Not sure what to ask for this Mother’s Day or during the holidays? These are my top recommendations for the mom who has everything but time or resources to prioritize her health! These are items that might just help you out when it comes to putting your health or self-care at the top of the list.
You might have a long list of things you want for your birthday or Christmas, but if you don’t: you’ve come to the right place. I put together a list of useful, health-focused gifts that might not sound super exciting at first glance but will actually make a difference in your day-to-day life.
Most of these items are simple, affordable and practical – which I think, as we get older, makes the most sense when it comes to receiving gifts!
I split this up into two section: items I have and are tested by me and items that I am asking for this year! Feel free to share your favorite items in the comments to help other moms out, too!
Items That I Have {That are Useful}
This post does contain Amazon affiliate links. I receive a small compensation when a purchase is made. Check out my Amazon Storefront for all of these ideas + more.
1. Meal Prep Containers
Meal prep containers, in varying sizes, are so helpful whether for leftovers, component cooking, or meal prepping lunches. If you’re not a huge fan of meal prepping lunches for the week, then I think you might find small task meal prep more helpful.
This 12-pack of glass Pyrex meal prep containers contain a bunch of different sizes: (3) 4-Cup, (3) 2-Cup, (3) 1-Cup round containers with lid, and (3) 3-Cup rectangle container with lid. Apparently, Pyrex glass is freezer-safe, too!
Now, asking for glass storage containers for Christmas might sound lame but the actions that you will do with them will last a lifetime. I mean, really – it could!
The above photo shows me using some of the containers after I did a Sunday reset (small task meal prep): two protein puddings, cut and washed vegetables, and a yogurt dip.
2. Freezer Containers
More on that note: having a bunch of freezer containers really comes in handy if you have leftovers! I am a big believer of freezing everything – it might make a quick and easy microwaveable lunch on day where you don’t have one prepped.
Or, batch cook grains or chicken and then freeze in these handy and stackable containers. It comes in a 50-pack of freezer, dishwasher, and microwave-safe! If one breaks, just throw it away.
3. A (Really Good) Blender
I’ve had a Nutri-Bullet for probably 15 years? I still use it almost on a daily basis but it’s not as powerful as it used to be.
Since that is the case, I will be putting this new Nutri-Bullet 1200 on my list. Includes the 1200 watt motor base, a 64 oz (1.9L) blender pitcher with lid and vented lid cap, tample, a 32 ox cup, a 24 ounce handled cup, (2) to-go lids and an easy extractor blade.
So many options available, ranging from a $600 Vitamix (yikes) to more affordable options so do your research but a good blender is a helpful kitchen tool!
4. Kitchen Appliance Must-Haves
Skip this section if you already have these essentials. If not, though: make it that year that you finally ask for one! Serious game-changers, right here.
My Favorites
- Cosori Air Fryer. The air fryer, of course, is a must-have – especially when you have young, picky kids. Easily heat up french fries and chicken nuggets or cook one serving meals. Get some parchment paper for easy/no clean up. I love not having to dirty a dish and often cook my protein (like chicken) in there.
- Rice Cooker, or even better: an Instant Pot with a rice cooker function. Most moms I know swear by their rice cooker!
- Slow Cooker. If you don’t have one of these, what are you thinking? Great for summer weekends and lazy fall days! I have a lot of delicious and low prep crockpot meals on this site.
5. My Meal Planning Toolkit
In this 70-page meal planning toolkit, you’ll find a mix of printable resources, meal formulas, cheat sheets, and mindset tools to help you make healthy meals feel easier.
It’s designed to help you simplify meal planning and preparation but also prioritize well-balanced, healthy meals at the same time!
Who it’s great for:
- Moms who struggle with what to make for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
- Women who want more easy yet healthy meal and snack ideas.
- Individuals struggling with motivation or mindset – not sure where to even start with changes in health.
- Those who want to eat healthier but feel overwhelmed. Or, those who want to cook more often but currently rely on eating out or convenience meals.
6. Resistance Bands
If you don’t have a set of resistance bands, it’s not a bad idea to put them on your gift list. There are many challenging, effective and FREE YouTube workouts using them.
So, if you can’t make it to the gym or you want to fit in a quick, even 10-minute workout, resistance bands can provide that extra resistance to tone your upper and lower body. Get in an effective workout in the comfort of your own home
I would highly recommend these non-slip, elastic resistance bands because they stay in place much better because they’re thick and durable.
7. Adjustable Dumbbells
I have had the Bowflex SelectTech adjustable dumbbells since 2020. While I prefer a whole rack of weights, these are much more compact and convenient. I keep them in a storage ottoman because we don’t have a lot of space and it works out really well!
They range from 5-52.5 pounds and I feel like the investment is definitely worth the money. You will have them for years and years!
My biggest cons are that they can be a little finnicky when racking the higher weights. If this is something you are interested in, definitely do you research and find one that seems like the best fit for you!
These are a must-have for at home workout lovers, like myself.
8. Walking Pad
It has been 2 1/2 years since I bought my walking pad – and there is probably only a handful of days where I haven’t used it. A walking pad is like a light, compact treadmill that only goes up to a certain speed (mine goes to 3.8).
It can be stored away easily (mine has wheels on it) so it’s great for those smaller houses with little room.
Who it’s great for:
- Moms who work from home. I set mine up on my island and work while walking every morning.
- If you watch TV at night, the walking pad is the perfect solution for multi-tasking.
- Those who have kids who hate taking walks! This was my main reason for getting one. Especially for the cold winters!
9. Veggie Chopper
The FullStar Vegetable Chopper comes in handy 1) with veggie heavy meals like dense bean salads and 2) during Sunday meal prepping.
Pull it out once a week, wash and chop various vegetables and you will be so happy you did. Not only will this make dinner prep so much easier on a busy Monday or Tuesday, but you’ll be more likely to reach for veggies as a snack if they’re already cut up.
Most vegetable choppers come with different attachment, like a mandolin to thinly dice potatoes.
10. Weighted Vest
Since I have been walking on my walking pad for over 2 years, I have developed a bit of a plateau. It’s not as hard for me anymore. Enter: the weighted vest. The weighted vest offers many benefits and enhances your typical physical activity routine.
You can use it to add more add resistance to bodyweight exercises or just wear it on your typical daily walk to make it more challenging! Wearing it can help posture, improve bone density and tone your lower body.
The hardest part is figuring what weight to start out with. I recommend starting at a lower weight. Or, you can buy this 6 lb. weighted vest that comes with single 1 lb. weights you can add on to it.
Another option is this more expensive but sleek and comfortable HYPERWEAR Hypervest Fit. This one is easy to wear a sweater or jacket over so it’s more discreet if you want to wear yours in public.
Buy it:
- To add more of a challenge to your usual workouts.
- You want to burn more calories during your usual walk.
- To improve endurance, bone density, and muscle tone.
11. Protein Powder or Fiber Supplement
Most people are not consuming enough fiber on a daily basis so a fiber supplement can help to fill in those gaps. The problem? They’re expensive! Buying one each month can really add up throughout the year.
Protein powder is quite an expense as well – but it helps to easily increase protein intake and can be thrown into smoothies, yogurt, pancakes, overnight oats, snacks, and so much more.
Make sure your protein powder is third-party tested and you love the taste of it! I love the taste of Optimum Nutrition Vanilla Ice Cream Protein Powder and I also love Unflavored Vital Peptides Collagen Protein.
My top fiber recommendations:
Read my Fiber Supplement Guide for a more in-depth overview on the different types of fiber supplements.
- For a fiber supplement for overall health and wellness, NOW Psyllium Husk Powder or Metamucil.
- To improve the composition of your gut (if you’re not worried about tolerance), NOW Inulin Powder.
- To improve the composition of your gut but you have a sensistive tummy, try Tomorrow’s Nutrition SunFiber.
- If you want a prebiotic fiber + probiotic supplement, Regular Girl Prebiotic Fiber and Probiotic Blend. Also low FODMAP friendly.
12. Electric Frother
I love my electric frother to make cold foam for my coffee!
It’s just a great add-on to take your coffee to the next level. Use to mix smooth, perfectly blended drinks or add a cold foam to your coffee or shake.
13. Olive Oil Dispenser Bottle
I have had this olive oil dispenser for about three years and it really is the best. The bottle itself is high quality and beautiful enough to sit on your counter.
More than that, though, it’s super functional. The spout is great so you don’t waste too much oil or overconsume it. It even keeps the olive oil fresh, too.
Highly recommend if you don’t have one! Those little calories from adding a lot of oil can sneakily add up, too. It works well with avocado oil, too.
What I Want to ask For
Here are some gift ideas that I want to request this year that I do not personally have.
1. An Immersion Blender
I am super excited about this one. I have many friends that love this immersion blender. It’s useful to make homemade salad dressings, sauces, and soups.
This one, specifically, offers a little more than just blending, too! Make homemade whipped cream? Check. Ensure you have the creamiest mashed potatoes? Check.
- SplashControl Technology. The unique floral bell shape and the position of the blades inside the bell virtually eliminate splashing, keeping cleanup easy
- EasyClick Accessory System Attachments: switch out with the click of a button. With Braun’s line of accessories, you can shift to blending, chopping, whisking, crushing, mashing or puréeing in seconds
A Fridge Meal Planner
One thing I am not great at is planning out my meals for the week. I am a constant list writer, though. Even though these fridge meal planners aren’t the most eye-catching, they’re worth it for their function.
There are two choices here: This paper meal planner sticks to your fridge but you can tear off pages after each week or when you’re done planning. There is room to write in meals with a shopping list section as well.
Or, there are many dry erase magnetic meal planners to keep track of what you plan to make each night of the week.
Air Pods
I have the Beats Flex, which are great, but I tried my husbands’ Air Pods on one day and there is just something about them. They’re very comfortable, last a long time,
Kitchen Scale
A kitchen scale can come in handy for more precise meal prepping if you are serious about tracking your macros. It is also a must if you’re a baker or in your “sourdough” era.
More resources to prioritize your health:
I hope this list gave you some ideas on what to ask for this upcoming holiday season! Follow along for more evidence-based nutrition and health!