2025 Holiday Gift Guide

It’s time for my 2025 Holiday Gift Guide, where I list all of my favorite things! If you’ve got cooks, moms, dads, health nuts, food lovers, and gadget lovers in your circle of friends and family, these gifts are sure to pamper and please them!

A gift guide for folks like me!

Yep—it’s that time of year again! As loyal Nomsters know, every year I write up an epic holiday gift guide filled with items I’ve purchased, tested, and 100% endorse.

That’s right: this isn’t a sponsored post and nothing in this article was given to me for free, so you can feel confident that I love every single thing on this list. In fact, there are many repeats on this list (some I’ve owned for 10+ years!) from previous years’ gift guides because I’ve found them to be time-tested, reliable, and the best gifts year after year.

Got someone on your list who loves to cook, hoards gadgets, collects cookbooks, eats voraciously (but healthily), exercises at home, and/or could stand to indulge in some self care (i.e., someone going through perimenopause)? Then you’ll be sure to find the perfect present in my holiday gift guide!

Gifts for Nomsters

For starters, if your pals love cooking along with my blog recipes, they’ll love my three New York Times best selling cookbooks and Nom Nom Paleo spice blends!

Nom Nom Paleo: Let’s Go!

Our latest New York Times bestselling cookbook is sure to delight your favorite Nomster. Henry and I poured our blood, sweat, and tears into this one and think it’s our best cookbook yet. In fact, it has close to 900+ 5-star Amazon reviews and a starred review in Publishers Weekly!

You can buy our cookbook wherever books are sold!

Oh, and don’t forget to complete the trilogy by purchasing our first two cookbooks, Nom Nom Paleo: Food For Humans and Ready or Not!

Nom Nom Paleo Spice Blends

I LOVE my Nom Nom Paleo Spice Blends and I use them in place of salt in everything I cook! All four are incredibly versatile; I use them to flavor chicken, beef, steak, pork chops, fish, shrimp, veggies, stir-fries, rice—you name it! Also, they’re now award-winning because my Spicy Sichuan Powder won two 2023 Scovie Awards!

Some of our spice blends are available on Amazon and you can buy all of them directly from The Spice Lab! The Nom Nom Paleo Spice Blends gift set is a Nomster favorite!

Gifts for Cooks

Anyday Bowls

Anyday microwave cookware are the one kitchen purchase that I have used EVERY SINGLE day since I bought them. These durable, all-glass bowls have transformed the way I view and use my microwave—it’s now an essential cooking appliance rather than just a boring box that reheats leftovers.

Why are Anyday Bowls so amazing?

• The bowls and lids are made of glass—an extremely durable, heat-resistant borosilicate.
• The lids feature a platinum-grade silicone rim so they form an airtight, leakproof seal. Each lid also has a silicone knob that can be pulled up to create a vent when you’re microwaving. This way, the food can steam and cook in the bowls and not explode!
• All the bowls are dishwasher-, freezer-, and oven-safe as well. That means you can cook in them, store leftovers in them, and toss them in the dishwasher when you’re done!
• Believe it or not, the stainless metal around the edge of the lid is A-OK for the microwave oven! It’s specially designed to be microwave compatible because the metal is rounded and won’t spark.

Which Anyday Bowls are my favorite?

• Anyday Bowls now come in a bunch of cool colors and sizes but my current fave are the new square dishes! This new shape is great for microwaving crispy bacon and fab for making any type of casserole!
• The sizes I use the most are the extra large dish, large deep dish, large shallow dish, and the small dish—but I really use ’em all. That’s why I buy The Complete Set for all the people I love!

JOC Goods

My friend Nami, the powerhouse behind the amazing Just One Cookbook recipe blog, just launched an online Japanese tableware and kitchenware shop, JOC Goods!

Nami has impeccable taste and she’s curated an amazing collection of handcrafted products from small kilns and artisan workshops across Japan. Even though I went to Japan this past summer, I didn’t even know where to begin to buy kitchenware. But when you browse JOC Goods, it’s like your Japanese BFF (Nami!) who loves cookware and tableware hand-picked the best items for you to shop!

I mean, how can you go wrong gifting an adorable tartar sauce bottle chopstick rest (or any of the other super cute chopstick rests)?!?!

Check out all the cool stuff HERE.

OXO Obsidian 12-Inch Carbon Steel Pan

Carbon steel cooks like cast iron but is lighter and faster to heat up. Owen left me his OXO carbon steel pan to take care of while he is studying abroad this year and I have fallen in love. I love the Obsidian line because it is sturdy, versatile, heats evenly, and becomes naturally nonstick once seasoned. It works so well and it is reasonably priced.

Breville Smart Oven Air pro

Although I still really love my Instant Pot Vortex Plus, I added a Breville Smart Oven Air back to my counter because it’s just so reliable and versatile. I’ve owned one in the past and even though I think breaded items come out a little crispier in a basket-type air fryer, this trusty workhorse lasts longer and I can use it for so many different things.

Thermapen One

This is still my favorite instant-read thermometer of all-time! The Thermapen One is faster (it now reads in 1 second!) and even more accurate than the previous versions. My Thermapen One is the not-so-secret reason my meat dishes (or anything that needs monitoring!) come out perfectly.

Vitamix 5200 Blender

I’ve owned my trusty Vitamix 5200 for 10+ FREAKING YEARS and in my opinion, no other blender and no other make or model outperforms it! I’ve been using it a lot lately because I make daily protein shakes for myself and the boys (I use Be Well By Kelly chocolate flavored protein powder or Equip chocolate flavored beef protein powder) and this blender just doesn’t quit. Also, this is the only blender that can make sauces and soups silky smooth.

Hedley and Bennet Aprons

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the only aprons I wear in my kitchen are made by Hedley and Bennett because I find them to be the most stylish, functional, and durable. I’ve loved them for years; I even recommended H&B aprons on my inaugural holiday gift guide back in 2013! The size of my apron collection is starting to rival my cookbook stash and that’s a scary thing.

Tasty Cookbooks

SkinnyTaste High Protein by Gina Homolka

Gina’s recipes are approachable and flavorful, and this book is perfect for anyone trying to prioritize protein in a realistic way. Yes, 2025 is all about protein-maxing.

Cook Like A King by Melissa King

My friend Melissa cooks with so much heart, creativity, and joy. All of her recipes are influenced by her Chinese upbringing and her training at Michelin starred French restaurants. I’m so proud that she is so authentically herself and have gifted this book to my sons and all my close pals!

House of Nanking by Kathy and Peter Fang

Their San Francisco restaurant is iconic and this book captures its spirit, personal family story, and classic Chinese American recipes. It is like having a little piece of Chinatown nostalgia at home.

Good Things by Samin Nosrat

I loved Samin’s debut cookbook, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, so her new cookbook was preordered the second she announced it. Good Things is filled with smart, satisfying, fuss free meals to cook for people you love without stressing yourself out.

Zareen’s Pakistani Kitchen by Zareen and Umair Khan

Zareen’s is one of my favorite restaurants in Palo Alto and I am so delighted they have a cookbook with all my favorite Pakistani dishes. So many recipes I love are now easy to make at home.

The Protein Advantage by Carolyn Ketchum

Carolyn is the low carb queen and I love that she has a cookbook dedicated to all things protein. It is great for someone trying to support their muscle health.

The Art of Gluten-Free Bread by Aran Goyoaga

Although not pictured above, this cookbook is a winner and should be gifted to your favorite gluten-free baker. No one bakes gluten free like Aran and she was super meticulous when she created this epic reference. Every recipe is super well tested, thoughtful, and reliably delicious. Yes, there’s even a recipe for gluten-free flaky and buttery croissants!

Stocking Stuffers

Peeps Carbon Klean Eyeglass Lens Cleaner

If you wear glasses, you need one (or more)! I keep one in my bag, one in the kitchen, one in my office. Yes, it’s more expensive than a free microfiber cloth from your optometrist, but nothing keeps your glasses smudge free better.

Mirai Persimmon Soap

My favorite bar soap. It smells bright and clean and leaves my skin soft without residue. And for whatever reason, it helps with that weird middle aged lady odor that seems to pop up during perimenopause. I do not know how it works, it just does. Lots of Nomsters swear by it too.

DAE Cactus Fruit styling cream and Taming Wand

I use this helpful wand that looks like a stick of mascara and styling cream to tame frizz and flyaways without leaving my hair crunchy or oily. I always keep the wand in my bag for sleek hair on the fly. Plus, it smells great.

ThermoWorks Mini Spoonula and Spatula Set

These tiny, super heat resistant silicone kitchen tools make me ridiculously happy. The duo are perfect for scraping out jars, getting into small bowls, stirring sauces, and portioning out condiments. A surprisingly useful stocking stuffer that every cook will reach for.

Gifts for Health conscious folks

Oura Ring Gen 4

I’ve been an obsessive superfan of the Oura Ring ever since it first launched in 2015. I finally upgraded to the Gen 4 version this year because the battery in my Gen 3 finally conked out yet.

Even though other wearables have tempted me, I just cannot quit Oura. It helps me understand my sleep, recovery, and stress patterns without being distracting or uncomfortable. It even warns me when I am about to get sick before I notice symptoms. I love it so much!

Apple Watch Series 11

I know some people think having an Oura ring and an Apple Watch is overkill, but I love data. The Apple Watch is the best all around fitness tracker for me and keeps me mindful of my movement, heart rate, and recovery throughout the day. Plus, I love staring at the picture of my two boys when they were little that I have as my default watch face!

Shokz Openfit Headphones

I love Shokz bone conducting headphones, but I recently switched to their new OpenFit Headphones because they are smaller, still keep my ears “open” so I can hear what’s happening around me while I listen to my favorite music or podcasts, but deliver better sound quality.

They’re especially handy when I’m exercising outside so I can look out for traffic or other pedestrians or if I’m cooking in the kitchen and my family need my attention. Water resistant as well, these headphones are comfortable, lightweight, have a long battery life, and offer great sound quality.

Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine with Tall Legs

I am not a big fan of cardio, but the one machine I don’t mind using is our indoor rowing machine. We’ve had one in our garage since 2008 and we just had to replace it because the monitor finally went kaput. I love to hop on for quick “exercise snacks” when I’m working from home or doing my prescribed workouts from Opex Kura. It’s not cheap but these ergs last a long time.

NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells 5-80 lbs

Besides a barbell and kettlebell, I use these adjustable dumbbells the most when I am strength training at home. They’re pricey (and you need to buy two if you need a pair) but they’re more comfortable and durable compared to the Bowflex adjustable dumbbells we’ve bought in the past.

Popflex Activewear

When I committed to consistently exercising and strength training three years ago, I also decided to buy activewear that I really loved (not just stuff on sale). I’m a big fan of Cassey Ho, the dynamo behind Blogilates and this well-designed and functional activewear line. My faves are the fab leggings (no camel toe and lots of pockets) and the Cloud Hoodies!

Peluva Shoes

I know five toe shoes can look goofy, but I really love my Peluvas (I own six pairs of them!) because they have better cushioning than Vibram FiveFingers and they are super comfortable. I wear them to the gym, on long walks, and pretty much everywhere.

Save 10% on your first order here!

Splay Shoes

Another great minimalist shoe with a wide toe box! If you want something more stylish, these look like Vans but they are ultra lightweight, flexible, and reasonably priced. Henry would never be caught dead in Peluvas, but he loves his Splays.

I bought mine at Pie Footwear in Portland, Oregon, but you can also buy them online from Splay.

Injinji Socks

Because I wear five toe shoes and wide toe box shoes, I only wear Injinji socks. They have compression toe socks, cozy over the calf versions, and no show socks for workouts. Toe socks forever! (I’ve tried the cheaper knock-offs and they suck. Just buy the OG.)

How to Menopause by Tamsen Fadal

Honest, supportive, practical advice for women going through perimenopause and menopause. This book makes you feel seen and less alone during all the hormonal chaos.

Gifts for getting your zen on

Ozlo Sleepbuds

The one thing I prioritize above all else is getting good sleep. However, I’m a very light sleeper and wake up easily. In the past, I used a sound machine or put in earplugs when Henry’s snoring kept me up, both were not ideal. That’s why I was so excited to discover these comfy sleep buds, which play soothing white noise or your favorite podcasts and then switch to gentle noise when they sense you have fallen asleep. They help mask snoring partners and traffic outside and are very comfortable, even for side sleepers. It’s saved me from killing my hubby and made me a nicer mommy!

Tomarion 2

I learned about this magical heated rock from my favorite podcast, Add To Cart, and it’s a game changer. The Tomarion 2 is a kidney-shaped portable infrared heating pad made out of tourmaline, a naturally occurring mineral. It’s so great that I own TWO because I’m always loaning one out to one of my pals that has aches and pains.

There is no cord or battery—you simply plug it into a charger for six minutes and then it magically heats up and stays hot for hours. I use it when I have cramps, aches, pains, or just want to warm myself up. If you have someone you know who is always complaining about being cold or achy, this gift is perfect for them!

One caveat: the Tomarion 2 is not soft and smushy—it’s a hard object covered with a soft fabric that you press against your body. I love it and recommend it to all of my friends with cold extremities or chronic muscle pain.

Resteck Shoulder Massager

A few summers ago, I hurt my neck after too many hours hunched over my computer editing our latest cookbook, Nom Nom Paleo: Let’s Go! After suffering through two weeks with a painfully stiff neck, I bought a Resteck Shoulder Massager and it magically kneaded my stiff muscles, leaving me relaxed and limber afterwards.

There are lots of awesome massagers on the market, but hey: this one has over 50,000 positive reviews and it was delivered the next day. Since its arrival, I’ve used it at least three times a week while I’m watching TV to prevent my neck from seizing up again. It’s kind of amazing.

Rest Sheets and Comforter

Because I am in the throes of perimenopause, I love these soft, cool to the touch sheets and comforters. Perfect for anyone who sleeps hot or constantly kicks off the covers.

The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More by Jefferson Fisher

I love following Jefferson on Instagram because he breaks down effective communication strategies in a simple, clear way. His book was a breeze to read and has helped me show up better in conversations at home and with strangers.

Need more holiday gift ideas?

• Check out my Amazon shopping page here filled with all my favorite things!
• Want to make DIY homemade edible gifts? Check out these tasty ideas!