Alexandria’s 2019 Holiday Gift Guide
Focus One
Originally published: December 12, 2019
Shopping during the holiday season is a headache in itself. There’s no worse feeling than not knowing what to get a loved one while feeling so lost at the same time. I’ve rounded up some of my go-to products and have broken each guide down by sections. Each item that is listed has been used by myself, a loved one, or by someone I truly trust. I hope this guide makes your shopping experience that much easier and relatively stress free. There’s a vast range of price points on these pieces. Most are very budget friendly while some are definitely on the more indulgent side. If you have any questions let me know in the comments section below! I’d be happy to answer and help out. Happy Holidays everyone! xx
The Toxic Free Beauty Kween
This entire section is dedicated to the toxic free beauty kweens we all love and know. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite products that are tried and tested by me or people that I know. For all of the bolded products, use my Follain code ref_alexandriayamazaki for 15% off your entire online order.
Ere Perez Chamomile Eye Palette (Lovely)-$36
RMS Beauty Midnight Hour Luminizer- $38 (mine is still going strong after a year)
Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara- $28 (been using this mascara for the past 2 years)
Cocokind My Matcha Moisture Stick - $9 (use this every single day, can’t get enough)
Ilia Bold Eye Duo - $45
Cocokind Chagaglo Highlighter Stick- $13 (gifted this to my mom and she loves it)
RMS Beauty Eye Polish - $28 (mine is still going strong after a year)
Ilia The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette (Warm Nude)- $38
16. Kari Gran Three Sixty Five SPF 28- $12-48 (one of my favorite facial sunscreens)
The Jet Setter
We all have people in our lives that travel nonstop. Whether it’s for work or for play, one can never be too prepared. Above you’ll see most of my traveling non-negotiables.
Bluedio T4 Turbine Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones- $45 (great affordable quality headphones)
Mophie Powerstation Mini- $39 (never leave home without this)
S’well 16oz Traveler- $35 (never leave home without it. also, a lot of coffee shops give you a discount for bringing a reusable cup)
Lunya Washable Silk Dream Kit- $218 (so dreamy)
Heritage Store Rose Water- $8 (one of my favorite rose waters)
Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier- $24 (life savers, esp when not feeling well or hungover)
Aero Latte Frother- $17 (has been a game changer, even for at home use)
Kishu Charcoal Water Filter- $12 (love traveling with these and one stick lasts for 3 months)
EO Lavender Hand Sanitizer- $2-30 (you can find at Whole Foods, i never travel without hand sanitizer. pro tip, wipe down your seats, tray tables, and arm rests)
Bee Keepers Naturals Throat Spray- $12 (haven’t used personally but i hear this is amazing)
13. Away Medium Suitcase- $275 (i know this suitcase is everywhere but it’s truly worth it. i used to have a Rimowa and after 15 years it broke and the Away feels exactly the same)
The Fitness Junkie
Whether you’re into high intensity training, running, yoga, pilates or working out at home these items can certainly level up your fitness game. I’m a huge proponent for working out at home, because honestly, life is crazy and being able to make time at home is so much more feasible. Alo Moves is a great subscription based platform for at home workouts and it comes with an array of different exercises (pilates included). Some other essential items on here are the Bala Bangles, Manduka Pro Yoga Mat, and Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. I use this collagen almost everyday either in my smoothies or matcha.
Alo Yoga Essentials Set- $382
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides- $15-$43 (my top choice for collagen protein, i use it everyday in smoothies or in matcha lattes)
Bala Bangles 1lb Weights- $49 (use these for at home workouts)
Manduka Equa Mat Towel- $38 (necessary for hot yoga)
Corepower Yoga Gift Card (this is where i’ve been going to flow for the past year and i really love this studio)
The Laundress Sport Detergent and Spray Duo- $27 (I use their original detergent and it’s heavenly)
Theragun- $249-$599
Nuun Hydration (Sport)- $7.00 (great for rehydrating)
Manduka Pro Yoga Mat- $120-$146 (you cannot go wrong with this mat)
Grøn Protein Powder Packet- $4 (collaborated with them for my smoothie recipe in Tokyo, great company)
Wildflower Cool Stick- $24-$59 (my nana uses this and can’t get enough, great for general aches and pains)
Fit Simplify Resistance Bands- $5 (use these for at home workouts)
Alo Moves- 14 day free trial, then $14/month
The Blogger’s Boyfriend
Let’s face it, these IG photos don’t magically take themselves. For some it’s a self timer, for others it’s a stranger, but for most, it’s a devoted man (or woman) behind the camera who’s selflessly looking like a fool just so you can get your shot. To pay an homage, I thought it would be fun to make a little list that may make your partner feel a little more appreciated.
Coach Passport Case- $57-$95
Anker External Portable Battery- $25 (Benjamin’s go-to portable battery)
Le Labo Beard Oil- $60
Away Medium Suitcase- $275 (Benjamin loves his Away suitcase)
Coach Doppkit Kit 18- $125 (gifted this to Benjamin and he loves it)
Merkur 3 Piece Safety Razor- $28 (Benjamin’s go-to razor)
Lahgo Restore Double Faced Robe- $258 (because robe life)
Rabbit Wine Aerator- $13 (our favorite wine aerator)
Moment Wide 18mm Lens- $120 (takes your photos to the next level)
Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go- $10 (good for anyone/ any bathroom)
11. Moleskin Classic Notebook + Personalization- $19+ (love these notebooks and personalization is a great add on option)
The Kitchen Kween
When you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, you want products that work. In this day and age of blending, juicing, and pureeing everything, these top shelf appliances (cough Vitamix cough) aren’t feasible for all. I wanted to make a product list that featured more affordable items while not sacrificing on quality. See above for some great staple items suitable for any kitchen kween.
Ninja Professional 72oz Blender- $70 (this is a great affordable blender option that gets the job done)
Stasher Stand Up Bags- $20 (love all of their bags)
Reusable Net Bags- $12 (i use these for just about everything. grocery shopping, yoga, or basic errand running)
Cusinart Food Processor 14 Cup- $199 (spendy, but so worth it)
Utopia Kitchen Compost Bin- $23 (a kitchen staple)
Kitchen Gizmo Pasta Strainer- $17 (been loving this option)
Produce Bags- $13 (very handy for separating produce)
Ninja Air Fryer- $116
OXO Handheld Spiralizer- $15 (gets the job done and is relatively easy to clean)
Liz Moody’s Healthier Together Book- $14 (love her and her podcast)
Weck Jars- $20-$40 (great for storing food)
12. Branch Basics Cleaning Supplies Starter Kit- $60 (great cleaners)
The Skincare Lover
Skincare is something that I don’t skimp out on but with the ever changing products that keep coming out, it can get expensive trying and buying. Here are some of my absolute favorites that are non-toxic and won’t completely break the bank. For all bolded products use my code ref_alexandriayamazaki for 15% off you entire order.
Eat Pretty by Jolene Hart- $11 (love this book, it’s a must for non toxic beauty lovers)
Aēsop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm- $33 (will always be a favorite)
Patyka Energising Eye Gel- $48 (my mom has been loving this)
Cocokind Facial Cleansing Oil- $14 (love using this and it can also take off your makeup in one fell swoop, even mascara)
Thayers Alcohol Free Witch Hazel Facial Toner- $8 (you can also find this at Whole Foods, i like the lavender one. Benjamin uses the cucumber)
Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask- $65 (expensive but a very nice indulgence)
Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream- $48 (this has been a game changer for me)
Jade Roller and Gua Sha Set- $25 (this is the one that i use and it’s been great)
Manuka Health MGO 400+ Honey- $35 (the best for making face masks or for eating when sick)
Cocokind Chlorophyll Mask- $19 (the amazing thing about this mask is that you can also consume it. i add this to my smoothies or morning matcha)
Osea Ocean Cleanser- $18-$48
Caudalie Beauty Exlixir- $18-$49 (this will always be one of my favorite facial sprays)
Cocokind Rosewater Facial Toner- $9-$17 (another option for the Thayers toner)
Evian Natural Mineral Water Facial Spray- $13-$19 (this is an OG product, great for traveling or having on hand)
Cocokind Skin Butter- $14 (the best goddamn lotion there is, you’ll thank me later)
The Snack Master
We all have those friends that know their snacks. I mean, what would life be without them am I right? See above for some of my most coveted on the go snacks, drinks and food carriers. A lot of these brands also make personal sizes, which makes traveling with them that much easier.
Lesser Evil Snacks- $4-$20
Trader Joe’s Gift Card
Whole Foods Gift Card
Gomacro Sunflower Butter + Chocolate Bar- $30 (my go-to)
Ippodo Organic Matcha- $15 (my favorite matcha company)
Siete Habanero Hot Sauce- $5-7 at Whole Foods
Granola Butter- $13
The Coconut Cult Probiotic Mango Yogurt- $39 (spendy but so worth it. i consume it like a probiotic, a little goes a long way)
Wild Friends Single Packet Nut Butters- $3 for single packets at Whole Foods
Emmy’s Organic Cookies 3 Pack- $30 or $4-$5 for a single bag at Whole Foods
Siete Grain Free Tortilla Chips- $36 for a 6 pack
19. Pür Mints- $3-$4
The Homebody
Leaving home is daunting, especially when the sun sets at 4pm everyday. Though I’m a busybody, I’m a complete homebody at heart. Here are some of my favorite items that make my space that much more cozy, for better or for worse.
Casper Pillow- $65 (between Benjamin and I, we have 4 of these. we are both obsessed)
Occasional Magic by Catherine Burns- $18 (great little inspirational stories)
Macrame Wall Hanging- $13 (adds a level of coziness to any room)
Copper Wire Lights- $14 (who doesn’t love these?)
Gold and Marble Pedestal Tray- $29-39 (i use this for my food styling photos or keep it on my dresser)
The Laundress Home Spray- $10 (can’t live without this spray)
Gold Mirror Tray- $17 (i use this to store my jewelry)
Large Woven Basket- $28 (i use this for storage/ dirty laundry)
Follain Candle No. 1- $38 (use my code ref_alexandriayamazaki for 15% off)
Decorative Tray- $35 (can be used for a breakfast tray or a dresser tray)
Honest Hazel Eye Gels- $12 (love these and they’re perfect for long term use)
14. Farmhouse Pottery Silo Mug- $46 (for all your matcha latte needs)
The Supplement Fiend
Having gone through as many GI/ health issues as I have, supplements have helped me tremendously. However, just like the beauty/personal care industry, supplements have been flourishing in the last year or so. With the addition of sooo many products on the market, it’s damn near impossible to find quality without sifting through everything. This list is what has been working for me and my body. I want to emphasize that just because it works for me, doesn’t mean it’ll work for you (obvious I know, but just had to say it). I receive a lot of questions about my supplementation so here it is!
Lippomix Premium Grade Gluathione- $70 (spendy but I can’t live without this. thanks Dad for turning me on to this!)
Thorne Vitamin D-5,00- $11-$22 (usually everyone is deficient in vitamin d, i really love this brand)
Seed Daily Synbiotic Probiotic- $49.99/month (the best probiotic in the game)
Lucky Iron Fish- $35 (such a cool company head here to learn more about them )
Now Foods Ashwagandha 450mg- $14-$24 (stressed the f out? try this)
Thorne Bio-Gest- $19-$42 (cannot live without these for my digestion issues)
Source Naturals Wellness Formula Tablets- $14-$30 (you can also find this at Whole Foods) (anytime myself or Benjamin feels sick we load up on these)
Now Foods Energy Capsules- $20 (when coffee or matcha isn’t enough)
Gaia Herbs Quick Defense- $25 (a great one for the first signs of sickness)
Kor Wellness Shots- $4 (can be found at Whole Foods)
Natural Vitality Calm Powder- $23 (can also be found at Whole Foods) (great for sleep and BM’s)
13. Thorne Gi-Encap- $34 (another game changer for my digestion issues)
