Holiday Gift Guide
2019
Welcome to the 2019 Holiday Gift Guide from Celiac and the Beast. This year has been a doozy - from losing my job that I thought was going to be life long, to gaining a job that I hope stays for a long time, to making a huge move into a (very not new) house, and dealing with the ramifications of a major surgery at the end of 2018. I've had better years. But I can still find things to be thankful for this year, because it has been magical - like each year we are given here on Earth. So, let's deck the halls, put the bad times behind us, and have a very magical holiday season. I hope this gift guide gives you some good ideas for the holidays, or at least puts a smile on your face. DISCLOSURE: As a professional content creator, some links in this guide are affiliate links that I may receive a portion of any sales made. However, I featured items in this guide because I genuinely care for them and think that they are great products. Plus, I need money to purchase gluten-free treats for Mushu and my bottle baby kittens. Erica
Health and Wellness
It might not seem like a typical gift, but the best gift I can give someone is health and longevity - and insight into their health that their own doctor isn't providing.
imaware™ celiac screening, monitoring, and rheumatoid arthritis screening (launching soon) athome tests can provide the gift of knowledge to anyone 18 and over in the US.
AT-HOME HEALTH TESTING
Just Thrive Probiotic + Antioxidant isn't like other probiotics. It's based on spores that survive better in the gut. It's 100% guaranteed that you'll love it!
I've been using Just Thrive for a year, after long discussions with their talented microbiologist Kiran Krishnan about my IBS and digestive health.
HOLIDAY GUT HEALTH
Beauty Vibes
Red Apple Lipstick is makeup anyone can feel good about. Made for sensitive, gluten-free skin, explore the brand from lipstick to brushes, eyeshadows, and conditioning mascara!
DermaE clean, vegan, gluten-free beauty products are my daily routine. Day and night, DermaE keeps my skin clean and healthy. Treat Yourself is a women-owned clean beauty company that uses ingredients like sea buckthorn and hemp for luxurious care. Don't miss the sacred beauty balm.
Housewares and Pantry Must Haves
Stuffing, check. Turkey, check. Gravy, check. But what about the things you'll really want for the holidays? Check out these new products that will make your holiday season easier and tastier!
NAPA VALLEY GLUTEN-FREE VACATION The only thing on my wish list this year is relaxation - and wine. With a vacation to Napa, you can do both. Stay at the Inn on Randolph, a dedicated gluten-free bed and breakfast and spend the day exploring vineyards like Mumm Napa and eating tacos at CCasa.
The Pacific Northwest series of the California Wine Club features two bottles of wine from Oregon and Washington delivered.
The Premier Series from the California Wine Club includes two bottles from small California wineries - delivered.
THE GIFT OF WINE, DELIVERED
Our Aqua Fizz sodastream keeps us away from soda, and limits our use of canned sparkling water. I use their carbon exchange program for home pickup and delivery of CO2 cartridges. Combine with Iconic Cocktail Co. syrups after carbonating for unique sparkling water flavors like Prickly Pear or Spiced Honey.
UPGRADE THAT SODASTREAM
Bartesian is just like having a bartender at home. Just add alcohol. Each Bartesian cocktail capsule contains real concentrated liquid ingredients like fruit juices, bitters, and nonalcoholic liqueurs and extracts. Within minutes it combines with liquor to create the perfect mix. Bartesian does not use powders or high fructose syrups, and all are gluten-free, dairyfree, nut-free, and soyfree.
MEET BARTESIAN
Counter top appliances are no small gift. These handy small appliances will win big smiles at the holidays. The Blendtec 725 is a master of power and beauty, offering 6 settings like salsa, ice cream, and hot soup well beyond just smoothies. Tea lover? You'll need this. The Zojirushi water boiler sings to you when it reaches a set temperature. Tea, and a show!
SMALL APPLIANCE BIG WIN
We all love KitchenAid stand mixers. They're not only useful, but beautiful, and let's face it - very Instagrammable. While you may not be able to afford to buy someone a stand mixer, you might be able to splurge on a beautiful new designed bowl, like these I found at the 2019 Inspired Home Show.
KITCHENAID STAND MIXER UPGRADES
Teach Me Gluten-Free
These two new cookbooks books from my friends, and prolific bloggers, Sharon Lachendro and Megan Lavin, are must reads.
"An Allergy Mom's Lifesaving Instant Pot Cookbook" and "The Gluten-Free Quick Breads Cookbook" are out now!
GLUTEN-FREE BOOKS + COOKBOOKS
Don't forget to stock up on ebooks, like these from my friends at Flippin' Delicious, This Vivacious Life, Meaningful Eats, Krysten's Kitchen, and Allergy Free Alaska.
You can't go wrong with a cookbook from No Gluten, No Problem - and creators Kelli and Peter Bronski. You must buy their No Gluten, No Problem Pizza cookbook, out now!
Have IBS? Gluten sensitive, but not celiac? It may help to eliminate FODMAPs, under the guidance of a dietitian. Once you're on the path to lowFODMAP, check out these two books from my friends, Kate Scarlata RDN, LDN, and Colleen Francioli, of FODMAP Life.
LOW-FODMAP FRIENDLY COOKBOOKS
Little GF Chefs by Celiac Mama are kid-friendly baking kits! Help your kids learn how to bake gluten-free early (and maybe they'll make you donuts one morning!).
Cat Mom + Dog Mom Swag
Stay Home Club is one of my favorite shops on the internet. They just get me. I am an indoor cat at heart, and you can wear it as a sweatshirt, patch or pin with pride. Their cat hair loose shirt is a snapshot into the life of anyone with a black shirt in a cat house. Does your cat rock a collar? Consider this handmade leather collar from White Oak Pastures - where every part of the animal is used in this sustainable farm.
CAT MOM
Stray Cat Social club has the best pins, because you should definitely wear the litterbox over your heart. If you don't know the Dark Lord on Instagram, he's a hairless cat looking for you to send nudes. I'm in. And finally THE MEOWNORAH by SquarePaws will keep any Hanukkah lit!
EVEN MORE CAT LADY MUST HAVES
Stay Home Club is also a favorite for dog lovers. You don't have to love cats to be a total weirdo. Dog moms can deck out their wardrobe with dog mom shirts, and fill your jean jacket with dog-friendly patches and pins.
DOG MOM
Other Gift Ideas
Metal Marvels - for bold women who break the mold - is a brand that resonates with me, because I have the mouth of a sailor. If you love feminism and don't mind a little swearing (or a lot), check them out.
METAL MARVELS
I had the opportunity to travel to White Oak Pastures outside of Atlanta, GA this year. I found so many handmade gifts from their organic farm that I wanted to share some of my favorites. Purchase a billfold, wallet, coaster set, or even an Apple watch band featuring their handstitched leather. Experience their beef tallow in a new way - used in tallow candles or tallow soap and body wash or lotion.
WHITE OAK PASTURES
I think there is no better housewarming gift than a tea towel. They'll be forced to think of you whenever they wash their filthy hands. These reusable towels are a great opportunity to swear as well. AlwaysFits.com has the best selection on sweary towels to put on your wish list.
SWEARY TOWELS
I've been traveling a lot the past few years. My luggage has taken a beating. I've partnered with eBags to use their luggage this year when I fly! In the next few trips, I'll be highlighting their rose gold Fortis Pro Carry-On Spinner, complete with a USB and "lifeboat" external battery. I can't wait to use this luggage on my long waits at the airport rental car counter, or at the gate, where plugs are few and far between.
EBAGS BRAND LUGGAGE
This year I launched an online merchandise site from Celiac and the Beast that offered our Skull and Crosswheat design in a variety of merchandise that you've asked for over the years! Get a gift for the celiac in your life! New items include beanies, sweatshirts, and aprons.
PUNCH GLUTEN IN THE FACE
Thank You Happy Holidays!