The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Health Enthusiasts: Lauren's Personal Favorites
Shopping for the fitness lover in your life? Or maybe you're looking to treat yourself to tools that actually support your health goals?
After years of testing products, supplements, and equipment, I've narrowed down my absolute favorites. These aren't trendy products that'll collect dust by February. These are the things I actually use, recommend to clients, and would genuinely be excited to find under the tree.
Whether you're shopping for a serious athlete, someone just starting their health journey, or treating yourself to upgrades that'll make 2026 your strongest year yet, this guide has something for everyone.
Recovery & Wellness Tools
RELAX Sauna
Why I Love It: It’s portable and I use it almost every day for 25 minutes. This isn't just relaxation (though that alone would be worth it). Far infrared sauna therapy supports detoxification, improves circulation, reduces muscle soreness, and helps manage stress. As someone who trains hard and coaches others doing the same, recovery is non-negotiable. The RELAX Sauna makes it easy to get therapeutic heat therapy at home without the space or cost of a traditional sauna.
The difference between this and other saunas? Far infrared penetrates deeper into your tissues, working at the cellular level to support healing and recovery. After tough training sessions, 20 to 25 minutes in the sauna helps my body bounce back faster and sleep better.
Perfect For: Anyone serious about recovery, people dealing with chronic pain or inflammation, or anyone who needs help managing stress.
Price Point: Investment piece Use code LBFIT for $100 off Shop RELAX Sauna
Oura Ring
Why I Love It: Sleep tracking changed everything for me. The Oura Ring gives me data on my sleep quality, recovery, and readiness to train hard. It's like having a health coach on your finger that tells you when to push and when to rest.
What makes this better than a watch? It's lightweight, comfortable enough to sleep in, and the battery lasts for days. The insights it provides about sleep stages, heart rate variability, and body temperature have helped me understand my patterns and make better choices about training intensity and nutrition timing.
Perfect For: Data-driven people, anyone struggling with sleep quality, athletes who want to optimize recovery.
Price Point: Splurge Shop Oura Ring
TheraBands
Why I Love It: If you have any tendonitis or joint issues, Therabands are amazing. I use them to warm up before workouts, and they work so well that I've got my husband and mom joining in!
These simple resistance bands help activate muscles, improve mobility, and strengthen the stabilizer muscles that prevent injury. They're especially valuable for shoulder health, elbow issues, and hip activation. They're the best investment you can make for joint health and injury prevention.
Perfect For: Anyone with elbow or shoulder pain, people recovering from injuries, or anyone wanting to prevent them.
Price Point: Budget-friendly Shop TheraBands
Floss Bands
Why I Love It: These compression bands are incredible for improving mobility and reducing inflammation around joints. Wrap them around a stiff joint, move through your range of motion, and release. The blood flow that rushes back helps flush out inflammation and restore movement.
I use these with clients who have chronic tightness or old injuries that limit their training. They're also great for post-workout recovery.
Perfect For: People with mobility restrictions, anyone dealing with joint pain, serious athletes.
Price Point: Budget-friendly Shop Floss Bands
Supplements & Nutrition Support
Thorne Advanced Digestive Enzymes
Why I Love It: You can eat perfectly, but if you're not digesting properly, you're not absorbing those nutrients. Thorne's Advanced Digestive Enzymes support good digestion with a comprehensive blend that helps break down proteins, fats, and carbs.
This is especially helpful if you experience bloating, gas, or digestive discomfort after meals. Better digestion means better nutrient absorption, which means better results from all your nutrition efforts.
Perfect For: Anyone with digestive issues, people not seeing results despite eating well, or anyone over 40 (when enzyme production naturally declines).
Price Point: Mid-range Shop Thorne Digestive Enzymes
Thorne Amino Complex
Why I Love It: Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and muscle. This supplement provides essential amino acids that support muscle recovery, reduce soreness, and help maintain lean mass, especially during intense training or calorie restriction.
I recommend this to clients who train hard and need extra recovery support, or anyone struggling to eat enough protein consistently.
Perfect For: Serious athletes, people in fat loss phases, anyone doing intense strength training.
Price Point: Mid-range Save 10% using my link Shop Thorne Amino Complex
Thorne Collagen Peptides
Why I Love It: Collagen supports joint health, skin elasticity, gut lining, and connective tissue repair. As we age, our natural collagen production declines, which shows up as joint pain, wrinkles, and slower recovery.
I add this to my morning coffee or smoothies. It's flavorless, mixes easily, and provides the building blocks your body needs to maintain healthy joints and skin.
Perfect For: Anyone over 30, people with joint pain, or anyone wanting to support skin health from the inside out.
Price Point: Mid-range Save 10% using my link Shop Thorne Collagen Peptides
Thorne Medi-Clear SGS Protein Powder
Why I Love It: This isn't just protein powder. It's a comprehensive nutritional supplement that supports detoxification pathways while providing high-quality protein. Great for meal replacement or post-workout recovery.
The SGS formula specifically supports liver health and detoxification, making it ideal for people dealing with inflammation or metabolic issues.
Perfect For: People focused on gut health and detox, anyone needing a high-quality meal replacement option.
Price Point: Investment piece Shop Thorne Medi-Clear SGS
MicrobiomeLabs ZenBiome Sleep and Cope
Why I Love It: Your gut and brain are connected through the gut-brain axis. These targeted probiotic formulas support stress management (Cope) and sleep quality (Sleep) by working with your microbiome.
I've seen remarkable improvements in clients who struggle with stress-related digestive issues or sleep problems when they add these to their routine.
Perfect For: Anyone dealing with stress, sleep issues, or gut problems.
Price Point: Mid-range Shop ZenBiome
H2Tab Hydrogen Water Tablets
Why I Love It: Molecular hydrogen acts as a powerful antioxidant that can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Drop a tablet in water, let it fizz, and drink. It's an easy way to upgrade your hydration with potential recovery and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Perfect For: Athletes focused on recovery, anyone dealing with chronic inflammation.
Price Point: Mid-range Use code LAURENBURROWS Shop H2Tab
Saltt Electrolyte Supplement
Why I Love It: Proper hydration isn't just about water. You need electrolytes, especially if you train hard or live in a hot climate. SALTT provides essential minerals without the sugar and artificial ingredients found in most sports drinks.
I drink this during and after training sessions, and on hot days when I know I'm losing more sodium through sweat.
Perfect For: Active people, anyone who sweats heavily during workouts.
Price Point: Budget to mid-range Shop Saltt
LVLUP Health Ultimate GI Repair
Why I Love It: This is one of the most comprehensive gut healing supplements I've found. It contains bioactive peptides like BPC-157 and KPV that directly support gastrointestinal repair and reduce inflammation. If you've been dealing with digestive issues, leaky gut, or damage from medications like NSAIDs or antibiotics, this formula addresses gut health at the cellular level.
What makes it special? The peptides in this formula actually help rebuild and maintain the integrity of your gut lining. Since gut health impacts everything from immunity to hormone balance to nutrient absorption, healing your gut can transform your entire health picture. I've seen clients experience dramatic improvements in digestion, energy, and even mood when they prioritize gut repair.
Perfect For: Anyone with digestive issues, people recovering from antibiotic use, those dealing with food sensitivities or leaky gut.
Price Point: High Range Shop LVLUP Health
LVLUP Health Total Recomp
Why I Love It: This is a comprehensive metabolic support formula designed specifically for body recomposition when you're trying to build muscle while losing fat simultaneously. It contains 17 ingredients that work across multiple pathways including fat oxidation, insulin sensitivity, appetite regulation, and thyroid function. Instead of just targeting one aspect of metabolism, this formula addresses the entire system.
The combination of carnitine donors and cofactors like SLU-PP-332 helps shuttle fatty acids into your mitochondria where they can actually be burned for energy during training and calorie deficits. This means your body has better access to stored fat as fuel while preserving muscle tissue. Body recomposition is one of the hardest goals to achieve because you're asking your body to do two opposite things at once. This formula supports both sides of that equation.
Perfect For: Anyone in a fat loss phase who wants to preserve or build muscle, people who struggle with stubborn fat despite training hard, those looking to optimize their metabolism during a recomp phase.
Price Point: High Range Shop LVLUP Health
Training Equipment
Ab Mat
Why I Love It: This isn't just a mat, it's a tool that completely changes how effective your core training can be. The contoured design supports your lumbar spine in its natural curve, which means you can perform sit-ups and crunches through a full range of motion without your lower back grinding into the floor. That extra range of motion is what actually activates your abs properly instead of just straining your hip flexors.
Perfect For: Anyone serious about core training, people who experience lower back discomfort during traditional ab work, athletes looking to maximize training volume without joint pain.
Price Point: Budget-Friendly on Amazon
RX Smart Gear Custom Fit Jump Rope
Why I Love It: Whether I'm using it for a quick five minute warm-up to get my blood pumping or diving into a dedicated cardio session, having the option to switch between different cable weights lets me tailor the intensity exactly how I want it.
The custom fit option means it's sized perfectly for your height, which makes a huge difference in performance. No more tripping over a too-long rope or feeling cramped with one that's too short.
Perfect For: Anyone wanting to add effective cardio to their routine, people training at home or traveling.
Price Point: Mid-range Shop RX Jump Ropes
Reebok Workout Bench
Why I Love It: A quality adjustable bench opens up dozens of exercise options for strength training at home. This one is sturdy, adjusts to multiple angles, and doesn't take up much space when not in use.
Perfect For: Home gym builders, anyone serious about strength training.
Price Point: Mid-range Shop Reebok Bench
Nutrition & Snacks
RX Bars
Why I Love It: When I need a quick snack between clients or after a workout, RX Bars are my go-to. Real food ingredients, good protein content, and they actually taste good. No weird fillers or artificial ingredients.
Perfect For: Busy people who need convenient, healthy snacks.
Price Point: Budget-friendly Shop RX Bars
Chomps Grass-Fed Meat Sticks
Why I Love It: High-quality protein in a portable form. These are made from grass-fed beef with simple ingredients. Perfect for travel, post-workout, or keeping in your gym bag for emergencies.
Perfect For: Low-carb eaters, people who need portable protein options.
Price Point: Budget-friendly Shop Chomps
88 Acres Pumpkin Seed Butter
Why I Love It: If you have nut allergies or just want to mix up your healthy fat sources, this pumpkin seed butter is incredible. It's rich in minerals like magnesium and zinc, tastes amazing, and works in everything from smoothies to toast.
Perfect For: People with nut allergies, anyone wanting to diversify healthy fat sources.
Price Point: Mid-range Shop 88 Acres
ZOTO Sea Salt Cookies
Why I Love It: Sometimes you want a treat that doesn't derail your nutrition. These cookies have clean ingredients and satisfy sweet cravings without the guilt or blood sugar crash.
Perfect For: Anyone wanting healthier dessert options.
Price Point: Budget to mid-range Shop ZOTO Cookies
Kettle & Fire Bone Broth
Why I Love It: Bone broth is packed with collagen, minerals, and amino acids that support gut health, joint health, and immune function. It's perfect for sipping between meals, using as a cooking base, or during fasting periods.
Perfect For: Anyone focused on gut health, people doing intermittent fasting, cold weather comfort.
Price Point: Mid-range Shop Kettle & Fire
ProLon Fasting Mimicking Diet
Why I Love It: This 5-day program gives you the benefits of fasting while still eating. It's scientifically designed to trigger cellular cleanup (autophagy) and metabolic reset. I use it a few times a year for metabolic health and cellular renewal.
Perfect For: Experienced health enthusiasts interested in longevity and metabolic health.
Price Point: Investment piece Use code PROLONDEC24 Shop ProLon
Lifestyle
Full Focus Planner
Why I Love It: You can't out-train a chaotic life. This planner helps you set goals, plan your weeks, and actually follow through. Health goals need structure and planning, just like work goals.
I use it to plan training sessions, meal prep, and to make sure I'm balancing all areas of life, not just fitness.
Perfect For: Goal-oriented people, anyone who wants to get more organized with health and life goals.
Price Point: Mid-range Shop Full Focus Planner
Kane Footwear
Why I Love It: Recovery isn't just about what you do immediately after training. Your feet carry you all day, and proper support matters. Kane makes recovery footwear that supports your feet during rest periods.
Perfect For: Anyone on their feet all day, people dealing with foot or knee pain, recovery-focused individuals.
Price Point: Mid-range Shop Kane Footwear
Kitchen Essentials
Coated Chef’s Knife
Why I Love It: Meal prep is non-negotiable if you want to eat well consistently, but dull knives make the whole process miserable. This 7-inch chef's knife handles everything from chopping vegetables to slicing meat to mincing herbs. The silicone-coated stainless steel blade stays sharp and the ergonomic handle gives you control and stability while you work.
It's dishwasher-safe, which is rare for quality knives. Most good knives require hand washing and careful maintenance. This one holds up through countless dishwasher cycles without losing its edge. The blade sheath makes storage safe and easy, so you're not digging through drawers risking cuts.
Perfect For: Anyone who meal preps regularly, people who want quality kitchen tools without high maintenance, home cooks who need one versatile knife that does everything.
Price Point: Budget-Friendly Shop Pampered Chef Coated Chef Knife
Vitamix
Why I Love It: If you're serious about eating well consistently, a high-performance blender is non-negotiable. The Vitamix E310 isn't just for smoothies. It makes nut butters, soups, sauces, and can pulverize frozen ingredients without hesitation. The 2 HP motor and laser-cut stainless steel blades power through fibrous vegetables, frozen fruit, and ice without leaving chunks behind. This is the difference between drinking your nutrients and chewing through a gritty mess.
The variable speed control gives you precision over texture, whether you want a completely smooth purée or something with more body. The container design creates the Vitamix vortex that pulls ingredients down into the blades for consistent blending every time. It's self-cleaning in under 60 seconds, which removes one of the biggest barriers to using a blender daily. And Vitamix blenders are built to last 10 times longer than average blenders, backed by a 5-year warranty. This isn't a kitchen gadget you'll replace in two years.
Perfect For: Anyone who meal preps, makes daily smoothies or protein shakes, people who want to incorporate more whole foods without spending hours in the kitchen, families who need durability and ease of use.
Price Point: Investment Shop Vitamix
Large End Grain Cutting Board
Why I Love It: Preparing healthy food is easier when you have quality tools. A large, sturdy cutting board makes meal prep more efficient and enjoyable. End grain boards are gentler on your knives and last longer.
Perfect For: Anyone who meal preps, people building a functional kitchen.
Price Point: Investment piece Shop Cutting Board
Final Thoughts
The best gifts are the ones that actually get used. Every item on this list is something I personally use or recommend to clients because it genuinely supports health, fitness, and wellbeing.
Whether you're investing in recovery tools, upgrading your supplement routine, adding training equipment, or supporting better nutrition, these products will help you or your loved one build a healthier, stronger lifestyle.
Remember, health is the best investment you can make. These tools just make that investment easier and more effective.
Happy shopping, and here's to healthy living!
Want more personalized guidance on reaching your health goals? Book a free consultation to discuss how my training and nutrition coaching can help you finish 2025 in the healthiest way yet!