Holiday Gift Guide for Last Minute Shoppers

by Cassie Hepler

Here it is the week before Christmas and have I sent any packages in the mail yet? No. Do I always wait until last minute? Yes. Because present’s day (as I’ve always called it) is hella stressful. The work crunch of shoving in everything you can before attempting to take a legit break is plain exhausting. We are animals after all and this time of year is supposed to be hibernation and rest time. But good ol’ capitalism is at it again although it seems more people are waking up to the fact that corporate America really couldn’t give a flying fart about Americans in general (thanks TikTok)! The economy is in the gutter, people can’t afford housing and wages are stuck in the late 90s (the only throwback that is not trendy right now).

So I’m sharing a very paired down and things you might actually use, eat or need this season. I am not tone deaf to what is going on in the world like most of these grifters… I mean “influencers”. I hope that dirty word goes out of style too because multimedia content creator and journalist best describes me. Keeping it real and honest as much as possible ya’ll! Even if you’re just taking a few days to relax at home, that is still the spirit of the season aka Yule, where Christmas all stemmed from before Christians stole it. Whatever you’re doing (or not doing) this season, it’s about the people who show up to help you in the end and make your life easier, happier and less stressful.

Yonanas Healthy Soft-Serve Dessert Maker 

Price: Yonanas Classic ($49.99) Yonanas Deluxe ($79.99)

The Sweettooth in your life will love Yonanas! Dessert time made easy for any occasion, instantly make wholesome, delicious, vegan, and dairy-free desserts with no added fats, sugars, or additives. Create your own or follow the 36 included recipes. All removable parts are top-rack, dishwasher-safe, and BPA-free. The Yonanas dessert maker quickly turns frozen fruit into a treat that tastes like soft-serve ice cream in seconds. Why go the traditional route with just ordinary ice cream or popsicles this season when there’s something better? Watermelon YoPops made with Yonanas is so yummy and a healthy addition to your Fourth of July festivities. Or wake up to a fruity dessert-inspired breakfast. We won’t judge. Your Yonanas maker will turn those over-ripe bananas into a delicious and creamy treat – just freeze them ahead of time. The creations are endless for everyone!  Available on Amazon, Walmart, and westbend.com.

Natracare Organic Pads and Tampons

Did you know that the average woman uses between 5,000 and 17,000 pads and tampons in her lifetime? The vast majority of which will wind up in landfills as plastic waste. Period products are a part of our daily lives, yet we rarely think about their environmental impact. If we all made the switch to eco-friendly alternatives including plastic-free or compostable and biodegradable options, we can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in our landfills and oceans. Enter Natracare, the first organic and plastic free menstrual brand, designing products that empower consumers to make healthy choices for both body and planet. Some tampons can sometimes have a plastic security veil or even contain perfumes and dyes. Rayon is a highly absorbent fiber which rapidly absorbs menstrual blood but at the same time can also dry out the natural protective mucous lining of the vagina. Natracare stands apart by never using genetically modified cotton or unnecessary plastic, keeping our most sensitive areas free from pesticide residues, micro-plastics and chemicals of concern. Some tampons can sometimes have a plastic security veil or even contain perfumes and dyes. Rayon is a highly absorbent fiber which rapidly absorbs menstrual blood but at the same time can also dry out the natural protective mucous lining of the vagina. Founded by lifetime environmentalist Susie Hewson, Natracare is drastically reducing this impact by offering an array of plastic-free and organic menstrual products that are also chlorine-free, biodegradable, compostable, and come with recyclable packaging. Find out how to compost tampons here. Available in packs of 10 or 20. Available on Amazon and iHerb, in major retailers such as Fred Meyer, Kroger, Natural Grocers, Wegmans, Whole Foods, and independent natural health stores nationwide. Stop stuffing carcinogens against your most delicate lady bits!

Mowi Salmon USA mowisalmon.us

Because we all need to eat and usually in a rush, just pop one of these in your toaster oven or air fryer for dinner! Embedded in Mowi’s rich tapestry of offerings, which includes an array of pre-packed fresh salmon, smoked varieties, and convenient coated frozen options, the new 6oz portions stand as a testament to the brand’s innovation and adaptability. Explore the versatility and delectable taste of these single portions and immerse yourself in a world where quality meets convenience through inspired recipes available at Mowi Salmon US: https://mowisalmon.us/. National Seafood Month sees Mowi amplifying the dialogue around seafood convenience and culinary innovation. By opening its doors for a behind-the-scenes look and introducing the meticulously crafted Individual Single 6oz Atlantic Salmon Portions, Mowi is democratizing access to premium seafood. Alongside, the enlightening “Decoding Seafood” podcast series further illuminates the intricate world of seafood. These initiatives underscore Mowi’s unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and consumer education, cementing its role as a leader in the seafood industry and a champion of informed seafood consumption.

If you’re splurging on one thing this holiday, let it be tequila! It’s a gift that keeps giving when shared with your favorites. Luxe, super cool Solento Tequila is a coveted liquid with a limited run and comes exclusively in a set complete with two ribbed glasses and an exclusive vinyl filled with classics meant to slow the mood while enjoying this new limited-edition libation. Think a Vinyl filled with various vintage music artists i.e., Frank Sinatra, Mac Davis, Ray Stevens, Alabama, Oakridge Boys and The Archers to name a few. The bottle is uniquely designed to also mimic a vinyl with cool ridges and grooves throughout the black bottle! Solento Tequila is all about taking things slow, from the company’s name (meaning slow sun in Spanish) to this new launch that requires three times the aging of its standard Añejo, Extra Añejo is meant to be savoured. All Solento, including this new offering, is made in small batches from a single estate in Amatitán, Jalisco, Mexico from 100% USDA-certified organic Blue Weber agave. Expertly aged in American oak barrels for 40 months, Solento’s Extra Añejo features smooth butterscotch, vanilla, oak and fresh pepper aromas, with tastes of cinnamon, warm caramel and a touch of tobacco. It is a medium bodied drink with a warm, light finish. Order online at siptequila.com.

Non-Toxic and Natural Cleaning arbOUR 

Have you ever used cleaning products and can barely breathed around them? That’s because they are toxic to your health and lungs and will harm you in the long run. arbOUR offers safe, hypoallergenic, and plant-based products that actually work to ease holiday cleanup, prioritizing safety with chemical-free formulas. Some of arbOUR’s products include:

• Daily Dish Soap ($9): Make washing up a breeze with our eco-friendly dish soap. Its chemical-free formula ensures your special holiday dishes are not only spotless but also safe for your loved ones. (Good to know: Inspired by EU regulations that dish soaps/products be concentrated; just a small amount results in huge lather for effectiveness)

• Stain Remover ($10): Accidents happen, especially during the holiday rush. Our stain remover is a lifesaver when it comes to keeping your favorite tablecloth or napkins in pristine condition. (Good to know: Use it on all fabrics, even hard-to-spot-clean slipcovers (our gentle formula won’t discolor the fabric), works on collars and cuffs because our proprietary lift-off molecules know where to find the set-in stain, the pH-balance means it can pull acidic food stains (like grapes/blueberries) and alkaline ones (like soy sauce) with the same effectiveness)
• Everyday Wipes ($16): From spills to sticky messes, our everyday wipes are the perfect companion for quick and convenient cleanup during your holiday gatherings. (Good to know: Safe for leather car seats, baby strollers and baby gear, pet toys, and beyond)

arbOUR is more than just a cleaning product brand; it’s a symbol of change, a commitment to being eco-friendly, and a celebration of family values. Health is wealth and it’s time to tell big corporations we are taking our power back!

Bushwick Kitchen BBQ Masters

No more sriracha shortage! For the BBQ lover in your life and let’s be honest it’s a life milestone to obsess over huge slabs of meat. Bushwick Kitchen is here to assure consumers that BK’s array of Sriracha sauces and other gourmet condiments are still available for purchase, with no foreseeable shortage expected. Summer (and Spring in Arizona) will be bringing the heat soon enough, and Bushwick Kitchen is making sure that grilling season also remains spicy with its three Sriracha offerings: