Why not ask for gifts this year that can help you in your journey, if not make it a little more fun? Share this thoughtful PCOS gift guide with friends and family, so they know they are getting something to support your journey.
GIFTS TO NOURISH
With nutrition being such a huge component of PCOS management, it can be challenging when you don’t have the tools you need. A well-equipped kitchen will make the journey easier and more fun.
- Blendjet– This single serve, rechargeable mini blender makes it easy to take your smoothie on the go.
- Stainless steel cookware– SS cookware is a workhorse of any kitchen and does not contain any hormone disrupting chemicals, so nothing harmful is added to your home-cooked meals.
- Air fryer– An amazing tool to make delicious meals in a pinch for one person or many.
- Knife block– Dull knives are no fun. A good knife set is essential for any aspiring chef.
- Cast iron cookware– Cast iron is a fantastic chemical-free non-stick cooking surface. I love mine for getting that crusty sear on meats. They last forever so they are also great for the environment. My sister still uses one passed down from our grandmother.
- Cutting board– A must have for any kitchen and these are beautiful to look at as well.
- Glass food storage– BPA in plastics interfere with hormone function. Minimizing food contact with plastic (especially when heating food) is easily done with these glass containers. The silicone wrap prevents breaking, making them great for taking and reheating meals at work.
- Sunbasket meal kit service– I love these services to get my clients through busy seasons of their life. With the recipes planned, ingredients measured and kit delivered right to your door, all you have to do is make it!
GIFTS TO RELAX
Chronic stress and poor sleep can both drive and worsen PCOS symptoms. In our busy lives we have to be intentional about taking time to unwind. Here are some tools that can help you look forward to relaxation and rest.
- Magnesium cream – A must for sore muscles and to help relax you into sleep.
- Subscription to Headspace– A daily meditation practice is essential for managing stress. Their sleep features are very helpful if you find it difficult to doze off at the end of the day.
- Non-toxic candles– There is something about a scented candlelit room that makes sleep feel more luxurious and sets the tone. These candle brands are free from synthetic fragrance that can disrupt hormones. See BB candles as well for their beautifully designed candles.
- Journal– A short daily session of journaling gratitude and affirmations is a game changer for anyone struggling with negative thoughts.
- Silk pillowcase– A way to luxuriate sleep and keep you looking forward to it.
- Pajamas– These are my current favorite pajamas- soft and stretchy and keep me just the right amount of warm on a winter night.
- Essential oil diffuser– Aromatherapy with some of your favorite relaxing scents can help can the mind and relax you into sleep.
- Gift card for a massage- Need I say more?
GIFTS TO MOVE
Movement is also an integral part of PCOS care, but having the right tools is key. Here are some things to make it more accessible and fun!
- Fitness subscription: Melissa Wood Health (pilates, yoga, dance), The Sculpt Society (sculpting & dance cardio), Alo Moves (yoga)- If you are more of an at-home fitness person (like me), these apps are a game changer. Fitting in a 20 minute session is very easy to do in my living room. I have personally used and love all three of these platforms.
- Girlfriend Collective activewear Bottoms, top– GC makes classic fitness clothing for all sizes and body types at a reasonable price point.
- Free weights– Essential for any at-home exercise. Bala ankle weights are nice for intensifying any movement. The Melissa Wood Health platform uses these often.
- Yoga mat– Everyone needs a good yoga mat.
- Sneakers– This pair of sleek Nike Air Max will take your from gym to street.
- Stainless steel water bottle– Moving away from plastic water bottles is a great step for anyone with PCOS. Simple Modern makes stylish and sleek bottles at a reasonable price.
- Belt bag– If you’re the type that actually likes to go to the gym, this belt bag keeps your keys and credit cards close, plus the sherpa fabric is super cute.
GIFTS OF BEAUTY
Taking care of skin is often top of mind with PCOS, but it is important to minimize exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in many and most beauty brands. Here are some of my favorite brands and products for healthy skin without the toxins.
- Biossance skincare- Ninety percent of my skincare products are Biossance. Their Squalane oil oil is my number 1 product (especially for winter), followed by their Omega Repair Cream and Phyto-retinol Serum. One of their sample kits would make a great gift.
- Cocokind Vitamin C Serum– Every time I use this I wake with the smoothest skin. Love their facial cleansers and masks too!
- Dime Beauty Eyelash growth serum and mascara duo– For noticeable lash and brow growth.
- Ilia Beauty- Great concealer, foundation and multi color sticks
- Everyone Unscented body lotion– For something you apply to your whole body, this is a bang for your buck way to detoxify your skincare. This 32 oz bottle lasts me for months.
- Beauty Counter– A leader in non-toxic beauty and skincare
- Facial Steamer– Steam helps to open up pores and release trapped oil and makeup that can worsen acne.
- Facial- A Hydrafacial is the ultimate!
GIFTS OF SUPPORT
Here are some practical gifts ideas, aka the stuff you may need!
- Temp Drop Fertility tracker– As you’ve likely heard me say, ovulation is important in PCOS whether or not you are trying to get pregnant. Utilizing the Fertility Awareness Method by tracking basal body temperature (with cervical mucus and position) is the most accurate way aside from labs to confirm ovulation. Temp Drop does all the work for you with their wearable temp monitor and phone app.
- Full Well prenatal multi– IMO, the best prenatal on the market made with painstaking quality and formulated by dietitian and fertility expert, Ayla Barmmer. Use code TARAN10 for 10% off**
- Ovasitol– A supportive and practical gift if this is something you and your practitioner decide is right for you. Inositols are well-studied for their positive effects on the syndrome and are safe for long term-use and PCOS management. Use PRC code: 689147 for $10 off an order**
- Laser hair removal- If you know, you know.
- PCOS Awareness Association– PCOS AA is an amazing organization elevating public awareness and the conversation about PCOS. A gift of a donation to their work is the ultimate way to say “I support you.”
- The Fifth Vital Sign– THE handbook on intimately understanding the female reproductive system. A must-read for anyone with a uterus (and PCOS), it explores the basics and intricacies of the menstrual cycle- all the things you never learned in sex ed.
- PCOS Pro Program-A dietitian should be a part of any PCOS care team. Getting a personalized plan and positive coaching with someone that really understands PCOS is a game changer.
Let me know if you enjoyed this gift guide and I wish you and yours a very happy holiday season.
To your health,
Tara
**Disclosure: with this code, I receive a small commission at no cost to you.