Holiday GIFT GUIDE for the Burnt-Out, Exhausted, Media Creative | 21 Gift Ideas for HIM + HER

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This is your holiday gift guide for the burnt-out, exhausted creative and media person in your life! There are 21 gift ideas in this one, so buckle up! Maybe that person is you, so you might just wanna stick around to see what treats you can pick up for yourself as part of your self-care ritual this holiday season.

Black Friday, Cyber Monday, pre-holiday sales, post-holiday sales… Get your 21 gift ideas in this gift guide to help recover from being burnt out and exhausted this year!

No time to watch the 13-minute video? Get shopping links to all gift ideas below!

RELATED VIDEOS MENTIONED:

○ Manduka PRO vs. PROlite vs. eKO Superlite Yoga Mats: https://youtu.be/BagD_ayAhbY
○ Manduka eQua Yoga Mat Towel Review: https://youtu.be/KZ4xlLZQBnY
○ Morning Rituals for Mental Focus: https://youtu.be/wEJQEc6B0dw

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
01:58 - 1. Kindle Paperwhite
02:22 - 2. “Do Less”, Kate Northrup
02:49 - 3. Manduka PROlite yoga mat
03:30 - 4. Manduka eQua hand towel
03:56 - 5. Klean Kanteen stainless steel water bottle
04:21 - 6. Nike Free x Metcon Cross Trainers
04:58 - 7. Toesox Training Gloves
05:48 - 8. Jaybird Tarah Pro Wireless Earphones
06:45 - 9. Instant Pot
07:32 - 10. Healthy Food Delivery Service
07:58 - 11. Apple Watch
08:29 - 12. Fitbit
08:41 - 13. Online Fitness Subscription
09:14 - 14. Blue Light Blocking Glasses
09:31 - 15. Journal
10:02 - 16. Diptyque/ Eco Scented Candle
10:22 - 17. Gabby Bernstein Affirmation Cards
10:48 - 18. Meditation App Subscription
11:10 - 19. Self-Massage Tools
11:30 - 20. Massage Gun
12:17 - 21. Magnesium Salts
12:46 - Summary Card
13:04 - What’s Next?

ALL MY FAVE THINGS + TOOLS IN ONE PLACE: https://kit.co/enlightenedspoon

TRANSCRIPT:

Hi! And welcome back to my channel! If we haven’t met yet, I’m Jaime Tan at Enlightened Spoon. On this channel you’ll get lifestyle tools to help bring some ease to your busy life, just like today’s, and other times you’ll get quick recipes, yoga and meditation practices… all ways for the busy creative with no time to stress less, yet accomplish more. So hit that Like button and consider subscribing if you want more like this.


I’m a wellness coach trained in nutrition, yoga and meditation, as well as an Executive Producer in one of the world’s top creative agencies frequently shooting with celebrities and pro-athletes… so I know what it’s like navigating a busy, full-on life. Over the years, I’ve collected my favourite tools that either help me save time or maximise the limited time I’ve got, or that simply help me to focus better so I can perform better - they all enhance my overall wellbeing and life experience. I recommend a bunch of these to my clients too, and today I’m sharing them with you!

Some of these are affiliate links which means if you buy something, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra charge to you, it simply lets me continue making these hopefully helpful videos for you. And I only recommend products that I genuinely use and enjoy. We have 21 gift ideas to go, you can use the timestamps to jump ahead to the bits you’re interested in… otherwise let’s get down to business.



GIFT GUIDE:

1. Kindle Paperwhite: https://geni.us/GqEv4o

Amazon’s e-book reader that’s small, lightweight and the latest edition is waterproof, so if you’re reading in the bath or in the pool while on holiday - it’s all good. Get thousands of books on one little device - which saves money and trees! These often go on sale during Black Friday weekend - so check my link above.


2. “Do Less” Book, Kate Northrup: https://geni.us/ePeI1b

What’s the first book you’re gonna read in your new Kindle? I suggest “Do Less” by Kate Northrup. It’s an intelligent book that teaches you how to manage your time and energy by working with nature’s cycles. There are loads of experiments you can test from working with the lunar/ moon phases to the female menstrual cycle. And when you’re constantly burnt out and exhausted, perhaps it’s a good time to rethink how you’ve been approaching your time and energy management. This is a great start.


3. Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat: https://bit.ly/336iDJa

You’ve no doubt heard that yoga and meditation are great ways to reduce stress, stay focussed, and depending on the style of yoga - you could lose weight too! Watch this previous video where I reviewed 3 different Manduka yoga mats if you really wanna go down a “which yoga mat to get” rabbithole. But if you want the easy recommendation - get this one. The Manduka PROlite.

If you’re in Europe or the UK, you can even get a 10% discount with my code.

Use promo code “ENLIGHTENEDSPOON” for 10% discount. EU site only.


4. Manduka eQua Mat Towel: https://bit.ly/2Ffi9sm

What happens if your stressed out creative already has a yoga mat they love? Why not get a yoga mat towel, or a hand towel? Watch this video for another review I made of why you’d wanna use a mat towel. I recommend the Manduka eQua mat and hand towels.

The same 10% discount code applies if you’re in Europe or the UK.

Use promo code “ENLIGHTENEDSPOON” for 10% discount. EU site only.


5. Klean Kanteen Water Bottle: https://bit.ly/2Kxiqcr

Is your stressed-out creative drinking too much coffee? Not drinking enough water throughout the day? This Klean Kanteen is my favourite water bottle. It’s stainless steel coz you don’t wanna use a plastic water bottle - those leach BPAs or bisphenols which basically screw up your hormones, adding to your stress. This has a wide mouth - so it’s easy to clean. The Swell water bottles that are still real trendy always gross me out coz they’ve got a narrow neck and unless you’ve got a tiny kitchen brush, it’s impossible to clean!

These are perfect! Oh - and they also do thermos versions with a cafe lid that don’t spill… great for that takeaway coffee or… herbal tea.


6. Nike Free x Metcon Trainers: https://geni.us/hoB6J

These are great cross-trainers, if you do a range of workouts from HIIT to running. I probably wouldn’t use these as long-distance running shoes coz they’re really low-profile… but if you’re into Crossfit, strength and resistance trainings, and also do a little bit of cardio-conditioning on the side like boxing, short treadmill warm-ups... these are versatile and soooo comfy.

Liking my suggestions so far? Hit that Like button and subscribe for more videos to help you manage your busy life with more grace, ease and flow!

7. Toesox Gloves: https://geni.us/JiPDL

Similar to the cross-trainers - if you do a range of workouts that involve lifting and gripping various gym equipment - you might find these Toesox gloves handy. Now bear in mind that these are really pilates gloves… so they’re great on the pilates reformer machines, but I’ve also been using them on the rowing machine and in kettlebell class - and they’re great to help prevent calluses that build up right here. And also when you don’t really wanna be touching the gym gear around you in these times.

These aren’t proper weightlifting gloves - and if you lift, you probably want something a little sturdier, made from leather if you’re OK with animal products. So these are kinda like gloves-lite - a little barrier and protection between you and gross gym gear.


8. Jaybird Tarah Pro Wireless Earphones: https://bit.ly/2J1KK5K

I’m an Apple fan, and totally sucked into the Apple eco-system. BUT. Their wireless airpods kinda look dorky, and they don’t fit in my ear holes. I love Jaybirds coz just like my cross-trainers and Toesox gloves - they’re super versatile. These fins hook into the insides of your ears, they’re super comfy, but best of all, no matter which Jaybirds you buy, they all connect to an app that allows you to create your own EQ. So if you’re an audio snob like me, and sound quality is important, you’ll really like these. And if tuning your own EQ takes too much time, there are hundreds of other users who’ve uploaded their EQ settings, and other users have rated them, so you could totally grab someone else’s highly reviewed EQ settings to use as your own.

I love these Tarah Pro’s coz they’re waterproof and I even take them into the steam room when I want to listen to a guided meditation at the same time.


9. Instant Pot: https://geni.us/EnEJ9sx

This is an awesome kitchen tool, especially in winter time. It’s a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker and yogurt maker all rolled into one. You can make Morrocan tagines, Indian curries, stews… especially when you’re short on time - one pot meals are the best. Throw everything in this pot at the start of the day, turn on the slow cooker function and by the end of the day, you’ve got a delicious home-cooked hot meal. Or you could do the same thing in 30 minutes with the pressure cooker function.

If you eat meat, the pressure cooker function cooks a whole chicken in 15 minutes.

It turns the non-cook into a pretty decent chef. At least I like to think so. There are almost always Black Friday sales on the Instant Pot - so watch out for this one.

10. Healthy Food Delivery:

If cooking really isn’t your thing, then what about a healthy food delivery service… as a delicious treat? It’s much better than always getting a greasy takeaway when you’ve got no time. Depending where in the world you are, there’s Bio Meals in Amsterdam, Pure Package in London or Urban Remedy in New York… wherever you’re based in the world, you just need to do a quick Google search for “healthy meal delivery service”... and tadah!


11. Apple Watch: https://geni.us/XldKrJo

If you REALLY wanna splash out, get an Apple Watch! It’s up to Gen 5 now, but to be honest, the Gen 3 like I’ve got here is still great - and also waterproof. Track your daily steps, workouts, heartrate, and also track each daily workout that you’re doing - waterproof means swimming can be tracked. There’s a social element too where you can hook up with your friends and family and do weekly or daily challenges. If you need more motivation to get off the couch while working from home - this classic will help!


12. Fitbit: https://geni.us/WqhwXRV

Not really an Apple fan? Try the Fitbit! It’s got similar fitness tracking abilities to the Apple Watch, and also at a slightly cheaper price. Still great value.

13. Online Fitness Subscription:

So now that you’ve got a fitness tracker… it’s time to get fit! How about an online fitness subscription, if you don’t really wanna be in a gym these days? These days, you’re spoilt for choice! Check your local fitness and yoga studios for digital class subscriptions, or:

  • For yoga, meditation, pilates - head to Glo.com, previously known as Yoga Glo. 

  • For indoor cardio training, there’s Peloton, and even if you’re not splashing out crazy money on an indoor bike or treadmill, the Peloton app subscription still gives you livestreamed and on-demand classes directly to wherever you are.


14. Bluelight Blocking Glasses: https://geni.us/NqOI

Now more than ever, we’re mostly all working from home, which means we’re staring at the screen for long periods of time. Protect your eyes, reduce the headaches and get a better night’s sleep by wearing bluelight blockers! They’re just like regular glasses, but they block the blue light from digital devices.

15. Journal: https://geni.us/0Z1yv

Writing down thoughts, reflections, anything that’s floating around in the thought soup you’ve got is such a great way to brain dump and get rid of any of that pent up anxiety or anything lurking beneath the surface. You can watch this video on the morning rituals of successful people and how so many people at the top of their game include some form of writing at the start of the day. I always recommend some form of journaling with all my clients and in fact - this Lamare planner/ journal is something I often gift my clients too.

16. Diptyque/ Eco Scented Candle: https://geni.us/akgzp

Smells are a great way to instantly put you in a state of calm, so what about splashing out on a Diptyque scented candle? They’re a little touch of luxury. Or maybe a more eco-friendly organic soy candle.


16 down, 5 more to go… Got any ideas from my suggestions so far? Let me know in the comments below which ones you’re considering… and is it for you or someone else?

17. Gabby Bernstein Affirmation Cards:

Affirmation cards. These will make great stocking stuffers… my faves are the affirmation cards from Gabby Bernstein - pick a card at the start of your day, tune into the positive message it has for you… and I find they’re a great way to take a moment to check in with yourself, your intuition… how you’re feeling, where you’re at… and that moment of checking in helps to cultivate that moment of mindfulness… great for someone who needs to slow down and check in with themself.

18. Meditation App Subscription:

What about a meditation app subscription? There are so many classics from Headspace to Calm, but my all-time go-to recommendation is Insight Timer. It’s free to use, but the annual subscription gives you extra features like offline playlists you can fast-forward and rewind. There are so many great teachers and styles of meditation - great for calm and great for sleep.

19. Self Massage Tools (aka Myofascial Release):

Here’s another great addition to your fitness routine: a recovery routine. Regular self-massage using a foam roller like this one or massage balls like these are great for your fascia connective tissue. If you get tight or crampy the day after working out - these are great tools to reduce that tightness - it’s painful when you’re rolling, but so relaxing after.


20. Massage Gun:

If you REALLY wanna splash out, you wanna get a massage gun. They’re like a foam roller on steroids. 2 minutes on these babies feels like 10 minutes of foam rolling. The Theragun is a classic but it’s also kinda crazy expensive. The HyperVolt is about half the price of the Theragun, does a great job too. And even at half price, it is also kinda crazy expensive. Definitely check out the Black Friday sales on these babies. I’m just lucky my gym has these. But if you think about it, even if you’re getting it for that stressed out special someone, hopefully you’ll get to benefit it from it too… 2 for the price of 1? No more going for massages ever… maybe that’s how you can justify it?


21. Magnesium/ Epsom Salts: https://geni.us/GacaM1

And finally… staying with that relaxation, rest and recovery theme… maybe getting some magnesium salts also known as epsom salts can be a great touch to any stocking stuffer. I mean, epsom salts aren’t the most romantic gift… but what you could do in the bath with them could be…? Even if you don’t have a bath tub, you can always use them as a foot soak in a bucket. Coz that’s even more romantic. Who cares? It’ll make you more relaxed. Mission accomplished.

SUMMARY:

Holiday Gift Guide for Stressed Out Creative.png

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