It’s the time of year where we’re scrambling to find the perfect gift for our loved ones (and ourselves). I thought I’d lend a hand by sharing some of my favorite things in a holiday gift guide.
Note: I only recommend items I personally own or have used. This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, for any items purchased through the links.
Health & Wellness
- Gift Certificate for a 60-Minute or 90-Minute Integrative East Asian Medicine session in Oakland or San Francisco. (Don’t forget to Book Yourself a Session while you’re at it.)
- Cork Massage Ball – great for targeted acupressure and trigger point therapy. Light, portable – much easier on the body than a lacrosse ball (and more meaningful than a tennis ball). Bonus: there are a number of sizes to choose from – go small for neck and shoulders or larger for glutes and hips.
- Gua Sha Set – ease neck and shoulder tension (and the inevitable headache) with a gua sha set. I love using gua sha after a workout and even to help with opening sinuses (or a little lifting and toning action for the face and skin). I like this set because it has two different tool shapes to give you the most options for getting into denser muscles but also precision enough for work on the face and neck.
- Silicone Cupping Set – you know I love my cups and I want you to be able to benefit from cupping between sessions. I love using cups to help bring blood and lymph to tight and sore muscles – great after a workout (or a long commute).
- Travel Sized Kettle – great for taking your powdered herbs (or making hot toddies) on-the-go. Also awesome if you’re in a small space and counter space is scarce.
- Haramaki – (hara-what-i?) a friend from acupuncture school got me hooked on haramaki and it has been a game changer to keep my “middle” warm during the cold months (plus points – it’s great for menstrual cramps too).
- ToMa Skincare Products – especially if you’re into facial gua sha or cupping. I love the Sculpting Treatment Oil, or go for the AcuGlow at Home kit, or the Essential System with cleanser, toner, and facial oil.
Books & Paper Goods
- Favorite Non-Fiction Books this year:
- The Life Brief – a thoughtful and easy read to spark reflection and intentionality in how you want to live life.
- Supercommunicators – insightful look into how we can all communicate more effectively.
- The Wisdom of Plagues – written by a journalist who has covered plagues for the last 25 years, an eye-opening exploration of where we’ve been surprised and where history keeps repeating itself.
- Favorite Fiction Books this year:
- The Murmur of Bees – set during the Spanish Flu, this magical realism story has it all – dynamic characters, gorgeous imagery, and a cadence that keeps the page turning.
- Julia – the 1984 story told through the eyes of Julia – good enough to make me want to re-read 1984 afterward.
- The Book of Form and Emptiness – narrated by a book, a story of a boy who begins speaking with inanimate objects after a tragedy. Heartbreaking and spirit lifting, all in one.
- Favorite Planner: Anecdote Spiral Bound – for all the type A peeps out there, this is my current go-to planner which kept me on track in 2024 and I hope will do the same in 2025.
What are some of your favorite holiday gifts to give? Share below!
Ilana Harms Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine, Inc. 