I love Black Friday season but this year feels a bit different. Gone are the days where I rush to buy cheap trash full of microplastics and endocrine disruptors just because they’re 60% off. Now, I value fewer, high-quality items that support my health and long-term goals.
With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of things that have significantly improved my life over the past couple of years that I’d consider a great gift to give yourself or someone you love.
Re_ x SUAY Organic Cotton Pocket Tote
I initially bought this tote to carry items to a dinner party, but it’s quickly become my go-to bag. Made of thick yet buttery-soft organic cotton canvas, it feels sturdy and well-made. It has six internal pockets—two large enough for a wine bottle or water bottle and four perfect for smaller items like jars or dressings.
It’s also ideal as an everyday bag. I never lose my lip balm, wallet, or phone because everything stays organized in its own pocket.
Deal: These aren’t on sale, but at $35, it feels like a steal for something so well-made that I’ll use constantly.
Oura Ring
The Oura Ring has transformed my life so much that I can’t imagine life without it. I’ve always struggled with sleep, but the detailed insights it provides—like sleep quality, blood oxygen levels, and the best bedtime for optimal rest—have made it easier to figure out what works.
It also gives me a personalized activity goal based on how rested I am and how well I’ve recovered. The ring tracks my temperature shifts with incredible accuracy, alerting me if I might get sick or when my period is approaching. It monitors stress, heart rate, and overall heart health throughout the day, so I can see how different activities affect me.
How has it improved my life?
I’ve learned how to get better sleep by avoiding specific habits.
I no longer push myself to work out on days when my readiness score is low, which helps me recover and avoid burnout.
I’ve identified stress triggers and learned effective techniques, like deep breathing during tense meetings and avoiding certain foods.
When I started wearing the ring, my cardiovascular age was two years older than my biological age. Now, it’s three years younger—thanks to small tweaks inspired by the ring’s insights.
Caveat: The Oura app provides great data but doesn’t identify the exact causes of stress. You’ll need to combine its insights with personal awareness to see real improvements. Still, it’s absolutely worth it.
Deal: There are assorted Black Friday deals going on right now for the different models, but I believe you can also use my personal referral code if you plan to get the newest model (Oura 4) and get an extra 10% off.
Primally Pure Tallow Balms
I’ve been replacing my personal care products with endocrine-safe alternatives, and grass-fed tallow has been a game-changer. My super-dry skin absorbs this so quickly. I’ve found it far more effective than even high-end products like La Mer. Tallow mimics the natural building blocks of skin, making it easy to absorb and fantastic for repair and replenishment.
I especially love the Plumping Balm, which contains jasmine oil and bakuchiol (a natural retinol) for anti-aging. My second favorite is the Antioxidant Balm, which includes astaxanthin—a compound 6,000x stronger than Vitamin C that repairs sun damage and stimulates skin regeneration. After six months of use, my skin looks visibly healthier.
Deal: Both balms are 20% off, bringing them to $32 and $34, respectively.
Spectra479 Blue Blockers
Wearing blue blocker glasses after sundown has dramatically improved my sleep and circadian rhythm. Recently, I skipped wearing them at night and was exposed to harsh lights, which triggered a migraine that lasted nearly two days. So now I don’t leave at night without them.
Nighttime light exposure raises cortisol levels, disrupting deep, restful sleep. Years ago, I used to experience nighttime panic attacks, which I now attribute to late-night screen exposure rather than a “chemical imbalance.” Blue blockers have made a world of difference.
I use clip-ons since I wear glasses, but if you don’t need corrective lenses, non-clip-on versions from brands like VivaRays and Ra Optics are worth exploring.
Deal: Not on sale, but well worth $33.
Grounding Shoes
I dismissed grounding for years, thinking it was mystical nonsense. But after trying it, I’ve felt real, measurable benefits. Grounding connects you to the Earth’s negative ions, which improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and speed up healing. There are tons of clinical studies on it, including one where they do thermal imaging to show exactly how much just a half hour of grounding reduces inflammation. It’s pretty impressive.
But I live in Los Angeles and the ground is full of exotic diseases, so I wear grounding shoes. My EarthRunners sandals have lasted over a year of daily wear, and I recently added Groundz athletic shoes for colder mornings. Both have conductive soles that transfer Earth’s negative ions to your body.
Without grounding for a day or two, I feel edgy, unfocused, and chaotic. Grounding helps me feel calm, centered, and productive.
Deal: EarthRunners and Groundz are both 20-30% off right now.
Molecular Hydrogen
Molecular hydrogen is like a miracle in pill form. I’ve heard incredible stories—like a friend of a friend losing 60 pounds in a year without any other changes—but I’ll focus on my experience. It gives me steady energy, reduces inflammation, and makes me feel sharper physically and mentally. I also notice I look a bit leaner with regular use.
Drop a tablet in water, wait for it to fully dissolve, then chug it quickly. That’s it. You can do up to 2-3 times a day.
Deal: 24% off on Amazon, approximately $24.
That’s it. Happy holidays, everyone!