to do normal chores, getting a bit of extra resistance will increase your endurance. These are also a great addition to any at-home yoga, barre, or pilates workouts. 

4. A Guided Journal

My Recommendation: Gratitude Journal

Why She’ll Love It: Life as a mom can feel overwhelming, but taking a few minutes to journal can help her refocus and find calm. If she is like me, and doesn’t need one more thing on her mental to-do list,  having these guided options makes journaling simple and uplifting.

5. A Cozy Weighted Blanket

My Recommendation: YnM Weighted Blanket

Why She’ll Love It: It’s like a swaddle for grownups - and it looks cute! A weighted blanket can help reduce stress, improve sleep, and make cozy, cold winter nights even better! It’s the ultimate hug-in-a-blanket gift for the mom who just needs to disassociate after putting the kids to bed.

6. An Aromatherapy Diffuser

My Recommendation:  Essential Oil Diffuser

Why She’ll Love It: So confession time- I used to think lavender was an old lady smell, but now I am coming around on it. I diffuse it in my kid's humidifier for sleep and the smell just instantly makes me relax. Whatever her go-to scent, having this baby on her nightstand is the must-have part of a wind-down routine for better sleep. I won’t tell if you snag one for yourself too!

7. A Membership to a Healthy Food Website

My Recommendation: Thrive Market

Why She’ll Love It: Snacks = Life for kids and I love Thrive Market because they have all the things my kids want from our local organic market for WAY cheaper and with a membership, I never pay for shipping. The boxes also come freakishly fast. She can sort by food preferences and they have tons of stuff for babies and kids including wellness products. This link gets her 40% off her first order AND a free gift - yay free!

8. A Virtual Wellness Class Membership

My Recommendation:  Peloton Digital

Why She’ll Love It: Ok so I don’t even have a Peloton Bike but I am obsessed with my Peloton Digital subscription. I love that I can do yoga, strength, stretching, HIIT, and even mindfulness classes on demand, even in as little as 5 minutes, at home, with little to no equipment. I use this app when traveling, and I never have to miss a workout. They even have postpartum classes, so it’s perfect for everyone! Plus, she can try it for 60 - yes 60! Days free! Sign up with your mom friends and take classes together - win-win! 

9. Shower Steamers

My Recommendation: Lavender Aromatherapy

Why She’ll Love It: Look, baths are nice, but not every mom has the time or energy to do that on a regular basis. A few years ago someone gifted me these and they are amazing, they make your shower feel a teeeeeeny bit like a spa experience, just for a few minutes. She will love these, I promise.

10.A Meditation App Subscription

My Recommendation:  Calm App Subscription 

Why She’ll Love It: If mindfulness is on her to-do list, but trying to calm her thoughts alone is too much - simplify it with the Calm App. She can log in and pick what she needs and select the amount of time she has - plus they’re offering a free 7-day trial to get started. 

11. A Family Friendly Recipe Book

My Recommendation:  Nourished Mama Nutrition Recipe Books

Why She’ll Love It: If she is sick and tired of coming up with recipes for her picky eaters and herself, sending this recipe book to her inbox is the gift that says, I love you, here is what to make for dinner this week. Each recipe book includes a grocery shopping list and breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks to take the guesswork out of what to make this week. There are lots of free options (she doesn't know to know and I won’t tell her ;)

12. Relaxing Body Lotion

My Recommendation: Magnesium Lotion

Why She’ll Love It: This lotion is unscented, so it's great for moms who are at their sensory max, but is so rich and creamy, absorbs quickly and isn't greasy, she'll love putting it on before bed. The magnesium is perfect for sore muscles or tired joints, and what mom isn't a bit sore after a full day of momming?

13.A Luxurious Skincare Set

My Recommendation:  Herbivore Botanicals Gift Sets

Why She’ll Love It: If she has been slacking on her skin care because her kids are dominating all her time, help her make it easy with a lovely gift set. I was gifted some Herbivore products from my sister in law a couple years ago and they are so indulgent. All their products smell so good and feel so fancy, she will not want to skip her skin care self care. 

14. A Mom-Centric Wellness Coaching Session

My Recommendation: A gift card to my NOURISH coaching program

Why She’ll Love It: Sometimes, the best gift is guidance. If you know a mom struggling during her postpartum season and could use extra support from a coach who understands the struggles of mom life, this is a perfect gift! Stay tuned for my Black Friday Deals next week - you can use those discounts and no one has to know! 

Moms deserve all the pampering and the things they wouldn’t buy themselves.

What’s your favorite wellness gift to give (or receive)? Let me know so I can snag it for myself and my mom friends!

Just Say No - Set Those Boundaries

Let's talk about something real: feeling like a superhero mom is awesome, but running on fumes isn't. I know your pile of laundry is adding up, you're trying to meal prep for everyone, shuttling between daycare, errands, work, and maybe getting in some YOU time, saying yes to everything seems like it's the only option sometimes.

But as I'm sure you've discovered since having kids, you are not a bottomless well of energy and time. Saying "no" isn't selfish, it's essential to avoid burnout and become the best version of yourself for your family (and sanity!).

Why do we feel uncomfortable saying no? There is a unique pressure on girls to be agreeable, and helpful and put other's needs above their own. This leads to girls who grow up to be afraid of being 'selfish' or 'difficult' when they say no. Add to this that society portrays motherhood as this constant selfless act of giving, making every meal from scratch, coming up with sensory and educational activities, keeping their home looking like it's 'Pinterest' ready all the time.

It's just a bit much no?

Why Saying "No" is Your Superpower:

• Reduces Stress:  Feeling overwhelmed by a packed schedule? A well-placed "no" can create space for what truly matters.

• Boosts Energy:  Constant "yeses" drain your energy reserves. Saying no allows you to recharge and be more present in the moments that count.

• Sets Boundaries:  It teaches your kids, family, and friends that your time is valuable and how to set their own healthy boundaries.

• Prioritizes Self-Care:  Saying no to extra commitments lets you focus on your well-being, whether it's a long bath, a workout, or simply some quiet time with a good book.

How to Say "No" Like a Boss (Without Feeling Guilty):

• Be Clear and Direct:  A simple "no, thank you" is perfectly acceptable. No need for elaborate explanations.

• Offer Alternatives:  Can't commit to a whole playdate? Suggest a shorter coffee date.

• Practice Saying No:  Start small and practice saying no in low-pressure situations.

• Prioritize Your Needs:  If you're exhausted, say no to that extra social event. Your well-being matters most.

• Set Boundaries with Grace:  "I'd love to help, but I'm already committed to..." is a kind way to decline.

• Recognize Your Value:  Recognize that your time and energy are valuable and deserve respect.
  

• Challenge the "Mommy Myth":   Recognize that motherhood is not about constant sacrifice. Prioritizing your well-being benefits everyone.

Remember:

• No is a complete sentence.

• You don't owe anyone an explanation.

• It's okay to disappoint people sometimes.

• Saying no allows you to say yes to the things that truly matter.

Bonus Tip: Empower your kids to say "no" too! Teach them the importance of setting boundaries and respecting their own needs.

Gratitude in Motion: The Transformative Power of Exercise

It's easy to feel gratitude for your family, friends, a safe warm home, your job and so on, but it might feel weird to bring this to your fitness routine. When we combine the practices of gratitude and mindfulness with our exercise routines, we unlock a powerful synergy that nourishes not only our bodies but also our minds and spirits.

In this blog, I'll explore how applying this simple tool may help you feel better, recover faster and see progress more quickly.

1️. Gratitude amplifies joy: Exercise is a gift that allows us to move our bodies, strengthen our muscles, and improve our overall health. By infusing our workouts with gratitude, we shift our focus from what our bodies can't do to what they are capable of achieving. Gratefulness for our physical abilities, the energy to exercise, and the opportunity to care for our bodies amplify the joy we experience during our workouts.

2. Gratitude boosts motivation and resilience: Cultivating gratitude during exercise can enhance our motivation and resilience. By expressing gratitude for the progress we've made, the challenges we've overcome, and the strength we've built, we reinforce our determination to continue our fitness journey even when we don't feel like it or we start to wane in motivation.

Gratitude serves as a powerful reminder of our accomplishments, empowering us to push through obstacles and embrace new challenges with a positive mindset. When I'm struggling to get out the door or to get through a tough run, I try to remind myself that there are so many people who would love the time and ability to be doing what I'm doing, and it radically shifts the rest of the run for me.

3. Gratitude and mindfulness foster self-acceptance: Exercise does not have to be about achieving external goals or meeting societal expectations or looking good to post on Instagram. By infusing gratitude and mindfulness into our workouts, we cultivate a deeper sense of self-acceptance and self-love.

We learn to appreciate our bodies for what they are capable of in the present moment, rather than fixating on perceived imperfections. This shift in perspective allows us to embrace ourselves with compassion and kindness, leading to a more positive body image in all areas of our lives.

The benefits of gratitude and mindfulness extend far beyond the duration of our workouts. As we practice gratitude during exercise, we develop a greater capacity to apply these principles to our daily lives. We become more attuned to moments of joy, more resilient in the face of challenges, and more present in our interactions with others. The skills we cultivate during exercise become tools for living a more mindful and grateful life overall.