recipes

The Well + Full Holiday Gift Guide

The Well + Full Holiday Gift Guide

Season’s Greetings to you all! This year, I’ve compiled a Holiday Gift Guide of my favorite books, charities, and products that are perfect for gift-giving this Holiday Season. I’m also offering an amazing GIVEAWAY of a $50 Whole Foods gift card! For more information, keep reading!


Also, this post contains affiliate links! 


Homemade Gifts

1 // Chai Spiced Almond Butter | Well and Full

2 // Vanilla Cashew Butter | Well and Full

3 // Gingerbread Walnut Butter | Well and Full

4 // Spiced Vegan Christmas Cookies | Well and Full

5 // Gingerbread Advent Cookies | Wallflower Kitchen

6 // Chocolate Date Caramels | Heartbeet Kitchen

7 // Coconut Macadamia Biscotti | Faring Well

8 // Salted Maple Walnut Chocolate Cups | The First Mess

9 // Vegan Thumbprint Cookies | With Food and Love

10 // Coconut Sugar Pecans | Will Frolic For Food

The Well + Full Holiday Gift Guide + GIVEAWAY!!The Well + Full Holiday Gift Guide + GIVEAWAY!!

The Best Cookbooks

1 // My New Roots Cookbook

Who it’s good for: The gourmet wellness lover in your life. This cookbook perfectly merges the two lifestyles in gorgeously photographed recipes – such as Chaga Hot Chocolate, or Tie-Dye Soup.

2 // The Flavor Bible

Who it’s good for: The ultimate foodie in your life. This book gives flavor pairings for nearly every ingredient imaginable.

3 // This Rawsome Vegan Cookbook

Who it’s good for: Anyone in your life looking for simple, delicious, and easy vegan meals.

4 // Plenty More

Who it’s good for: The person in your life who thinks that vegetables aren’t fancy enough. They’ll be proven wrong, because Yotam Ottolenghi has a way of making vegetables elegant, elevated, and above all – delicious.

5 // Mastering the Art of French Cooking

Who it’s good for: The Francophile in your life.

6 // Help Yourself Cookbook for Kids

Who it’s good for: The kiddos in your life who love animals! This cookbook has beautifully designed vegan recipes that are accessible to kids.

7 // Oh She Glows Cookbook

Who it’s good for: Anyone who would appreciate (arguably) the most popular vegan cookbook, ever.

8 // Love and Lemons Cookbook

Who it’s good for: Anyone who always has something in their fridge but no ideas about what to cook with it.

9 // Whole Bowls

Who it’s good for: The Vegetarian Bowl Enthusiast in your life.

10 // Deliciously Ella Everyday

Who it’s good for: The plant-based eater in your life who loves using whole food ingredients.

11 // Green Kitchen Smoothies

Who it’s good for: The smoothie fiend in your life. Plus anyone who would like colorful, vibrant photography.

12 // Thrive Energy Cookbook

Who it’s good for: The athlete in your life.

13 // Food 52 Vegan

Who it’s good for: The vegan who is looking for approachable dishes that will please even the most ardent of carnivores.

14 // Simple Recipes for Joy

Who it’s good for: The yoga enthusiast in your life. This cookbook was written by the owner of the super-popular Jivamukti Yoga in New York, New York.

15 // Near and Far

Who it’s good for: The world traveler in your life.

16 // The Chakra Kitchen

Who it’s good for: The holistic wellness guru in your life.

17 // The Engine 2 Diet

Who it’s good for: Your dad. Well, more specifically, my dad, who is at risk for high cholesterol but thinks veganism is for rabbits.

18 // Raw: Recipes for a Modern Vegetarian Lifestyle

This is a new cookbook purchase of mine, but I had to include it on this list. The recipes are organized by mealtime with sections of seasonal recipes, and are so beautifully photographed. Written by an Icelandic author, this cookbook is studded with stunning photos of the Icelandic countryside. It’s really a beautiful book, I highly recommend it.

The Well + Full Holiday Gift Guide + GIVEAWAY!!

Kitchen Essentials

1 // Kyocera Ceramic Vegetable Cleaver

This is literally the best knife you will ever have in your kitchen. It’s so sharp – it can cut through a sweet potato like it’s butter. I will never work without this knife ever again. I HIGHLY recommend this for anyone who cooks.

2 // Cuisinart 8-Cup Food Processor

Having a good food processor is life-changing. I was using a $30, 3-cup food processor I got from my local grocery store for almost two years, and upgrading changed EVERYTHING. You’ll be able to make falafels, nut butters, pestos, and banana ice cream as much as your heart desires. It will be amazing, I promise.

3 // Paderno Vegetable Spiralizer

There are many spiralizers on the market, but Paderno’s model is the best. I use it for many of my recipes here (like my spicy root vegetable noodle bowl or vegan pho), and highly recommend it for any kitchen.

4 // Vitamix

I’m including the Vitamix on my Gift Guide because I would love to have one in my kitchen one day. And I know that any cook would love to have it too!

Gifts for the Foodie

1 // Raw Spice Bar

This subscription service sends curated spice blends to your door for only $8 a month (what?!) – like shichimi togarashi and and peppercorn chai. Highly recommended for anyone who likes to experiment in the kitchen.

2 // For The Chef

I’ve worked with For The Chef before, and highly recommend their kitchen products. It’s not as ritzy as, say, Williams Sonoma, but they have great products at fantastic prices. My picks include this cast-iron skillet, this Dutch Oven, and these wine glasses.

Gifts for the Wellness Enthusiast

1 // Moon Juice

What I love about Moon Juice is that their products encourage you to become the authority on your own wellness. Their herbal blends (or “dusts”, rather) enable you to choose what sort of supplementation you take based on your personal needs. Plus, you can earn 20% off your first order if you use this link here!

2 // Blue Majik

Despite the funky sounding name, this all-natural supplement is one I use in my own kitchen. It’s an extract of spirulina, a nutrient-dense algae, that is full of antioxidants, complete protein, B-Vitamins, and minerals. Plus, it turns your mylks / smoothies / banana ice cream a vivid blue color (that’s 100% natural!).

3 // Sakara Life

Sakara Life is a plant-based food subscription service that is designed to make you feel amazing. But what I love most about Sakara is their online shop of goodies, like these superfood salad dressings and this plant protein granola.

The Well and Full Holiday Gift Guide

Giving Back

1 // Pack Leaders Rescue of Connecticut

This is an organization that is very near and dear to my heart. I rescued my dog, Ivy, from Pack Leaders Rescue in September 2013. Rescuing an abused, malnourished animal completely changed my life. Ivy has brought so much joy and happiness to me, and asks for nothing in return. If you’re in the Connecticut area and are looking to adopt a dog, look no further than Pack Leaders Rescue. They also accept donations, no matter how big or small.

2 // American Humane Association 

Right now, the AHA has a Holiday Matching Gift Challenge going on, where every dollar you donate will be matched one for one. This is the time to give!! Plus, they are one of the top rated animal rights charities on Charity Watch.

3 // The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project provides a 24-hour suicide hotline for LGBTQ+ youth, for free. Especially in today’s uncertain political climate, organizations like this one are more important than ever. Please share The Trevor Project on Facebook, Twitter, wherever, to spread awareness for this cause – you never know who you could help.

4 // Rainforest Alliance

2,000 trees per minute are cut down in the Amazonian Rainforest – a truly unsustainable rate. The Rainforest Alliance is a top-rated charity on Charity Watch (allocating the majority of the money they receive to the actual cause) and are very worthy of your consideration.

The Well + Full Holiday Gift Guide + GIVEAWAY!!

EDIT: The Giveaway is now closed! Thank you to everyone who participated, and congratulations to Jess M. for winning! 

32 Comments

  • Reply
    Diana Cote
    December 4, 2016 at 6:12 pm

    I would buy my favorite healthy snacks that I try not to splurge on often. hehehe

    • Reply
      Sarah
      December 4, 2016 at 7:47 pm

      Whole Foods has the best healthy snacks!! ;)

  • Reply
    Elizabeth
    December 4, 2016 at 8:09 pm

    I would buy some delicious nut butters! They’re totally my weakness and I love drizzling them on anything and everything or eating straight out of the jar. I would also maybe grab some sushi because WF kills it with their premade food and I love any and all forms of sushi :)

    • Reply
      Sarah
      December 4, 2016 at 8:23 pm

      Omg the Whole Foods sushi is the BEST!!! I love their vegan black rice rolls!! :D

  • Reply
    Anita R
    December 4, 2016 at 10:03 pm

    Great article!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      December 5, 2016 at 8:42 am

      Thanks Anita!! :)

  • Reply
    Sj Dc
    December 5, 2016 at 12:15 am

    with christmas around i’d stock up on all the seasonal goodies that might be hard to come by later

    • Reply
      Sarah
      December 5, 2016 at 8:42 am

      Great choice! I love Christmas-themed foods… especially my almond milk “nog”!!

  • Reply
    Laura Fairchild
    December 5, 2016 at 2:10 am

    What would I not buy at Whole Foods?! I love all the artisanal, delicious vegan food they carry. I am actually obsessed with the Kite Hill almond milk cheese, which would be great for serving with crackers or fresh bagels during the holidays.

    I also have a really big soft spot for sweets, so I couldn’t leave without EatPastry’s vegan and gluten-free chocolate chip cookie dough and snickerdoodle cookie dough. I’d definitely grab some of their freshly baked banana muffins too. Oh and I never leave without grabbing some fresh sushi or spring rolls!

    There’s just so much amazing food to choose from! I could spend a whole day there just looking around.

    • Reply
      Sarah
      December 5, 2016 at 8:44 am

      Oh my gosh, Kite Hill is the BEST!! I love their yogurts. But I agree, I could spend a whole day in Whole Foods too! There’s just so much so amazing stuff!! :D

  • Reply
    Deb
    December 5, 2016 at 8:48 am

    I’d buy wine, lots and lots of wine!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      December 5, 2016 at 8:49 am

      I’m jealous, my local Whole Foods doesn’t carry wine!! :O

  • Reply
    Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health
    December 5, 2016 at 11:12 am

    Can I have everything on this list please? Including the puppy? ;)

    I love that you thought of donating to great causes as a gift. Can you imagine if everyone did that every year? I much rather someone give me that than a sweater I’m never going to wear.

    • Reply
      Sarah
      December 6, 2016 at 9:38 am

      I’ll take one of everything too!! ;) And I’m so excited to be promoting my favorite charities in this post! Thanks for your note, Sarah :)

  • Reply
    Karlie
    December 5, 2016 at 1:21 pm

    Nut butter, granola from bulk bins, kombucha, hot bar.. lol i might go a little over $50 ;) xx

    • Reply
      Sarah
      December 6, 2016 at 9:39 am

      We have almost the exact same shopping list!! ;)

  • Reply
    Jessie Snyder
    December 5, 2016 at 1:21 pm

    What a wonderful list sweet Sarah! So grateful for you and your friendship <3 happy Christmas season to you.

    • Reply
      Sarah
      December 6, 2016 at 9:45 am

      Merry Christmas to you and your family, Jessie <3

  • Reply
    Rosie
    December 5, 2016 at 2:15 pm

    I would love to get fresh fruit and vegetables, I’ve been ordering some groceries online, but not fresh. I love the selection at Whole Foods!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      December 6, 2016 at 9:46 am

      Me too! They have the best fruits and veggies! :)

  • Reply
    ali
    December 5, 2016 at 5:28 pm

    i’d splurge on some special seasonal treats!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      December 6, 2016 at 9:46 am

      Oooh great choice! :D

  • Reply
    Aimee | Wallflower Kitchen
    December 5, 2016 at 5:28 pm

    I want all these things! Thanks for including my gingerbread cookies, amongst all these wonderful things <3 Really craving some nut butter now… I wonder why??

    PS. Ivy melts my heart.

    • Reply
      Sarah
      December 6, 2016 at 9:48 am

      Awww thank you Aimee! :)

  • Reply
    Crystal S
    December 5, 2016 at 11:22 pm

    I would love to get some different coffees to stock up on!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      December 6, 2016 at 9:50 am

      Coffee = Life ;)

  • Reply
    manda
    December 7, 2016 at 3:12 pm

    I would buy cheese.

    • Reply
      Sarah
      December 7, 2016 at 3:55 pm

      Whole Foods has a pretty great cheese selection!

  • Reply
    HS
    December 8, 2016 at 8:49 pm

    I would stock up on organic products, produce and dairy.

    • Reply
      Sarah
      December 9, 2016 at 8:55 am

      Great choices! I always love getting my produce at Whole Foods :)

  • Reply
    Maryanne
    December 11, 2016 at 4:04 am

    I’d buy fancy cheese and meat!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      December 11, 2016 at 8:36 am

      Nice!!

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