The Holiday Edit: A Gut Health Dietitian’s Guide to Intentional Gifting

If there is one thing I know to be true about the holiday season, it is that our nervous systems are often writing checks that our calendars cannot cash.

We are entering the season of "more"—more events, more sugar, more spending, and often, more stress. In my practice as an RD, I constantly remind my clients that we cannot pour from an empty cup. This time of year, I try to focus less on consumption for the sake of consumption, and more on intentionality.

When I buy gifts, I look for items that act as those "small hinges"—tools that open the door to a more grounded, healthy, and vibrant life. Whether you are shopping for a wellness-obsessed best friend or looking to upgrade your own routine, this week’s guide is a collection of the things I am genuinely using, loving, and gifting this year.

Here is my Holiday Gift Guide for 2025.

1. What I’m Reading

 The Daily Stoic & The Daily Stoic Journal: I mentioned this in my daily framework, and it remains a staple on my nightstand. It’s the perfect antidote to holiday chaos—short, digestible wisdom that helps me focus on what I can control and release what I cannot.

Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult: This book feels vital for right now. We often fight against the slower, darker energy of winter, but Katherine May argues that we should embrace it. It’s a beautiful permission slip to slow down, rest, and repair—exactly what our gut-brain axis needs this time of year.

2. The Stocking Stuffers

A Copper Tongue Scraper: Hear me out—this is the wellness tool you didn't know you needed. Digestion begins in the mouth (we call it the cephalic phase), and oral hygiene is inextricably linked to gut health. Scraping your tongue first thing in the morning removes the bacteria that accumulates overnight and wakes up your taste buds. It’s a tiny ritual that takes 10 seconds but sets the tone for the day. Plus, it fits perfectly in a stocking.

Osea Microbiome Friendly Hyaluronic Acid Sea Serum: You know I am focusing on my skin barrier just as much as my gut barrier lately. This serum is incredible because it hydrates without disrupting the skin's natural microbiome. It’s clean, effective, and gives that "just drank a gallon of water" glow. (Use code FLORA10 for 10% off)

3. The “Miracle Mineral” Daily Supplement

Magnesium Glycinate: (Besides Sequoia Soothe—because you know I created that formula specifically for my reflux warriors, and I promise not to use this guide just to promote my own brand!)

Magnesium is the one supplement I recommend to almost everyone. Most of us are deficient due to soil depletion, and stress burns through our magnesium stores like wildfire. I take Magnesium Glycinate every single evening about an hour before bed. Unlike other forms (like citrate, which can be a bit too stimulating for the bowels), glycinate is highly absorbable and incredibly calming for the nervous system. It is my non-negotiable for deep, restorative sleep.

4. The Kitchen Upgrade

A  (Non-Plastic) Cutting Board We spend so much time focusing on the food we eat, but we often forget the surfaces we prepare it on. Research suggests that plastic cutting boards can shed thousands of microplastics into our food over time. These microplastics can act as endocrine disruptors, potentially messing with our hormones and gut barrier.

I recently switched to a heavy, solid maple cutting board. Not only is it better for my metabolic health, but it also looks beautiful on the counter. It elevates the simple act of chopping vegetables into a ritual I have actually found to be enjoyable!

5. The Tech Investments

The Walking Pad:  mentioned this in my "Daily Wellness Framework," but it deserves a spot on the gift guide. As someone who spends a lot of time on Zoom calls with clients, the sedentary nature of the job is a real battle. Movement is medicine for the gut (it helps with motility!), and this allows me to get in my "Zone 2" cardio without leaving my office. It’s an investment, but if you work from home, it is a game-changer for your energy and blood sugar regulation.

The Ultrahuman Ring: I’ve been loving this because it gives me the data I need (sleep scores, movement, recovery) without the distraction of a screen. It helps me stay in tune with my body's circadian rhythm without adding another device that pings me with notifications. It’s tech that helps you detach, rather than attach.

6. The Pantry Staples

High-Phenolic Olive Oil: If you want to give a gift that says "I care about your longevity," give good olive oil. I am not talking about the stuff in the clear plastic bottle at the grocery store. I look for high-phenolic, extra virgin olive oil (often in a dark glass or tin to prevent oxidation). The polyphenols feed our good gut bacteria and reduce inflammation. It is the easiest way to upgrade a meal—just drizzle it over roasted veggies or a salad. It’s nourishment in its purest form.

Salted Caramel Bone Broth: This is my current obsession for satisfying a sweet craving while actually healing my gut lining. It’s packed with protein and collagen/gelatin which is soothing for the digestive tract, but the flavor profile feels like a treat. I sip this in the afternoon to keep my blood sugar stable between lunch and dinner.

7. The Cozy Essential

 FLORA Team Sweatshirt: I simply couldn’t wrap up this guide without a nod to comfort. When I worked with my team on our latest designs, my intention was to create something that felt less like clothing and more like a warm hug. We selected a heavyweight cotton that feels substantial, grounding, and incredibly soft—the perfect companion for those "bloat-friendly" days when you want to feel cute but unconstricted. I find myself reaching for it constantly, whether I’m heading to a Hyrox warm-up or curling up on the couch with my tea.

A quick note on availability: The specific sample I’ve been wearing ( pictured above)  isn't available for purchase quite yet (though if there is enough interest, we may bring it to life—so let me know!). 

In the meantime, I have linked a similar heavy weight sweatshirt  that I absolutely love (fair warning: it is an investment piece!), and you can find our classic crewneck which is in stock and ready to ship: The Healing Journey FLORA Sweatshirt!  

Remember: The best gift you can give anyone (and yourself) this season is your presence. Use these tools to support your health, but don't let the stress of "getting it right" override your joy.

With love,

Molly Pelletier, MS, RD

If this season is calling you to deepen your healing or finally get the personalized support you’ve been craving, our FLORA 1:1 nutrition counseling program may be the perfect next step. You’ll receive an individualized healing plan and ongoing support from a FLORA dietitian who is trained in my full reflux and gut-healing framework and works closely with me on client care. You can learn more or apply HERE.

And if you’re looking for daily guidance, recipes, nervous-system support, workouts, and expert-led tools you can use anytime, the FLORA app is your home base for sustainable gut healing.

Wherever you are in your journey, I’m cheering for you—and I hope these tools help you care for yourself with intention and compassion this season and beyond. 💛