đMy Favorite Things! A Very Mandee Gift Guide 2025
My Favorite Things!
Hey friends!
By popular request I'm back with my favorite things gift guide! I love sharing the things I'm into at the moment! This list is made up of things I've tried and loved this year, often from women owned, black owned and/or local businesses.
This year's guide includes wellness items, clothing I swear by, a favorite book by a local gal gone big, baking by a local entrepreneurship & kitchen items I've recently purchased, an experience gift, and of course some Pilates props. Plus, make it all the way to the end to see my ULTIMATE gift suggestion! And keep your eyes peeled in the snail mail in December for your special Holiday gift from me! (Santosha Movement Society members only!)
Wellness:
âEarthley Goodnight Lotion: My go-to for deeper, more restful sleep (and my kidâs too!). I apply it on my belly or feet before bed for better absorption. Magnesium supports more than 300 essential body functions, from sleep and detox to blood sugar and gut health. This is a clean formula made with nourishing oils from a company I trust. This would make a thoughtful gift, stocking stuffer, or treat for yourself! I also love their herbal tinctures like Feel Better Fast, Cough B Gone, and Immune Biotic for when sickness hits (safe for the entire family 6 months onward).
Using my affiliate link supports me and this wonderful company -thank you! đ
âSol Bloom Ayurveda: Kate Lumpkin runs this lovely shop of medicinal small batch tinctures and loose leaf tea blends, which I've come to love! I have connected with her via the interwebs as a fellow mom and business owner, and I love her philosophy, her ayurvedic teachings in a digestible way, and her products. I recently purchased the liver detox tea (she does custom teas too!) and the reishi tincture, which is so nice for regulating the nervous system.
ââEquip Protein:For the person in your life that is looking to add protein to their plate, this can help people meet their goals in a clean and simple way by giving 20 grams per scoop. I don't like whey or pea protein powder, and love that this is made with 100% grass fed beef. I love putting 1/2 scoop in my coffee every morning. Sometimes I'm in the mood for unflavored and sometimes I like one of the flavors with a touch of coconut sugar, like cinnamon roll. I add a couple of scoops to my baked goods and have even made chocolate milk with the chocolate flavor! They even just launched a chocolate mint flavor which I am excited about to make clean peppermint mochas at home! Use my link to get 15% off!
Clothing:
âEvelyn & Bobbie: Please just trust me on this one- these are the literal best bras and underwear I have ever had and the only ones I own anymore. I have tried A LOT as well as worked within the bra industry for many years (that's a story for another day!). Not only is this a Portland based, women owned and run business, but the product truly delivers with seamless comfort, patented material and shape. Please go ahead and buy a bra, underwear and slip short- you can't loose because the return policy is perfection, but trust me you won't be needing it, especially if you follow the sizing guide and make sure to watch the video on stretching your bra once it arrives.
No affiliate, just a huge fan, and I've had the pleasure of testing some of their products over the years, most recently on their quest to perfect a nursing bra. If you came along on the Santosha Day Retreat this year, the undies were part of your swag bag and I got SO MANY emails about how much you love them and how you've all been ordering more!
Costco 8 Pack Sketchers Socks: I can't even believe that I'm saying this, but I really love these Costco socks that I accidently became an owner of this fall. A fellow preschool mom saved the day when I showed up at a play lounge with the required socks for my kiddos but none for me- she whipped out this brand new pack of Costco socks she had just purchased and gave me a pair. Turns out I love them, and I never would have vered from my trusty millennial no show socks had it not been for her. But yep these days its more in style to have some longer socks and these are pretty cute! I couldn't find these online, but check your local warehouse and I hope you find them!
Santosha Women's Tri Blend Tee: The softest, coziest tee. I've seen many of your wearing this to class and all around lately and it makes me so happy!
For the Babies:
Santosha Newborn Onesie: In honor of the newest Santosha baby this year, I had these special edition onesies customized and they are available for the littlest ones in your life! Available in size newborn or 3-6 months, please specify on the purchase page. Free shipping.
Book Worms:
Did You Stretch Tho by Hannah Corbinâ
This is such a fun, approachable guide to taking better care of your body with simple daily stretches in a fun coffee table style book with flashcards. I especially love supporting her as a local Aloha, Oregon native, and one of the best friends of my own bestie out in New York. I actually went to one of her very first Peloton rides in the studio in Manhattan back when they were still on Kickstarter, and itâs been so inspiring to watch this local gal grow from those early days to a major Peloton presence⊠and now a published author! Oh and guess what, this already made one of Oprah's Favorite Things List! So dang proud of you Hannah!
Social Media Follows:
If you love to learn from social media, consider some accounts that I love! @vcnutritionist for nutrition and macros, @inthecortex_us for nervous system regulation, @whatgreatgrandmaate for awesome cooking reels with yummy recipes, and @bodymechanics_pilates for my Pilates Instructor students!
For & From the Kitchen:
âSlicer/Shredder Kitchen Aid Attachment: I resisted getting this for a long time, but I do love it for shredding carrots, zucchini, shred cheese, etc! I used to use my Cuisinart, but honestly the wash/clean-up of this attachment is easier than when I used the Cuisinart, and with two little kids I really need the ease!
Jess Pies: Jess is a local Portland baker and fellow mama who has recently launched Jess Pies! She loves to 'spread joy' by baking pies and cookies, which she also delivers locally. She just recently got her site up and running for orders, which I know as a small business owner and mother is quite the accomplishment! You can follow her on Instagram here. Order for any occasion and especially the holidays!
Experience Gifts:
âBlue Ox Throwers: I have been wanting to do this for a while! I've never done anything like this! Itâs a laidback, community-friendly spot where you can throw an ax, eat, drink, and hang out. Great for a fun, active night out for anyone, no experience necessary. This is located in downtown Hillsboro, which if you haven't been in a while, has really perked up with lots of restaurants, wine bars and fun things to do!
Exercise/Wellness Equipment:
(Because Iâm your Pilates teacher)
âSoft Foam Roller: If you're still using a hard roller, please don't let another day pass before you upgrade to the soft roller! New research shows that soft releases better into soft, like muscle into roller. Plus, it feels way better!
âAcupressure Mat: This was gifted to me a few years ago and it's like free acupuncture- really helps relax the fascia just by laying on it. I have even used the pillow like a footrest! Using this mat is said to relieve back pain, reduce cellulite, and free you from the cycle of tension, stress and insomnia.
âMini Stability Ball: Most of you have this, but if you don't, you're really missing out on what we can do in our Pilates classes! Subbing with something else really isn't the same, and it's really affordable. I suggest the middle size- the green one- for the most versatility. Plus, it can double like a pillow while traveling and deflates for easy packing.
Need to add something else to your home workout set-up? I've created a list of my favorite props on my website. Use the affiliate links at my site to support my small business!
THE ULTIMATE, BEST GIFT IDEA I HAVE!
(and I'm not biased at all, promise)
Give the gift of movement to Santosha Pilates! My gift cards will allow you to select an amount and have a message sent along with your gift card on a certain day. I'm happy to create a custom gift card if you want a tangible one to mail rather than an ecard- just let me know!
The gift of Santosha Pilates helps support a local, woman owned business. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Nothing peaked your interest here? That's ok! Would you mind leaving me a google review about your experience working with me in Pilates before you go? It would mean the world to me!
Have a wonderful holiday season!
Yours in Health,
Mandee Louie
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PS: A few of the above, but not many, are linked with affiliate links where I receive a tiny percentage of your purchase at no extra cost to you. Some are direct links to company websites, and some are Amazon affiliate links. If you plan to shop Amazon anyway, using my links to click through even if you buy other items will support my business!
