When it comes to gift-giving, I’ve long believed the less literal, the better.1 Even if she wants it, it’s just boring to give the health-oriented girl in your life a pack of mouth tape, a red light mask, or even a new (organic cotton) workout set. Far more interesting is the copy of Alice B. Tokles’ autobiographical cookbook from 1954, or the set of deadstock BLESS bed sheets; the bespoke clean nicotine tablet set…
Keeping that in mind, I tapped the Health Gossip black book for a list that you simply won’t find anywhere else. Keep reading for picks from Biz Sherbert, Girl Insides, Pathological Research, Petra Cortright, Carlisle Studer, Sami Reiss, Victoria Vyraeth, and more.
Note: the following picks are organized roughly by price.
Curating a mystery stack at a library for a friend
“I did this on accident recently at the Philosophical Research Society Library by requesting a couple books on floral symbology and then immediately leaving for dinner (lost track of time),” says Lex G., brilliant baker and friend of the letter. “It’s free and facilitates deep presence. Cue Simone Weil: ‘absolutely unmixed attention is prayer.’”
On the more material front, Lex recommends a combination of Leonord Koren’s Undesigning the Bath ($26) and Binu Binu’s Korean Kiln Sauna Candle ($75).
“Better yet would be a voucher to an actual Korean sauna or banya,” she adds. “But maybe this helps recreate the experience at home.”
(Hit up S.P.A. for the best spa recommendations in your area.)
Mario Testino’s Mario de Janeiro, $20
“Images of healthy, energetic young people in the height of summer are the best gift you can give someone about to enter a dark January-April period,” says writer Johanna Hatlem, who purchased the book after seeing it on a friend’s coffee table in NYC. “I look at it every time I need inspiration to go to the gym.”
Similar, but different: old Abercrombie quarterlies (everyone’s favorite: the 2003 back to school issue edited by Slavoj Zizek).
Heritage Store Rosewater and Bach Rescue Remedy, $11-15 each
Artist Petra Cortright describes these stocking stuffers as “massively basic,” but in moments of crisis or upset, they can truly be life-saving.
“I have like 3 bottles of each at all times,” she says. “I think the secret is to use them in a schizo tweaker way, just spraying and dropping every 5 minutes.”
Celluverse by Alannah Connealy and Lily Mavis, $27
I’m such a fan of Alannah Connealy’s work, both with Raena, her women’s hormone solutions company, and the Celluverse Podcast, co-hosted with her mother, Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy, and Jess Donovan.
If you’d like to impart a different perspective on cancer on a loved one in your life, consider picking up a copy of her latest book, Celluverse ($27) — “a manifesto of everything in the health world through the lens of cancer,” she told me earlier this year. “Everything comes down to the level of the cell.”
Pairs nicely with Dr. Connealy’s The Cancer Revolution ($19) and a Raena Female Hormone Testing Kit ($199).
Calisthenics rings, $29
“The list of things you’re supposed to do or buy to get strong can feel kind of endless,” says Sami Reiss, writer of SNAKE SUPER HEALTH. “But the nice truth hiding behind all of the advice is to get there you really don’t need very much.”
Case in point: calisthenics rings, which work equally well for those who are more advanced as they do for beginners (“though I bet anyone with a decent yoga/pilates practice is North of that,” he says).
“Most importantly, they have an aesthetic appeal that runs past fitness and right into slick,” Sami adds. “I think the artist Isa Genzken hung a pair at her studio.”
For a beginner set with added grip, Sami recommends these, but Gornation’s Workout Rings Set ($62) is another popular pick.
GoFit Stability Ball in White, $30
“It’s the best,” says Rummage Stretch’s Isabella O’Day, who uses one as part of her daily work setup. There are so many options, but I’m partial to the white; it looks almost pearlescent.
For the Prada Sport-inclined fitness lover in your life, I’d suggest pairing it with something from Isabella’s world, like her recent collab with Gumi ($83) — 92% cotton!
Eau de Zwitsal, $43
I’ve retired the Journal Olfactif column, and my own conventional perfume use, due to concerns around the xenoestrogens present in most formulations (buzzkill, I know). But Eau de Zwitsal, marketed for babies and discovered via a Dutch Twitter mutual, is a welcome exception.
“It is very non-offensive and hypoallergenic, and it smells sort of like violet, but not too powdery,” says Maya, who also uses it as deodorant. “When I wear it, people seem to be a bit calmer around me. Maybe they are reminded of their infancy.”
A few countries over, there’s also a whole genre of Spanish baby colognes, most notably Agua de Colonia Nenuco ($15), which has a neroli scent. Also curious about Nature Mamãe e Bebê ($38), said to “convey love, care and affection.”
Helios Basic 18 Homeopathy Kit, $38
“Anything you might need on the fly,” says artist and Health Gossip columnist, Moselle. “Really good for travel and they work strong & fast.”
(For those in London, she recommends visiting their shop.)
The Alice B. Toklas Cookbook (1954), prices vary
“Adorable gift for a friend, mother, for the Alice to your Gertrude, whoever acts as your personal chef…,” says Paris Reid of Pathological Research. “Or, eat with the imagination and savor the titles alone: special mention to Virgin Sauce and Bavarian Cream Perfect Love.”
Cookbooks came up a few times in researching this year’s gift guide…
Rebecca Kelly recommends gifting Ruth Reichl’s My Kitchen Year ($35). Also top of mind: Pamela Anderson’s I Love You: Recipes from the Heart ($35) and Susan Cianciolo’s This Cookbook is Made For the 5th Dimension (out of print and rare as ever).
Katonah Yoga Magic Calendar, $54
I haven’t quite started drinking the Katonah kool-aid (friends who practice it have lovingly described it as “breaking your body”), but for the yogi in your life, this might just be the perfect gift.
“Basically, time management is a personal religion,” says Chelsey Forbes. “Get off of the tiny shiny box and write it all down so you can follow through. I’m traditional in that way.”
Some added wisdom from Nevine Michaan, founder of Katonah Yoga and Chelsey’s teacher:
“Do not think of your practice as your life. It’s your housecleaning. If you’re cleaning your house seven hours a day, you have an issue. If you think what’s going to make your life healthy and happy is cleaning your house, that’s an issue. But if you don’t know how to clean your house, that’s an issue too.”
A Brick, $59
A gift that probably everyone could benefit from.
“Brick your phone, leave the brick at home, go out and experience a heart and mind frreeee from the shackles of technological demons distractions,” says Olivia Otten, writer of Esoteric & Based. “Changed my life.”
La Manso Crystal Ring, $65
An indirect recommendation by Substack user Girl Insides. “My hair is piled up on top of my head in a French pin and I am wearing a transparent crystal La Manso ring on my left index finger,” she wrote in Liveblogging My Breakup: Part Three. “Everything outside is blanketed in a big dreamy fog.”
Direct recommendations by Girl Insides: the Chateau Marmont Alessandra Candle ($88), Living Libations All-Seeing Opulent Eye Creme ($29), Bless Nº12 Couple Print Bedsheets ($323), and an Albino Pekingese Puppy (priceless). “Kisss!!!”
A Medical Pedicure, prices vary
Consider gifting your city-trotting friend a medical pedicure — “essentially a facial for your feet,” says artist and health/wellness/beauty writer, Savannah Galvin.
Also on her list: leather gloves (“the key to surviving East Coast winter”), the Hatch Restore Clock ($170), and a vibration plate (big 2025 trend; I like this one).
Shakti Mat, $74
Shakti mats have long been a favorite of Health Gossip girls, recommended twice in last year’s gift guide and once more this year.
“I endorse the Shakti Mat as a gift for anyone who finds enjoyment in mild suffering,” says writer Adina Glickstein. “I lie on mine every night.”
“Love to combine [with] legs up the wall,” added Emma in a thread from the subscriber chat. “It can also put you in a strange not awake not asleep place if you stay on it long enough,” says writer Emily Sipiora.
Extra cute in pink (sold out for now, unless you’re willing to go off-brand).
Miyabi 7” Santoku Knife, $185
“If the person is into cooking (or wants to be), a Japanese santoku knife is such a beautiful first ‘real’ knife,” says sneaky chef Victoria Vyraeth. “Santoku means ‘three virtues’ or ‘three uses’ for slicing, chopping, and mincing. Perfect for everyday.”
An iPod Shuffle or iPhone 11, prices vary
My prediction: downgraded tech is going to continue to trend as people wake up to the devastating effects of “smart” devices, from higher EMF load to increased surveillance.
In this category, Carlisle Studer recommends opting for an iPod Shuffle (the clip is convenient for running and lifting) and an iPhone 11, “pre-flicker rate nightmare.”
Similar, but different: the Daylight Computer ($729), which is on my personal wishlist. Anjan Katta, the founder, is an incredibly bright soul and I love what he’s doing.
Nic Nacs, $35 for a six-pack, and a vintage jewelry box to hold them in, prices vary
Nic Nacs have been on my radar since I discovered the life-changing magic of nicotine pouches for focus, mood, and even histamine issues. They’re essentially a clean version of Zyns, with just six ingredients — none of which are micro-plastics or known carcinogens. I like the Blood Orange flavor.
For an upgrade, consider pairing the Nic Nacs with a vintage jewelry tin, like this one ($80), courtesy of friend-of-the-letter Jenna. Chic!
A perfectly fitting bra, prices vary
“This is a gift that has the power to change a woman’s life — coming into one certainly changed mine,” says American Style writer Biz Sherbert. “You look and feel better in and out of clothes.”
Her tips:
“Find a boutique that specializes in bra fitting (this is essential!), make an appointment for the lady in your life, and pay up (the fitting itself is always free, so the gift is helping coordinate the service plus a fab bra or two).”
“The key is that the shop does fittings by sight rather than using a tape measure. It may seem intimidating to get naked from the waist up in a fitting room with a sales associate but this is how the pudding is made.”
Also a great present to give to yourself, though I have the luxury of being team wireless/no bra these days…
Woolshire Pillow (from $180) and Quince 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase ($44)
Bedding is an underrated gifting category, especially when you consider that we spend more than a third of our lives asleep.
For the natural-fiber devotee in your life, considering pairing a 100% organic cotton and virgin wool pillow with a silk pillowcase — a combo recommended by Carlisle, who says that Woolshire pillows are truly the best. To round it out, might I suggest adding a Mulberry Silk Eye Mask ($20)?
A Kika Pauen skirt, $275
I’ve been eyeing these skirts after seeing actress Lauren Servideo mention them on multiple occasions. While the style is what pulls me in (a great last-minute Christmas or New Year’s look), there’s also something quite “healthy” about wearing skirts and dresses as a woman. Promotes better blood flow and ease.
Plane tickets to Paris for private classes with Ty Watson
“For someone you really, truly love,” says writer Kate Riley, whose Health Gossip is forever imprinted in my brain.
(Ty previously taught at SkyTing NYC and has run retreats with Toni, Berlin’s favorite Katonah instructor…)
Also on Kate’s list: these Pearl Blossom Spiral Earrings (from $37) — “a perverse combination of ‘wedding cake’ and ‘Tank Girl’” — and Privacy by Molly Young ($15), “the exact opposite of staring at your phone” (I second this).
A stay at the Westin Bonaventure, rates vary
Why book an Airbnb when you could immerse yourself in the enchanting, disarming energy of Downtown Los Angeles for under-$200?
“It’s a space that de-centers you, makes you feel dislocated,” says urbanist Ed Soja of the Bonaventure Building, which has the appeal of both a business hotel and long-deserted shopping mall. Aka, it’s perfect, not only in terms of design (rotating bistro, indoor-outdoor elevators) but also proximity.
During your giftee’s stay, they can pay a visit to friend-of-the-letter, Apogee Graphics’ Bonaventure building office for a copy of the Kaliflower Cookbook, then cross the sky bridge to the Ketchum-Downtown YMCA for a discounted $10 day pass.
Be-Shen Face Reading, $350-$400
For the person who’s already maxxed out on astrology readings and tarot pulls: a two-hour video session that “maps” your face to reflect patterns, strengths, and the throughline of your life’s mission (plus a channeled guided meditation at the end).
Mockmill 100 Stone Grain Mill, $363
Another very wholesome recommendation from Vancouver-based brand consultant Rebecca Kelly, who got the idea while visiting Cedar Isle, an organic grain farm, this summer.
“They sell wheat and grain berries whole to customers and encourage people to mill them at home to prevent oxidization and preserve the nutritional value,” she says. “They had a different home mill on their farm that they encouraged us to look into but it was like $1500. I discovered the Mockmill as a more budget friendly option.”
Giovanna Flores Cross Dress, $750
While waiting for official Health Gossip merch, why not pick up something…less official?
I’ve been wanting a piece of Giovanna’s for forever. The ecru-cream version of the dress — which synchronistically mirrors the design of the @health.gossip icon — has sold, but word on the street is she takes commissions.
More unofficial merch:
Vintage Ring ft. Aqua Chalcedony Stone Cross Set in Sterling Silver ($53, grab it before I do)
Vintage Medics Arm Band ($10)
Vintage First Aid Kit ($82)*
*Be discerning with the first aid kits, some of them seem a bit haunted.
Honorary mentions:
Artist Lola Dement-Meyers recommends a White Lululemon Define Jacket ($40) and Camel Bone Beads (prices vary). (See Lola’s full list here.)
Writer Chloe Pingeon recommends “artifacts discovered in the homes of people older than fifty” (i.e., Italian drama masks, angel candles, royal honey).
My aunt’s friend Jean recommends a two-person low-EMF near-infrared sauna and “any face oil based upon Seabuckthorn oil for massive organic hydration” (cue: Living Libations Seabuckthorn Best Skin Ever).
I recommend logging off.
(Naturally, this logic applies to the gift guides themselves; I, like many of you, value them more for their form than their function.)
Adding everything to cart I love it here
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