These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things
Welcome to December. I like to refer to the time between Thanksgiving and New Years as the “slingshot season.” It’s like someone pulls back the slingshot in early November, lets it go on Thanksgiving, and sends us flying into the new year. It’s fast and furious, and typically comes with no small degree of stress.
I’ve taken a new method to gift giving in the past couple years, and it’s led to a lot more peace in this season. I’ve allowed myself permission to buy gifts when they strike me—no matter what month it is. Last year my holiday shopping started in August and was done by early November. With that, I’ve also tried to not stress over the perfect gift, but rather when something calls to me with a certain person in mind, I go ahead and buy it. No one on my list needs any of the gifts I’m buying, so it’s more about finding something that brings me joy to give, and will bring them joy to receive (yep, that’s straight up Mari Kondo right there!).
If you’ve still got some shopping to do after this weekend, here are a few of my favorite things. I think they make great gifts, though have to admit not every family member will be thrilled to open up a big box and find a Squatty Potty inside. Choose wisely. 😉
Dr. Mandi’s Gift Guide:
1. For your partner: a Squatty Potty—the Unicorn in the commercial does not lie! Placing your feet on a stool really does open up the rectum and makes doing your business just a little easier...and frees up the bathroom faster ;) (Pro tip: I’ve heard Costco sometimes carries a 2-pack!)
2. For the girlfriends you’re cycling with: The Moon is My Calendar—You’ve been hearing me talk about this, but I won’t stop! It has changed my life, and I can’t recommend it enough. (note: this is an affiliate link, fyi)
3. For your yogi friend: Jade Harmony Yoga Mat—this is my favorite yoga mat, with the perfect amount of stickiness. They are also sustainably made! (Your local REI likely carries them)
4. For your friend who wants to break up with their gym: An Ascent Fitness Class Punch Card—this is the best gym in Tacoma, in my opinion. ;) Share a few classes with a friend to bring in the new year! (Email move@ascent.fit to purchase)
5. For your pregnant friend: Prenatal Yoga classes at Fern & Foster with Erica Davis. (She offers in-home private yoga too! Check her website for pricing)
6. For your postpartum friend: Buy them a giftcard for some Physical Therapy! Whether they’re a few weeks out or a few years, if you keep hearing them say they should see someone, give them a nudge in the right direction. Email me to talk details.
7. For your Mom—Surprise your mom with the gift of bladder control with my Live online Mind Over Bladder Workshop! It will be an early gift so that she can really appreciate the benefits by the time Christmas rolls around (seriously, the benefits are that quick!)
8. For anyone else you’re stuck on: Give the gift of your time. Make a date to go on a walk. Give the classic homemade coupon book to babysit their kid (or dog) so they can get out. Make a brunch date. Sign up for a 5k together...and start training together.
Whether you’re a big shopper, making all your gifts, or nixing gifts all together this year, I wish you peace in this season. (But really, do get a Squatty Potty anyway.)