Martha's 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

As the season of giving arrives, let’s focus on gifts that nurture health, spark curiosity, and support the interconnected ecosystems within and around us. Whether for the health enthusiast in your life or someone just beginning their wellness journey, these thoughtfully selected items honor the relationship between the microbiome, the natural world, and our overall well-being.

From affordable finds to investment pieces, this guide includes something for everyone—gifts that reflect the values of sustainability, quality, and care.

For the Skin, Oral, and Gut Microbiomes

1. SIBO breath test: I recommend the Institute for Digestive Wellbeing ($197), perhaps a copy of Dr. Davis’ SuperGut to learn why this test matters. 
2. Mouth Tape and Nasal Breathing Tools:
   Support restful sleep and optimal oral health with mouth tape or nasal passage openers like the Breath Right Strips or Nasal Expanders (such as Mute). These tools encourage nasal breathing, which can benefit the oral microbiome and improve overall breathing quality.
3. Keto-Mojo Ketone and Glucose Meter:
   For those exploring metabolic health, this dual-purpose device measures glucose and ketone levels, providing insights into how diet and lifestyle impact metabolic flexibility. It’s a gift that blends science and self-empowerment.
4. Microbiome Testing Kits:
   Gift the ability to learn more about the invisible ecosystems that shape health. Consumer-friendly microbiome testing kits from brands like BiomeFx or DayTwo empower people to explore their gut microbiome and make informed choices. A thoughtful gift for the science-curious or someone starting a personalized wellness journey.
5. Probiotic Yogurt Maker:
   Homemade yogurt is a wonderful way to reconnect with traditional food practices while feeding your gut microbiome. The Luvele Yogurt Maker is a versatile, user-friendly option for creating nutrient-rich, probiotic-packed yogurt tailored to personal tastes and dietary needs. Pair it with our Sugar Shift® Starter Culture for a complete gift!
6. Clean Protein Drinks:
   For busy loved ones, clean nose to tail  protein powders or ready-to-drink options can make staying nourished convenient and healthy. Consider Noble Orgins or Equip Foods’ Prime protein, both of which offer high-quality, grass-fed protein without unnecessary fillers.

For the Garden and Kitchen

1. Heirloom and Organic Seeds:
   Inspire connection to the soil with a gift of heirloom or organic seeds. Non-GMO providers like Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds or Annie Heirloom Seeds offer a wide selection of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Gardening is a powerful way to nourish the soil microbiome and our own health.
2. White Oak Pastures Regenerative Meats:
   Give the gift of nutrient-dense, ethically raised protein. White Oak Pastures offers regeneratively farmed meats, emphasizing soil health and sustainability. Their gift boxes or curated bundles make it easy to share the joy of quality, clean food.
3. Fermentation Starter Kits:
   Help loved ones rediscover the art of fermentation with a starter kit for making kombucha, sauerkraut, or kimchi. Fermentation not only connects us to traditional methods but also enriches our diets with beneficial bacteria. Check out Roots and Harvest or Fermentaholics for high-quality kits.

Holistic Health and Lifestyle

1. Nasal Passage Widener Tools:
   For a deeper focus on breathing, tools like The BreatherFit for improving your breathing fitness and optimize oxygen intake or Mute Nasal Dilators for dilating nasal passages at night for reduced snoring and better nasal breathing. Mute also has mouthtape to support better nasal breathing which makes a nice stocking stuffer.
2. Functional Foods Cookbook:
   A beautifully curated cookbook centered on functional, microbiome-friendly meals is an inspiring gift for anyone who enjoys experimenting in the kitchen. Look for books like Interconnected Plates by Dr. Emeran Mayer or Wahls Protocol Cooking for Life by Dr. Terry Wahls.  Or try the classic Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon of the Weston A. Price Foundation or a subscription to their quarterly newsletter.
3. Eco-Conscious Wellness Essentials:
   For stocking stuffers, consider sustainably made wellness items like beeswax food wraps, stainless steel water bottles, or reusable bags from brands like Bee’s Wrap or Stasher. These simple swaps support a low-waste lifestyle and keep the planet healthy too.

For the Curious and Knowledge-Seeking

1. Books on Microbiome Science:
   Share the gift of knowledge with books that delve into the world of the microbiome. Titles like Supergut by Dr. William Davis, The Microbiome Solution by Dr. Robynne Chutkan or Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake open the door to understanding the fascinating interplay between microbes and human health. Some classics I like include The Psychobiotic Revolution by John Cryan and Scott C. Anderson, and Missing Microbes by Martin J. Blaser. 
2. Memberships and Experiences:
   Consider gifting a membership to a local botanical garden, an online fermentation workshop, or a regenerative farming webinar. These experiences encourage learning and foster a sense of connection to the natural world.

Holiday gifting is an opportunity to nurture the health and happiness of those we love while supporting sustainable practices and conscious consumerism. These gifts align with the ethos of interconnectedness, honoring the innate intelligence of the human body and the natural world.

As you celebrate this season, remember that the most meaningful gift is often the time we spend together. May this guide inspire thoughtful giving and spark new paths toward wellness and connection in the new year.

With gratitude and wishes for Happy Holidays,