Gift Guide 2020: Amelia’s 25 Picks
From the SoulCycle At-Home Bike to Spiritual Gangster’s “Namaste” Beanie, there’s a little something for everyone (and every budget) in my first FRESHJUICE + bubbly Holiday Gift Guide. This is a list of 25 travel, fashion and gear, food, fitness, and beauty picks that I’ve pulled together after hours of researching — and shopping — over the last few weeks. And best of all, everything can be booked or purchased online!
Whether you’re shopping for someone else or indulging in a self-care gift, know that these picks are options I’ve either spent my own money on or are included on my Christmas wishlist for family (#notsponsored). Happy shopping, friends!
Or, are you looking for a one-of-a-kind gift for you or that special someone? I can help.
P.S. Looking for a personalized approach to your wellness experience? I’ve spent a decade working as a wellness journalist — visiting more than 50 spas from Vail to Vienna — and 20 years in the fitness industry. The picks for my City Wellness Guides are based on my experience.
Travel
Montage Deer Valley
Park City, Utah
I love this mountain spot in the summer because of the spacious spa and all of the outdoor options ranging from hiking to guided fly fishing (more to come in a future blog post). Looking for a winter ski spot? I haven’t visited in winter but have heard from others that this is a prime location.
The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Nashville, Tenn.
From a beautiful gym overlooking the skyline to a curated in-room pillow menu, this hotel is my new home away from home when I visit Music City, USA. For ultimate relaxation, try the Rose Indulgence treatment offered in the spa (more to come in a future blog post).
Old Edwards Inn and Spa
Highlands, N.C.
This western North Carolina inn strikes the perfect balance between feeling like you’re staying at your friends cozy mountain home and a chic boutique hotel. And the chaise lounges in the spa relaxation rooms are the best!
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center
Philadelphia, Pa.
Green juice on the room service breakfast menu, deep soaking tubs in your room, and bubbly and yummy snacks at the spa. Luxury wellness is the name of the game at this property (more to come in a future blog post).
Fashion + Gear
Spiritual Gangster Namaste Pom Beanie
$35
The perfect piece to wear to yoga class or après ski, this snuggly beanie allows you to wish everyone well — without ever having to say a word.
Beyond Yoga Just Chillin Long Sleeve Pullover
$79
This long sleeve option will be your go-to when it’s too chilly for a T-shirt but not quite sweater weather. Plus, the white, black, or grey pullover looks at home whether you’re at the barre or headed to brunch.
Terez Black Tonal Star Foil UpLift Leggings
$100
Shine like the star that you are in these midrise leggings. Also available in other colors, these lightweight lovelies are sweat-wicking, and ready for your next workout.
Alala Breakers Tee
$55
Rock this loose-fit Alala tee (featuring side slits) when you need a little more coverage than your workout tank provides. Comfy and stylish, this tee is a style-setter, regardless of whether you’re working out or headed out for the evening.
Vee Tote Medium
$242
Style meets function in the Vee Collective’s medium tote. This bag is water repellent and offers two large zippered compartments, extra subdivision pockets, and a detachable pouch for bonus storage.
Heroine Tri Gold Pack of Masks
$36
These sparkly gold, black, and silver masks are a FJAB favorite for going out in the evening. (They always receive compliments!) Plus, Heroine will donate three masks on your behalf when you buy this three-pack.
Sticky Be Socks Mantra Box
$84
A great gift for anyone who needs sticky socks for barre and Megaformer classes, this Mantra Box provides seven pairs of nonslip grip socks — each with its own inspirational message to keep you motivated!
Bala Bangles
$49
Take your workout with you wherever you go with these colorful weighted bangles. Available in a variety of colors and weights up to 2 pounds, these trendy resistance trainers can be worn on your wrists or ankles.
Food
RAW Juices
10-pack for $80
The beauty of this California company is that they deliver a variety of cold-pressed juices nationwide. You can create your own box or try the three-day cleanse.
Sparkling Wine Advent Calendar
$119
Bring on the bubbly with this 12-day calendar featuring a split of sparkling champagne from top wineries including Chandon, Mumm, Ruffino and more.
Sakara Popcorn Trio
$45
Leave it to the company responsible for a variety of popular wellness supplements and an organic meal delivery program to offer a healthy — but delish — approach to the Christmas popcorn tin. The trio features Sweet, Salty, and “Cheezy” flavors that are all non GMO and dairy-free.
Sakara Sampler
$45
If you’ve been curious about Sakara’s wellness essentials but haven’t wanted to splurge on full-size products, be sure to grab a Discovery Kit the includes sampler sizes of the bars, powders, and probiotics — all packed into a cute zipper pouch that’s perfect for travel.
Recess CBD Water
$29.99
Pop open one of these pretty little cans (featuring flavors like coconut lime and blood orange) for sparkling water infused with hemp extract and other compounds to help your body maintain a calm and balanced state.
Fitness
SoulCycle At-Home Bike by Variis
$2,500
When I’m not teaching cycling, I’m taking it at SoulCycle. After months of debating whether to get a Peloton or SoulCycle’s option, the rhythm-based ride favorite won out. (And since bike delivery only takes one to three weeks, I’m getting mine on Dec. 1 — so stay tuned for more about my experience!) Plus, if you’re looking for classes to supplement your cycling, the Variis app (used by the bike) also offers programming from Equinox, PURE Yoga, and more.
Exhale On Demand
$19.99/month or $199.99/year
Years before I began teaching at Exhale, I was a regular in the Atlanta location’s signature barre, yoga, HIIT, and cardio classes. When I can’t get to the studio to take my weekly classes with Brianna Norton (my go-to for barre and yoga), this app makes it easy to take a prerecorded class with her and a number of stellar teachers.
Alo Moves
$199
One of my favorites for activewear, Alo has launched its own at-home fitness platform. I’ve heard from yoga teacher friends that the yoga programming alone is worth the annual membership fee. (And FYI, for a limited time, the membership fee is only $99.)
Bodies By Sav
$25/month unlimited on-demand access
(additional packages available)
Savannah has been my favorite Atlanta-based SoulCycle teacher for the last couple of years. But, during the pandemic, Sav struck out on her own. What started as a fun and uplifting dance and resistance training workout offered on Instagram live has evolved into a full-fledged fitness platform offering on-demand and live options. So, if you’re looking to support a woman-owned small business, check Sav out!
Beauty
Slip Sleep Mask
$50
A little luxury for your eyes — that’s the best way for me to describe this sleep mask made from long fibre mulberry silk. This soft and snuggly eye covering is just what you need to block out the world and get a good sleep.
Harper + Ari Exfoliating Sugar Cubes
$24
A body scrub that smells good enough to eat? Yes, please! Just one cube packs enough of a punch to exfoliate your entire body — without the mess of wet scrubs.
Cornelia Night Repair Serum
$120
Bright and radiant, that’s how I’d describe my skin after using this serum from one of my favorite spas in New York City (Cornelia Spa at The Surrey) for about a month. Ingredients like purified liquid oxygen, essential oils, and antioxidants rich in fatty acids are meant to nourish your skin. And vitamin C ester boosts that radiance factor.
XO Treatment Room’s Remote Facials and Peels
$151.32
Dealing with acne, sun spots, or other skin issues? Canadian skin care guru, Annie Graham, has developed a genius way to deliver the facial treatment you need — and you don’t ever have to set foot in her boutique. After reading about Annie’s success in Elle Canada and O, The Oprah Magazine, I recently went through the process (stay tuned to the blog for more about my experience) and was impressed with the personalized experience that includes an initial consultation to determine your custom treatment, and another session where Annie guides you through how to use the products she customized and sent to you. Plus, Annie is available in the days that follow for advice and questions. Who knew luxury skin care could be virtual?