Gift Guide by Team Supps!

As we gather goodies to bestow upon our loved ones during this expensive time of generosity and, obligation, there’s definitely room for that nonsensical gadget, useless doo-dad or might-not-ever-be-worn trinket; that said, most of the gifts that will be truly remembered this year, will be given from a place of intention and thoughtfulness. Guess what? So many game-changing presents that have the potential to really support one’s quality of life can be found in our supplement section. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: “Give the gift of health this holiday season!” Read on for some of our favorites.

- Zach, Miles, Bex & Alyssa (your friendly Supplements team)

1. MyCommunity by Host Defense

One of our favorite products just got better; Host Defense’s MyCommunity is now available in a 4oz size!  It’s a mindful gift chock full of medicinal mushrooms, formulated to support the immune health of your sibling and their growing family--or anyone else you know for that matter. Also perfect for that extended family member who’s interested in biology, the science behind Host Defense is extensive and compelling. Their packaging is beautiful too!

2. Unfair Advantage by Bulletproof

You've heard of CoQ10 before, right? It's one of the coenzymes we need for creating energy in our mitochondria -- the 'power plants' of our cells. But what about PQQ? PQQ is a novel micronutrient which has some studies showing that it boosts cellular energy production in part by creating new mitochondria. PQQ also boosts blood flow to the brain, where it may have a protective role. Unfair Advantage packs liquid PQQ and CoQ10 into an ampule for quick clean energy when you (or the one you are gifting) needs it most.

3. Organic Drops by Calm-A-Mama

For those of you eager to make a pregnant woman, nursing mother or adorable child smile, these tasty glycerin-based drops are safe for all! With Calm Drops, Sleep Drops, Teeth + Tummy Drops, Happy Drops, Balance Drops and Focus Drops, Calm-A-Mama offers the kind of botanical support that is often a challenge to come by during such sensitive life stages. Formulated with gentle herb and flower extracts, like lemon balm, peppermint, rose and hyssop, Mary Poppins would approve of these delicious drops.

4. Vanilla & Coconut Water Collagen Peptides by Vital Protein

Collagen, the structural protein praised for its unique ability to provide much-needed strength and elasticity support for our joints, skin, nails and hair, can be found in your traditional JELLO dish, but we find  Vital Proteins Vanilla & Coconut Water Collagen Peptides to be a much tastier treat. Perfect for the athlete on your shopping list, this delicious protein powder comes from pasture raised and grass fed cows, offering protein AND BCAAs. While it can be hard to stomach cold smoothies in the winter, this mix also tastes great served warm, mixed with water or your milk of choice!

5. Omega Memory by Nordic Naturals

Winter in the Northeast can be tough: cold days, gray skies, and long nights.  A wonderful way to gift a loved one a mild pick-me-up is with Nordic Naturals Omega Memory with Curcumin.  Perfect for the teacher, student, or hard-worker in your life who needs a little more 'oomph,' the omegas provide brain support and the curcumin supports the reduction of overall inflammation.

6. Standardized + Full Spectrum Ashwagandha by Cambridge Naturals

Adaptogenic in nature, ashwagandha is a balancing herb that supports stress relief, emotional balance and hormonal regulation. Many of us find that it zens us out and brings on a general sense of wellbeing when taken regularly and consistently. The Cambridge Naturals blend is potent and effective with both the root and the extract packing their punch.

STOCKING STUFFERS!

The 1oz and 2oz bottles from Urban Moonshine, Herbalogic, Bach Flower Essences, not to mention pretty much any of our herb tinctures, and individual Party Smart boxes, all make perfect stocking stuffers for grown-up family members and friends. If you are looking for functional (and yummy) treats for the same crowd, try Veggimins CBD-infused Chocolate, Yes Cacao’s Botanical Chocolate Bars, or Bulletproof Chocolate Fuel Bars. For the kidlets, consider vitamin gummies, a much healthier version of the candy that often overflows from the stockings of wee ones!

See our staff picks and our curated gift boxes for even more gifting ideas!

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This blog post is for general health information only. This Web site is not to be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of any health condition or problem. Users of this Web site should not rely on information provided on this Web site for their own health problems. Any questions regarding your own health should be addressed to your own physician or other healthcare provider.

Gift Guide: Lady Friends

Whether it's your mother, sister, friend or romantic leading lady, we all know a special woman who deserves some extra love and support this holiday season. Below, some of our favorite items for the powerful ladies in your lives:

1. Thorn & Bloom Perfume
Made by certified natural perfumer Jennifer Botto right in Somerville, these scents are delicate and enchanting and are small enough to stuff in a stocking! Made with only plant-based ingredients, they are the perfect gift for the clean beauty gal in your life.

2. OBC Java Jolt Body Scrub
Locally-made scrubs are the best scrubs! We love Organic Bath Co.’s coffee scrub for all over gentle exfoliation - made with all organic ingredients including certified fair-trade coffee grounds and sugar, it's the perfect shower treatment to wake you up on these cold, dark mornings.

3. Ginger Chi Jade Roller
Used for centuries to refine and enhance skin elasticty, the jade roller by Ginger Chi stimulates the meridians in your face and neck. It’s an easy way to give your face a massage morning or night. Bonus tip: keep it in the fridge and swipe around your eyes to cool down any puffiness. Makes a great gift for a hard working woman who could use some self-care!

4. Herbalogic Peacekeeper Tincture
Keep the peace all month long with this botanical blend from Herbalogic! This tincture is a lady's moon cycle best friend, helpful for restoring hormonal balance and promoting a healthy emotional response*. We could all use a little more peacekeeping in our lives, no?

5. We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This beautiful little book from the talented Nigerian writer and public speaker Chimamanda Ngozi Achidie is the perfect gift for all of the powerful women (and the men!) in your lives. It was inspired by her TEDx talk on the same subject, and speaks to a new wave of feminism that necessarily includes everyone - whether you love bras and makeup, or not.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Gift Guide: That Vegan Friend

By Mary, Body Care Buyer & The Naturalist Contributor

At this point we have all gone through a vegan phase or have a close personal friend who has ("I love vegans! Some of my best friends are vegan!"). Maybe you really need to buy this person a gift, but your love for animal products has blinded you to what would be appropriate for them. We have tons of vegan-friendly beauty products and snacks that the vegan you know and love will be grateful to receive. This gift guide is for you!

Treeline Cheese
My personal favorite non-dairy cheese is this cashew-based french-style soft cheese from Treeline. I use it as dip, a spread on toast, and sometimes even on pasta. With a variety of flavors, each cup of cashew goodness is sure to delight even the pickiest eaters.

Primal Strips Jerky
Hidden on a wall of meat jerky lies a secretly delicious vegan friendly jerky treat. Primal Strips Jerky is a customer favorite and an easy stocking stuffer for those with the vegan munchies.

Hurraw Lip Balm
One of the few lip balms we sell with zero bee ingredients whatsoever! These lip balms moisturize and protect during the cold New England winter to come. They also offer one with SPF to protect sensitive lips from the sun all year round.

Coconut Bacon Bits by Phoney Baloney
Bored with salad? Need a little crunch in that sandwich? Want to spice up that baked potato? Love pigs and don’t want to eat them? Add some fake bacon bits to your life! These are handmade in California with just seven ingredients blended to give you the satisfaction of #bacon, and no animals were harmed.

Brianna’s Soap
Made down the street in Arlington, these soaps are 100% vegan and local! Every scent in her growing bar soap collection is available in store. Brianna was also our October Monthly Muse - read up on the inspiration for starting her company here.

Amazing Grass Protein Superfood Powder
This protein powder mix is a CN staff all-time favorite. The chocolate peanut butter variety is so delicious, easy to use, and doesn’t have that grainy texture that is often associated with protein powders. Not only are you getting a plant-based protein boost, but it’s filled with a nutrient-rich fruit and veggie blend while tasting like a dessert.

The perfect card for the one you love!

Valentine's Day doesn't have to be about Hallmark! Good Paper Cards is a wonderful company with a mission to restore the humanity and beauty within each of us that gets so easily forgotten and tossed aside. They start with their cardmakers - women who have escaped sex trafficking in the Philippines and young adults orphaned by disease in Rwanda.

For her February Staff Pick, Grace chose three delightful handmade cards from Good Paper Cards with the theme of love. Read about her choices below!

She says... These unique pun-ny greeting cards are handmade in Rwanda by young orphans, and your fair trade purchase allows them to support their families. On the back of each card is a signature of the person who made the card for you, which I think makes it really personal and special. I thought it would be fun to accompany a card with one of our grocery items as a little Valentine's Gift this year. Here are some examples: 

Give the "You Make Miso Happy" card with a jar of South River miso! 

Give the "Perfect pair" card with a pair of Maggie's socks. 

Give the "I'm Nuts About You" card with a jar of Wilderness Poets raw almond butter.

There are so many cute possibilities! Browse our awesome card selection to create more of your own endearing pairings.

Staying Hygge this [Holiday] Season

This blog post is an update of an earlier one we wrote last January. As we approach the winter solstice, it's the perfect time to start thinking about how to stay hygge all winter long!

In Denmark, the winter nights are long and cold and very dark (sounds pretty similar to Boston!). Those savvy Danes combat this seasonal dreariness with the art of hygge (pronounced 'hooga') a word that roughly translates to "coziness". This means things like lighting lots of candles, cooking meals and playing games with friends and family, wrapping up in warm blankets and reading good books by the fireplace.

Through the holiday season and beyond, incorporating hygge into your daily life can help keep that warm, festive spirit alive throughout the winter. Here are some ideas to help you bring the art of hygge into your home!

Candle light can really lift your spirits on these dark, dark nights! We suggest this beautiful Oakmoss + Leather travel candle from Simply Curated - the deep, rich, musky scent will really help you get in the hygge frame of mind. We suggest donning some warm flannel, turning on some jazz, and sipping your wintertime favorite beverage as you enjoy the flickering glow!

The next morning, pour yourself a cup of Counter Culture Coffee's Iridescent Blend. CCC donates a portion of proceeds from every pound they sell to organizations doing important work in the communities where they source coffee - to complete the cycle of good works, good cheer, and great coffee - truly embodying the hygge spirit we think! CCC's #anycoffeeanybrew campaign shows that there are so many ways to brew a delicious cup - check out the brewing guides on their website.

Christmas trees in a bottle. Need we say more?! This Christmas Tree Cabin Spray by Juniper Ridge is the epitome of holiday smells. Spray the scents of hygge all over your house - in your living room, bedroom, even the bathroom! When the holiday rush is over, it will help transport you back to that festive frame of mind.

Nothing says hygge like curling up with a good book - and better yet, an adult coloring book! It's another 6 months till summer, people, so surround yourself with the joy of plants with this "Just Add Color: Botanicals" book by Lisa Congdon. It will delight your creative senses and add bring a pop of color into these long, dark nights!

Feeling hygge is also about being comfortable and happy in your skin, even in these months of cold, dry air! This beautiful Patchouli & Geranium Body Oil from Thesis Beauty is the perfect antidote to all of those winter skin challenges. We suggest performing the ayurvedic practice of self-massage to increase circulation and keep your skin soft and moisturized! Rub this oil deep into your skin for 10 minutes before a warm shower: massage in circular motion towards the heart; rinse with water but not with soap.

This beautiful Bamboo Aromatherapy Diffuser from NOW uses ultrasonic technology to release a cold mist, filling your home with the pleasing, hygge scents of the pure essential oils of your choice. The cold mist maintains the integrity and holistic properties of the essential oils. Use a single oil or an enticing, hygge combination like bergamot & clove, or frankincense & orange.

Let us know how you're staying hygge this season!

Six Autumn Essentials to Get You Through 'til Winter Break

The holiday break is just around the corner, folks! Alex put together this list of six must-haves for getting through the fast-paced autumn season in style:

Simply Curated: These small sized travel candles are beautiful and smell great. I love the idea of being able to bring them with me on my travels! Simply Curated uses 100% pure soy wax that is sourced from the US only, as well as domestically sourced wood wicks. They are always hand poured and phthalate free and oh so pretty!

Klean Kanteen: recently introduced these slimmer mouthed insulated bottles. Perfect for the winter, they will keep your coffee or tea hot literally for hours. Or for that hardcore New Englander, it will keep the ice in your cold brew from melting. Either way, you will be cutting down on those wasteful to go cups and sipping on something delicious!

Soul Sunday: This beautifully branded aromatherapy roll-on are made from coconut oil and 100% pure essential oils. perfect for decompressing on the go, you can apply this oil to your temples and wrists and breathe in!

Perfect Fuel: These little bites of energy will satisfy your chocolate craving while providing a quick boost! This Boston based company makes bite sized chocolate with ginseng, espresso or chia. All delicious and help get you through your day or work out!

Pure Life GABA-Max: Stressed? Me too. That’s okay… with a little bit of GABA, one may feel chill within no time. The main ingredient of this formula is compound known as Phenyl-GABA, a derivative of the well established endogenous inhibitory neurotransmitter in our brains, GABA. When taken orally, Phenyl-GABA crosses the blood-brain barrier and may support feelings of relaxation. While many like this product, please do consult your physician when trying any new supplement!

Herbalogic Fixed Focus: Herbalogic focuses on Chinese herbal blends and use three methods of extraction, water, glycerin and alcohol, to provide you with an extra potent and unique product. Their Fixed Focus blend helps support mental clarity and concentration without making you feel wired or jittery.

Our (illustrated) Father's Day Gift Guide

In addition to being a wonderful manager and integral part of our grocery department, Alex is also a gifted illustrator! We asked her to put together some of her favorite products for our "Fathers Day Gift Guide" and then put her drawing talent to work! Whether you're celebrating a father, husband, or just an amazing man in your life, we've got gift ideas for everyone on your list!

Simple Facial Oil by Little Barn Apothecary: Made with cold-pressed hemp oil and essential oils of lavender and frankincense, this clean blend is the perfect go-to moisturizer for a man on the go! Little fuss, and it'll keep his beautiful skin nourished throughout the day!

Bee-Sweetened Marshmallow by Apotheker's: Hard-working dudes deserve a (bee-sweetened) treat! Give the father(s) in your life a reason to remember the sweetness of childhood - maybe he'll even remember to share.

Bergamot + Teak Candle by Manready Mercantile: These "man-dles" make the perfect gift for those fathers who deserve some "me time". The deep and manly scent, comprised of clean soy wax and essential oils, will fill the room and inspire relaxation.

Big Trouble by Counter Culture Coffee: This delicious year-round blend is a fantastic gift for the coffee connoisseur (read: snob) father(s) you love. Paired with a burr grinder and a Chemex pour-over, he'll be set to make the perfect cup of coffee every morning before the kiddos wake up.

Chicken Bar by Epic Bars: If the father(s) in your life love the great outdoors, give him a stock of protein bars to take on the next hike! These delicious chicken bars from Epic are as manly as they come - full of good protein and fats to keep you going while chasing after little ones (or mountain lions).

Set of Three Handkerchiefs by Sustainable Threads: Every dude deserves a high-quality, attractive set of pocket squares for the next dress-up occasion. These beautiful handkerchiefs are perfect for the season of weddings, graduations and galas, whether he's shedding tears of joy or mopping up beads of sweat from breaking it down on the dance-floor. 

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Finding the perfect gift for the mom(s) in your life doesn't have to be work! We've put together a few of our favorite products that are sure to put a smile on her face and some pep in her hard-working step. 

Pukka Womankind Tea
This beautiful blend of herbs is perfect for bringing balance and bliss into your morning routine. Made with fragrant vanilla, hibiscus and rose, tangy sweet cranberry, earthy beetroot and licorice, and soothing chamomile and shatavari, this tea makes a wonderful gift for that strong, beautiful mama in your life. 

Niche Boston succulent
Springtime calls for P L A N T S! We've been getting regular deliveries of these beautiful succulents, cacti, ferns and terrariums from our favorite urban garden shop across the river, Niche Boston. Complete with beautiful ceramic and metal pots, they make an excellent gift for the green thumb woman in your life. 

100% Pure Mascara
This incredible mascara from 100% pure comes in colors like blackberry and dark chocolate - and they smell amazing, seriously! This company uses the cleanest

Urban moonshine joy tonic
Mothers of all kinds are the hardest workers! It can be a challenge to take time for herself when caring for so many others. This wonderful formula from the expert herbalists at Urban Moonshine in Burlington VT "promotes a positive mental attitude and promote a relaxed feeling when overworked or overwhelmed." A great gift for that powerful woman in your life. 

Weleda Evening Primrose Body Oil
This luxurious organic oil makes a fantastic massage oil, belly balm, or overall body moisturizer. Evening primrose, olive, wheat germ, sea buckthorn and jojoba seed oils deliver essential fatty acids and omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9 to help restore and moisturize skin. Its rich, velvety texture offers a nourishing treatment that leaves skin healthy, firm and renewed. Perfect gift to help that special mama relax and rejuvenate!

Schmilk Chocolate
Let's just get one thing straight. Chocolate = Love. Show your favorite mamas that you love them with the gift of something sweet! This vegan milk chocolate from Schmilk leaves absolutely nothing wanting - rich, creamy, lightly sweet and completely delicious. 

Thesis Rose Candle
We can't get enough of this lightly scented, completely beautiful candle from local body care company Thesis. Made with soy wax and essential oils and housed in amber glass, the candle will burn for many hours, giving off a soft glow and filling the room with the delicious scent of rose petals.

Zach: What I'm Gifting This Year

Assistant Manager Zach is a true connoisseur, seeking out the most interesting, unique and high-quality products to carry at the store. He's developed our now robust Men's Section, added to our line-up of effective herbal remedies for health, and sought out some incredibly delicious honeys to fill our shelves. Here he gives his top gift picks for the holiday season, great ideas for men and women alike!

Patchouli Shaving Soap by Bower Studio  This is hands down the best shaving soap I have ever used.  Hand-Poured in Boston, it features Activated Charcoal as a mild exfoliant and skin detoxifying agent as well as a beautiful Patchouli scent that I look forward to every time I shave.  The packaging is beautifully printed and has tons of gift appeal.

The Wild Medicine Solution by Guido Mase  This book is a great gift for those in your life who are interested in nature, herbs, and alternative health.   The Wild Medicine Solution is both informative and accessible; leaving the reader feeling more informed and motivated to engage the natural world in their everyday lives.  Guido Mase’ is a well-known and respected herbalist out of Burlington, VT where he teaches and practices integrative medicine.

Cabin Sprays & Resin Colognes by Juniper Ridge  New to Cambridge Naturals,  these amazing room/body sprays and solid-colognes are beautiful, not only in smell but visually as well.  Entirely hand made with wildcrafted resins and oils produced by Juniper Ridge themselves, these are a great example of terroir.  With multiple scents for the discerning noses in your life, these are sure to be a hit.

Salt Lamps by Aloha Bay  Just in time for the short-days of winter, beautiful Himalayan Pink Salt Lamps from Aloha Bay to fill our lives with warm, beautiful, soothing light.  Mined from a single salt mine in Pakistan that has been in operation for over 4,000 years, pink salt lamps

Varietal Honeys by Savannah Bee Company  I am a huge, huge fan of honey.  And not just run of the mill, OK-but-not-great honey, but delicious, subtle, wonderful honey.  With offerings from whipped Winter White Honey to Southeastern Tupelo Honey, the gourmet honeys from Savannah Bee Company out of Savannah, Georgia are one of my go-to gifts this year.  Acacia, Georgia Wildflower, and even a honey whose purchase supports the “Bee Cause Project” to educate future generations on the importance of bees, bring some sweet into your life!

Tis the Season! Alex's Gift Picks

Whether fashionista, foodie or body care connoisseur, Alex has a gift for everyone on your list! Check out her favorite picks for friends and loved ones.

Soft and Pretty Gifts

Sseko Designs  I probably wear this scarf everyday! These scarves are cozy, big and billowy with beautiful hand woven designs wrapping around the fabric and they come in three versatile colors! Sseko Designs is an ethical fashion company committed to creating sustainable economic opportunity in their home base of Uganda. Makes a great gift for that fashionable, eco-conscious friend in your life... or for anyone who just really likes a good scarf!

Acure Lip Lush in "Date Worthy"  These lip glosses provide sheer color with a creamy, but not sticky, consistency. Great for adding color and moisture, or for layering over your lipstick to add some shine. Great little gift for girlfriends, whether platonic or romantic!

Andes Gifts, Balaclava  Andes Gifts come from Bolivia and Peru and are handmade, fair trade and sweatshop free. The company is dedicated to creating economic opportunity for the local women that hand knit these products. I love their balaclava, they make two different sizes for men and women. They are a blend of alpaca wool and nylon, so they are nice and soft without being itchy. I like that you can wear the hood on the super cold days on your bike, and then flip it down for more of a scarf look, and no loosing your hat!

Yummy Gifts

Will N' Roses Soaked Sprouted Pecans  These have become a staple in my pantry. The pecans have been soaked, sprouted and slow dried so they are nice a crispy and easy to digest, then sprinkled with the slightest bit of sea salt to make the most delicious pecan ever! These would be great to bring to a gathering, give to a host or to use on a holiday dish!

Neighborly Farms Raw Sharp Cheddar  This organic, family farm based out of Vermont produces some delicious cheese! Their raw milk sharp cheddar packs a lot of flavor and you can feel good knowing that it was produced without hormones, antibiotics, chemical fertilizers or unhappy cows. Also - tastes great alongside those sprouted pecans!

Jem Raw & Organic Cinnamon Red Maca Almond Butter  Just slap a bow on this and you're done! But really - super delicious nut butter. Most nut butters are delicious in my opinion, but this one is extra special, Jem uses sprouted almonds in their recipe, and the combination of maca, coconut sugar and cinnamon is pretty perfect. I personally think this would be a great gift for anyone who doesn't have a nut allergy, yum!

Smelly Gifts

A Wild Soap "Tis the Season" Pack  A Wild Soap has come out with three great smelling, and adorable, holiday bar soaps, each one topped with a different garnish, cinnamon stick, juniper berries and shredded coconut. The 'Tis the Season pack lets you try all three soaps in a cute little package. They are all made with sustainable oils, wild harvest herbs and an essential oil blend to create the delicious scents. Great unisex gift for a variety of occasions.

Thesis Dead Sea Salt Bath  Thesis is a local company, based out of Somerville. Their Dead Sea Salt Bath is beautifully packaged in a glass bottle with a cork top, so no need for wrapping! They make a few different scents, my pick would be the lavender fields. Nice and simple ingredients, real lavender and peppermint leaves mixed with the essential oil blend to create a relaxing and refreshing scent.