Between writing and publishing my first book, studying at the School of Applied Functional Medicine (SAFM), leaving Curacao, and moving back to the U.S. after years of living overseas, this year has been a whirlwind! I need some serious self-care this holiday season — and considering the holidays are one of the most stressful times of the year — I’m betting you and your loved ones do, too.
To help you give and receive the gift of health and wellness this year, Dr. Fox and I assembled a list of our top picks for holiday gifts — complete with ideas on all things health, wellness, healing, and self-care. In our 2023 Gift Guide, you’ll find ideas for:
- Complex chronic illness warriors
- Clean eating, drinking, and cooking
- Holistic skincare and clean beauty
- Health and wellness lovers
- Low-tox traveling
- Stocking stuffers
Complex Chronic Illness Warriors
If you or a loved one lives with a complex chronic illness like persistent Lyme, long COVID, autoimmune disease, mold toxicity/chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), chronic fatigue syndrome, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), or any other chronic condition that interferes with daily living, these gift ideas are for you. You’ll find tools, treatments, devices, and courses to support detoxification, healing, and low-tox living.
Mold-Free Living
- Austin Air Systems: Choose from four HEPA and carbon air purifiers to filter out airborne contaminants like mold, dust, bacteria, smoke, dander, and other allergens. Available options include the Austin Air HealthMate®, Austin Air Healthmate Plus®, Austin Air Bedroom Machine®, and Austin Air Allergy Machine®.
- AirDoctor: Covering 285 to 2,002 square feet, AirDoctor purifiers are another great option for those with complex chronic illnesses, capturing even the tiniest particles of mold, dust, smoke, pollen, bacteria, viruses, pet hair, and pet dander.
- Micro Balance Health Products: From binders and supplements to air-purifying candles and non-toxic EC3 cleaners, Micro Balance Health Products sells just about everything we need to create a safe living space that promotes healing.
- Toxic: Toxic: Heal Your Body from Mold Toxicity, Lyme Disease, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, and Chronic Environmental Illness is an incredible resource for anyone recovering from a past or current mold exposure.
- Break the Mold: Break The Mold: 5 Tools to Conquer Mold and Take Back Your Health shares practical tips, tools, and resources to eliminate mycotoxins from your home and body while recovering from mold toxicity.
Self-Care
- Light Therapy Lamp: As joyful as the holiday season can be, many of us experience symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) as the days get shorter, darker, and colder. Using a light therapy lamp not only reduces SAD symptoms until spring rolls around, but boosts energy levels and combats fatigue.
- Joovv Light Therapy Products: Available in a variety of sizes, designs, and prices, Joovv’s light therapy devices make the perfect gifts for those with complex chronic illnesses. These devices use red and near infrared wavelengths to reduce pain, relax sore muscles and joints, increase blood circulation, and speed up post-workout recovery.
- Passports & Parasites: In Passports & Parasites: An Extraordinary Journey of Adventure, Resilience, and Healing, I write about the health struggles my family and I endured while living overseas between 2009 and 2023. As someone who has battled Hashimoto’s, Lyme, reactivated Epstein-Barr Virus, and various other health challenges firsthand, my hope is that my story will inspire and uplift you as you, too, take steps to heal from complex chronic illness.
- Wellness Planner & Journal: Track wellness goals, achievements, symptoms, and challenges with this wellness planner and journal. Journaling can be an excellent self-care practice for chronic illness warriors, helping to reduce stress and anxiety while improving physical and mental health.
- Local yoga classes: Search for yoga classes in your area and treat yourself to a membership at a local yoga studio, fitness club, or wellness center.
- Skin-Loving Handmade Bath Bombs: Relax, de-stress, and detoxify with skin-loving bath bombs made from Epsom salts, sea kelp, organic shea butter, and other natural ingredients.
- WYLD CBD: These CBD gummies and sparkling waters are calming; relaxing; and free of THC, gluten, and animal products. Choose from fruit-infused flavors like pear, blackberry, blueberry, and lemon.
Detox, Drainage, & Immune Support
- IV and IM Nutrient Therapy: For those residing within the Seattle area, Dr. Fox offers intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) therapies out of Constellation Naturopathic, our integrative naturopathic medical practice. IV/IM therapies can be extremely helpful for those with complex chronic illnesses, as micronutrients are more easily absorbed in the body when administered intravenously or intramuscularly. Book a Discovery Call to get started.
- Winter Wellness Holiday Supplement Bundle: Support detoxification, immunity, and thyroid health with Dr. Fox’s top five supplement picks for winter wellness. This bundle includes Liposomal Glutathione for detox support, Vitamin D Supreme to help beat the winter blues, Immunitone Plus™ for immune health, Thyroid Synergy™ to boost thyroid health, and BioCap Immune™ to support a healthy immune response.
- Winter Wellness Holiday Supplement Bundle #2: Boost immunity during the cold and flu season with Dr. Fox’s top three picks for winter wellness. This bundle includes Vitamin D Supreme, BioCap Immune™, and Thyroid Synergy™.
- Relax Infrared Sauna: Sauna therapy is an integral part of healing from mold illness, heavy metal toxicity, Lyme, and other complex chronic illnesses. Relax Far Infrared Saunas are the perfect holiday gifts, as they’re portable and available as lamps, lie-down saunas, and sit-up models. Use code: DRFOX
- High Tech Health IR Sauna Cabin: If you’re looking to really step up your at-home detox game, consider investing in a one, two, or three-person sauna from High Tech Health. Featuring 100 percent single-wood construction of either hemlock or poplar wood, High Tech Health saunas are a safe and effective option for those with CIRS, mold illness, Lyme, and other complex chronic conditions. In addition to using high-grade woods in lieu of plywood or engineered woods, these in-home saunas feature triple antifield stainless steel heaters, ultra-low EMF readings, a fresh air fan to improve air quality within the cabin, a premium audio system, and chromotherapy lighting to maximize healing. Save $500 when you mention Dr. Patrick Fox.
- Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Pack: Up your detox game and reduce inflammation sans the mess with castor oil packing kits from Queen of the Thrones®. Castor oil packs can be worn over the thyroid, pelvis, liver, and eyelids to support detoxification overnight, during the day, or whenever you need a bit of self-care.
- Jade Roller & Gua Sha Tool: Boost circulation, promote lymphatic drainage, relieve tension and puffiness, and achieve healthy, glowing skin with this rose quartz jade roller and gua sha tool.
Toxin-Free Essentials
- Berkey Water Filter Systems: Having clean water to drink, cook with, and bathe in is essential when living with complex chronic illness. Berkey Water Filter Systems makes it possible to remove many dangerous contaminants from tap water such as arsenic, chlorine, heavy metals, lead, glyphosate, and fluoride. Use code: GREENPAPAYAHEALTH to receive 10% off your purchase.
- AquaTru: Filter your household drinking water with a reverse osmosis purifier from AquaTru. Freestanding, countertop, and under-the-sink water purifiers are available.
- Clearly Filtered: From pitchers and water bottles to fridge filters and under-sink water systems, Clearly Filtered uses advanced filtration technologies to remove glyphosate, chromium, fluoride, lead, and other contaminants from drinking water.
- Naturepedic Mattress: Create a healthier sleep space that promotes wellness with a certified organic mattress constructed from organic cotton, latex, and wool. Wool-free options are also available as a vegan-friendly alternative.
- Avocado Pillow & Mattress: Sleep more soundly knowing you’re resting on a bed of certified organic latex, wool (or a wool-free vegan alternative), cotton, and kapok fiber. Avocado pillows and mattresses are non-toxic, sustainable, climate-friendly, and screened for more than 6,500 health-harming substances like formaldehyde, fiberglass, and flame retardants.
Coaching & Courses
- Vital You: Anyone who has been diagnosed with a medical condition or complex chronic illness can benefit from this personalized deep dive into health and healing. Along with 90 minutes of one-on-one coaching, Vital You includes a customized and comprehensive roadmap with next-step recommendations to kickstart your healing journey.
- Vital Basics Method™: In this eight-week functional medicine coaching program, Dr. Fox and I will help you regain control of your life with personalized healthcare that’s based on your unique needs. This program includes a customized Vital Basics Method Plan™; weekly check-ins; and guidance for gut healing, improved sleep, less stress, and reduced inflammation.
- Thyroid, Adrenals, and Hormones, Oh My!: This on-demand course is the perfect gift for yourself or other people in your life who could use a bit of hormone support. You’ll learn how to support your thyroid and adrenal glands for improved ovarian function, metabolism, energy, and mental health.
Clean Eating, Drinking, & Cooking
Leading a healthy, low-tox lifestyle doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy our favorite foods, start each day with a hot cup of coffee, or indulge in a glass of wine on occasion. We all deserve to have some fun!
Coffee, Tea, & Wine
- Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee: Not only is Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee a delicious alternative to a traditional cup of Joe, but it’s organic, fair trade, and loaded with health benefits thanks to functional mushrooms like reishi, lion’s mane, chaga, and turkey tail.
- Pique Tea Crystals: Pique Tea Crystals make the perfect gift for health-oriented tea lovers. Made with pure, organic, and high-quality ingredients that support immunity, digestion, calmness, and radiant skin, Pique Tea Crystals provide a healthy dose of wellness with each and every sip. Use code: GREENPAPAYAHEALTH for 5% off your order.
- Dry Farm Wines: Treat yourself or a loved one to a Dry Farm Wines Digital Gift Card, available in the amounts of $50, $100, $186, and $352. Dry Farm Wines are organic; dry-farmed; free of sugar, toxic additives, and animal products; and contain less alcohol, and sulfites than other wines.
- PureWine™ Wands & Purifiers: Enjoy the taste of your favorite organic wines without all the histamines, sulfites, and nasty hangover symptoms that often go hand-in-hand with drinking alcohol. Choose from BPA-free single-use wands or reduce and reuse with The Phoenix, a starter kit that includes one pouring device, one air tube, and three wine purifying cartridges.
Food Finds for All
- Thrive Market eGift Card: Thrive Market is your one-stop-shop for all things allergen-friendly foods, cleaner wines, vitamins and supplements, low-tox cosmetics, pet supplies, baby essentials, and more. Gift card options include one-year memberships, shopping credits, or a combination of the two.
- Purple Carrot Meal Kits: Treat loved ones to delicious, plant-powered meals with a gift subscription to Purple Carrot. Purple Carrot meals are 100 percent vegan and gluten-free plans are also available.
- Sunbasket Meal Kits: Give the gift of nutrition this holiday season with a subscription to Sunbasket. A variety of meal plans are available to choose from, including gluten-free, vegetarian, paleo, keto-friendly, mediterranean, and pescatarian.
- Unreal Chocolates: Available as bars, cups, gems, or variety packs, Unreal Chocolates have a lot less sugar than other chocolates on the market — and many flavors are suitable for vegans and gluten-free eaters.
Cooking Tools for Safe & Quick Meal Prep
- Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Fry Pan: Cook veggies, proteins, egg dishes, and other meals with this high-performing pan that’s free of harsh coatings and chemicals.
- Lodge Cast Iron & Enameled Cookware: Make the switch to naturally nonstick cookware with Lodge cast iron pans, baking sheets, skillets, casserole dishes, pizza pans, and other kitchen essentials.
- Glass Air Fryer: Create your favorite fried, grilled, roasted, and baked foods with 75 percent less fat but just as much flavor. Plus, our favorite glass model features two cooking racks, a built-in fan, and the capacity to cook everything from onion rings and French fries to fish, chicken, and turkey.
- Ninja Blender: Blend fruit, veggies, and leafy greens into smoothies, frozen drinks, and creamy soups with this high-powered Ninja blender.
- Vitamix: Vitamix blenders are well worth the splurge, especially for health-conscious cooks, smoothie lovers, and complex chronic illness warriors. Vitamix blenders can turn just about any fruit, veggie, nut, bean, or superfood into a delectable smoothie, soup, juice, or dip.
Holistic Skincare & Clean Beauty
Conscious consumerism is more common than ever before, and thankfully, it’s never been easier to find products that are safe for our bodies, the environment, people, and animals.
- Holistic Beauty & Cosmetic Services: As the Medical Director of Lifted Beauty + Wellness, Dr. Fox and his team of master aestheticians provide holistic beauty and cosmetic services out of their Seattle medspa. Memberships and e-gift cards are available. Shop our store online!
- Credo Beauty: Credo sells only the safest and most sustainable products: all products and ingredients used are cruelty free, sustainably sourced and packaged, and free of more than 2,700 harmful chemicals.
- Beautycounter: Beautycounter sells clean skin care products and cosmetics free of more than 2,800 ingredients like formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Find facial masks, makeup sets, and fragrances — or use Beautycounter’s Holiday Gift Guide as inspiration.
- Annmarie Skin Care: Annmarie products are an integral part of any clean beauty routine, as they’re formulated and handcrafted without harmful ingredients such as heavy metals, endocrine disruptors, and carcinogens. Find skin care products, cosmetics, hair care, gift sets, facial tools, and so much more.
Health & Wellness Lovers
From biohacking devices to saunas, these gift ideas are perfect for the health and wellness enthusiasts in your life.
Biohacking Devices
- Levels Glucose Monitor: This wearable glucose monitoring device makes it super easy to track blood glucose levels in real-time. Simply connect your device to the Levels mobile app, track your health data on-the-go, and use this data to make lifestyle changes for improved metabolic health.
- Ōura Ring: Gain insights on sleep, heart rate, temperature, physical activity, and women’s health with the Ōura Ring: a wearable smart ring that helps to improve sleep quality and overall well-being.
Wellness for All
- Relax Infrared Sauna: Relax Far Infrared Saunas make incredible holiday gifts for yourself or other health and wellness enthusiasts in your life. Use code: DRFOX
- Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Pack: Castor oil packs serve multiple purposes, from improving digestion to reducing pain and inflammation. Plus, the castor oil packs from Queen of the Thrones® make castor oil packing a whole lot more convenient and a lot less messy.
- Credo Beauty: Credo’s massive selection of clean beauty products make it super simple to find gifts for just about anyone on your holiday shopping list. Shop for fragrances, makeup, candles, skin care, and more.
Low-Tox Traveling
Whether you’re planning a trip of your own or would like to treat a fellow traveler to clean air, self-care, and good health while traveling the world, we have a bunch of great ideas for anyone on your holiday shopping list.
Clean Air, Anywhere
- EC3 Air Purification Candles: These air-purifying candles from Micro Balance Health Products are a must-have when staying in unfamiliar places like hotels, cabins, and Airbnbs. They’re small enough to fit in carry-on bags and purses; contain no scents, chemicals, or dyes; and are proven to reduce indoor mold counts and mycotoxin levels.
- iAdaptAir Small: Traveling with CIRS, mold toxicity, or another environmentally acquired chronic illness can put you at risk of re-exposure, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get out and see the world! The iAdaptAir Small from Air Oasis purifies up to 250 square feet of air and its portable dimensions of 5.4in x 8.5in x 9.7in make it easy to travel with.
Trusty Travel Companions
- Passports & Parasites: Read all about how I navigated an unpredictable life while battling complex chronic illness and living overseas in Iraq, Lebanon, Cambodia, Nigeria, and Curacao.
- Naturopathic First Aid Kit: Learn how to assemble a Naturopathic First Aid Kit to protect yourself (and your loved ones) from tick-borne infections; travel-related gastrointestinal symptoms; and wounds, rashes, and stings while on-the-go.
- CitriDrops Nasal Spray: Fight bacteria, mold, pollen, and other allergens with this clean, convenient, and effective alternative to neti pots and nasal rinses.
- Vitruvi Essential Oil Stone Diffuser: Combat jet lag and unwind after a long flight by diffusing lavender essential oil with this beautiful stone diffuser from Vitruvi. All Vitruvi essential oils are vegan, cruelty-free, and free of harmful ingredients like phthalates and synthetic fragrances.
- Down Dog Yoga App: Practice yoga, meditation, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) anywhere you go with a subscription to Down Dog, available on Google Play or the App Store. Gift subscriptions aren’t available at this time, but you can purchase an annual or monthly subscription and share your login details with others.
- LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix: Rehydrate and replenish lost electrolytes after traveling by airplane with LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mixes. Available flavors range from chocolate salt and chocolate caramel to mango chili and citrus salt.
- Jade Roller & Gua Sha Tool: Increase circulation and boost lymphatic drainage with this rose quartz jade roller and gua sha tool for the face, forehead, jawline, neck, and under-eye area.
Stocking Stuffers for Ultimate Self-Care
Looking for smaller gifts to stuff into stockings, gift bags, or holiday cards? Try these gift ideas:
- Eco Lips Body Oils, Insect Repellents, or Lip Care Products
- Jade Roller and Gua Sha Tool
- WYLD CBD Gummies or Sparkling Water
- LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mixes
- Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee (single-serve packets)
- Pique Tea Crystals
- Unreal Chocolates
- Passports & Parasites
- Gift cards or certificates from:
- Lifted Beauty + Wellness
- Annmarie Skin Care
- Credo Beauty
- Dry Farm Wines
- Thrive Market
- Purple Carrot
- Sunbasket
- Your local massage studio, fitness center, or yoga studio
Looking for more holiday gift ideas? Check out our 2022 Gift Guide and our favorite wellness companies of 2019. And of course, don’t forget to buy Passports and Parasites: An Extraordinary Journey of Adventure, Resilience, and Healing, available in paperback or Kindle eBook pre-order.