Welcome to the
2023 CLEAN ME AIP
holiday gift guide
Your source for over a dozen carefully-curated CLEAN wellness-promoting gifts for EVERYONE on your list!
I’m highlighting some of my favorite brands that are both clean and have that unique, special, gift-worthy quality.
KEEP SCROLLING FOR GIFT IDEAS FOR THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE:
FOR THE ASPIRING CHEF
FOR THE BAKER
FOR THE SELF-CARE STAR
FOR THE BEAUTY JUNKIE
FOR THE SWEET TOOTH
FOR THE MEAT LOVER
FOR THE FOODIE WITH WANDERLUST
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
FOR THE LIFELONG LEARNER
FOR THE ASPIRING CHEF
What: Rose Hill Woodwork Herb Stripper —$15.00
Why: Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of learning about Rose Hill Woodwork at a food festival at the Bethel Woods Center for the Performing Arts (where the original Woodstock was held in 1969!). I picked up a gorgeous handmade cutting board that is not only functional but looks beautiful in my kitchen. The herb stripper from Rose Hill is a unique, cute, and functional gift for that special someone who aspires to be the next Food Network Star!
Where: Buy the herb stripper at Rose Hill’s Etsy Shop here:
What: The New York Shuk Pantry Collection — $169
Why: New York Shuk is a family-owned brand of unique Middle Eastern condiments and spices. I particularly love the Preserved Lemon Paste to add a blast of citrus flavor. All the foodies and aspiring chefs will feel showered in gifts with the full pantry collection. If the full collection is out of your budget, you can build your own smaller collection of unique and beautifully-packaged items that will add something special to any meal.
Where: Buy the pantry collection here:
FOR THE BAKER
What: Green Boy Protein Plant Bake Protein Powder —$29.95 (+ 15% off with my code CLEANME15)
Why: I absolutely love Green Boy Protein products! They have a great variety of single-ingredient proteins, which means you’re getting pure plant protein without any unnecessary binders, fillers, gums, or other nasties. While the Green Boy proteins are not AIP elimination phase compliant, they are all made of whole food legumes (like green pea, mung bean, or chickpea) making them low histamine. Eating low histamine may help reduce symptoms such as skin rashes, headaches, bloating, and inflammation.
Where: Buy the new Green Boy Plant Bake Protein Powder here:
Green Boy Protein Plant Bake Protein Powder
***USE THE CODE CLEANME15 TO RECEIVE 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE GREEN BOY ORDER!***
What: Beth Blends Nut/Cassava Free Grain Free Flour Blend starting at $11.50 (+10% off your entire purchase with my code CLEANMEAIP)
Why: Beth Blends products contain only elimination phase complaint ingredients—all in the perfect proportions for all of your baked goods. My favorite product is the Nut/Cassava Grain Free Flour Blend because it contains the same ingredients I use when I make my own AIP breads. I also love using this mix as the base of my pancake and waffle recipes (just add your favorite sweetener). Beth Blends is clean, nutritious, and perfect for that health-conscious baker in your life—who will be amazed at how amazingly delicious AIP baking can be! While you’re at it, you can pick up some Beth Blends gravy mix for yourself to make holiday entertaining even easier.
Where: Buy the Beth Blends Grain Free Flour Mix here:
Beth Blends Paleo & AIP Grain Free Flour Mix
***USE THE CODE CLEANMEAIP TO RECEIVE 10% OFF YOUR ENTIRE BETH BLENDS ORDER!***
FOR THE SELF-CARE STAR
What: Safe Scents Gray with White Flower (Lavender) Candle - Coconut Wax, Beeswax, and Lavender Essential Oil with Wooden Wick — $30.00
Why: For many years, I thought I wasn’t a candle person because I couldn’t find a safe non-toxic candle whose scent didn’t overwhelm me and make me feel like I was burdening my sluggish detox pathways. Then, one day, enter Safe Scents! All their candles are made with natural, non-toxic ingredients like beeswax and coconut. They even use natural wood for the wick, so you’re not burning toxic plastics while you enjoy your candle. Also, not only are the candles pleasing to the nose, they all have small decorative touches that make them pleasing to the eye, as well. They’re made in small batches in Georgia, and they’ve converted me into a candle-lover! This lavender candle is perfect for calming a frazzled nervous system during self-care time.
Where: Buy the Safe Scents Lavender candle here:
What: Wellaine’s The Reset Guide — 52 Page Guided Journal for Self-Care printed on Luxe Recycled Hemp Stock — $40.00
Why: Wellaine’s mission is “to curate a carefully selected collection of high-quality semi-luxury products that inspire joy, mindfulness, and positive transformation in your life,” and that is exactly what you will get from this unique guided journal. It’s the perfect journal for non-journalers (like myself!) who wanted to get started with this incredibly beneficial self-care habit. Each page beautifully guides you to get in touch with your inner self in an easy and enjoyable way. Just holding the journal and feeling the recycled hemp stock makes you feel like you’re doing something special for yourself.
Where: Buy Wellaine’s Reset Guide here:
What: Heat Healer — PEMF, Infrared & Red LED Therapy Body Belt —on sale for $159.60
Why: I am a huge fan of light therapy! After having surgery over the summer, I credit light therapy with helping me to “heal like gangbusters,” according to my surgeon. If it’s in the budget, Heat Healer’s infrared sauna blanket is a self-care splurge like no other. At a lower price point, the body belt gives you all the benefits of light and heat therapy in a smaller much more giftable device.
Where: Buy Heat Healer’s Therapy Body Belt here:
FOR THE BEAUTY JUNKIE
What: Rejuva Minerals Custom Eyes Only Makeup Kit —$64.95
Why: Rejuva Minerals epitomizes a non-toxic, clean makeup brand. Rejuva’s products are made with naturally-derived and organic ingredients. Many of Rejuva’s products are Environmental Working Group (EWG) verified. Rejuva’s products also have the MADE SAFE® seal meaning they have been screened to ensure that they are free from behavioral toxins, carcinogens, developmental toxins, endocrine disruptors, fire retardants, heavy metals, neurotoxins, high-risk pesticides, reproductive toxins, toxic solvents and harmful VOCs. I feel good knowing I don’t have to give up wearing makeup when making my health a priority.
Where: Buy Rejuva Minerals’ makeup kit here:
What: Primally Pure Mini Body Butter Collection —$38
Why: Primally Pure’s beauty and home products are made with certified organic ingredients from family-owned farms, whenever possible. The rich and soothing body butters are made with grass-fed tallow, which is high in vitamins A, D, E, and K; and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may reduce inflammation. While you’re shopping for the beauty lover on your list, don’t forget to pick up some Primally Pure non-toxic lip balm for yourself. The grapefruit and cocoa butter flavors are my personal favorites!
Where: Buy Primally Pure’s Mini Body Butter Collection here:
What: Qēt Botanicals Natural Hair Care Suite Set — $35
Why: In my quest to clean up not only my kitchen but also my beauty regimen, I searched far and wide for the best non-toxic hair care. Thanks to the Environmental Workin Group (EWG), I found the perfect product: Qēt’s Sea Spray hairspray. It has the perfect amount of natural hold, and the light touch of natural lavender scent is dreamy. I’m transported to the fields of Provence each morning as I tame my hair. This adorable hair care set is perfect for that beauty lover with luscious locks on your list.
Where: Buy Qēt’s Natural Hair Care Suite here:
FOR THE SWEET TOOTH
What: Montezuma’s Dark & Vegan Milk Chocolate Plant Power Gift Box — $46.99
Why: I stumbled upon the Montezuma brand of chocolate in a health food store in Edinburgh, Scotland over the summer. It was love at first bite! Chocolate lovers will fall in love with the outstanding quality and depth of flavor of these British chocolates. From a health perspective, I feel good about recommending this brand, as its dark chocolate has been shown to have the lowest level of toxic heavy metals as tested by Consumer Reports (see Consumer Reports’ full article on toxins in chocolate here: Dark Chocolates, Cocoa & Cacao Powders, Nibs, and Supplements Review).
Where: Buy Montezuma’s Plant Power Gift Box here:
Montezuma's Dark & Milk Vegan Chocolate Plant Power Gift Box
What: Paleo Treats® Cookies, Brownies, and Macarons at US Wellness Meats — starting at $6.92 + shipping
Why: I have been a long-time loyal customer of US Wellness Meats for all of my grass-fed, pasture-raised, and sustainably-farmed meat needs. I love making my own homemade paleo sweets, but sometimes its nice to purchase ready-made options. It’s super easy to throw some paleo goodies in your cart when shopping for the best quality meat out there—or you can ship your carefully chosen goodies assortment directly to your sweet tooth loved ones!
Where: Buy Paleo Treats® at US Wellness Meats here:
FOR THE MEAT LOVER
What: Carnivore Crisps Find Your Favorite Bundle — on sale for $52.99 (+ extra 10% savings with my code CLEANMEAIP)
Why: I love love love the Carnivore Crisps products. I love their crunchy, chip-like texture—the best texture and taste of any dried meat product I’ve ever tried (The chicken chips are perfect for AIP nachos!). I love how perfectly-packaged they are for throwing in my bag for on busy, on-the-go day. I love that they are AIP elimination phase compliant (made with only grass-fed/pasture-raised meats + salt). I love that the founder is committed to putting out great quality products and communicates strong family values. Carnivore Crisps is a brand I feel very good about supporting!
Where: Buy the Carnivore Crisps bundle here:
Carnivore Crisps Find Your Favorite Bundle
USE MY CODE CLEANMEAIP AT CHECKOUT FOR 10% OFF OF YOUR ENTIRE CARNIVORE CRISPS ORDER!
FOR THE FOODIE WITH WANDERLUST
What: Saltverk Sustainable Sea Salt from Iceland Luxury Gift Set — $50
Why: Saltverk is currently my favorite salt brand! Over the years, as I was educating myself on the most nutritious and least toxic brands out there, it was a priority for me to find the sea salt with the lowest levels of toxic heavy metals. According to The Lead Safe Mama, Tamara Rubin, Saltverk is among the best choices (you may read her full article on the topic here: TamaraRubin.com How much Lead is in salt?). Saltverk in its different varieties (pure sea salt, black lava salt, and aromatic birch smoked) have become staples in my kitchen. They are clean, delicious, and unique. They make any dish feel special. Plus, knowing that Saltverk’s hand-harvested salt is produced in a sustainable way, gives it a gold star in my book. I’m such a fan of this salt, it inspired me to take a trip to Iceland earlier this year!
Where: Buy the Saltverk Luxury Gift Box here:
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
What: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater — $50
Why: Quince is a great online destination for timeless, luxury-quality pieces at attainable prices. The brand’s values are quality, sustainability, and affordability; and this cashmere sweater ticks all of those boxes. After cleaning up the food I eat and the beauty products I use on a daily basis, I turned next to my closet. As I went through my wardrobe piece by piece, I kept only the clothing made of natural materials like cotton, wool, linen, bamboo, and silk and donated the rest. One of my favorite sweaters that made the cut is my Quince cashmere crewneck, which I own in multiple colors. The price for quality simply cannot be beat. It is so soft and comforting to wear this gorgeous sweater. Excuse me while I go purchase it in another one of the 19 available colors!
Where: Buy the Quince Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater here:
FOR THE LIFELONG LEARNER
What: Forever Strong: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well — currently $20.63 for hardcover
Why: I’m all for coming at nutrition from the perspective of what we can add in versus what we need to take out. Coming at food from a place of plenty (as opposed to scarcity) is especially important for anyone with an autoimmune diagnosis. As a protein-lover like myself, Dr. Lyon flips the script on traditional diet culture. Instead of focusing on restriction and fat loss, she focuses on muscle gain as the key to nourishing our way to our best selves . Dr. Lyon’s muscle-centric approach teaches us how to live a long, healthy, happy, strong life.
Where: Buy Forever Strong here (or ask your local bookstore to order it):
What: It's Not Your Fault: Why Childhood Trauma Shapes You and How to Break Free — currently $17.99 for paperback at barnesandnoble.com
Why: On any wellness journey, once you’ve made strides in improving the physical aspects of health, it’s time to turn the focus from the body to the mind. Many people find that the mind-body connection is a missing piece of their overall health and wellness puzzle. It is a well-known fact in the autoimmune community that Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs) increase susceptibility to autoimmune diagnoses later in life. For this reason, Alex Howard’s book is a must-read for anyone looking to make sense of how their early years have shaped their health today.
Where: Buy It’s Not Your Fault here (or ask your local bookstore to order it):
